SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
   
þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
2009
Commission file number 000-20557
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
OHIO 34-1562374
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
480 W. Dussel Drive, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (419) 893-5050
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Shares
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yeso Noþ
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes Yeso Noþ
     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.þ
     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. Yeso Noo
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
       
Large accelerated filerþ  Accelerated filero  Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting companyo 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yeso Noþ
     The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock which may be voted by persons other than affiliates of the registrant was $796.3$509.9 million on June 30, 2008,2009, computed by reference to the last sales price for such stock on that date as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
     The registrant had 18.218.3 million common shares outstanding, no par value, at February 13, 2009.18, 2010.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EX-21
EX-23.1
EX-23.2
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-31.3
EX-32.1


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
     Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 8, 2009,7, 2010, are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12 and 14) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Commission on or about March 14, 2009.2010.


PART I
Item 1. Business
(a)General development of business
The Andersons, Inc. (the “Company”) is an entrepreneurial, customer-focused company with diversified interests in the agriculture and transportation markets. Since our founding in 1947, we have developed specific core competencies in grain risk management, bulk handling, transportation and logistics and an understanding of commodity markets. We have leveraged these competencies to diversify our operations into other complementary markets, including ethanol, railcar leasing, plant nutrients, turf products and general merchandise retailing. The Company operates in five business segments. The Grain & Ethanol Group purchases and merchandises grain, operates grain elevator facilities located in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois and invests in and provides management and corn origination services to ethanol production facilities. The Group also has an investment in Lansing Trade Group LLC, an international trading company largely focused on the movement of physical commodities, trading in whole and distillers’ dried grains, feed ingredients, biofuels, cotton, meats, freight and other commodities. The Rail Group sells, repairs, reconfigures, manages and leases railcars and locomotives. The Plant Nutrient Group manufactures and sells dry and liquid agricultural nutrients and distributes agricultural inputs (nutrients, chemicals, seed and supplies) to dealers and farmers. The Turf & Specialty Group manufactures turf and ornamental plant fertilizer and control products for lawn and garden use and professional golf and landscaping industries, as well as manufactures corncob-based products for use in various industries. The Retail Group operates large retail stores, a specialty food market and a distribution center in Ohio.
(b)Financial information about business segments
See Note 1314 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for information regarding business segments.
(c)Narrative description of business
Grain & Ethanol Group
The Grain & Ethanol Group operates grain elevators in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. The principal grains sold by the Company are yellow corn, yellow soybeans and soft red and white wheat. In addition to storage and merchandising, the Company performs trading, risk management and other services for its customers. The Company’s grain storage practical capacity was approximately 91.4101 million bushels at December 31, 2008,2009, which includes grain storage through warehouse and handling agreements and storage that is leased out to two ethanol production facilities. The Company is also the developer and significant investor in three ethanol facilities located in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. In addition to its equity investment, the Company operates the facilities under management contracts, and provides grain

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origination, ethanol and distillers dried grains (“DDG”) marketing and risk management services to these joint ventures for which it is compensated separately.
Grain merchandised by the Company is grown in the Midwesternmidwestern portion of the United States (the eastern corn-belt) and is acquired from country elevators (grain elevators located in a rural area, served primarily by trucks (inbound and outbound) and rail (outbound)), dealers and producers. The Company makes grain purchases at prices referenced to the Chicago Board of TradeMercantile Exchange (“CBOT”CME”).
In 1998, the Company signed a five-year lease agreement (“Lease Agreement”) and a five-year marketing agreement (“Marketing Agreement”) with Cargill, Incorporated (“Cargill”) for Cargill’s Maumee and Toledo, Ohio grain handling and storage facilities. As part of the agreement, Cargill was given the marketing rights to grain in the Cargill-owned facilities as well as the adjacent Company-owned facilities

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in Maumee and Toledo. These lease agreements cover 10%8.8%, or approximately 8.9 million bushels, of the Company’s total storage space and became effective on June 1, 1998. These agreements were renewed with amendments in 2008 for an additional five years. Grain sales to Cargill totaled $314.8$248.3 million in 2008,2009, and include grain covered by the Marketing Agreement as well as grain sold to Cargill via normal forward sales from locations not covered by the Marketing Agreement.
Approximately 92%87% of the grain bushels sold by the Company in 20082009 were purchased by U.S. grain processors and feeders, and approximately 8%13% were exported. Exporters purchased mostMost of the Company’s exported grain for shipment to foreign markets,sales are done through intermediaries while some grain is shipped directly to foreign countries, mainly Canada. Almost all grain shipments are by rail or boat. Rail shipments are made primarily to grain processors and feeders, with some rail shipments made to exporters on the Gulf of Mexico or east coast. Boat shipments are from the Port of Toledo. Grain sales are made on a negotiated basis by the Company’s merchandising staff, except for grain sales subject to the Marketing Agreement with Cargill which are made on a negotiated basis with Cargill’s merchandising staff.
The grain business is seasonal, coinciding with the harvest of the principal grains purchased and sold by the Company.
Fixed price purchase and sale commitments for grain and grain held in inventory expose the Company to risks related to adverse changes in market prices. The Company attempts to manage these risks by entering into exchange-traded futures and option contracts with the CBOT.CME. The contracts are economic hedges of price risk, but are not designated or accounted for as hedging instruments. The CBOTCME is a regulated commodity futures exchange that maintains futures markets for the grains merchandised by the Company. Futures prices are determined by worldwide supply and demand.
The Company’s grain risk management practices are designed to reduce the risk of changing commodity prices. In that regard, such practices also limit potential gains from further changes in market prices. The Company’s profitability is primarily derived from margins on grain sold, and revenues generated from other merchandising activities with its customers (including storage and service income), not from futures and options transactions. The Company has policies that specify the key controls over its risk management practices. These policies include description of the objectives of the programs, mandatory review of positions by key management outside of the trading function on a biweekly basis, daily position limits, daily review and reconciliation and other internal controls. The Company monitors current market conditions and may expand or reduce the purchasing program in response to changes in those conditions. In addition, the Company monitors the parties to its purchase contracts on a regular basis for credit worthiness, defaults and non-delivery.
Purchases of grain can be made the day the grain is delivered to a terminal or via a forward contract made prior to actual delivery. Sales of grain generally are made by contract for delivery in a future period. When the Company purchases grain at a fixed price or at a price where a component of the purchase price is fixed via reference to a futures price on the CBOT,CME, it also enters into an offsetting sale of a futures contract on the CBOT.CME. Similarly, when the Company sells grain at a fixed price, the sale is offset with the purchase of a futures contract on the CBOT.CME. At the close of business each day, inventory and open purchase and sale contracts as well as open futures and option positions are marked-to-market. Gains and losses in

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the value of the Company’s ownership positions due to changing market prices are netted with and generally offset in the income statement by losses and gains in the value of the Company’s futures positions.
When a futures contract is entered into, an initial margin deposit must be sent to the CBOT.CME. The amount of the margin deposit is set by the CBOTCME and varies by commodity. If the market price of a futures contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company’s position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required by the CBOT.CME. Subsequent price changes could require additional maintenance margin deposits or result in the return of maintenance margin deposits by the CBOT.CME. Significant increases in market prices, such as those that occur when weather conditions are unfavorable for extended periods and/or when increases in demand occur, can have an effect on the Company’s liquidity and, as a result, require it to maintain appropriate short-term lines of credit. The Company may utilize CBOTCME option contracts to limit its exposure to potential required margin deposits in the event of a rapidly rising market.

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The Company’s grain operations rely on forward purchase contracts with producers, dealers and country elevators to ensure an adequate supply of grain to the Company’s facilities throughout the year. Bushels contracted for future delivery at January 31, 20092010 approximated 118.2164.5 million, the majority of which is scheduled to be delivered to the Company through September 2010.2011.
The Company competes in the sale of grain with other grain merchants, other elevator operators and farmer cooperatives that operate elevator facilities. Some of the Company’s competitors are also its customers. Competition is based primarily on price, service and reliability. Because the Company generally buys in smaller lots, its competition is generally local or regional in scope, although there are some large national and international companies that maintain regional grain purchase and storage facilities. Approximately 50% of grain bushels purchased are done so using forward contracts. On the sell-side, approximately 90% of grain bushels are sold using forward contracts.
The Company is a minorityan investor in three ethanol facilities accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In 2005, theThe Company invested $13.1 millionholds a 49% interest in The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC (“TAAE”) for a 44% interest. In February 2007, the Company exchanged its ownership interest in Iroquois Bio-Energy Company with a third party for an equal, additional interest in TAAE. The Company now holds a 49% interest in TAAE. In 2006, the Company invested $20.4 million forand a 37% interest in The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC (“TACE”). Finally, also in 2006, theThe Company invested $11.4 million forholds a 50% interest in The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”). In January 2007, the Company invested an additional $7.1 million in TAME, retaining a 50% interest, and subsequently transferred through its ownership to a majority owned subsidiary The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”). TAEI has since contributed an additional $29.0 million in TAME and continues to hold a 50% interest.A third party owns 34% of TAEI.
The Company has a management agreement with each of the aforementioned ethanol LLCs. As part of these agreements, the Company runs the day-to-day operations of the plants and provides all administrative functions. The Company is separately compensated for these services. In addition to the management agreements, the Company also holds ethanol and DDG marketing agreements in which the Company markets the ethanol and DDG produced to external customers. As compensation for these services, the Company receives a fee based on each gallon of ethanol and each ton of DDG sold. Finally, the Company holds corn origination agreements with each of the LLCs under which the Company originates 100% of the corn used in the production of ethanol. For this service, the Company also receives a unit based fee.
In January 2003, the Company became a minorityan investor in Lansing Trade Group LLC (formerly(“LTG”)(formerly Lansing Grain Company LLC), which was formed in 2002, with the contribution of substantially all the assets of Lansing Grain Company, an established trading business with offices throughout the United States. Lansing Trade Group LLCLTG continues to increase its trading capabilities, including ethanol trading and is exposed to the some of the same risks as the Company’s grain and ethanol businesses. LTG also trades in other commodities that the Company’s grain and ethanol business does not trade in, some of which are not exchange traded. In addition, they have a separate proprietary trading business. This investment provides the Company a further opportunity to expand outside of its traditional geographic regions.
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, sales of grain and related service and merchandising revenues for the Grain & Ethanol Group totaled $1,936.7$1,734.6 million, $1,226.5$1,944.8 million and $769.5$1,230.6 million, respectively. Sales of ethanol and related service revenue for the same time periods totaled $474.4$419.4 million, $272.2$466.3 million and $21.7$268.0 million, respectively.

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The Company intends to continue to build its trading and direct ship operations, increase its service offerings to the ethanol industry and grow its traditional grain business.business through additional facilities. The Company may make additional investments in the ethanol industry through joint venture agreements and by providing origination, management, logistics, merchandising and other services.
Rail Group
The Company’s Rail Group buys, sells, leases, rebuilds and repairs various types of used railcars and rail equipment. The Group also provides fleet management services to fleet owners and operates a custom steel fabrication business. Almost halfThirty one percent of the railcar fleet is leased from financial lessors and sub-leased to end-users, generally under operating leases which do not appear on the balance sheet. In addition, the Company also arranges non-recourse lease transactions under which it sells railcars or locomotives to a financial intermediary and assigns the related operating lease to the financial intermediary on a non-

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recourse basis. In such transactions, the Company generally provides ongoing railcar maintenance and management services for the financial intermediary, receiving a fee for these services. The Company generally holds purchase options on most railcars owned by financial intermediaries.
Of the 23,78423,804 railcars and locomotives managed by the Company at December 31, 2008, 12,8072009, 14,013 units, or 54%59%, were included on the balance sheet, primarily as long-lived assets. The remaining 10,9779,791 railcars and locomotives are either in off-balance sheet operating leases (with the Company leasing railcars from financial intermediaries and leasing those same railcars to the end-users of the railcars) or non-recourse arrangements (with(where the Company not subject to any lease arrangement related to the railcars, but providingprovides management services to the owner of the railcars). The Company generally holds purchase options on most railcars owned by financial intermediaries. We are under contract to provide maintenance services for over 17,00013,000 of the railcars that we own or manage.
TheIn the case of our off-balance sheet railcars, the risk management philosophy of the Company includes match-funding ofis to match-fund the lease commitments where possible and detailed review of lessee credit quality.possible. Match-funding (in relation to rail lease transactions) means matching the terms of the financial intermediary funding arrangement with the lease terms of the customer where the Company is both lessee and sublessor. If the Company is unable to match-fund, it will try to get an early buyout provision within the funding arrangement to match the underlying customer lease. The 2004 funding of TOP CAT Holding Company’s portfolio ofCompany does not attempt to match-fund lease commitments for railcars and related leases was not match-funded. TOP CAT Holding Company is a limited liability company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. A majority of the other non-recourse borrowings where railcars serve as the sole collateral for debtthat are also not match-funded as the terms of the debt are generally longer than the current lease terms. Generally, the Company completes non-recourse lease or debt transactions whenever possible to minimize credit risk.on our balance sheet.
Competition for railcar marketing and fleet maintenance services is based primarily on service ability, and access to both used rail equipment and third party financing. Repair and fabrication shop competition is based primarily on price, quality and location.
The Company has a diversified fleet of car types (boxcars, gondolas, covered and open top hoppers, tank cars and pressure differential cars) and locomotives and also servesserving a diversified customer base. The Company operates in the used car market – purchasing used cars and repairing and refurbishing them for specific markets and customers. The Company plans to continue to diversify its fleet both in terms of car types and industries and to expand its fleet of railcars and locomotives through targeted portfolio acquisitions and open market purchases. The Company also plans to expand its repair and refurbishment operations by adding fixed and mobile facilities. The Company’s growing operations in the rail industry positions it to take advantage of a favorable pricing environment and the increasing need for transportation.
The Company operates in the used car market — purchasing used cars and repairing and refurbishing them for specific markets and customers.
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, lease revenues and railcar sales in the Company’s railcar marketing business were $82.5 million, $117.2 million $114.4 million and $98.0$114.4 million, respectively. Sales in the railcar repair and fabrication shops were $10.3 million, $16.7 million and $15.5 million for 2009, 2008 and $15.3 million for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
Plant Nutrient Group
The Company’s Plant Nutrient Group purchases, stores, formulates, manufactures and sells dry and liquid fertilizer to dealers and farmers; provides warehousing and services to manufacturers and customers; formulates liquid anti-icers and deicers for use on roads and runways; and distributes seeds and various farm supplies. The Company has developed several other products for use in industrial applications within the energy and paper industries. The major fertilizer ingredients sold by the Company are nitrogen, phosphate and potash.

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The Company’s market area for its plant nutrient wholesale business includes major agricultural states in the Midwest, North Atlantic and South. States with the highest concentration of sales are also the states where the Company’s facilities are located — Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. In August 2008,2009, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of two pelleted lime manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Illinois and the assets of anotherthe Fertilizer Division of Hartung Brothers, Inc. (“HBI”), a regional wholesale supplier of liquid fertilizers with six facilities located in Nebraska. The acquisition expands the pelleted lime capabilities of the Plant Nutrient GroupWisconsin and makes the Company the largest producer of pelleted lime in North America.Minnesota.

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Customers for the Company’s fertilizer products are principally retail dealers. Sales of agricultural fertilizer products are heaviest in the spring and fall. The Plant Nutrient Group’s sevenGroup has farm centers located throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Ohio, are locatedFlorida, within the same regions as the Company’s other primary agricultural facilities. These farm centers offer agricultural fertilizer, chemicals, seeds, supplies and custom application of fertilizer to the farmer. In May 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of Douglass Fertilizer & Chemical, Inc. Douglass Fertilizer is primarily a specialty liquid nutrient manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler and operates 6 facilities located in Florida as well as the Caribbean. Douglass Fertilizer diversifies the Group’s product line offering and expands its market outside of the traditional Midwest row crops and into Florida’s specialty crops.
Storage capacity at the Company’s fertilizer facilities and farm centers was approximately 17.015.1 million cubic feet for dry fertilizers and approximately 41.972.5 million gallons for liquid fertilizer at December 31, 2008.2009. The Company reserves 6.8 million cubic feet of its dry storage capacity for various fertilizer manufacturers and customers and 14.128.5 million gallons of its liquid fertilizer capacity is reserved for manufacturers and customers. The agreements for reserved space provide the Company storage and handling fees and are generally for an initial term of one year, renewable at the end of each term. The Company also leases 0.8 million gallons of liquid fertilizer capacity under arrangements with various fertilizer dealers and warehouses in locations where the Company does not have facilities.
In its plant nutrient businesses, the Company competes with regional and local cooperatives, fertilizer manufacturers, multi-state retail/wholesale chain store organizations and other independent wholesalers of agricultural products. Many of these competitors are also suppliers and have considerably larger resources than the Company. Competition in the fertilizer business of the Company is based principally on price, location and service.
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, sales of dry and liquid fertilizers (primarily nitrogen, phosphate and potash) and related merchandising revenues in the wholesale fertilizer business totaled $381.1 million, $547.8 million $416.8 million and $228.9$416.8 million, respectively. Sales of fertilizer, chemicals, seeds and supplies and related merchandising revenues in the farm center business totaled $110.2 million, $104.7 million and $49.7 million in 2009, 2008 and $36.2 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
The Company intends to offer more value added products and services through its Plant Nutrient Group. For example, the Company is currently selling reagents for air pollution control technologies used in coal-fired power plants and is exploring marketing the resulting by-products that can be used as plant nutrients.plants. Focusing on higher value added products and services and improving the sourcing of raw materials will leverage the Company’s existing infrastructure.
Turf & Specialty Group
The Turf & Specialty Group produces granular fertilizer products for the professional lawn care and golf course markets. It also produces private label fertilizer and corncob-based animal bedding and cat litter for the consumer markets.
Professional turf products are sold both directly and through distributors to golf courses under The Andersons Golf ProductsTM label and lawn service applicators. The Company also sells consumer fertilizer and control products for “do-it-yourself” application, to mass merchandisers, small independent retailers and other lawn fertilizer manufacturers and performs contract manufacturing of fertilizer and control products.
The turf products industry is highly seasonal, with the majority of sales occurring from early spring to early summer. During the off-season, the Company sells ice melt products to many of the same customers that purchase consumer turf products. Principal raw materials for the turf care products are nitrogen, phosphate and potash, which are purchased primarily from the Company’s Plant Nutrient Group. Competition is based principally on merchandising ability, logistics, service, quality and technology.

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The Company attempts to minimize the amount of finished goods inventory it must maintain for customers, however, because demand is highly seasonal and influenced by local weather conditions, it may be required to carry inventory that it has produced into the next season. Also, because a majority of the

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consumer and industrial businesses use private label packaging, the Company closely manages production to anticipated orders by product and customer. This is consistent with industry practices.
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, sales of granular plant fertilizer and control products totaled $109.5 million, $103.1 million $89.2 million and $97.5$89.2 million, respectively.
The Company is one of a limited number of processors of corncob-based products in the United States. These products serve the chemical and feed ingredient carrier, animal litter and industrial markets, and are distributed throughout the United States and Canada and into Europe and Asia. The principal sources for corncobs are seed corn producers.
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, sales of corncob and related products totaled $15.8 million, $14.3$15.8 million and $13.8$14.3 million, respectively.
The Company intends to focus on leveraging its leading position in the golf fertilizer market and its research and development capabilities to develop higher value, proprietary products. For example, the Company has developed a patented premium dispersible golf course fertilizer and a patented corncob-based cat litter that is being sold through a major national brand. In 2008, the Company, along with several partners, was awarded a $5 million grant from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The grant is for the development and commercialization of advanced granules and other emerging technologies to provide solutions for the economic health and environmental concerns of today’s agricultural industry.
Retail Group
The Company’s Retail Group includes large retail stores operated as “The Andersons,” which are located in the Columbus Lima and Toledo, Ohio markets and serve urban, suburban and rural customers. The Company also operates a specialty food store operated as “The Andersons Market”™ located in the Toledo, Ohio market area. The retail concept isMore for Your Home® and the stores focus on providing significant product breadth with offerings in home improvement and other mass merchandise categories as well as specialty foods, wine and indoor and outdoor garden centers. Each store carries more than 80,000 different items, has 100,000 square feet or more of in-store display space plus 40,000 or more square feet of outdoor garden center space, and features do-it-yourself clinics, special promotions and varying merchandise displays. The specialty food store concept has product offerings with a strong emphasis on “freshness” that features product, deli and bakery items, fresh meats, specialty and conventional dry goods and wine. The majority of the Company’s non-perishable merchandise is received at a distribution center located in Maumee, Ohio. In AprilDuring the fourth quarter of 2007,2009, the Company opened a specialty food store operated as “The Andersons Market"™, also in the Toledo,closed its Lima, Ohio market area. This is the Company’s seventhretail store. This specialty food store concept has product offerings with a strong emphasis on “freshness” that features produce, deli and bakery items, fresh meats, specialty and conventional dry goods and wine.
The retail merchandising business is highly competitive. The Company competes with a variety of retail merchandisers, including grocery stores, home centers, department and hardware stores. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources and purchasing power than the Company. The principal competitive factors are location, quality of product, price, service, reputation and breadth of selection. The Company’s retail business is affected by seasonal factors with significant sales occurring in the spring and during the Christmas season.
The Company also operates a sales and service facility for outdoor power equipment near one of its retail stores.
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, sales of retail merchandise including commissions on third party sales totaled $161.9 million, $173.1 million $180.5 million and $177.2$180.5 million respectively.
The Company intends to continue to refine itsMore for Your Home®concept and focus on expense control and customer service.

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Employees
At December 31, 20082009 the Company had 1,5841,555 full-time and 1,4931,307 part-time or seasonal employees. The Company believes it maintains good relationships with its employees.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on our Internet website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished

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pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our Company website is http://www.andersonsinc.com. These reports are also available at the SEC’s website: http://www.sec.gov.
Government Regulation
Grain sold by the Company must conform to official grade standards imposed under a federal system of grain grading and inspection administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”).
The production levels, markets and prices of the grains that the Company merchandises are materially affected by United States government programs, which include acreage control and price support programs of the USDA. For our investments in ethanol production facilities, the U.S. Government provides incentives to the ethanol blender, has mandated certain volumes of ethanol to be produced and has imposed tariffs on ethanol imported from other countries. Also, under federal law, the President may prohibit the export of any product, the scarcity of which is deemed detrimental to the domestic economy, or under circumstances relating to national security. Because a portion of the Company’s grain sales is to exporters, the imposition of such restrictions could have an adverse effect upon the Company’s operations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has developed bioterrorism prevention regulations for food facilities, which require that we register our grain operations with the FDA, provide prior notice of any imports of food or other agricultural commodities coming into the United States and maintain records to be made available upon request that identifies the immediate previous sources and immediate subsequent recipients of our grain commodities.
The Company, like other companies engaged in similar businesses, is subject to a multitude of federal, state and local environmental protection laws and regulations including, but not limited to, laws and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, pesticides and hazardous materials. The provisions of these various regulations could require modifications of certain of the Company’s existing plant and processing facilities and could restrict the expansion of future facilities or significantly increase the cost of their operations. The Company made capital expenditures ofspent approximately $1.8 million, $4.1 million and $2.7 million in both capital and $2.2 millionexpense in order to comply with these regulations in 2009, 2008 and 2007, and 2006, respectively.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this Form 10-K and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. These risks can be impacted by factors beyond our control as well as by errors and omissions on our part. The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition, decrease our liquidity and impair our ability to operate our business.
We are dependent on a significant amount of debt to fund our operations and contractual commitments. Our indebtedness could interfere with our ability to operate our business. For example, it could:
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
limit our ability to obtain additional financing which could impact our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other general needs as well as limit our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, investing in new products or capital assets and taking advantage of business opportunities;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operating activities to payments on our indebtedness which would reduce the cash flows available for other areas; and
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less debt.

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If cash on hand is insufficient to pay our obligations or margin calls as they come due at a time when we are unable to draw on our credit facility, it could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our ability to generate cash is dependent on various factors. These factors include general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Certain of our long-term borrowings include provisions that impose minimum levels of working capital and equity, and impose limitations on additional debt. Our ability to satisfy these provisions can be affected by events beyond our control, such as the demand for and fluctuating price of grain. Although we are and have been in compliance with these provisions, noncompliance could result in default and acceleration of long-term debt payments.
Many of our sales to our customers are executed on credit. Failure on our part to properly investigate the credit history of our customers or a deterioration in economic conditions may adversely impact our ability to collect on our accounts.
A significant amount of our sales are executed on credit and are unsecured. Extending sales on credit to new and existing customers requires an extensive review of the customer’s credit history. If we fail to do a proper and thorough credit check on our customers, delinquencies may rise to unexpected levels. If economic conditions deteriorate, the ability of our customers to pay current obligations when due may be adversely impacted and we may experience an increase in delinquent and uncollectible accounts.
Our grain and ethanol business uses derivative contracts to reduce volatility in the commodity markets. Non-performance by the counter-parties to those contracts could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial position.
A significant amount of our grain and ethanol purchases and sales are done through forward contracting. In addition, the Company uses exchangedexchange traded and over-the-counter contracts to reduce volatility in changing commodity prices. A significant adverse change in commodity prices could cause a counter-party to one of our derivative contracts not to perform on their obligation.
Changes in accounting rules can affect our financial position and results of operations.
We have a significant amount of assets (railcars and related leases) that are off-balance sheet. If generally accepted accounting principles were to change to require that these items be reported in the financial statements, it would cause us to record a significant amount of assets and corresponding liabilities on our balance sheet which could have a negative impact on our debt covenants.
Our business may be adversely affected by numerous factors outside of our control, such as seasonality and weather conditions, or other natural disasters or strikes.
Many of our operations are dependent on weather conditions. The success of our Grain & Ethanol Group, for example, is highly dependent on the weather, primarily during the spring planting season and through the summer (wheat) and fall (corn and soybean) harvests. Additionally, wet and cold conditions during the spring adversely affect the sales and application of fertilizer sold through our Plant Nutrient Group. In

9


addition, application of fertilizer and other products by golf courses, lawn care operators and consumers could be affected, which could decrease demand in our Turf & Specialty Group. These same weather conditions also adversely affect purchases of lawn and garden products in our Retail Group, which generates a significant amount of its sales from these products during the spring season.
The possibility of long term climate change can pose risks to the Company’s long term business performance. Climate change itself will likely have an effect only in very long term views of financial performance. The Company’s agricultural based businesses depend on the vibrancy of U.S. agriculture. Any major climatic changes which materially reduce crop yields will impact our grain trading businesses, and could alter the economics of our grain based ethanol business. These are changes which would likely only have an impact over many decades.
If there were a disruption in available transportation due to natural disaster, strike or other factors, we may be unable to get raw materials inventory to our facilities or product to our customers. This could disrupt our operations and cause us to be unable to meet our customers’ demands.
We face increasing competition and pricing pressure from other companies in our industries. If we are unable to compete effectively with these companies, our sales and profit margins would decrease, and our earnings and cash flows would be adversely affected.

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The markets for our products in each of our business segments are highly competitive. Competitive pressures in all of our businesses could affect the price of, and customer demand for, our products, thereby negatively impacting our profit margins and resulting in a loss of market share.
Our grain business competes with other grain merchandisers, grain processors and end-users for the purchase of grain, as well as with other grain merchandisers, private elevator operators and cooperatives for the sale of grain. While we have substantial operations in the eastern corn-belt, many of our competitors are significantly larger than we are and compete in wider markets.
Our ethanol business competes with other corn processors, ethanol producers and refiners, a number of whom will beare divisions of substantially larger enterprises and have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Smaller competitors, including farmer-owned cooperatives and independent firms consisting of groups of individual farmers and investors, will also compete with outour ethanol business. Currently, international suppliers produce ethanol primarily from sugar cane and have cost structures that may be substantially lower than ours will be.ours. The blenders’ credit allows blenders having excise tax liability to apply the excise tax credit against the tax imposed on the gasoline-ethanol mixture. Any increase in domestic or foreign competition could cause us to reduce our prices and take other steps to compete effectively, which could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial position.
Our Rail Group is subject to competition in the rail leasing business, where we compete with larger entities that have greater financial resources, higher credit ratings and access to capital at a lower cost.
Our Plant Nutrient Group competes with regional cooperatives, manufacturers, wholesalers and multi-state retail/wholesalers. Many of these competitors have considerably larger resources than we.us.
Our Turf & Specialty Group competes with other manufacturers of lawn fertilizer and corncob processors that are substantially bigger and have considerably larger resources than we.us.
Our Retail Group competes with a variety of retailers, primarily mass merchandisers and do-it-yourself home centers in its three markets.centers. The principle competitive factors in our Retail Group are location, product quality, price, service, reputation and breadth of selection. Some of our competitors are larger than us, have greater purchasing power and operate more stores in a wider geographical area.
Certain of our business segments are affected by the supply and demand of commodities, and are sensitive to factors outside of our control. Adverse price movements could adverselynegatively affect our profitability and results of operations.

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Our Grain & Ethanol and Plant Nutrient Groups buy, sell and hold inventories of various commodities, some of which are readily traded on commodity futures exchanges. In addition, our Turf & Specialty Group uses some of these same commodities as base raw materials in manufacturing golf course and landscape fertilizer. Unfavorable weather conditions, both local and worldwide, as well as other factors beyond our control, can affect the supply and demand of these commodities and expose us to liquidity pressures due to rapidly rising futures market prices. Changes in the supply and demand of these commodities can also affect the value of inventories that we hold, as well as the price of raw materials for our Plant Nutrient and Turf & Specialty Groups as we are unable to effectively hedge these commodities. Increased costs of inventory and prices of raw material would decrease our profit margins and adversely affect our results of operations.
While we attempt to manage the risk associated with commodity price changes for our grain inventory positions with derivative instruments, including purchase and sale contracts, we are unable to offset 100% of the price risk of each transaction due to timing, availability of futures and options contracts and third party credit risk. Furthermore, there is a risk that the derivatives we employ will not be effective in offsetting the changes associated with the risks we are trying to manage. This can happen when the derivative and the underlying value of grain inventories and purchase and sale contracts are not perfectly matched. Our grain derivatives, for example, do not perfectly correlate with the basis pricing component of our grain inventory and contracts. (Basis is defined as the difference between the cash price of a commodity in our facility and the nearest exchange-traded futures price.) Differences can reflect time periods, locations or product forms. Although the basis component is smaller and generally less volatile than the futures component of our grain market price, significant unfavorable basis moves on a grain position as large as ours can significantly impact the profitability of the Grain & Ethanol Group and our

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business as a whole. In addition, we do not enter into derivative contracts to manage price risk on commodities other than grain and ethanol.
Since we buyOur futures, options and sell commodity derivatives on registered and non-registered exchanges, our derivativesover-the-counter contracts are subject to margin calls. If there is a significant movement in the derivativescommodities market, we could incur a significant amount of liabilities, which would impact our liquidity. There is no assurance that the efforts we have taken to mitigate the impact of the volatility of the prices of commodities upon which we rely will be successful and any sudden change in the price of these commodities could have an adverse affect on our business and results of operations.
We rely on third parties for our supply of natural gas, which is consumed in the manufacturemanufacturing of ethanol. The prices for and availability of natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions often are affected by factors beyond our control such as higher prices resulting from colder than average weather conditions and overall economic conditions. Significant disruptions in the supply of natural gas could impair our ability to manufacture ethanol for our customers. Furthermore, increases in natural gas prices or changes in our natural gas costs relative to natural gas costs paid by competitors may adversely affect our future results of operations and financial position.
Many of our business segments operate in highly regulated industries. Changes in government regulations or trade association policies could adversely affect our results of operations.
Many of our business segments are subject to government regulation and regulation by certain private sector associations, compliance with which can impose significant costs on our business. Failure to comply with such regulations can result in additional costs, fines or criminal action.
In our Grain & Ethanol Group and Plant Nutrient Group, agricultural production and trade flows are affected by government actions. Production levels, markets and prices of the grains we merchandise are affected by U.S. government programs, which include acreage control and price support programs of the USDA. In addition, grain sold by us must conform to official grade standards imposed by the USDA. Other examples of government policies that can have an impact on our business include tariffs, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions and outright embargos. In addition, the development of the ethanol industry in which we have invested has been driven by U.S. governmental programs that provide incentives to ethanol producers. Changes in government policies and producer supports may impact the

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amount and type of grains planted, which in turn, may impact our ability to buy grain in our market region. Because a portion of our grain sales are to exporters, the imposition of export restrictions could limit our sales opportunities.
Our Rail Group is subject to regulation by the American Association of Railroads and the Federal Railroad Administration. These agencies regulate rail operations with respect to health and safety matters. New regulatory rulings could negatively impact financial results through higher maintenance costs or reduced economic value of railcar assets.
Our Turf & Specialty Group manufactures lawn fertilizers and weed and pest control products and useuses potentially hazardous materials. All products containing pesticides, fungicides and herbicides must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and state regulatory bodies before they can be sold. The inability to obtain or the cancellation of such registrations could have an adverse impact on our business. In the past, regulations governing the use and registration of these materials have required us to adjust the raw material content of our products and make formulation changes. Future regulatory changes may have similar consequences. Regulatory agencies, such as the EPA, may at any time reassess the safety of our products based on new scientific knowledge or other factors. If it were determined that any of our products were no longer considered to be safe, it could result in the amendment or withdrawal of existing approvals, which, in turn, could result in a loss of revenue, cause our inventory to become obsolete or give rise to potential lawsuits against us. Consequently, changes in existing and future government or trade association polices may restrict our ability to do business and cause our financial results to suffer.
Climate change legislation could have an impact on our results of operations.
Climate change legislation has not yet been finalized or adopted, so any evaluation of its impact on the Company is necessarily speculative. The Company is a significant user of electricity, so any legislation that increases the operating costs of coal fired power plants will likely increase our operating expenses, although not disproportionately to others in our businesses. The ethanol plants in which the Company invests use natural gas for their heating and drying functions, which is an energy source that we understand is less likely to be immediately affected by climate change legislation. It is likely that potential cap and trade legislation regarding greenhouse gases will impose costs on carbon dioxide emissions from the ethanol plants, and possibly on farmers who sell corn to those plants which will be passed on to the plants. Conversely, gasoline production will likely receive even greater cost allocations under a cap and trade regime, and thereby make the economics of blending ethanol more attractive. Carbon dioxide recapture technologies could become more cost effective under cap and trade legislation, increasing the prospect of additional capital investment to take advantage of such measures.
We handle hazardous materials in our businesses. If environmental requirements become more stringent or if we experience unanticipated environmental hazards, we could be subject to significant costs and liabilities.

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A significant part of our operations is regulated by environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the labeling, use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials. Because we use and handle hazardous substances in our businesses, changes in environmental requirements or an unanticipated significant adverse environmental event could have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot assure you that we have been, or will at all times be, in compliance with all environmental requirements, or that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements. Private parties, including current and former employees, could bring personal injury or other claims against us due to the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances used, stored or disposed of by us, or contained in our products. We are also exposed to residual risk because some of the facilities and land which we have acquired may have environmental liabilities arising from their prior use. In addition, changes to environmental regulations may require us to modify our existing plant and processing facilities and could significantly increase the cost of those operations.

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We rely on a limited number of suppliers for certain of our raw materials and other products and the loss of one or several of these suppliers could increase our costs and have a material adverse effect on any one of our business.business segments.
We rely on a limited number of suppliers for certain of our raw materials and other products. If we were unable to obtain these raw materials and products from our current vendors, or if there were significant increases in our supplier’s prices, it could disrupt our operations, thereby significantly increasingincrease our costs and reducingreduce our profit margins.
We are required to carry significant amounts of inventory across all of our businesses. If a substantial portion of our inventory becomes damaged or obsolete, its value would decrease and our profit margins would suffer.
We are exposed to the risk of a decrease in the value of our inventories due to a variety of circumstances in all of our businesses. For example, within our Grain & Ethanol Group, there is the risk that the quality of our grain inventory could deteriorate due to damage, moisture, insects, disease (such as vomitoxin) or foreign material. If the quality of our grain were to deteriorate below an acceptable level, the value of our inventory could decrease significantly. In our Plant Nutrient Group, planted acreage, and consequently the volume of fertilizer and crop protection products applied, is partially dependent upon government programs and the perception held by the producer of demand for production. Technological advances in agriculture, such as genetically engineered seeds that resist disease and insects, or that meet certain nutritional requirements, could also affect the demand for our crop nutrients and crop protection products. Either of these factors could render some of our inventory obsolete or reduce its value. Within our Rail Group, major design improvements to loading, unloading and transporting of certain products can render existing (especially old) equipment obsolete. A significant portion of our rail fleet is composed of older railcars. In addition, in our Turf & Specialty Group, we build substantial amounts of inventory in advance of the season to prepare for customer demand. If we were to forecast our customer demand incorrectly, we could build up excess inventory which could cause the value of our inventory to decrease.
Our competitive position, financial position and results of operations may be adversely affected by technological advances.
The development and implementation of new technologies may result in a significant reduction in the costs of ethanol production. For instance, any technological advances in the efficiency or cost to produce ethanol from inexpensive, cellulosic sources such as wheat, oat or barley straw could have an adverse effect on our business, because our ethanol facilities were designed to produce ethanol from corn, which is, by comparison, a raw material with other high value uses. We cannot predict when new technologies may become available, the rate of acceptance of new technologies by our competitors or the costs associated with new technologies. In addition, advances in the development of alternatives to ethanol or gasoline could significantly reduce demand for or eliminate the need for ethanol.
Any advances in technology which require significant capital expenditures to remain competitive or which reduce demand or prices for ethanol would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.
Our investments in limited liability companies are subject to risks beyond our control.

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We currently have investments in six limited liability companies. By operating a business through this arrangement, we have less control over operating decisions than if we were to own the business outright. Specifically, we cannot act on major business initiatives without the consent of the other investors who may not always be in agreement with our ideas.

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We may not achieve anticipated synergies related to strategic acquisitions and such acquisitions could cause unforeseen expenditures and require a significant amount of resources to successfully integrate into our business.
We continuously look for opportunities to enhance our existing business through strategic acquisitions. The process of integrating an acquired business into our existing business and operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures as well as require a significant amount of management resources. There is also the risk that our due diligence efforts may not uncover significant business flaws or hidden liabilities. In addition, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of an acquisition and they may not generate the anticipated financial results.
Our business involves significant safety risks. Significant unexpected costs and liabilities would have a material adverse effect on our profitability and overall financial position.
Due to the nature of some of the businesses in which we operate, we are exposed to significant safety risks such as grain dust explosions, fires, malfunction of equipment, abnormal pressures, blowouts, pipeline ruptures, chemical spills or run-off, transportation accidents and natural disasters. Some of these operational hazards may cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment or environmental damage, and may result in suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. If one of our elevators were to experience a grain dust explosion or if one of our pieces of equipment were to fail or malfunction due to an accident or improper maintenance, it could put our employees and others at serious risk. In addition, if we were to experience a catastrophic failure of a storage facility in our Plant Nutrient or Turf & Specialty Group, it could harm not only our employees but the environment as well and could subject us to significant additional costs.
New ethanol plants constructed or decreases in the demand for ethanol may result in excess production capacity.
Excess capacity in the ethanol industry would have an adverse effect on our future results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In a manufacturing industry with excess capacity, producers have an incentive to manufacture additional products as long as the price exceeds the marginal cost of production (i.e., the cost of producing only the next unit, without regard for interest, overhead or fixed costs). This incentive can result in the reduction of the market price of ethanol to a level that is inadequate to generate sufficient cash flow to cover costs.
Excess capacity may also result from decreases in the demand for ethanol, which could result from a number of factors, including regulatory developments and reduced U.S. gasoline consumption. Reduced gasoline consumption could occur as a result of increased prices for gasoline or crude oil, which could cause businesses and consumers to reduce driving or acquire vehicles with more favorable gasoline mileage.
The U.S. ethanol industry is highly dependent upon a myriad of federal and state legislation and regulation and any changes in such legislation or regulation could materially and adversely affect our future results of operations and financial position.
The elimination or significant reduction in the blenders’ credit could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. The cost of production of ethanol is made significantly more competitive with regular gasoline by federal tax incentives. The federal excise tax incentive program allows gasoline distributors who blend ethanol with gasoline to receive a federal excise tax rate reduction for each blended gallon sold. This incentive program is scheduled to expire (unless extended) inat the end of 2010. The blenders’ credits may not be renewed in 2010 or may be renewed on different terms. In addition, the blenders’ credits, as well as other federal and state programs benefiting ethanol (such as tariffs), generally are subject to U.S. government obligations under international trade agreements, including those under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, and might be the subject of challenges thereunder, in whole or in part. The Company expects that this credit will be extended, however, there is no guarantee and the elimination or significant reduction in the blenders’ credit or other programs benefiting ethanol may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. The government is also considering increasing the mandatory blend of ethanol, which is currently at 10%, up to 15% which could positively impact the demand for ethanol
Ethanol can be imported into the U.S. duty-free from some countries, which may undermine the ethanol industry in the U.S. Imported ethanol is generally subject to a per gallon tariff that was designed to offset the per gallon ethanol incentive available under the federal excise tax incentive program for refineries that blend ethanol in their fuel. A special exemption from the tariff exists, with certain limitations, for ethanol imported from 24 countries in Central America and the Caribbean Islands. Since production costs for ethanol in these countries are estimated to be significantly less than what they are in the U.S., the duty-free import of ethanol through the countries exempted from the tariff may negatively affect the demand for

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domestic ethanol and the price at which we sell our ethanol. Any changes in the tariff or exemption from the tariff could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.

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Fluctuations in the selling price and production cost of gasoline as well as the spread between ethanol and corn prices may further reduce future profit margins of our ethanol business.
We will market ethanol as a fuel additive to reduce vehicle emissions from gasoline, as an octane enhancer to improve the octane rating of gasoline with which it is blended and as a substitute for oil derived gasoline. As a result, ethanol prices will be influenced by the supply and demand for gasoline and our future results of operations and financial position may be materially adversely affected if gasoline demand or price decreases.
The principal raw material we use to produce ethanol and co-products, including DDG, is corn. As a result, changes in the price of corn can significantly affect our business. In general, rising corn prices will produce lower profit margins for our ethanol business. Because ethanol competes with non-corn-based fuels, we generally will be unable to pass along increased corn costs to our customers. At certain levels, corn prices may make ethanol uneconomical to use in fuel markets. The price of corn is influenced by weather conditions and other factors affecting crop yields, farmer planting decisions and general economic, market and regulatory factors. These factors include government policies and subsidies with respect to agriculture and international trade, and global and local demand and supply. The significance and relative effect of these factors on the price of corn is difficult to predict. Any event that tends to negatively affect the supply of corn, such as adverse weather or crop disease, could increase corn prices and potentially harm our ethanol business. The Company will attempt to lock in ethanol margins as far out as practical in order to lock insecure reasonable returns using whatever risk management tools are available in the marketplace. In addition, we may also have difficulty, from time to time, in physically sourcing corn on economical terms due to supply shortages. High costs or shortages could require us to suspend our ethanol operations until corn is available on economical terms, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Growth in the sale and distribution of ethanol is dependent on the changes to and expansion of related infrastructure that may not occur on a timely basis, if at all, and our future operations could be adversely affected by infrastructure disruptions.
Substantial development of infrastructure will be required by persons and entities outside our control for our operations, and the ethanol industry generally, to grow. Areas requiring expansion include, but are not limited to:
additional storage facilities for ethanol;
increases in truck fleets capable of transporting ethanol within localized markets; and
expansion of refining and blending facilities to handle ethanol.
Substantial investments required for these infrastructure changes and expansions may not be made or they may not be made on a timely basis. Any delay or failure in making the changes to or expansion of infrastructure could hurt the demand or prices for our ethanol products, impede our delivery of our ethanol products, impose additional costs on us or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. Our business will be dependent on the continuing availability of infrastructure and any infrastructure disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A significant portion of our business operates in the railroad industry, which is subject to unique, industry specific risks and uncertainties. Our failure to accurately assess these risks and uncertainties could be detrimental to our Rail Group business.
Our Rail Group is subject to risks associated with the demands and restrictions of the Class 1 railroads, a group of publicly owned rail companies owning a high percentage of the existing rail lines. These companies exercise a high degree of control over whether private railcars can be allowed on their lines and may reject certain railcars or require maintenance or improvements to the railcars. This presents risk and uncertainty for our Rail Group and it can increase the Group’s maintenance costs. In addition, a shift in the railroad strategy to investing in new rail cars and improvements to existing railcars, instead of investing in locomotives and infrastructure, could adversely impact our business by causing increased competition and creating an oversupply of railcars. Our rail fleet consists of a range of railcar types (boxcars, gondolas,

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covered and open top hoppers, tank cars and pressure differential cars) and locomotives. However a large concentration of a particular type of railcar could expose us to risk if demand were to decrease for that railcar type. Failure on our part to identify and assess risks and uncertainties such as these could negatively impact our business.
Our Rail Group relies upon customers continuing to lease rather than purchase railcar assets. Our business could be adversely impacted if there were a large customer shift from leasing to purchasing railcars, or if railcar leases are not match funded.
Our Rail Group relies upon customers continuing to lease rather than purchase railcar assets. There are a number of items that factor into a customer’s decision to lease or purchase assets, such as tax considerations, interest rates, balance sheet considerations, fleet management and maintenance and operational flexibility. Potential accounting changes could also eliminate the accounting classification of operating leases, which could also impact a customer’s decision to lease versus buy. We have no control over these external considerations, and changes in our customers’ preferences could negatively impact demand for our leasing products. Profitability is largely dependent on the ability to maintain railcars on lease (utilization) at satisfactory lease rates. A number of factors can adversely affect utilization and lease rates including anthe current economic downturn which is causing reduced demand orand oversupply in the markets in which we operate, changes in customer behavior, or any other changes in supply or demand.operate.

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Furthermore, match funding (in relation to rail lease transactions) means matching terms between the lease with the customer and the funding arrangement with the financial intermediary. This is not always possible. We are exposed to risk to the extent that the lease terms do not perfectly match the funding terms, leading to non-income generating assets if a replacement lessee cannot be found.
During economic downturns, the cyclical nature of the railroad business results in lower demand for railcars and reduced revenue.
The railcar business is cyclical. Overall economic conditions and the purchasing and leasing habits of railcar users have a significant effect upon our railcar leasing business due to the impact on demand for refurbished and leased products. Economic conditions that result in higher interest rates increase the cost of new leasing arrangements, which could cause some of our leasing customers to lease fewer of our railcars or demand shorter terms. An economic downturn or increase in interest rates may reduce demand for railcars, resulting in lower sales volumes, lower prices, lower lease utilization rates and decreased profits or losses. The length of recovery during an economic downturn is unknown and may be a slow process.

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Item 2. Properties
The Company’s principal agriculture, retail and other properties are described below. Except as otherwise indicated, the Company owns all listed properties.
Agriculture Facilities
                        
 Agricultural Fertilizer Agricultural Fertilizer
(in thousands) Grain Storage Dry Storage Liquid Storage Grain Storage Dry Storage Liquid Storage
Location (bushels) (cubic feet) (gallons) (bushels) (cubic feet) (gallons)
Maumee, OH (3) 21,070 4,570 2,866  21,070 4,002 2,788 
Toledo, OH Port (4) 12,446 2,767 5,623  12,446 1,800 5,436 
Metamora, OH 6,124    6,124   
Toledo, OH (1) 983    983   
Lordstown, OH  530    500  
Gibsonburg, OH (2)  38 408   38 403 
Fremont, OH (2)  47 271   47 318 
Fostoria, OH (2)  40 213   40 259 
Carey, OH(7)  100    167  
Fairmont IL(7)  433    400  
Champaign, IL 12,732 2,067   12,732 1,833  
Dunkirk, IN 7,800 833   7,800 1,000  
Delphi, IN 7,063 923   7,838 900  
Clymers, IN (5) 4,400    4,400   
Oakville, IN 4,451    4,451   
Canton, IL (1) 4,108    4,108   
Jonesville, MI (1) 1,080    1,080   
Reading, MI 2,505    2,505   
Walton, IN (2)  387 9,306   410 9,194 
Poneto, IN  10 5,681   10 5,434 
Logansport, IN  83 4,047   93 3,345 
Waterloo, IN (2)  992 2,591   688 2,578 
Seymour, IN(7)  1,233 951   1,200 917 
North Manchester, IN (2)  25 211   25 202 
Albion, MI (5) 3,586    3,586   
White Pigeon, MI 3,050    3,780   
Webberville, MI  1,717 5,019   1,720 4,915 
Litchfield, MI (2)  67 457   67 436 
Clewiston, FL (2)  2 591   2 591 
Ft. Myers, FL (1)(2)  13 287   13 287 
Hastings, FL (1)(2)  5 98 
Lake Placid, FL (2)  42 2,702   42 2,702 
Zellwood, FL (2)  35 600   35 600 
Tampa, FL (1)   2,192 
Catano, Puerto Rico (1)   1,555 
Aquadilla, Puerto Rico (1)   2,000 
Oshkosh, WI   1,000 
Arena, WI  20 5,159 
Kaukauna, WI  8 4,296 
Wisconsin Rapids, WI  35 4,842 
Winona, MN   11,080 
Archbold, OH (6) 1,200   
Francesville, OH (6) 3,200   
Mason, MI (6) 1,900   
Woodbury, MI (6) 1,800   
    
 91,398 16,959 41,922  101,003 15,095 72,529 
    
 
(1) Facility leased.leased
 
(2) Facility is or includes a farm center.center
 
(3) Includes leased facilities with a 2,970-bushel capacity.2,970 bushel capacity
 
(4) Includes leased facility with a 5,900-bushel capacity.5,900 bushel capacity
 
(5) Leased to ethanol production facility.facility
(6)Storage capacity through storage and handling agreements
(7)Facility is or includes a Pelleted Lime facility

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The grain facilities are mostly concrete and steel tanks, with some flat storage, which is primarily cover-on-first temporary storage. The Company also owns grain inspection buildings and dryers, maintenance buildings and truck scales and dumps.
The Plant Nutrient Group’s wholesale fertilizer and farm center properties consist mainly of fertilizer warehouse and distribution facilities for dry and liquid fertilizers. The Maumee, Ohio; Champaign, Illinois; Seymour, Indiana; Lordstown, Ohio; and Walton, Indiana locations have fertilizer mixing, bagging and bag storage facilities. The Maumee, Ohio; Webberville, Michigan; Logansport, Indiana; Walton Indiana; and Poneto, IndianaIndiana; Wisconsin Rapids, Arena and Kaukauna, Wisconsin and all of the Florida locations also include liquid manufacturing facilities. In May 2008, the Plant Nutrient Group acquired Douglass Fertilizer, which has five farm center facilities located in Florida and

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one facility located in Puerto Rico. In August 2008, the Group acquired three pelleted lime facilities located in Ohio, Illinois and Nebraska.
Retail Store Properties
         
Name Location Square Feet
 
Maumee Store Maumee, OH  153,000 
Toledo Store Toledo, OH  149,000 
Woodville Store (1) Northwood, OH120,000
Lima Store (1)Lima, OH  120,000 
Sawmill Store Columbus, OH  146,000 
Brice Store Columbus, OH  159,000 
The Andersons Market (1) Sylvania, OH  30,000 
Distribution Center (1) Maumee, OH  245,000 
 
(1) Facility leased
The leases for the threetwo stores and the distribution center are operating leases with several renewal options and provide for minimum aggregate annual lease payments approximating $1.5$1.4 million. Two of the store leases provide for contingent lease payments based on achieved sales volume. One store had sales triggering payments of contingent rental each of the last three years. In addition, the Company owns a service and sales facility for outdoor power equipment adjacent to its Maumee, Ohio retail store.
Other Properties
In its railcar business, the Company owns, leasesowned, leased or managesmanaged for financial institutions 23,78423,804 railcars and locomotives at December 31, 2008.2009. Future minimum lease payments for the railcars and locomotives are $109.4$87.0 million with future minimum contractual lease and service income of approximately $206.6$148.1 million for all railcars, regardless of ownership. Remaining lease terms range from one month to twelveeleven years. The Company also operates railcar repair facilities in Maumee, Ohio; Darlington, and Rains, South Carolina; Macon, Georgia; Bay St. Louis, Mississippi,Mississippi; Ogden, UtahUtah; Henderson, Nevada; and Anaconda, Montana,Woodland, California, a steel fabrication facility in Maumee, Ohio, and owns or leases a number of switch engines, mobile repair units, cranes and other equipment.
The Company owns lawn fertilizer production facilities in Maumee, Ohio; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Montgomery, Alabama. It also owns a corncob processing and storage facility in Delphi, Indiana. A portion of the Maumee, Ohio facility was closed in late 2005 and milling operations consolidated in Delphi, Indiana. The Company leases a lawn fertilizer warehouse facility in Toledo, Ohio.
The Company also owns an auto service center that is leased to its former venture partner. The Company’s administrative office building is leased under a net lease expiring in 2015. The Company owns approximately 1,1321,131 acres of land on which the above properties and facilities are located and approximately 303 acres of farmland and land held for sale or future use.
Real properties, machinery and equipment of the Company were subject to aggregate encumbrances of approximately $75.1$55.3 million at December 31, 2008.2009. Additionally, 7,2461,646 railcars and locomotives are held in a bankruptcy-remote entitiesentity collateralizing $49.9$21.6 million of non-recourse debt at December 31, 2008.2009. Additions to property, excluding railcar assets, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 amounted to $20.3$16.6 million, $20.3 million and $16.0$20.3 million, respectively. Additions to the Company’s railcar assets totaled $25.0 million, $98.0 million $56.0 million and $85.9$56.0 million for the years ended December 31,

18


2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, respectively. These additions were offset by sales and financings of railcars of $8.5 million, $68.5 million $47.3 million and $65.2$47.3 million for the same periods. See Note 10 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for information as to the Company’s leases.
The Company believes that its properties, including its machinery, equipment and vehicles, are adequate for its business, well maintained and utilized, suitable for their intended uses and adequately insured.

17


Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company has received, and is cooperating fully with, a request for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regarding the history of its grain and fertilizer facility along the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The U.S. EPA is investigating the possible introduction into the Maumee River of hazardous materials potentially leaching from rouge piles deposited along the riverfront by glass manufacturing operations that existed in the area prior to the Company’s initial acquisition of its land in 1960. The Company has on several prior occasions cooperated with local, state and federal regulators to install or improve drainage systems to contain storm water runoff and sewer discharges along its riverfront property to minimize the potential for such leaching. Other area land owners and the successor to the original glass making operations have also been contacted by the U.S. EPA for information. The U.S. EPA’s investigation is in its early stages, and no claim or finding has been asserted.
The Company is also currently subject to various claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, which include environmental issues, employment claims, contractual disputes, and defensive counter claims. The Company accrues expenses where litigation losses are deemed probable and estimable. The Company does not believebelieves it is unlikely that the results of its current legal proceedings, even if unfavorable, will be material.materially different from what it currently has accrued. There can be no assurance, however, that any claims or suits arising in the future, whether taken individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were voted upon during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.2009.

19


Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information under this Item 4 is furnished pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K. The executive officers of The Andersons, Inc., their positions and ages (as of February 28, 2009)2010) are presented in the table below.
            
 Year        
NameName Position Age Assumed  Position Age Year
Assumed
Dennis J. AddisDennis J. Addis President, Plant Nutrient Group 56 2000  President, Plant Nutrient Group  57   2000 
          
Daniel T. AndersonDaniel T. Anderson President, Retail Group 53 1996  President, Retail Group and Vice President, Corporate Operations Services President, Retail Group  54   2009 1996 
          
Michael J. AndersonMichael J. Anderson President and Chief Executive Officer 57 1999  President and Chief Executive Officer  58   1999 
          
Naran U. BurchinowNaran U. Burchinow Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 55 2005  Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Formerly Operations Counsel, GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporate  56   2005 2003 
   Formerly Operations Counsel, GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporate 2003           
Dale W. Fallat Vice President, Corporate Services 64 1992 
Tamara S. SparksTamara S. Sparks Vice President, Corporate Business /Financial Analysis
Internal Audit Manager
 40 2007
1999
  Vice President, Corporate Business /Financial Analysis Internal Audit Manager  41   2007 1999 
          
Arthur D. DePompeiArthur D. DePompei Vice President, Human Resources 55 2008  Vice President, Human Resources Formerly Vice President, Human Resources, Degussa Construction Chemicals, LLC  56   2008 2000 
   Formerly Vice President, Human Resources, Degussa Construction Chemicals, LLC 2000           
Richard R. GeorgeRichard R. George Vice President, Controller and CIO 59 2002  Vice President, Controller and CIO  60   2002 
          
Harold M. ReedHarold M. Reed President, Grain & Ethanol Group 52 2000  President, Grain & Ethanol Group  53   2000 
          
Rasesh H. ShahRasesh H. Shah President, Rail Group 54 1999  President, Rail Group  55   1999 
Gary L. Smith Vice President, Finance and Treasurer 63 1996 
          
Nicholas C. Conrad Vice President, Finance and Treasurer Assistant Treasurer  57   2009 1996 
          
Thomas L. WaggonerThomas L. Waggoner President, Turf & Specialty Group 54 2005  President, Turf & Specialty Group Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Turf & Specialty Group  55   2005 2002 
   Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Turf & Specialty Group 2002 

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PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The Common Shares of The Andersons, Inc. trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ANDE.” On February 13, 2009,18, 2010, the closing price for the Company’s Common Shares was $15.56$31.35 per share. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for the Company’s Common Shares for the four fiscal quarters in each of 20082009 and 2007.2008.
                                
 2008 2007 2009 2008
 High Low High Low High Low High Low
  
Quarter Ended
  
March 31 $48.70 $40.55 $45.95 $36.95  $18.38 $11.00 $48.70 $40.55 
June 30 47.23 32.25 48.46 38.10  31.88 13.24 47.23 32.25 
September 30 48.48 34.12 52.67 41.86  36.82 26.48 48.48 34.12 
December 31 35.99 10.65 51.16 39.71  37.56 24.00 35.99 10.65 
The Company’s transfer agent and registrar is Computershare Investor Services, LLC, 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602. Telephone: 312-588-4991.
Shareholders
At February 13, 2009,18, 2010, there were approximately 18.218.3 million common shares outstanding, 1,2481,285 shareholders of record and approximately 5,4004,900 shareholders for whom security firms acted as nominees.
Dividends
The Company has declared and paid 5054 consecutive quarterly dividends since the end of 1996, its first year of trading on Nasdaq market. The Company paid $0.0475$0.0775 per common share for the dividends paid in January April, and July 2007, $0.0775 per common share for the dividends paid in October 2007 and January and April 2008, and $0.085 per common share for the dividends paid in July and October 2008 and January 2009.2009, $0.0875 per common share for the dividends paid in April, July and October 2009 and January 2010.
While the Company’s objective is to pay a quarterly cash dividend, dividends are subject to Board of Director approval and loan covenant restrictions.

21


Equity Plans
The following table gives information as of December 31, 20082009 about the Company’s Common Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of options under all of its existing equity compensation plans.
                        
 Equity Compensation Plan Information Equity Compensation Plan Information
 (a) Number of securities remaining (a) Number of securities remaining
 Number of securities to be Weighted-average available for future issuance Number of securities to be Weighted-average available for future issuance
 issued upon exercise of exercise price of under equity compensation issued upon exercise of exercise price of under equity compensation
 outstanding options, outstanding options, plans (excluding securities outstanding options, outstanding options, plans (excluding securities
Plan category warrants and rights warrants and rights reflected in column (a)) warrants and rights warrants and rights reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  1,032,548(1) $34.01  1,017,937(2)  1,074,595(1) $30.20  704,820(2)
(1) This number includes options and SOSARs (905,481)(907,419), performance share units (74,871)(105,561) and restricted shares (52,196)(61,615) outstanding under The Andersons, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan dated May 6, 2005. This number does not include any shares related to the Employee Share Purchase Plan. The Employee Share Purchase Plan allows employees to purchase common shares at the lower of the market value on the beginning or end of the calendar year through payroll withholdings. These purchases are completed as of December 31.
(2) This number includes 423,369355,459 Common Shares available to be purchased under the Employee Share Purchase Plan.

19


Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
In 1996, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of 2.8 million shares of common stock for use in employee, officer and director stock purchase and stock compensation plans. This resolution was superseded by the Board in October 2007 to add an additional 0.3 million shares. Since the beginning of this repurchase program, the Company has purchased 2.2 million shares in the open market. The following table presents the Company’s share purchases during the fourth quarter of 2008.
                 
          Total Number of Maximum Number
          Shares Purchased of Shares that May
  Total Number of     as Part of Publicly Yet Be Purchased
  Shares Average Price Paid Announced Plans Under the Plans or
Period Purchased per Share or Programs Programs
 
October    $       
November 26, 2008  13,700   12.50       
December 04 – 10, 2008  63,585   11.83       
   
Total  77,285  $11.96       
   
Performance Graph
The graph below compares the total shareholder return on the Corporation’s Common Shares to the cumulative total return for the Nasdaq U.S. Index and a Peer Group Index. The indices reflect the year-end market value of an investment in the stock of each company in the index, including additional shares assumed to have been acquired with cash dividends, if any. The Peer Group Index, weighted for market capitalization, includes the following companies:
 Agrium, Inc.
 
 Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
 
 Corn Products International, Inc.
 
 GATX Corp.
 
 Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
 
 The Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company
 
 Lowes Companies Inc.
This Peer Group Index was adjusted in 2007 as one of the companies previously used is no longer in existence as a public company.
The graph assumes a $100 investment in The Andersons, Inc. Common Shares on December 31, 20022004 and also assumes investments of $100 in each of the Nasdaq U.S. and Peer Group indices, respectively, on December 31 of the first year of the graph. The value of these investments as of the following calendar year ends is shown in the table below the graph.

2022


                        
                        
 Base Period Cumulative Returns Base Period Cumulative Returns
 December 31, 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 December 31, 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
  
The Andersons, Inc. $100.00 $161.66 $275.81 $545.22 $579.45 $215.56  $100.00 $170.62 $337.27 $358.44 $133.35 $212.06 
NASDAQ U.S. 100.00 109.16 111.47 123.05 140.12 84.12  100.00 102.12 112.73 124.73 74.87 108.83 
Peer Group Index 100.00 113.74 131.06 139.18 142.48 108.26  100.00 115.26 122.40 125.30 95.21 111.43 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of the Company. The data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 20082009 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The data presented below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in Item 7, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 8.
                    
                     For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands) For the years ended December 31, 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004  
  
Operating results
  
Grain and ethanol sales and revenues (a) $2,411,144 $1,498,652 $791,207 $628,255 $664,565  $2,153,978 $2,411,144 $1,498,652 $791,207 $628,255 
Fertilizer, retail and other sales 1,078,334 880,407 666,846 668,694 602,367 
Fertilizer, rail, retail and other sales 871,326 1,078,334 880,407 666,846 668,694 
    
Total sales and revenues 3,489,478 2,379,059 1,458,053 1,296,949 1,266,932  3,025,304 3,489,478 2,379,059 1,458,053 1,296,949 
Gross profit — grain & ethanol 110,954 79,367 62,809 50,456 52,680 
Gross profit — fertilizer, retail and other 146,875 160,345 136,431 142,116 131,212 
Gross profit – grain & ethanol 106,804 110,954 79,367 62,809 50,456 
Gross profit – fertilizer, rail, retail and other (b) 148,702 146,875 160,345 136,431 142,116 
    
Total gross profit 257,829 239,712 199,240 192,572 183,892  255,506 257,829 239,712 199,240 192,572 
Equity in earnings of affiliates 4,033 31,863 8,190 2,321 1,471  17,463 4,033 31,863 8,190 2,321 
Other income, net (b)(c) 6,170 21,731 13,914 4,386 4,973  8,331 6,170 21,731 13,914 4,386 
Pretax income 49,366 105,861 54,469 39,312 30,103 
Net income 32,900 68,784 36,347 26,087 19,144  39,566 30,097 67,428 36,347 26,087 
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. 38,351 32,900 68,784 36,347 26,087 

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(in thousands, except for per share and ratios For the years ended December 31,
and other data) 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
(in thousands, except for per share and ratios and For the years ended December 31,
other data) 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
    
Financial position
  
Total assets 1,308,773 1,324,988 879,048 647,951 590,346  $1,284,391 $1,308,773 $1,324,988 $879,048 $647,951 
Working capital 330,699 177,679 162,077 96,113 102,234  307,702 330,699 177,679 162,077 96,113 
Long-term debt (c)(d) 293,955 133,195 86,238 79,329 89,803  288,756 293,955 133,195 86,238 79,329 
Long-term debt, non-recourse (c)(d) 40,055 56,277 71,624 88,714 64,343  19,270 40,055 56,277 71,624 88,714 
Shareholders’ equity 353,413 344,364 270,175 158,883 133,876  406,276 365,107 356,583 270,175 158,883 
  
Cash flows / liquidity
  
Cash flows from (used in) operations 278,664  (158,395)  (54,283) 38,767 60,185  180,241 278,664  (158,395)  (54,283) 38,767 
Depreciation and amortization 29,767 26,253 24,737 22,888 21,435  36,020 29,767 26,253 24,737 22,888 
Cash invested in acquisitions / investments in affiliates 60,370 36,249 34,255 16,005 85,753  31,680 60,370 36,249 34,255 16,005 
Investments in property, plant and equipment 20,315 20,346 16,031 11,927 13,201  16,560 20,315 20,346 16,031 11,927 
Net investment in (sale of) railcars (d) 29,533 8,751 20,643 29,810  (90)
Net investment in railcars (e) 16,512 29,533 8,751 20,643 29,810 
EBITDA (e)(f) 110,372 151,162 95,505 74,279 62,083  116,989 110,372 151,162 95,505 74,279 
Per share data:(g)
  
Net income — basic 1.82 3.86 2.27 1.76 1.32 
Net income — diluted 1.79 3.75 2.19 1.69 1.28 
Net income – basic 2.10 1.82 3.85 2.27 1.76 
Net income – diluted 2.08 1.79 3.75 2.19 1.69 
  
Dividends paid 0.325 0.220 0.178 0.165 0.153  0.3475 0.325 0.220 0.178 0.165 
Year-end market value 16.48 44.80 42.39 21.54 12.75  25.82 16.48 44.80 42.39 21.54 
  
Ratios and other data
  
Pretax return on beginning equity  14.3%  39.2%  34.3%  29.4%  26.0%
Net income return on beginning equity  9.6%  25.5%  22.9%  19.5%  16.5%
Funded long-term debt to equity ratio (f) 0.8-to-1 0.4-to-1 0.3-to-1 0.5-to-1 0.7-to-1
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. return on beginning equity attributable to The Andersons, Inc.  10.9%  9.6%  25.4%  22.9%  19.5%
Funded long-term debt to equity ratio (h) 0.8-to-1 0.9-to-1 0.5-to-1 0.6-to-1 1.1-to-1 
Weighted average shares outstanding (000’s) 18,068 17,833 16,007 14,842 14,492  18,190 18,068 17,833 16,007 14,842 
Effective tax rate  33.4%  35.0%  33.3%  33.6%  36.4%  36.4%  33.4%  35.0%  33.3%  33.6%
Note: Prior years have been revised to conform to the 2008 presentation; these changes did not impact net income.2009 presentation.
 
(a) Includes sales of $806.3 million in 2009, $865.8 million in 2008, $407.4 million in 2007 and $23.5 million in 2006 of sales pursuant to marketing and originations agreements between the Company and its ethanol LLCs.
 
(b)Gross profit in 2008 includes a $97.2 million write down in the Plant Nutrient Group for lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments for inventory on hand and firm purchase commitments that was valued higher than the market.
(c) Includes gains on insurance settlements of $0.1 million in 2008, $3.1 million in 2007 and $4.6 million in 2006. Includes development fees related to ethanol joint venture formation of $1.3 million in 2008, $5.4 million in 2007 and $1.9 million in 2006. Includes $4.9 million in gain on available for sale securities in 2007.
 
(c)(d) Excludes current portion of long-term debt.
 
(d)(e) Represents the net of purchases of railcars offset by proceeds on sales of railcars. In 2004, proceeds exceeded purchases. In 2004, cars acquired as part of an acquisition of a business have been excluded from this number.
 
(e)(f) Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that EBITDA provides additional information important to investors and others in determining our ability to meet debt service obligations. EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations as determined by generally accepted accounting principles, and EBITDA does not necessarily indicate whether cash flow will be sufficient to meet cash requirements, for debt service obligations or otherwise. Because EBITDA, as determined by us, excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income, it may not be comparable to EBITDA or similarly titled measures used by other companies.
 
(f)(g)Earnings per share are calculated based on Income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
(h) Calculated by dividing long-term debt by total year-end equity as stated under “Financial position.” Does not include non-recourse debt..

The following table sets forth (1) our calculation of EBITDA and (2) a reconciliation of EBITDA to our net cash flow provided by (used in) operations.

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The following table sets forth (1) our calculation of EBITDA and (2) a reconciliation of EBITDA to our net cash flow provided by (used in) operations.
                     
      For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
   
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. $38,351  $32,900  $68,784  $36,347  $26,087 
Add:                    
Provision for income taxes  21,930   16,466   37,077   18,122   13,225 
Interest expense  20,688   31,239   19,048   16,299   12,079 
Depreciation and amortization  36,020   29,767   26,253   24,737   22,888 
   
EBITDA  116,989   110,372   151,162   95,505   74,279 
   
Add/(subtract):                    
Provision for income taxes  (21,930)  (16,466)  (37,077)  (18,122)  (13,225)
Interest expense  (20,688)  (31,239)  (19,048)  (16,299)  (12,079)
Realized gains on railcars and related leases  (1,758)  (4,040)  (8,103)  (5,887)  (7,682)
Deferred income taxes  16,430   4,124   5,274   7,371   1,964 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  (566)  (2,620)  (5,399)  (5,921)   
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions received  (15,105)  19,307   (23,583)  (4,340)  (443)
Minority interest in income (loss) of affiliates  1,215   (2,803)  (1,356)      
Changes in working capital and other  105,654   202,029   (220,265)  (106,590)  (4,047)
   
Net cash provided by / (used in) operations $180,241  $278,664  $(158,395) $(54,283) $38,767 
   
                     
(in thousands) For the years ended December 31,
  2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
   
Net income $32,900  $68,784  $36,347  $26,087  $19,144 
Add:                    
Provision for income taxes  16,466   37,077   18,122   13,225   10,959 
Interest expense  31,239   19,048   16,299   12,079   10,545 
Depreciation and amortization  29,767   26,253   24,737   22,888   21,435 
   
EBITDA  110,372   151,162   95,505   74,279   62,083 
   
Add/(subtract):                    
Provision for income taxes  (16,466)  (37,077)  (18,122)  (13,225)  (10,959)
Interest expense  (31,239)  (19,048)  (16,299)  (12,079)  (10,545)
Realized gains on railcars and related leases  (4,040)  (8,103)  (5,887)  (7,682)  (3,127)
Deferred income taxes  4,124   5,274   7,371   1,964   3,184 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  (2,620)  (5,399)  (5,921)      
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions received  19,307   (23,583)  (4,340)  (443)  (854)
Minority interest in loss of affiliates  (2,803)  (1,356)         
Changes in working capital and other  202,029   (220,265)  (106,590)  (4,047)  20,403 
   
Net cash provided by / (used in) operations $278,664  $(158,395) $(54,283) $38,767  $60,185 
   
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements which relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully consider these risks and factors, including those listed under Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than any imposed by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Executive Overview
Grain & Ethanol Group
The Grain & Ethanol Group operates grain elevators in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. In addition to storage and merchandising, the Group performs grain trading, risk management and other services for its customers. During 2009, the Group increased its grain storage capacity by approximately 4 million bushels through warehousing agreements in Mason and Woodbury, Michigan. The Group now has over 100 million bushels of storage capacity. The Group constructed two new grain bins in 2009 at two of its existing facilities which added another 1.5 million bushels of storage capacity. The Group is also the developer anda significant investor in three ethanol facilities located in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio with a nameplate capacity of 275 million gallons. In addition to its investment in these facilities, the Group operates the facilities under management contracts and provides grain origination, ethanol and distillers dried grains (“DDG”) marketing and risk management services for which it is separately compensated. The Group is also a significant investor in Lansing Trade Group LLC (“LTG”), an established trading business with offices throughout the country and internationally. See Note 3 forLTG continues to increase its trading capabilities, including

25


ethanol trading, and is exposed to the same risks as the Company’s Grain & Ethanol Group. This investment provides the Group a further discussion with respectopportunity to our transactions with these entities.expand outside of its traditional geographic regions.
The agricultural commodity-based business is one in which changes in selling prices generally move in relationship to changes in purchase prices. Therefore, increases or decreases in prices of the agricultural commodities that the Company deals in will have a relatively equal impact on sales and cost of sales and a minimal impact on gross profit. As a result, the significant increasechanges in sales for the period ismay not

23


necessarily be indicative of the Group’s overall performance and more focus should be placed on changes to merchandising revenues and service income.
In 2008, the Company completed the purchase of a grain storage facility for $7.1 million and finalized leasing agreements for two others. These three facilities provide the Company with 7.7 million bushels of additional storage capacity, bringing the Company’s total capacity to approximately 91 million bushels throughout the Eastern Corn Belt.
Grain inventories on hand at December 31, 20082009 were 77.6 million bushels, of which 19.7 million bushels were stored for others. This compares to 64.3 million bushels on hand at December 31, 2008, of which 18.8 million bushels were stored for others. This compares to 62.3 million bushels on hand at December 31, 2007, of which 9.9 million bushels were stored for others.
Unprecedented market conditions earlier in the year caused grain prices to rise significantly. When grain prices rise and customers have forward contracts with the Company to sell grain at prices lower than the current market price, there is a greater risk for counterparty nonperformance. The Company closely monitors the nonperformance risk of its counterparties and will adjust the fair value of its open contracts if appropriate. Recent price declines have significantly mitigated the Company’s risk of nonperformance by its counterparties. See Note 4 for further discussion regarding the fair value of our commodity contracts and associated counterparty risk.
The ethanol industry continues to be impacted by volatilityhas seen significant improvements in the commodity markets for both its production inputs and outputs2009 as well as by government policy. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the pricing relationship between corn and natural gas prices continue to drop while ethanol has had a significant negative impact on the results of the Company’s equity investments in its ethanol LLCs. The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”) was the hardest hit as it was also impacted by significantly higher corn prices due to higher basis levels as weather affected corn production in the region. With oil and gasoline prices falling, lowering the demand for ethanol as well as the price, and corn prices remaining high, the Company expects ethanol margins to remain narrow, or even negative, throughout 2009. With the excess capacity in the industry, some ethanol companies around the country have shut down or idled their plants during the last half of 2008. The Company believes this will help to bring industry capacity in line with current demand. The Company expects the pricing relationship between corn and ethanol to stabilize within the next couple of years and return to positive profit margins.improved. The Company will continue to monitor the volatility in corn and ethanol prices and its impact on the ethanol LLCs very closely, including any impact on the recoverability of the Company’s investments. As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s investment balance in its three ethanol entities totaled approximately $85.9 million.closely.
Rail Group
The Rail Group buys, sells, leases, rebuilds and repairs various types of used railcars and rail equipment. The Group also provides fleet management services to fleet owners and operates a custom steel fabrication business. The Group has a diversified fleet of car types (boxcars, gondolas, covered and open top hoppers, tank cars and pressure differential cars) and locomotives and also serves a diversified customer and commodity base.wide range of customers.
Railcars and locomotives under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at December 31, 20082009 were 23,78423,804 compared to 22,74523,784 at December 31, 2007. Both lease rates on renewals2008. The current economic downturn has caused a significant decrease in demand and new leases and the Company has had to store many of its railcars. The Group’s average utilization rate (railcars and locomotives under management that are underin lease service, exclusive of railcars managed for third party investors) have been declining. The average utilization ratehas decreased significantly from 92.5% for the year ended December 31, 2008 was 92.7%. Overall U.S. rail trafficto 78.1% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Rail traffic on major U.S. railroads has decreased 2.2% as compared to last year andfallen 16% over the last week of December experienced a 21.7% decrease compared to the same week in December of 2007.
In April 2008, operations began attwelve months. The economy has also impacted the Group’s repair shopand fabrication shops which have seen a significant decrease in Anaconda, Montanaactivity. The Company expects recovery in the rail industry will be slow, however, the Company believes that there will be no further declines.
Although the Company has experienced a significant decline in utilization in its railcar business, due to the nature of these long-lived assets (low carrying values and in September 2008,17 year average remaining useful lives), the Group added another in Ogden, Utah. This bringscurrent economic environment impacting the total number of repair shopsrail industry would have to seven.persist on a long-term basis for the Company’s railcar assets to be impaired and the Company does not believe this will occur. The Group willCompany is also currently evaluating its railcar portfolio to determine if it would be more cost effective to scrap certain cars rather than continue to evaluate opportunities forincur storage costs. As of December 31, 2009, 142 cars had been identified and depreciation was accelerated on those railcars to reflect their shortened useful lives. These railcars were depreciated down to their salvage value with additional repair shopsdepreciation of $0.7 million recorded in the future.fourth quarter. The Company is currently, and expects to continue to scrap additional railcars throughout 2010, however, the Company does not expect that this will have a significant financial impact to the Company’s results of operations.

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Plant Nutrient Group
The Company’s Plant Nutrient Group purchases, stores, formulates, manufactures and sells dry and liquid fertilizer to dealers and farmers as well as sells reagents for air pollution control technologies used in coal-firedcoal- fired power plants. In addition, they provide warehousing and services to manufacturers and customers, formulate liquid anti-icers and deicers for use on roads and runways and distribute seeds and various farm supplies. The major fertilizer ingredients sold by the Company are nitrogen, phosphate and potash.

26


Nutrient prices, which increased to historic highs earlier in the year, have dropped significantly in nitrogen and phosphate and are now close to the five year average. A combination of a late harvest and uncertain economic conditions has resulted in a delay in fertilizer purchases by farmers. Motivated by cash needs or the desire to move inventory, nitrogen and phosphate producers with growing inventories have begun to lower prices. This has resulted in farmers further delaying their purchasing in anticipation of more price declines. These price declines in nitrogen and phosphate have resulted in year-to-date lower-of-cost-or-market and contract write-downs of $97.2 million.
The Group will continue to monitor fertilizer price volatility intohas seen a significant improvement in earnings over the spring planting season.
prior year as nutrient prices have stabilized and the Group is no longer holding high volumes of inventory at prices higher than the market could support, resulting in lower-of-cost-or-market inventory write-downs. The Group has also increased its business volume through the three business acquisitions that occurred over the last two years. Douglass Fertilizer and Mineral Processing were both acquired in 2008. On MayAugust 1, 2008,2009, the Company acquired 100%the assets of the sharesFertilizer Division of Douglass Fertilizer & Chemical,Hartung Brothers, Inc. This acquisition diversifies the Group’s product line offering(“HBI”) for a purchase price of $30.5 million. HBI is a regional wholesale supplier of liquid fertilizers with six facilities located in Wisconsin and expands its geographic market outside of the traditional Midwest row crops and into Florida’s rich specialty crops. In addition, on August 5, 2008, the Company acquired three pelleted lime production facilities in Ohio, Illinois, and Nebraska to expand its pelleted lime capabilities.Minnesota.
Turf & Specialty Group
The Turf & Specialty Group produces granular fertilizer products for the professional lawn care and golf course markets. It also produces private labelsells consumer fertilizer and control products for “do-it-yourself” application, to mass merchandisers, small independent retailers and other lawn fertilizer manufacturers and performs contract manufacturing of fertilizer and control products. The Group is one of a limited number of processors of corncob-based products in the United States. These products serve the chemical and feed ingredient carrier, animal beddinglitter and cat litter forindustrial markets, and are distributed throughout the consumer markets.United States and Canada and into Europe and Asia. The turf products industry is highly seasonal, with the majority of sales occurring from early spring to early summer. Corncob-based products are sold throughout the year.
At the end of the fourth quarter of 2007, a new manufacturing facility, builtThe Group continues to manufacture a patentedsee positive results from its focus on proprietary products and expanded product lines, however, many professional fertilizer distributors have delayed buying product primarily for use on golf course greens, became fully operational. With this increased capacity, the Groupwhich has launched several new productsimpacted volume for the 2008 season with favorable results.
With the recent decline in fertilizer prices, the Group has been monitoring inventory values very closely. Because this Group purchases nitrogen primarily as it is needed, the risk of inventory devaluation is significantly mitigated and currently no lower-of-cost-or-market issues exist.Group.
Retail Group
The Retail Group includes sixlarge retail stores operated as “The Andersons,” which are located in the Columbus, LimaAndersons” and Toledo, Ohio markets. In the second quarter 2007, the Group opened a new specialty food storemarket operated as “The Andersons Market,” located in the Toledo, Ohio market.Market”. The Group also operates a sales and service facility for outdoor power equipment near one of its conventional retail stores.equipment. The retail concept isMore for Your Home® and the conventional retail stores focus on providing significant product breadth with offerings in home improvement and other mass merchandise categories, as well as specialty foods, wine and indoor and outdoor garden centers. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Group closed its Lima, Ohio retail store.
The retail business is highly competitive. The Company competes with a variety of retail merchandisers, including home centers, department and hardware stores, as well as local and national grocers. The retail industry has been significantly impacted by the weak economy and this will likely continue into the foreseeable future and will have a negative impact on future operating results. The Group has put forth an expense reduction effort to offset some of the negative effects of the weak economy.

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Other
The “Other” business segment of the Company represents corporate functions that provide support and services to the operating segments. The results contained within this segment include expenses and benefits not allocated back to the operating segments.
Operating Results
The following discussion focuses on the operating results as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income with a separate discussion by segment. Additional segment information is included in Note 1314 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

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 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $3,489,478 $2,379,059 $1,458,053  $3,025,304 $3,489,478 $2,379,059 
Cost of sales 3,231,649 2,139,347 1,258,813  2,769,798 3,231,649 2,139,347 
    
Gross profit 257,829 239,712 199,240  255,506 257,829 239,712 
Operating, administrative and general 181,520 166,486 149,981  199,116 190,230 169,753 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 8,710 3,267 595 
Interest expense 31,239 19,048 16,299  20,688 31,239 19,048 
Equity in earnings of affiliates 4,033 31,863 8,190  17,463 4,033 31,863 
Other income, net 6,170 21,731 13,914  8,331 6,170 21,731 
Minority interest in net loss of subsidiary 2,803 1,356  
  
Operating income before noncontrolling interest 61,496 46,563 104,505 
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,215) 2,803 1,356 
    
Operating income $49,366 $105,861 $54,469  $60,281 $49,366 $105,861 
    
Comparison of 2009 with 2008
Grain & Ethanol Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2009 2008
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $2,153,978  $2,411,144 
Cost of sales  2,047,174   2,300,190 
   
Gross profit  106,804   110,954 
Operating, administrative and general  64,643   60,281 
Interest expense  9,363   18,667 
Equity in earnings of affiliates  17,452   4,027 
Other income, net  2,319   4,751 
   
Operating income before noncontrolling interest  52,569   40,784 
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,215)  2,803 
   
Operating income $51,354  $43,587 
   
Operating results for the Grain & Ethanol Group increased $7.8 million over 2008. Sales of grain decreased $234.7 million, or 12%, over 2008 and is the result of a 16% decrease in the average price per bushel sold, partially offset by a 4% increase in volume. Sales of ethanol decreased $52.5 million, or 12%, and is the result of a 15% decrease in the average price per gallon sold, partially offset by a 4% increase in volume. Services provided to the ethanol industry increased $1.0 million, or 5%.
Gross profit decreased $4.2 million, or 4%, for the Group, and is the result of decreased commodity derivative activity in the amount of $6.5 million in the Company’s majority owned subsidiary The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”) (which is 34% owned by another entity), partially offset by increased storage income as the Company had more wheat bushels in storage and had more delayed price bushels (grain that the Company has purchased but the purchase price has yet to be established) as compared to 2008. TAEI’s commodity derivatives are being used to economically hedge price risk related to The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLCs (“TAME”) corn purchases and ethanol sales. The late wet harvest allowed the Group to significantly benefit from drying and mixing income, which is income earned when wet grain is received into the elevator and dried to an acceptable moisture level, however, this was offset by lower margins on grain sales.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $4.4 million, or 7%, over 2008. Approximately $2.5 million of this increase is the result of the two new facilities the Group acquired in 2008 (one through a purchase and the other through a leasing arrangement). Those facilities were acquired in September of 2008 and therefore the prior year expenses only include four months for those facilities compared to a full year for 2009. Another $1.2 million of the increase is due to increased cost to dry the wet grain received during the fall harvest. The remainder of the increase is spread across several expense items and are primarily employee related costs and costs associated with growth. These expense increases were partially offset by

28


a $2.5 million decrease in bad debt expense resulting from reserves taken in 2008 against specific customer receivables for contracts where grain was not delivered and the contracts were subsequently cancelled.
Interest expense for the Group decreased $9.3 million, or 50%, over 2008. The significant increase in commodity prices in 2008 required the Company to increase short-term borrowings to cover margin calls which was the main driver for the increased interest costs for the Group last year.
Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $13.4 million, or 333%, from 2008. Income from the Group’s investment in the three ethanol LLCs increased $16.5 million, primarily as a result of the significantly improved performance of TAME as decreasing corn and natural gas prices have improved margins for that entity. In addition, the Company’s share of income from The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC’s business interruption claim from a fire at its facility was $1.3 million. Income from the Group’s investment in Lansing Trade Group LLC (“LTG”) decreased $3.0 million.
Rail Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2009 2008
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $92,789  $133,898 
Cost of sales  75,973   96,843 
   
Gross profit  16,816   37,055 
Operating, administrative and general  13,867   13,645 
Interest expense  4,468   4,154 
Other income, net  485   526 
   
Operating income (loss) $(1,034) $19,782 
   
Operating results for the Rail Group decreased $20.8 million over 2008. Leasing revenues decreased $14.6 million, or 16%, due to the significant decrease in utilization. Sales of railcars decreased $20.1 million, or 74%, over 2008. With so many cars in the industry idled, there is not the demand for cars that there was in 2008 and with fewer cars on the rail lines overall, the opportunities for business in the repair and fabrication shops has significantly decreased resulting in a $6.4 million decrease in sales in that business. Gross profit for the Group decreased $20.2 million, or 55%, and is the result of the decreased sales coupled with significantly increased storage costs as many cars remain idle. Storage expenses for the Group increased $3.0 million in 2009 compared to 2008.
Operating expenses remained relatively flat year-over-year. Interest expense for the Group increased slightly.
Plant Nutrient Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2009 2008
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $491,293  $652,509 
Cost of sales  431,874   618,519 
   
Gross profit  59,419   33,990 
Operating, administrative and general  45,955   41,598 
Interest expense  3,933   5,616 
Equity in earnings of affiliates  8   6 
Other income, net  1,755   893 
   
Operating income (loss) $11,294  $(12,325)
   
Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group increased $23.6 million over its 2008 results. Sales decreased $161.2 million, or 25%, over 2008 due to early 2008 price appreciation in fertilizer which caused the average price per ton sold for the year to be 33% higher than it was in 2009. As prices started to decline toward the end of 2008, and sales volume began to decrease, the Company was left with a large

29


inventory position valued higher than the market. This resulted in lower-of-cost or market and contract adjustments in the amount of $97.2 million in 2008. As a result of these significant write-downs in 2008, the Group’s 2009 gross profit is a $25.4 million improvement over the prior year. Volume also increased 12% over 2008.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $4.4 million, or 10%, over 2008 due to the added expenses from the Group’s acquisitions during 2008 and 2009. Excluding the expenses from these three businesses, expenses decreased $2.7 million, primarily in bad debt expense, uninsured losses and performance incentives.
Interest expense decreased $1.7 million, or 30%, as the drop in fertilizer prices have resulted in less borrowing needs to cover working capital.
Other income for the Group increased $0.9 million over 2008 as a result of forfeited customer prepayments.
Turf & Specialty Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2009 2008
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $125,306  $118,856 
Cost of sales  99,849   94,152 
   
Gross profit  25,457   24,704 
Operating, administrative and general  20,424   21,307 
Interest expense  1,429   1,522 
Other income, net  1,131   446 
   
Operating income $4,735  $2,321 
   
Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group increased $2.4 million over its 2008 results. Sales increased $6.5 million, or 5%. Sales in the lawn fertilizer business increased $6.4 million, or 6%, due to a 20% increase in volume, partially offset by an 11% decrease in the average price per ton sold. Sales in the cob business remained flat. Gross profit for the Group increased $0.8 million, or 3%.
Operating expenses for the Group decreased $0.9 million, or 4%, over 2008, and is primarily related to decreased pension expense as a result of the freezing of the Company’s defined benefit plan.
Retail Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2009 2008
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $161,938  $173,071 
Cost of sales  114,928   121,945 
   
Gross profit  47,010   51,126 
Operating, administrative and general  49,575   50,089 
Interest expense  961   886 
Other income, net  683   692 
   
Operating income (loss) $(2,843) $843 
   
Operating results for the Retail Group decreased $3.7 million over its 2008 results. Sales decreased $11.1 million, or 6%, over 2008 and were experienced in all of the Group’s market areas. Customer counts decreased 2% and the average sale per customer decreased 4%. Gross profit decreased $4.1 million, or 8%, due to the decreased sales as well as a half a point decrease in gross margin percentage. As mentioned previously, the Group closed its Lima, Ohio store in the fourth quarter of 2009.

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Operating expenses for the Group decreased $0.5 million, or 1%, in spite of $0.8 million in severance costs related to the closing of the Lima, Ohio store.
Other
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2009 2008
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $  $ 
Cost of sales      
   
Gross profit      
Operating, administrative and general  4,652   3,310 
Interest expense  534   394 
Equity in earnings of affiliates  3     
Other income (loss), net  1,958   (1,138)
   
Operating (loss) $(3,225) $(4,842)
   
Corporate operating, administrative and general expenses (costs not allocated back to the business units) increased $1.3 million, or 41%, over 2008 and relates primarily to increased charitable contributions and increased expenses for the Company’s deferred compensation plan. These increases were partially offset by a reduction of expenses related to the Company’s defined benefit plan as a result of the pension freeze announced during the third quarter of 2009. The increase in expenses related to the deferred compensation plan are offset by increases to other income as the assets invested in the plan performed better than the prior year.
As a result of the operating performances noted above, income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. of $38.4 million for 2009 was 17% higher than the income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. of $32.9 million in 2008. Income tax expense of $21.9 million was recorded in 2009 at an effective rate of 36.4% which is an increase from the 2008 effective rate of 33.4% due primarily to certain Indiana state tax credits related to TACE that were a benefit to the Company in 2008.
Comparison of 2008 with 2007
Grain & Ethanol Group
                
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $2,411,144 $1,498,652  $2,411,144 $1,498,652 
Cost of sales 2,300,190 1,419,285  2,300,190 1,419,285 
    
Gross profit 110,954 79,367  110,954 79,367 
Operating, administrative and general 53,066 47,008  60,281 49,641 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 7,215 2,633 
Interest expense 18,667 8,739  18,667 8,739 
Equity in earnings of affiliates 4,027 31,870  4,027 31,870 
Other income, net 4,751 11,721  4,751 11,721 
Minority interest in net loss / (income) of subsidiary 2,803 1,356 
Minority interest in loss of subsidiary 2,803 1,356 
    
Operating income $43,587 $65,934  $43,587 $65,934 
    
Operating results for the Grain & Ethanol Group deceased $22.3 million over 2007. Sales of grain increased $708.3 million, or 60%, over 2007 and is the result of both an increase in volume of 15% and a 40% increase in the average price per bushel sold. Almost all of the volume increase is a result of corn sales to TAME, which started production of ethanol in February 2008. Sales of ethanol increased $197.1 million, or 76%, and is related primarily to the increased sales from ethanol produced by TAME as well as increases from ethanol produced by The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC (“TACE”), which began operations in the middle of the second quarter of 2007. Merchandising revenues increased $0.6 million, or 1%, over 2007 and relates to increased corn origination fees to non-ethanol entities. Services provided to

31


the ethanol industry increased $6.5 million, or 50%, and relate primarily to increased activity associated with TAME and TACE.
Gross profit increased $31.6 million, or 40%, for the Group, and is a combination of the increased ethanol service fees, a $9.4 million, or 72%, increase in margin on grain sales, a $7.1 million increase in drying and mixing income, which is income earned when wet grain is received into the elevator and dried to an acceptable moisture level, and gains on commodity derivatives of $7.5 million entered into by the Company’s majority owned subsidiary, The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”). TAEI’s commodity derivatives are being used to economically hedge price risk related to TAMEs corn purchases and ethanol sales.

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Operating expenses for the Group increased $6.1$10.6 million, or 13%21%, over 2007 and is spread across several expense items,related primarily employee related costs, and is a result of growth. Theto an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts increasedof $4.6 million compared to 2007 and relates primarily tofor reserves taken against customer receivables for contracts where grain was not delivered and the contracts were subsequently cancelled. The remaining increase is spread across several expense items, primarily employee related costs, and is a result of growth. Interest expense for the Group increased $9.9 million, or 114%, over 2007. The significant increase in commodity prices earlier in the year and the need to cover margin requirements, which led to an increase in average borrowings, is the main driver for the increase in interest costs for the Group.
Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $27.8 million, or 87%, from 2007. The decrease from the Company’s ethanol LLCs was $21.5 million and the decrease from Lansing Trade Group LLC (“LTG”) was $6.5 million due to counterparty losses recorded during the fourth quarter. With the ethanol LLCs, the decrease in earnings is a result of the pricing relationship between corn and ethanol which has made it extremely difficult to produce ethanol at a profit. As part of its Risk Management Policy with these entities, the Company attempts to lock in a reasonable margin using forward contracting, however, as the price of corn began to rise and the price of ethanol began to drop, there were limited opportunities to lock in reasonable margins. Each of the ethanol facilities are installing control equipment which is expected to increase throughput capacity, energy efficiencies and decrease emissions. It is expected that this new technology will produce significant cost savings for these entities. The projects are expected to be competed within the next year. The decrease in earnings from LTG were primarily the result of counterparty credit issues that surfaced during the fourth quarter in LTG’s corn originations business that resulted in significant reserves being recorded.
Rail Group
                
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $133,898 $129,932  $133,898 $129,932 
Cost of sales 96,843 92,892  96,843 92,892 
    
Gross profit 37,055 37,040  37,055 37,040 
Operating, administrative and general 13,392 12,580  13,645 12,661 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 253 81 
Interest expense 4,154 5,912  4,154 5,912 
Other income, net 526 1,038  526 1,038 
    
Operating income $19,782 $19,505  $19,782 $19,505 
    
Operating results for the Rail Group increased $0.3 million over 2007. Sales for the Group increased $4.0 million, or 3%, and is the result of a $6.6 million increase in lease income and a $1.2 million increase in the Group’s repair and fabrication shops, offset by a $3.8 million decrease in car sales. The increase in leasing revenue is a result of the Group’s 5% increase in its rail fleet. The addition of the two repair shops in 2008 contributed to their increased sales for the year Gross profit for the Group remained relatively flat for the year. Gross profit in the leasing business increased $2.8 million, or 12%, with a 1% increase in margin percentage. Gross profit on car sales decreased $4.1 million as a result of the decreased sales as well as the mix of cars sold. Scrap sales were up for the year however scrap prices have recently declined, resulting in lower margins. Gross profit in the repair and fabrication business increased $1.2 million as a result of improved margins.

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Operating expenses for the Group increased $0.8$1.0 million, or 6%8%, over the prior year and relate primarily to the new rail shops. Interest expense for the Group continues to decrease as it pays off its long-term debt. The majority of the decrease in other income is related to a property insurance claim received in 2007 in the amount of $0.3 million.

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Plant Nutrient Group
                
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $652,509 $466,458  $652,509 $466,458 
Cost of sales 618,519 415,856  618,519 415,856 
    
Gross profit 33,990 50,602  33,990 50,602 
Operating, administrative and general 40,560 22,297  41,598 22,652 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,038 355 
Interest expense 5,616 1,804  5,616 1,804 
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates 6  (7) 6  (7)
Other income, net 893 916  893 916 
    
Operating income (loss) $(12,325) $27,055  $(12,325) $27,055 
    
Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group decreased $39.4 million over its 2007 results. Sales increased $186.1 million, or 40%, over 2007 due to earlier in the year price appreciation in fertilizer which caused the average price per ton sold for the year to be 71% higher than it was in 2007. As prices started to decline during the last several months of 2008 and sales volume decreased, the Company was left with a large inventory position valued higher than the current market. This resulted in lower-of-cost or market and contract adjustments in the amount of $97.2 million. The price appreciation earlier in the year accompanied with the charges taken later in the year as prices fell, have contributed to the decrease in gross profit of $16.6 million and a decrease in gross profit per ton sold of 24%.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $18.3$18.9 million, or 82%84%, over 2007. The Group’s acquisitions during 2008 contributed to $11.9 million of the increase. Maintenance expenses increased $1.5 million due to delays in projects in the prior year that were performed in 2008. The remaining increase in operating expenses is spread amongst several items. The allowance for doubtful accounts increased $0.7 million as a result of more specifically identified higher risk accounts as well as an increase in the total accounts receivable balance.
Interest expense increased $3.8 million, of which, $0.4 million relates to interest on debt assumed from Douglass Fertilizer.in its acquisitions. The remaining increase is the result of a higher use of working capital due to higher fertilizer prices earlier in the year.
Turf & Specialty Group
                
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $118,856 $103,530  $118,856 $103,530 
Cost of sales 94,152 83,792  94,152 83,792 
    
Gross profit 24,704 19,738  24,704 19,738 
Operating, administrative and general 21,158 18,462  21,307 18,606 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 149 144 
Interest expense 1,522 1,475  1,522 1,475 
Other income, net 446 438  446 438 
    
Operating income $2,321 $95  $2,321 $95 
    
Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group increased $2.2 million over its 2007 results. Sales increased $15.3 million, or 15%. In the lawn care business, sales increased $13.9 million, or 16%, primarily in the professional business, and is attributed to a 14% increase in the average price per ton sold. In the cob business, sales increased $1.4 million, or 10%, and can be attributed to a 4% increase in volume and a 5% increase in the average price per ton sold. Gross profit for the Group increased $5.0 million, or 25%. In the lawn care business, gross profit was up $4.0 million with a 2% increase in the margin

33


percentage. In the cob business, gross profit was up $0.9 million with a 4% increase in the margin percentage.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $2.7 million, or 15%, over 2007, and are up in many areas, primarily related to the new Contec DG plant.

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Retail Group
                
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $173,071 $180,487  $173,071 $180,487 
Cost of sales 121,945 127,522  121,945 127,522 
    
Gross profit 51,126 52,965  51,126 52,965 
Operating, administrative and general 50,034 52,737  50,089 52,791 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 55 54 
Interest expense 886 875  886 875 
Other income, net 692 840  692 840 
    
Operating income $843 $139  $843 $139 
    
Operating results for the Retail Group increased $0.7 million over its 2007 results. Sales decreased $7.4 million, or 4%, over 2007 and were experienced in all three of the Group’s market areas. Gross profit decreased 3% due to a 4% decrease in customer counts for the year partially offset by a slight increase in margin percentage. The slight increase in margin percentage is a result of the mix of products sold.
Operating expenses for the Group decreased $2.7 million, or 5%, and is a result of the planned reduction in labor and benefits costs as well as the asset impairment charge taken in the fourth quarter of 2007 in the amount of $1.9 million.
Other
                
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2008 2007 2008 2007
    
Sales and merchandising revenues $ $  $ $ 
Cost of sales      
    
Gross profit      
Operating, administrative and general 3,310 13,402  3,310 13,402 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   
Interest expense (income) 394 243  394 243 
Other income, net  (1,138) 6,778 
Other income (loss), net  (1,138) 6,778 
    
Operating (loss) $(4,842) $(6,867) $(4,842) $(6,867)
    
Net corporate operating expenses not allocated back to the business units decreased $10.1 million, or 75%, over 2007 and relate primarily to reduced employee costs for corporate level employees and lower charitable contributions.
Other income decreased $7.9 million over 2007 and is a combination of the 2007 gain on the donation of available for sale securities of $4.9 million and 2008 losses of $2.0 million on deferred compensation assets.
As a result of the operating performances noted above, the Company’s pretax income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. of $49.4$32.9 million for 2008 was 53%52% lower than the pretax income of $105.9$68.8 million in 2007. Income tax expense of $16.5 million was recorded in 2008 at an effective rate of 33.4% which is a decrease from the 2007 effective rate of 35% due primarily to certain Indiana state tax credits related to TACE.
Comparison of 2007 with 2006
Operating income for the Company was $105.9 million in 2007, an increase of $51.4 million over 2006. The 2007 net income of $68.8 million was $32.4 million higher than 2006. Basic earnings per share of $3.86 increased $1.59 from 2006 and diluted earnings per share of $3.75 increased $1.56 from 2006.

2934


Grain & Ethanol Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $1,498,652  $791,207 
Cost of sales  1,419,285   728,398 
   
Gross profit  79,367   62,809 
Operating, administrative and general  47,008   44,164 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  2,633   (5)
Interest expense  8,739   6,562 
Equity in earnings of affiliates  31,870   8,183 
Other income, net  11,721   7,684 
Minority interest in net loss / (income) of subsidiary  1,356    
   
Operating income $65,934  $27,955 
   
Operating results for the Grain & Ethanol Group increased $38.0 million, or 136%, over 2006. Sales of grain (corn, soybeans, wheat and oats) totaled $1,180.2 million in 2007, an increase of $442.9 million, or 60%, over the same period last year. The 2007 sales include $149.8 million in sales of corn to the ethanol LLCs in which the Company invests in. This compares to sales of $23.5 million in 2006. While the escalation in grain prices in 2007 contributed to the increase in grain sales with the average price per bushel sold increasing 33%, volumes also increased almost 20% and can be attributed primarily to the increased sales to the ethanol LLCs. Both the volume and price increases can be attributed to the increased demand for corn from the ethanol industry. Merchandising revenues increased $16.1 million, or 50% over 2006. Most of this increase came in space income through basis appreciation and storage income, as there were more wheat bushels in storage in 2007 than there were in 2006. Customer service fees earned for forward contracting also increased substantially. Sales of ethanol totaled $257.6 million for the year compared to just $17.5 million in 2006. Service fees earned for services provided to ethanol facilities, which include management fees, corn origination fees and ethanol and DDG marketing fees were $13.7 million in 2007, an increase of $9.5 million, as two of the facilities that the Company provides services for were fully operational for all or a portion of 2007. In 2006, only one facility was operational during the second half of the year.
Gross profit for the Group increased $16.6 million, or 26%, over 2006 due to the increases in space income and ethanol service fees mentioned previously. Gross profit on the $257.6 million of ethanol sold is limited to a small, per-gallon commission, which is included in the ethanol service fees.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $5.5 million, or 12%, over 2006. Approximately $1.8 million of this increase is the result of reserves taken against customer accounts receivable balances on undelivered commodity contracts. The remaining increase in operating expenses was due to a variety of factors including increased personnel costs, including labor and performance incentives.
Interest expense for the Group increased $2.2 million, or 33%, over 2006 as a result of higher interest rates, higher average borrowing to finance increased commodity values and margin call requirements.
Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $23.7 million, or 289%, over 2006. The Company earned $15.3 million from its investment in Lansing Trade Group LLC. Two of the ethanol entities that the Group invests in, The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC (“TAAE”) and The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC (“TACE”), were in operations in 2007, one for the entire year, and one began production in early May. Income earned from those two entities was $11.2 million and $7.7 million, respectively. As an offset, the Group has an investment in an ethanol entity that was in the pre-production stage at December 31, 2007 and losses recognized on that investment were $2.0 million in 2007.
Other income increased $4.0 million over 2006 as a result of development fees earned in the first quarter of 2007 for the formation of an ethanol LLC.

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Rail Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $129,932  $113,326 
Cost of sales  92,892   75,509 
   
Gross profit  37,040   37,817 
Operating, administrative and general  12,580   11,615 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  81   353 
Interest expense  5,912   6,817 
Other income, net  1,038   511 
   
Operating income $19,505  $19,543 
   
Operating results for the Rail Group decreased less than $0.1 million over the 2006 results. Leasing revenue increased $7.1 million, or 9%, over 2006 which is a direct result of the 8% increase in the Group’s fleet. While lease rates on new deals are down from last year, the lease rates on renewals are higher than the leases they are replacing which is also contributing to the increased income. Car sales have increased $9.3 million, or 43%, over 2006, all the increase of which occurred through non-recourse financings. Sales in the repair and fabrication shops increased only slightly at $0.2 million.
Gross profit for the Group decreased by $0.8 million, or 2%, over 2006. Gross profit in the leasing business declined $1.8 million, or 7%, as maintenance expense per car continues to be higher, on average, over the prior year. Gross profit on car sales increased $2.2 million over 2006, strictly as a result of the increased sales. Gross profit in the repair and fabrication shops suffered significantly in 2007 with a decrease of $1.2 million over 2006. This is due primarily to the product mix of sales within the fabrication business, with more lower margin activity occurring in 2007 and not as much rail component activity which has historically provided better margins.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $0.7 million, or 6% over 2006 and can be attributed mostly to increased stock compensation expense and self insured worker’s compensation expense.
Interest expense decreased $0.9 million, or 13%, as the Group continues to pay down its long term debt obligations.
Other income increased $0.5 million over 2006. A portion of this increase is income received from an investment in a rail trust acquired in the third quarter of 2007, which holds and leases railcars. This investment is accounted for under the cost method and income is recognized through other income as cash is received. The remaining increase in other income is the result of a business interruption settlement the Group received in the second quarter of 2007 from the loss of business as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Plant Nutrient Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $466,458  $265,038 
Cost of sales  415,856   240,915 
   
Gross profit  50,602   24,123 
Operating, administrative and general  22,297   18,988 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  355   35 
Interest expense  1,804   2,828 
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates  (7)  7 
Other income, net  916   1,008 
   
Operating income $27,055  $3,287 
   
Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group increased $23.8 million, or 723%, over 2006. Sales for the Group increased $199.9 million due to both a 43% increase in volume and a 24% increase in the average price per ton sold. As mentioned previously, the significant increase in corn acres planted in 2007 created an increase in demand for nutrient products as corn requires more nutrients than other crops. Merchandising revenues for the Group increased $1.5 million due to increased storage and application income earned.

31


Gross profit for the Group increased $26.5 million, or 110%, over 2006 due to significantly improved margins, especially in the wholesale fertilizer business. Higher sales activity due to escalation in prices, good planting conditions and favorable inventory positioning can all be cited as reasons for the improved margins.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $3.6 million, or 19%, over 2006. The improved performance in 2007 led to higher performance incentives earned by the Group and the higher activity created additional labor, maintenance and repair needs.
Interest expense for the Group decreased $1.0 million, or 36%, over 2006 and relates primarily to higher interest rates and higher working capital needs.
Turf & Specialty Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $103,530  $111,284 
Cost of sales  83,792   89,556 
   
Gross profit  19,738   21,728 
Operating, administrative and general  18,462   17,891 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  144   151 
Interest expense  1,475   1,555 
Other income, net  438   1,115 
   
Operating income $95  $3,246 
   
Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group decreased $3.2 million, or 97%, over 2006. Sales in the lawn fertilizer business decreased $8.3 million, or 9%, from 2006 primarily in the consumer and industrial lines. Decreasing volumes and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in the average price per ton sold, have caused this decrease year over year. On the professional side, sales decreased only slightly for the year with a decrease of $1.0 million, or just under 2%. Poor weather conditions during the summer months caused less application and therefore lower demand. In the cob business, sales increased $0.6 million, or 4%, over 2006. This can be attributed to both increased volumes and increases in the price per ton sold.
Gross profit for the Group decreased $2.0 million, or 9%, over 2006. In the lawn fertilizer business, all the decrease can be attributed to the lower sales within the consumer and industrial line. Gross margin in this line of business remained relatively flat year over year. In the cob business, gross profit decreased $0.5 million, or 14%, due to a cob shortage during the first half of the year which required the Group to purchase processed cobs from a third party at higher costs. As mentioned previously, the cob harvest at the end of 2007 was much better than the previous year and is expected to contribute to improved results in 2008 as the need to outsource processed cobs will be less.
Both operating expenses and interest expense experienced only slight changes over the prior year. A majority of the decrease in other income is the result of a non-recurring gain in 2006 from an insurance settlement received for one of its cob tanks that had previously been destroyed in a fire.

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Retail Group
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $180,487  $177,198 
Cost of sales  127,522   124,435 
   
Gross profit  52,965   52,763 
Operating, administrative and general  52,737   49,170 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  54   61 
Interest expense  875   1,245 
Other income, net  840   865 
   
Operating income $139  $3,152 
   
Operating results for the Retail Group decreased $3.0 million, or 96%, over 2006. Total sales increased slightly for the year however same store sales decreased nearly 1.5%. A weak Christmas selling season and overall economic conditions contributed to these results.
Total gross profit for the Group increased $0.2 million, or less than 1%, from 2006. Margins decreased nearly 1.5% due to a combination of mark-downs and the mix of products sold.
Operating expenses for the Group increased $3.6 million, or 7%, over 2006. A large portion of this increase, $1.9 million, is a result of the write-down of certain Retail Group assets that were determined to be impaired. The remaining increase in operating expenses can be attributed to pre-opening and operating costs of the Group’s new food market.
The reduction in interest expense for the Group relates primarily to a change in the amount of Corporate interest allocated to the Group.
Other
         
  Year ended December 31,
  2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $  $ 
Cost of sales      
   
Gross profit      
Operating, administrative and general  13,402   8,153 
Allowance for doubtful accounts      
Interest expense (income)  243   (2,708)
Other income, net  6,778   2,731 
   
Operating (loss) $(6,867) $(2,714)
   
Net Corporate operating expense not allocated to business segments increased $5.2 million, or 64%, from 2006 due primarily to an increase in charitable contributions of $4.0 million. Because of the significant increase in the Company’s income over 2006, contributions increased significantly. The Company also saw increases in stock compensation and performance incentives for corporate office employees.
The change in interest expense (credit) is due to a change in the allocation of interest income that is now passed back the business segments.
Other income increased primarily due to realized gains on available-for-sale securities that were donated to various charities as part of the Company’s charitable giving. A majority of this gain was offset by charitable giving expense included above.
As a result of the operating performances noted above, pretax income of $105.9 million for 2007 was 94% higher than the pretax income of $54.5 million in 2006. Income tax expense of $37.1 million was recorded in 2007 at an effective rate of 35% which is an increase from the 2006 effective rate of 33%. In 2006, the Company benefited from a credit available to small ethanol producers due to its investment in TAAE. The Company did not benefit from this credit in 2007.

33


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities and Liquidity
The Company’s operations provided cash of $180.2 million in 2009, a decrease of $98.4 million from cash provided by operations of $278.7 million in 2008, a $437 million improvement to the use of cash in 2007 of $158 million.2008. The significant increase inamount of operating cash flows over 2007in 2008 relates primarily to a significant decrease in the amount of margin call requirements.requirements as commodity prices dropped from the unprecedented highs experiences in 2007. Net working capital at December 31, 20082009 was $330.7$307.7 million, an increasea decrease of $153.0$23.0 million from December 31, 2007.2008.
Due to recent market declines which have impacted the assets held in the Company’s defined benefit pension plan, the Company made an additional $5 million contribution for the 2008 fiscal year for a total contribution of $10 million. The Company madereceived net income tax paymentsrefunds of $49.7$24.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, compared to $24.1$49.7 million of income tax payments made in 2007.2008. The Company makes quarterly tax payments based on full-year estimated income. Through the first nine months of 2008, the Company anticipated significantly higher earnings and were making quarterly income payments accordingly. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the market price of fertilizer decreased dramatically requiring the Company to record lower-of-cost-or market adjustments on its inventory and purchase commitments in the amount of $97.2 million. The significantly decreased earnings resulted in lower income taxes due and as of December 31, 2008 the Company had over-paid its income tax liability for the year. The majority of this over-payment was refunded in the first quarter of 2009.
Investing Activities
Total capital spending for 20082009 on property, plant and equipment within the Company’s base business was $20.3$16.6 million, which includes $10.5$6.6 million in the Plant Nutrient Group, $5.3$6.2 million in the Grain & Ethanol Group, $2.0$1.3 million in the Turf & Specialty Group, $0.9$1.2 million in the Retail Group, $0.7$0.3 million in the Rail Group and $0.9$1.0 million in Corporate purchases.
In addition to spending on conventional property, plant and equipment, the Company spent $98.0$25.0 million in 20082009 for the purchase of railcars and capitalized modifications on railcars, partially offset by proceeds from the sales and dispositions of railcars of $68.5$8.5 million.
The Company increased its investments in affiliates by $41.4 million in 2008. This includes a $31.6 million additional investment in Lansing Trade Group LLC, bringing the Company’s ownership interest to approximately 49%. In addition, the Company increased its investments in TAME by $9.8 million. The Company’s share of this investment remains at 50%.
In May 2008,August 2009, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of Douglass Fertizlier & Chemical, Inc. The final purchase price, net of cash received upon acquisition was $7.8 million. This acquisition diversifies the Company’s product line offering and expands its geographic market outsideassets of the traditional Midwest row crops and into Florida’s specialty crops. In August 2008, the Company acquired three pelleted lime production facilities in Ohio, Illinois, and Nebraska to expand its pelleted lime capabilities.Fertilizer Division of Hartung Brothers, Inc. (“HBI”). The final purchase price was $5.1$30.5 million. BothHBI is a regional wholesale supplier of these acquisitions are withinliquid fertilizers with six facilities located in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This acquisition enhances the core business of the Company’s Plant Nutrient Group.
In September 2008,Group and extends their market beyond the Company completed the purchase of a grain storage facility for $7.1 million and finalized leasing arrangements for two others. These three facilities provide the Company with 7.7 million bushels of additional storage capacity, bringing the Company’s total capacity to 91.4 million bushels throughout the Eastern Corn Belt.eastern corn-belt.
The Company expects to spend approximately $53$55 million in 20092010 on conventional property, plant and equipment, including additions and enhancements to existing facilities, and an additional $75 million for the purchase and capitalized modifications of railcars with related sales or financings of $65$72 million.
Financing Arrangements
The Company has significant committed short-term lines of credit available to finance working capital, primarily inventories, margin calls on commodity contracts and accounts receivable. The Company is party to a borrowing arrangement with a syndicate of banks, which was amended in April 2008,2009, to provide the Company with $655$490 million in short-term lines of credit. The arrangement also includes a temporary flex line, which was amendedcredit and $85 million in October 2008, allowing the Company an additional $161 millionlong-term lines of borrowing capacity. The temporary flex line matures in April 2009 and the line of credit matures in September 2009.credit. The Company had notnothing drawn on its short-term line of credit at either December 31, 2009 or 2008. This is a $245.5 million decrease from the short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2007 and is due primarily to the significant decrease in margin call requirements. Peak borrowing on the line of credit during 20082009 was $666.9$92.7 million in March when commodity prices were at all time highs.on February 6th. Typically, the Company’s highest borrowing occurs in the spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in the fertilizer and retail businesses, credit sales of fertilizer and a customary reduction in grain payables due

34


to the cash needs and market strategies of grain customers. In addition to amending its short-term lines during 2008, the Company entered into a $195 million long-term note purchase agreement during the first quarter and a $16.2 million bond note during the third quarter.
Certain of the Company’s long-term borrowings include covenants that, among other things, impose minimum levels of working capital and equity, and limitations on additional debt. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at December 31, 2008.2009. In addition, certain of the Company’s long-term borrowings are collateralized by first mortgages on various facilities or are collateralized by railcar assets. The Company’s non-recourse long-term debt is collateralized by railcar and locomotive assets.

35


A cash dividend of $0.0475
The Company paid $0.0775 per common share wasfor the dividends paid in January and April 2008, $0.085 per common share for the first three quarters of 2007. A cash dividend of $0.0775 wasdividends paid in July and October 2008 and January 2009, $0.0875 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first and second quarters of 2008. A cash dividend of $0.085 wasdividends paid in the thirdApril, July and fourth quarter of 2008October 2009 and the first quarter of 2009.January 2010. During 2008,2009, the Company issued approximately 203,000171,000 shares to employees and directors under its share compensation plans. In addition, the Company repurchased approximately 77,00020,000 shares during the fourthfirst quarter of 20082009 for $0.9$0.2 million.
Because the Company is a significant consumer of short-term debt in peak seasons and the majority of this is variable rate debt, increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on the profitability of the Company. In addition, periods of high grain prices and / or unfavorable market conditions could require the Company to make additional margin deposits on its exchange traded futures contracts. Conversely, in periods of declining prices, the Company receives a return of cash.
The recent volatility in the capital and credit markets has had a significant impact on the economy. WhileDespite this volatile and challenging economic environment, is a reality, the Company has continued to have good access to the credit markets. For example, at its high, the Company had over $920 million of committed borrowing capacity on its short-term line of credit. This is significantly higher than our peak borrowing of $666.9 million. The Company’s short-term credit facility has a three year commitment and expires in September 2009. The Company is already in the process of renewing this line and expects to close at the beginning of the second quarter. There are currently 22 banks in the bank group and the Company has been informed that not all of the banks will participate in the renewal. While certain banks have indicated that they will not participate, others have shown interest in joining the bank group. With this, the Company expects a less than 20% reduction in the total commitment. Based on preliminary discussions with the bank, the Company does not expect any changes to covenants. Over the past months, the Company has been able to successfully work with its lenders to expand and contract its borrowing capacity under the short-term line as needed to ensure that it has an adequate liquidity cushion. This is due, in part, to the fact that the Company reduced its reliance on short-term credit facilities by raising $211.2 million in long-term debt during 2008.2011. In the unlikely event that the Company were faced with a situation where it was not able to access the capital markets (including through the renewal of its line of credit), the Company believes it could successfully implement contingency plans to maintain adequate liquidity such as expanding or contracting the amount of its forward grain contracting, which will reduce the impact of grain price volatility on its daily margin calls. Additionally, the Company could begin to liquidate its stored grain inventory as well as execute sales contracts with its customers that align the timing of the receipt of grain from its producers to the shipment of grain to its customers (thereby freeing up working capital that is typically utilized to store the grain for extended periods of time). The Company believes that its operating cash flow, the marketability of its grain inventories, other liquidity contingency plans and its access to sufficient sources of liquidity, will enable it to meet its ongoing funding requirements. At December 31, 2008,2009, the Company had $800.6$560.9 million available under its short-term linelines of credit.

3536


Contractual Obligations
Future payments due under contractual obligations at December 31, 20082009 are as follows:
                                        
 Payments Due by Period Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations Less than 1 After 5   Less than 1 After 5  
(in thousands) year 1-3 years 3-5 years years Total year 1-3 years 3-5 years years Total
    
Long-term debt (a) $14,594 $116,731 $27,619 $149,605 $308,549  $5,855 $116,608 $22,444 $149,704 $294,611 
Long-term debt non-recourse (a) 13,147 19,034 20,146 875 53,202  5,080 8,906 10,364  24,350 
Interest obligations(b) 19,245 31,175 19,511 24,829 94,760  16,605 24,352 18,072 16,693 75,722 
Uncertain tax positions 152 540 66  758  361 232 28  621 
Operating leases (b)(c) 27,915 48,140 24,297 29,317 129,669  25,849 37,699 17,232 22,905 103,685 
Purchase commitments (c)(d) 860,412 92,701 2,997 739 956,849  973,636 99,581 2,080 726 1,076,023 
Other long-term liabilities (d)(e) 6,113 2,405 2,575 6,950 18,043  7,162 2,478 2,661 7,119 19,420 
    
Total contractual cash obligations $941,578 $310,726 $97,211 $212,315 $1,561,830  $1,034,548 $289,856 $72,881 $197,147 $1,594,432 
    
 
(a) The Company is subject to various loan covenants as highlighted previously. Although the Company is and has been in compliance with its covenants, noncompliance could result in default and acceleration of long-term debt payments. The Company does not anticipate noncompliance with its covenants.
 
(b) Future interest obligations are calculated based off of interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2009 for the Company’s variable rate debt and do not include any assumptions on expected borrowings, if any, under the short-term line of credit.
(c)Approximately 84% of the operating lease commitments above relate to 8,7007,514 railcars and 1214 locomotives that the Company leases from financial intermediaries. See “Off-Balance Sheet Transactions” below.
 
(c) Includes the amounts related to purchase obligations in the Company’s operating units, including $622$745 million for the purchase of grain from producers (of which $0.9 million were under delayed price contracts in which the price is not yet set) and $262$287 million for the purchase of ethanol from our ethanol joint ventures. There are also forward grain and ethanol sales contracts to consumers and traders and the net of these forward contracts are offset by exchange-traded futures and options contracts or over-the-counter contracts. See narrative description of business for the Grain & Ethanol Group in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
 
(d) Other long-term liabilities include estimated obligations under our retiree healthcare programs and the estimated 20092010 contribution to our defined benefit pension plan. Obligations under the retiree healthcare programs are not fixed commitments and will vary depending on various factors, including the level of participant utilization and inflation. Our estimates of postretirement payments through 20132014 have considered recent payment trends and actuarial assumptions. We have not estimated pension contributions beyond 20092010 due to the significant impact that return on plan assets and changes in discount rates might have on such amounts.
The Company had standby letters of credit outstanding of $15.4$14.1 million at December 31, 2008, of which $8.1 million are credit enhancements for industrial revenue bonds included in the contractual obligations table above.2009.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
The Company’s Rail Group utilizes leasing arrangements that provide off-balance sheet financing for its activities. The Company leases railcars from financial intermediaries through sale-leaseback transactions, the majority of which involve operating leasebacks. Railcars owned by the Company, or leased by the Company from a financial intermediary, are generally leased to a customer under an operating lease. The Company also arranges non-recourse lease transactions under which it sells railcars or locomotives to a financial intermediary, and assigns the related operating lease to the financial intermediary on a non-recourse basis. In such arrangements, the Company generally provides ongoing railcar maintenance and management services for the financial intermediary, and receives a fee for such services. On most of the railcars and locomotives, the Company holds an option to purchase these assets at the end of the lease.

3637


The following table describes the railcar and locomotive positions of the Rail Group at December 31, 2008.2009.
       
Method of Control Financial Statement Number
 
Owned-railcars available for sale On balance sheet - current  14255 
Owned-railcar assets leased to others On balance sheet - non-current  12,64013,930 
Railcars leased from financial intermediaries Off balance sheet  8,7007,514 
Railcars non-recourse arrangements Off balance sheet  2,1782,181 
      
Total Railcars
    23,66023,680 
      
       
Locomotive assets leased to others On balance sheet - non-current  2528 
Locomotives leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet4
Locomotives – leased from financial intermediaries under limited recourse arrangements Off balance sheet  1214 
Locomotives non-recourse arrangements Off balance sheet  8778 
      
Total Locomotives
    124 
      
In addition, the Company manages approximately 792755 railcars for third-party customers or owners for which it receives a fee.
The Company has future lease payment commitments aggregating $109.4$87.0 million for the railcars leased by the Company from financial intermediaries under various operating leases. Remaining lease terms vary with none exceeding twelveeleven years. The majority of these railcars have been leased to customers at December 31, 2008 over similar terms. The Company prefers non-recourse lease transactions, whenever possible, in order to minimize its credit risk. Refer to Note 10 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information on the Company’s leasing activities.
In addition to the railcar counts above, the Grain & Ethanol Group owns 150 railcars which it leases to third parties under operating leases. These cars are included in railcar assets leased to others in the consolidated balance sheets.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The process of preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities as well as the recognition of revenues and expenses. These estimates and judgments are based on the Company’s historical experience and management’s knowledge and understanding of current facts and circumstances. Certain of the Company’s accounting estimates are considered critical, as they are important to the depiction of the Company’s financial statements and/or require significant or complex judgment by management. There are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, however, they are not deemed critical as defined above. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 describes our significant accounting policies which should be read in conjunction with our critical accounting estimates.
Grain Inventories and Commodity Derivative Contracts
The Company marks to market all grain inventory, forward purchase and sale contracts for grain and ethanol, over-the-counter grain and ethanol contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts. The overall market for grain inventories is very liquid and active; market value is determined by reference to prices for identical commodities on the Chicago Board of TradeMercantile Exchange (adjusted primarily for primarily transportation costs); and the Company’s grain inventories may be sold without significant additional processing.. Commodity derivative contracts representprocessing. The Company uses forward purchase and sale contracts and both exchange traded and over-the-counter contracts.contracts (such as derivatives governed by the International Swap Dealers Association). Management estimates fair value based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets, as well as counter-party non-performance risk in the case of forward and over-the-counter contracts. Unprecedented market conditions in the grain industry have led to increases in the risk of non-performance by the counterparties. The amount of risk, and therefore the impact to the fair value of the contracts, varies by type of

38


contract and type of counter-party. With the exception of specific customers thought to be at higher risk, the Company looks at the contracts in total, segregated by contract type, in its assessment of nonperformance risk. For those customers that are thought to be at higher risk, the Company makes assumptions as to performance based on past history and facts about the current situation. Changes in fair value are recorded as a component of sales and

37


merchandising revenues in the statement of income. The recent decrease in commodity prices from their historic highs during the first half of 2008, along with the completion of the fall harvest, have significantly mitigated the Company’s counterparty nonperformance risk. The total value of negative contract equity (i.e. the aggregate amounts for which the current market prices of the quantities of the underlying commodities exceed the amounts for which the Company’s producers have contracted to sell to the Company for) at December 31, 2008 was $89.4 million, compared to $238.3 million at December 31, 2007. If management used different methods or factors to estimate fair value or if there were changes in economic circumstances or deterioration of the financial condition of the counterparties to the contracts, the amounts reported as inventories, commodity derivative assets and liabilities and sales and merchandising revenues could differ. At December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the Company had $0.8$2.1 million and $2.9$0.8 million, respectively, of fair value allowances relating to non-performance risk.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Equity Method Investments
The Company’s various business segments are each highly capital intensive and require significant investment in facilities and / or rolling stock.railcars. In addition, the Company has a limited amount of intangible assets and goodwill (described more fully in Note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8) that it acquired in various business combinations. Whenever changing conditions warrant, the Company assesses whether the realizability of itsthe Company’s impacted tangible and intangible assets may be impaired. Although the Company has experienced a significant decline in utilization in its railcar business, due to the nature of these long-lived assets (low carrying values and 17 year average remaining useful lives), the current economic environment impacting the rail industry would have to persist on a long-term basis for the Company’s railcar assets to be impaired and the Company does not believe this will occur.
We also annually review the balance of goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter. These reviews for impairment take into account estimates of future undiscounted, and as appropriate discounted, cash flows. Our estimates of future cash flows are based upon a number of assumptions including lease rates, lease terms, operating costs, life of the assets, potential disposition proceeds, budgets and long-range plans. While we believe the assumptions we use to estimate future cash flows are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the expected future cash flows will be realized. If management used different estimates and assumptions in its evaluation of these cash flows, the Company could recognize different amounts of expense in future periods.
The Company also holds investments in seven limited liability companies that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company reviews its investments to determine whether there has been a decline in the estimated fair value of the investment that is below the Company’s carrying value which is other than temporary. At December 31, 2008,2009, the Company’s total investment in ethanol entities accounted for usingunder the equity method of accounting was $85.9$157.4 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company determined that the continued losses incurred from its investment in TAME warranted additional assessment. In accordance with APB 18 “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock”, the Company assessed whether it was likely that TAME would, based on the Company’s reasonable assumptions, sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in TAME of $29.8 million. As part of this assessment, the Company used external market data as well as its own internal industry expertise to create assumptions about future corn, DDG and ethanol prices, TAME’s future production rate and changes to the Renewable Fuels Standard. Using these assumptions, the Company prepared a forecast of discounted cash flows from operations through 2018, using TAME’s average borrowing rates as the discount rate. The Company then compared its proportional share of those cash flows to its investment balance at December 31, 2008. The analysis performed indicated that the Company would have the ability to recover all of its investment, supporting the fact that TAME is likely to sustain earnings to justify the carrying value of the Company’s investment, and therefore, no impairment exists. For ethanol producers like TAME whereby corn is the primary raw material for the production of ethanol, the profitability of such entity will largely be attributable to the relationship between the price of corn and the price of ethanol, and accordingly, the Company’s estimates of future corn and ethanol prices is the most significant estimate utilized in its assessment of the TAME cash flows. Correspondingly, the recoverability of the Company’s investment in TAME under APB 18 will be significantly impacted by the accuracy of those assumptions. Many factors, including recent volatility in the corn markets as well as oversupply in the ethanol industry, have reduced current margins to levels which are presently putting significant pressure on ethanol entities to achieve profitability. For a number or reasons, including the likelihood of more stabilized corn prices and anticipated reductions to the oversupply situation in the ethanol markets due to the increasing requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standards, the Company is anticipating margins to become much more favorable to ethanol producers. The Company has formed this judgment on margins based on its own internal forecasting as well as through the use of outside advisors that specialize in forecasting corn and ethanol prices and believe such assumptions to be reasonable, although clearly not certain. As the commodities used in the production of ethanol are subject to significant price volatility, the Company has the risk that the assumptions used will not be reflective of actual price trends. As the Company has the ability and intent to hold this and its other ethanol investments for the long-term, the Company will continue to monitor these assumptions going forward.
Lower-of-Cost-or-Market Inventory Adjustments
The Company records its non-grain inventory at the lower of cost or market. Whenever changing conditions warrant, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its inventory compared to the current market. Market price is determined using both external data, such as current selling prices by third parties and quoted trading prices for the same or similar products, and internal data, such as the Company’s current ask price and expectations on normal margins. If the evaluation indicates that the Company’s

38


inventory is being carried at values higher than the current market can support, the Company will write down its inventory to its best estimate of net realizable value.
Significant price volatility in the fertilizer markets, primarily in nitrogen and phosphate, and a late harvest led to delayed purchasing on the part of the farmer/producer and as a result fertilizer prices began to drop significantly. This resulted in the Company carrying high amounts of inventory at values above what it estimated it could recover. The Company prepared a lower-of-cost-or-market analysis to determine what the carrying value of the fertilizer inventory should be. Due to the low transaction volume in the market, the Company was required to make assumptions about future selling prices. The Company used various inputs including actual sales made and offers from customers and suppliers as well as equivalent offers based on known basis levels to that point. This assessment resulted in lower-of-cost or market inventory and contract adjustment of $97.2 million. An assumed 5% additional decrease in net realizable value would have resulted in an additional write-down of approximately $5.7 million.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company provides all full-time, non-retail employees with pension benefits and full-time employees hired before January 1, 2003 with postretirement health care benefits. In order to measure the expense and funded status of these employee benefit plans, management makes several estimates and assumptions, including interest rates used to discount certain liabilities, rates of return on assets set aside to fund these plans, rates of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates and anticipated future healthcare cost trends. These estimates and assumptions are based on the Company’s historical

39


experience combined with management’s knowledge and understanding of current facts and circumstances. If management used different estimates and assumptions regarding these plans, the funded status of the plans could vary significantly and the Company could recognize different amounts of expense over future periods. In 2006,2009, the Company amended itsCompany’s defined benefit pension plans were frozen effective JanuaryJuly 1, 2007. The provisions of this amendment include freezing benefits for the retail line of business employees as of December 31, 2006, modifying the calculation of benefits for the non-retail line of business employees as of December 31, 2006 with future benefits to be calculated using a new career average formula and in the case of all employees, compensation for the years 2007 through 2012 will be includable in the final average pay formula calculating the final benefit earned for years prior to December 31, 2006.2010.
Taxes
Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish reserves when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable, we believe that certain positions are likely to be challenged and that we may not prevail. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit. An estimated effective tax rate for a year is applied to our quarterly operating results. In the event there is a significant or unusual item recognized in our quarterly operating results, the tax attributable to that item is separately calculated and recorded at the same time as that item.
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The market risk inherent in the Company’s market risk-sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in commodity prices and interest rates as discussed below.
Commodity Prices
The availability and price of agricultural commodities are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, plantings, government (domestic and foreign) farm programs and policies, changes in global demand created by population growth and higher standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in purchase and sale commitments for grain and grain held in inventory, the Company enters into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that function as economic hedges. The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for economic hedging has a high, but not perfect correlation, to the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts. The less correlated portion of

39


inventory and purchase and sale contract market value (known as basis) is much less volatile than the overall market value of exchange-traded futures and tends to follow historical patterns. The Company manages this less volatile risk using its daily grain position report to constantly monitor its position relative to the price changes in the market. In addition, inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread relationships in the regulated futures markets, as the Company carries inventories over time. These spread relationships are also less volatile than the overall market value and tend to follow historical patterns but also represent a risk that cannot be directly offset. The Company’s accounting policy for its futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory positions and purchase and sale contracts, is to mark them to the market price daily and include gains and losses in the statement of income in sales and merchandising revenues.

40


A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate the Company’s exposure to market risk of its commodity position (exclusive of basis risk). The Company’s daily net commodity position consists of inventories, related purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts. The fair value of the position is a summation of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing each net position at quoted futures market prices. Market risk is estimated as the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in such prices. The result of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, is as follows:
                
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Net long (short) position $(325) $5  $3,848 $(325)
Market risk  (33) 1  385  (33)
Interest Rates
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates and credit ratings for similar types of borrowing arrangements. In addition, the Company has derivative interest rate contracts recorded in its balance sheet at their fair value. The fair value of these contracts is estimated based on quoted market termination values. Market risk, which is estimated as the potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical one-half percent decrease in interest rates, is summarized below:
                
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Fair value of long-term debt and interest rate contracts $353,905 $211,661  $327,412 $356,776 
Fair value in excess of (less than) carrying value  (10,213)  (2,795) 6,688  (7,342)
Market risk 13,217 3,339   (3,344) 9,899 

4041


Item 8.Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Andersons, Inc.
Index to Financial Statements
     
42
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  43 
     
  44 
     
Consolidated Statements45
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007Company LLC  46 
     
  47 
     
  48 
     
Notes to   49 
     
50
51
  8891 
     
  8992 

4142


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of The Andersons, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.2009. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission inInternal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on the results of this assessment and on those criteria, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2008,2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2009, as stated in their report which follows in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

4243


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
of The Andersons, Inc.:
     In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Andersons, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 20082009 and December 31, 2007,2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20082009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2009, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Lansing Trade Group, LLC, an entity in which The Andersons, Inc. has an investment in and accounts for under the equity method of accounting, and for which The Andersons, Inc. recorded $5.781 million and $8.776 million of equity in earnings of affiliates for the yearyears ended December 31, 2008.2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The financial statements of Lansing Trade Group, LLC as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and for each the yearyears then ended were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion on the financial statements of The Andersons, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and for the yearyears ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Lansing Trade Group, LLC, is based solely on the report of the other auditors. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
     As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for noncontrolling interest in 2009.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

44


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Toledo, Ohio
February 27, 2009
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Toledo, Ohio
February 26, 2010

4345


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Lansing Trade Group, LLC
Overland Park, Kansas
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Lansing Trade Group, LLC and subsidiariesSubsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, members’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the yearyears then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As disclosed in Note 1, during 2009 the Company changed its method of presentation of certain derivative instruments and adopted new accounting guidance applicable to the reporting of noncontrolling interests.
     
  
/s/Crowe Chizek and Company LLC  
LLP
Crowe Chizek and Company LLC 
LLP  
Elkhart, Indiana
February 20, 200919, 2010

4446


The Andersons, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
             
  Year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per common share data) 2008 2007 2006
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $3,489,478  $2,379,059  $1,458,053 
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues  3,231,649   2,139,347   1,258,813 
   
Gross profit  257,829   239,712   199,240 
             
Operating, administrative and general expenses  181,520   166,486   149,981 
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable  8,710   3,267   595 
Interest expense  31,239   19,048   16,299 
Other income / gains:            
Equity in earnings of affiliates  4,033   31,863   8,190 
Other income — net  6,170   21,731   13,914 
Minority interest in loss of subsidiaries  2,803   1,356    
   
Income before income taxes  49,366   105,861   54,469 
Income tax provision  16,466   37,077   18,122 
   
Net income $32,900  $68,784  $36,347 
       
             
Per common share:
            
Basic earnings $1.82  $3.86  $2.27 
       
Diluted earnings $1.79  $3.75  $2.19 
       
Dividends paid $0.325  $0.220  $0.178 
       
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

45


The Andersons, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
         
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007
   
Assets
        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $81,682  $22,300 
Restricted cash  3,927   3,726 
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,584 in 2008; $4,545 in 2007  130,091   106,257 
Margin deposits, net  13,094   20,467 
Inventories  436,920   502,904 
Commodity derivative assets — current  84,919   205,956 
Railcars available for sale  1,971   1,769 
Deferred income taxes  15,338   2,936 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  88,020   38,576 
   
Total current assets  855,962   904,891 
Other assets:        
Pension asset     10,714 
Commodity derivative assets — noncurrent  3,662   29,458 
Other assets  12,433   7,892 
Investments in and advances to affiliates  141,055   118,912 
   
   157,150   166,976 
Railcar assets leased to others, net  174,132   153,235 
Property, plant and equipment, net  121,529   99,886 
   
  $1,308,773  $1,324,988 
   
Liabilities and Shareholders’ equity
        
Current liabilities:        
Short-term line of credit $  $245,500 
Accounts payable for grain  216,307   143,479 
Other accounts payable  107,697   115,016 
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue  54,449   38,735 
Commodity derivative liabilities — current  67,055   122,488 
Accrued expenses  52,014   38,176 
Current maturities of long-term debt — non-recourse  13,147   13,722 
Current maturities of long-term debt  14,594   10,096 
   
Total current liabilities  525,263   727,212 
Deferred income and other long-term liabilities  12,977   6,172 
Commodity derivative liabilities — noncurrent  3,706   2,090 
Employee benefit plan obligations  35,513   18,705 
Long-term debt — non-recourse, less current maturities  40,055   56,277 
Long-term debt, less current maturities  293,955   133,195 
Deferred income taxes  32,197   24,754 
   
Total liabilities  943,666   968,405 
 
Minority interest in subsidiary  11,694   12,219 
 
Shareholders’ equity:        
Common shares, without par value, 25,000 shares authorized; 19,198 shares issued  96   96 
Preferred shares, without par value, 1,000 shares authorized; none issued      
Additional paid-in capital  173,393   168,286 
Treasury shares, at cost (1,069 in 2008; 1,195 in 2007)  (16,737)  (16,670)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (30,046)  (7,197)
Retained earnings  226,707   199,849 
   
   353,413   344,364 
   
  $1,308,773  $1,324,988 
   
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

46


The Andersons, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
             
  Year ended December 31
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006
   
Operating activities
            
Net income $32,900  $68,784  $36,347 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  29,767   26,253   24,737 
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable  8,710   3,267   595 
Minority interest in loss of subsidiaries  (2,803)  (1,356)   
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions received  19,307   (23,583)  (4,340)
Realized and unrealized gains on railcars and related leases  (4,040)  (8,103)  (5,887)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  (2,620)  (5,399)  (5,921)
Deferred income taxes  4,124   5,274   7,371 
Stock based compensation expense  4,050   4,374   2,891 
Gain on donation of equity securities     (4,773)   
Asset impairment     1,926    
Lower of cost or market inventory and contract adjustment  97,268       
Other  58   (192)  (921)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts and notes receivable  (23,460)  (21,826)  (13,814)
Inventories  3,074   (206,447)  (41,307)
Commodity derivatives and margin deposits  102,818   (79,534)  (57,258)
Prepaid expenses and other assets  (56,939)  (12,849)  (5,348)
Accounts payable for grain  72,648   47,564   14,970 
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses  (6,198)  48,225   (6,398)
   
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  278,664   (158,395)  (54,283)
Investing activities
            
Acquisition of businesses, net of $0.3 million cash acquired  (18,920)      
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (20,315)  (20,346)  (16,031)
Purchases of railcars  (97,989)  (56,014)  (85,855)
Proceeds from sale and disposition of railcars and related leases  68,456   47,263   65,212 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other  (21)  1,749   1,775 
Proceeds received from minority interest  2,278   13,673    
Investment in affiliates  (41,450)  (36,249)  (34,255)
   
Net cash used in investing activities  (107,961)  (49,924)  (69,154)
Financing activities
            
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings  (245,500)  170,500   62,600 
Proceeds from offering of common shares        81,607 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  220,827   56,892   15,845 
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse, securitized long-term debt     835   2,001 
Payments of long-term debt  (65,293)  (9,999)  (8,687)
Payments of non-recourse, securitized long-term debt  (16,797)  (15,831)  (25,361)
Payment of debt issuance costs  (2,283)     (52)
Purchase of treasury stock  (924)      
Proceeds from issuance of treasury shares under stock compensation plans  1,914   3,354   1,893 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  2,620   5,399   5,921 
Dividends paid  (5,885)  (3,929)  (2,808)
   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (111,321)  207,221   132,959 
   
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  59,382   (1,098)  9,522 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  22,300   23,398   13,876 
   
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $81,682  $22,300  $23,398 
   
             
  Year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per common share data) 2009 2008 2007
   
Sales and merchandising revenues $3,025,304  $3,489,478  $2,379,059 
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues  2,769,798   3,231,649   2,139,347 
   
Gross profit  255,506   257,829   239,712 
             
Operating, administrative and general expenses  199,116   190,230   169,753 
Interest expense  20,688   31,239   19,048 
Other income:            
Equity in earnings of affiliates  17,463   4,033   31,863 
Other income — net  8,331   6,170   21,731 
   
Income before income taxes  61,496   46,563   104,505 
Income tax provision  21,930   16,466   37,077 
   
Net income  39,566   30,097   67,428 
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest  (1,215)  2,803   1,356 
   
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. $38,351  $32,900  $68,784 
   
             
Per common share:
            
Basic earnings $2.10  $1.82  $3.85 
   
Diluted earnings $2.08  $1.79  $3.75 
   
Dividends paid $0.3475  $0.325  $0.220 
   
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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The Andersons, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
                             
              Accumulated          
      Additional      Other          
  Common  Paid-in  Treasury  Comprehensive  Unearned  Retained    
(in thousands, except per share data) Shares  Capital  Shares  Loss  Compensation  Earnings  Total 
   
Balances at January 1, 2006 $84  $70,121  $(13,195) $(455) $(259) $102,587  $158,883 
                            
Net income                      36,347   36,347 
Other comprehensive income:                            
Minimum pension liability (net of $8 income tax)              13           13 
Cash flow hedge activity              (60)          (60)
Unrealized gains on investment (net of income tax of $1,461)              2,488           2,488 
                            
Comprehensive income                          38,788 
Equity offering (2,238 shares)  12   81,595                   81,607 
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs (net of income tax of $6,886)              (11,721)          (11,721)
Stock awards, stock option exercises, and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $6,307 (208 shares)      8,225   (2,858)      259       5,626 
Dividends declared ($0.1825 per common share)                      (3,008)  (3,008)
   
Balances at December 31, 2006  96   159,941   (16,053)  (9,735)     135,926   270,175 
                            
Net income                      68,784   68,784 
Other comprehensive income:                            
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs (net of income tax of $3,102)              5,281           5,281 
Cash flow hedge activity              (254)          (254)
Unrealized gains on investment (net of income tax of $305)              519           519 
                            
Disposal of equity securities (net of income tax of $1,766)              (3,008)          (3,008)
                            
Comprehensive income                          71,322 
Impact of adoption of FIN 48                      (383)  (383)
Stock awards, stock option exercises, and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $5,567 (297 shares)      8,345   (617)              7,728 
Dividends declared ($0.25 per common share)                      (4,478)  (4,478)
   
Balances at December 31, 2007  96   168,286   (16,670)  (7,197)     199,849   344,364 
                            
Net income                      32,900   32,900 
Other comprehensive income:                            
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs (net of income tax of $12,968)              (22,328)          (22,328)
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $300)              (521)          (521)
                            
Comprehensive income                          10,051 
Purchase of treasury shares (77 shares)          (924)              (924)
Stock awards, stock option exercises, and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $2,485 (203 shares)      5,107   857               5,964 
Dividends declared ($0.3325 per common share)                      (6,042)  (6,042)
   
Balances at December 31, 2008 $96  $173,393  $(16,737) $(30,046) $  $226,707  $353,413 
   
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
         
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2009 2008
   
Assets
        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $145,929  $81,682 
Restricted cash  3,123   3,927 
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,753 in 2009; $13,584 in 2008  137,195   126,255 
Margin deposits, net  27,012   13,094 
Inventories  407,845   436,920 
Commodity derivative assets — current  24,255   84,919 
Deferred income taxes  13,284   15,338 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  28,180   93,827 
   
Total current assets  786,823   855,962 
Other assets:        
Commodity derivative assets — noncurrent  3,137   3,662 
Other assets and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful notes receivable of $7,950 in 2009; $134 in 2008  25,629   12,433 
Investments in and advances to affiliates  157,360   141,055 
   
   186,126   157,150 
Railcar assets leased to others, net  179,154   174,132 
Property, plant and equipment, net  132,288   121,529 
   
Total assets $1,284,391  $1,308,773 
   
         
Liabilities and Shareholders’ equity
        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable for grain $234,396  $216,307 
Other accounts payable  110,658   97,770 
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue  56,698   55,953 
Commodity derivative liabilities — current  24,871   67,055 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  41,563   60,437 
Current maturities of long-term debt — non-recourse  5,080   13,147 
Current maturities of long-term debt  5,855   14,594 
   
Total current liabilities  479,121   525,263 
Deferred income and other long-term liabilities  16,051   12,977 
Commodity derivative liabilities — noncurrent  830   3,706 
Employee benefit plan obligations  24,949   35,513 
Long-term debt — non-recourse, less current maturities  19,270   40,055 
Long-term debt, less current maturities  288,756   293,955 
Deferred income taxes  49,138   32,197 
   
Total liabilities  878,115   943,666 
         
Shareholders’ equity:        
Common shares, without par value, 25,000 shares authorized; 19,198 shares issued  96   96 
Preferred shares, without par value, 1,000 shares authorized; none issued      
Additional paid-in capital  175,477   173,393 
Treasury shares, at cost (918 in 2009; 1,069 in 2008)  (15,554)  (16,737)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (25,314)  (30,046)
Retained earnings  258,662   226,707 
   
Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.  393,367   353,413 
Noncontrolling interest  12,909   11,694 
   
Total shareholders’ equity  406,276   365,107 
   
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,284,391  $1,308,773 
   
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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The Andersons, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
             
  Year ended December 31
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
   
Operating activities
            
Net income $39,566  $30,097  $67,428 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  36,020   29,767   26,253 
Bad debt expense  4,973   8,710   3,267 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions received  (15,105)  19,307   (23,583)
Gains on sales of railcars and related leases  (1,758)  (4,040)  (8,103)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  (566)  (2,620)  (5,399)
Deferred income taxes  16,430   4,124   5,274 
Gain from pension plan curtailment  (4,132)      
Stock based compensation expense  2,747   4,050   4,374 
Gain on donation of equity securities        (4,773)
Lower of cost or market inventory and contract adjustment  2,944   97,268    
Other  186   58   1,734 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts and notes receivable  (15,259)  (23,460)  (21,826)
Inventories  32,227   3,074   (206,447)
Commodity derivatives and margin deposits  2,211   102,818   (79,534)
Prepaid expenses and other assets  62,242   (56,939)  (12,849)
Accounts payable for grain  18,089   72,648   47,564 
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses  (574)  (6,198)  48,225 
   
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  180,241   278,664   (158,395)
Investing activities
            
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired  (30,480)  (18,920)   
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (16,560)  (20,315)  (20,346)
Purchases of railcars  (24,965)  (97,989)  (56,014)
Proceeds from sale and disposition of railcars and related leases  8,453   68,456   47,263 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other  1,343   (21)  1,847 
Proceeds received from minority interest     2,278   13,575 
Investment in affiliates  (1,200)  (41,450)  (36,249)
   
Net cash used in investing activities  (63,409)  (107,961)  (49,924)
Financing activities
            
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings     (245,500)  170,500 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  9,523   220,827   56,892 
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse, securitized long-term debt        835 
Payments of long-term debt  (23,497)  (65,293)  (9,999)
Payments of non-recourse, securitized long-term debt  (28,852)  (16,797)  (15,831)
Payment of debt issuance costs  (4,500)  (2,283)   
Purchase of treasury stock  (229)  (924)   
Proceeds from issuance of treasury shares under stock compensation plans  750   1,914   3,354 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  566   2,620   5,399 
Dividends paid  (6,346)  (5,885)  (3,929)
   
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (52,585)  (111,321)  207,221 
   
             
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  64,247   59,382   (1,098)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  81,682   22,300   23,398 
   
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $145,929  $81,682  $22,300 
   
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

49


The Andersons, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
                             
              Accumulated      
      Additional     Other      
  Common Paid-in Treasury Comprehensive Retained Noncontrolling  
(in thousands, except per share data) Shares Capital Shares Loss Earnings Interest Total
   
Balances at January 1, 2007 $96  $159,941  $(16,053) $(9,735) $135,926     $270,175 
                            
Net income                  68,784   (1,356)  67,428 
Other comprehensive income:                            
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs (net of income tax of $3,102)              5,281           5,281 
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $149)              (254)          (254)
Unrealized gains on investment (net of income tax of $305)              519           519 
Disposal of equity securities (net of income tax of $1,766)              (3,008)          (3,008)
                            
Comprehensive income                          69,966 
Impact of adoption of ASC 70                  (383)      (383)
Proceeds received from minority investor                      13,575   13,575 
Stock awards, stock option exercises, and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $5,567 (297 shares)      8,345   (617)              7,728 
Dividends declared ($0.25 per common share)                  (4,478)      (4,478)
   
Balances at December 31, 2007  96   168,286   (16,670)  (7,197)  199,849   12,219   356,583 
                            
Net income                  32,900   (2,803)  30,097 
Other comprehensive income:                            
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs (net of income tax of $12,968)              (22,328)          (22,328)
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $0.3)              (521)          (521)
                            
Comprehensive income                          7,248 
Purchase of treasury shares (77 shares)          (924)              (924)
Proceeds received from minority investor                      2,278   2,278 
Stock awards, stock option exercises, and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $2,485 (203 shares)      5,107   857               5,964 
Dividends declared ($0.3325 per common share)                  (6,042)      (6,042)
   
Balances at December 31, 2008  96   173,393   (16,737)  (30,046)  226,707   11,694   365,107 
                            
Net income                  38,351   1,215   39,566 
Other comprehensive income:                            
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs (net of income tax of $2,431)              4,491           4,491 
 
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $0.1)              241           241 
                            
Comprehensive income                          44,298 
Purchase of treasury shares (20 shares)          (229)              (229)
Stock awards, stock option exercises, and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $826 (171 shares)      2,084   1,412               3,496 
Dividends declared ($0.3475 per common share)                  (6,396)      (6,396)
   
Balances at December 31, 2009 $96  $175,477  $(15,554) $(25,314) $258,662  $12,909  $406,276 
   
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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The Andersons, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods indicated, have been made. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance, which is February 26, 2010.
ASC 810 became effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2009 and established the accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is presented within equity, separate from the parent’s equity. In addition, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest must be clearly identified and presented on the face of the income statement with the caption “net income” being defined as net income attributable to the consolidated group. Prior periods have been revised to reflect the current presentation.
Certain amounts in the prior period Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Consolidated Balance Sheetsbalance sheet items have been reclassified from their prior presentation to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications are not considered material and had no effect on netthe income orstatement, statement of shareholders’ equity, current assets, current liabilities, or operating cash flows as previously reported.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
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 amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments with an initial maturity of three months or less. The carrying values of these assets approximate their fair values.
Restricted cash is held as collateral for certain of the Company’s debt described in Note 7.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and may bear interest if past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances over 90 days, and greater than a specified amount, are reviewed individually for collectibility. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis.

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Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we feel it is probablebecomes more certain that the receivable will not be recovered.

49


Inventories and Commodity Derivatives
The Company’s operating results can be affected by changes to commodity prices. To reduce the exposure to market price risk on grain owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into regulated commodity futures and options contracts as well as over-the-counter contracts for ethanol, corn, soybeans, wheat and oats. All of these contracts are considered derivatives under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 133, as amended, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”).derivatives. The Company records these commodity contracts on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities as appropriate, and accounts for them at fair value using a daily mark-to-market method, the same method it uses to value grain inventory. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets, and in the case of derivatives, also considers non-performance risk. Company policy limits the Company’s “unhedged” grain position.position (the amount of grain, either owned or contracted for, that is not offset by a derivative contract for the sale of grain+). While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges. Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in sales and merchandising revenues in the statements of income. The forward contracts require performance in future periods. Contracts to purchase grain from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of grain to processors or other consumers generally do not extend beyond one year. The terms of contracts for the purchase and sale of grain are consistent with industry standards. Additional information about the fair value of the Company’s commodity derivatives is presented in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the average cost method. Significant price volatility in the fertilizer markets in 2008, primarily in nitrogen and phosphate, and a late harvest led to delayed purchasing on the part of the farmer/producer and as a result fertilizer prices began to drop significantly. This resulted in the Company carrying high amounts of inventory at values above what it estimated it could recover. At December 31, 2008, the Company prepared a lower-of-cost-or-market analysis to determine what the carrying value of the fertilizer inventory should be. This assessment resulted in the Company recording a lower-of-cost or market inventory adjustment of $63.5 million and a liability for adverse fixed price purchase commitments of $20.6 million (which is included in accrued expenses in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet). In addition to the December 31, 2008 adjustments, the Company also recorded a lower-of-cost or market inventory adjustment and liability for adverse fixed price purchase commitments in the amount of $8.9 million and $4.2 million, respectively, at September 30, 2008.
Master Netting Arrangements
In the second quarter of 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 39-1 (“FSP FIN 39-1”), which permitsGenerally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a futures, options or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a future, option or an over-the-counter contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company’s position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required. Under FSP 39-1 and consistent with the balance sheets presented herein, theThe Company nets, by counterparty, its futures and over-the-counter positions against the cash collateral provided.provided or received. The net position is recorded within margin deposits or other accounts payable depending on whether the net position is an asset or a liability. At December 31, 20082009 and December 31, 2007,2008, the margin deposit assets and margin deposit liabilities consisted of the following:
                                    
 December 31, 2008 December 31, 2007  December 31, 2009 December 31, 2008 
 Margin Margin Margin Margin  Margin Margin Margin Margin 
 deposit deposit deposit deposit  deposit deposit deposit deposit 
(in thousands) assets liabilities assets liabilities  assets liabilities assets liabilities 
Collateral posted $26,023 $ $114,933 $11,673 
Collateral paid $40,190 $2,228 $26,023 $ 
Collateral received   (5,858)        (5,858) 
Fair value of derivatives  (12,929) 4,080  (94,466)  (24,466)  (13,178)  (4,193)  (12,929) 4,080 
    
Balance at end of period $13,094 $(1,778) $20,467 $(12,793) $27,012 $(1,965) $13,094 $(1,778) 
    

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Marketing Agreement
The Company has negotiated a marketing agreement that covers certain of its grain facilities (some of which are leased from Cargill). Under this five-year amended and restated agreement (ending in May 2013), the Company sells grain from these facilities to Cargill at market prices. Income earned from operating the facilities (including

52


buying, storing and selling grain and providing grain marketing services to its producer customers) over a specified threshold is shared 50/50 with Cargill. Measurement of this threshold is made on a cumulative basis and cash is paid to Cargill (if required) at eachthe end of the contract year end.. The Company recognizes its share of income to date at each month-endevery month and accrues for any payment to Cargill in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-96, “Accounting for Management Fees Based on a Formula.” The Company expects to begin negotiations on a new agreement before the current agreement ends.owed Cargill.
Derivatives — Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Contracts
The Company periodically enters into interest rate contracts to manage interest rate risk on borrowing or financing activities. The Company has a long-term interest rate swap recorded in other long-term liabilities and a foreign currency collar recorded in other assets and has designated them as cash flow hedges; accordingly, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income. The Company has other interest rate contracts that are not designated as hedges. While the Company considers all of its derivative positions to be effective economic hedges of specified risks, these interest rate contracts for which we do not apply hedge accounting are recorded on the balance sheet in prepaid expenses and other assets or current and long-term liabilities, as appropriate, and changes in fair value are recognized currently in income as interest expense. Upon termination of a derivative instrument or a change in the hedged item, any remaining fair value recorded on the balance sheet is immediately recorded as interest expense. The deferred derivative gains and losses on closed treasury rate locks andexpense in line with the changes in fair value of the interest rate corridors are reclassified into income over the term of thecash flows associated with underlying hedged items, which are either long-term debt or lease contracts.item.
Railcars Available for Sale and Railcar Assets Leased to Others
The Company’s Rail Group purchases, leases, markets and manages railcars for third parties and for internal use. Railcars to which the Company holds title are shown on the balance sheet in one of two categories — prepaid expenses and other current assets (for railcars that are available for salesale) or railcar assets leased to others. Railcars that have been acquired but have not been placed in service are classified as current assets and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Railcars leased to others, both on short- and long-term leases, are classified as long-term assets and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
Railcars have statutory lives of either 40 or 50 years (measured from the date built) depending on type and year built. In the first quarter of 2008, the Company changed its estimate of the service lives of depreciable railcar assets leased to others. Prior to 2008, the Company’s policy for depreciating railcar assets leased to others was based on the shorter of the railcars’ remaining statutory life or 15 years. This was thought to be the most appropriate method as the Company has historically purchased older cars. Beginning in 2008, the Company has changed its estimation of the useful lives of railcar assets leased to others that have a statutory life of 50 years. These cars will bebuilt and are depreciated based on 80% of the railcars remaining statutoryuseful life. This change was driven by an evaluation of our historical disposal data and the fact that the Company has begun to purchase newer cars. The impact of this change in estimate was not material to the Company’s financial results. Additional information about the Rail Group’s leasing activities is presented in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, while betterments that extend useful lives are capitalized. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets, principally by the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are generally as follows: land improvements and leasehold improvements — 10 to 16 years;- the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement; buildings and storage facilities — 20 to 30 years; machinery and equipment — 3 to 20 years; and software — 3 to 10 years. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the accumulated depreciation thereon are removed from the accounts, with any gain or loss realized upon sale or disposal credited or charged to operations.

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Deferred Debt Issue Costs
Costs associated with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized. These costs are amortized using an interest-method equivalent over the earlier of the stated term of the debt or the period from the issue date through the first early payoff date without penalty, if any. Capitalized costs associated with the short-term syndication agreement are amortized over the term of the syndication.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible assets are recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization of intangible assets is provided over their estimated useful lives (generally 5 to 10 years) on the straight-line method. In accordance with SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwillGoodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests, or more often when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill.

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Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the undiscounted future net cash flows the Company expects to generate with the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the Company recognizes impairment expense for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Accounts Payable for Grain
Accounts payable for grain includes certain amounts related to grain purchases for which, even though we have taken ownership and possession of the grain, the final purchase price has not been established (delayed price contracts). Amounts recorded for such delayed price contracts are determined on the basis of grain market prices at the balance sheet date adjustedin a similar manner for the applicable premium or discount.which we value our inventory. At December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the amount of accounts payable for grain computed on the basis of market prices was $71.0$56.9 million and $30.1$71.0 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards are based on the estimated grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 123 revised 2004, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”).value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.
Deferred Compensation Liability
Included in accrued expenses are $4.2$5.3 million and $5.7$4.2 million at December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively, of deferred compensation for certain employees who, due to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, may not take full advantage of the Company’s qualified defined contribution plan. Assets funding this plan are recorded at fair value and are equal to the value of this liability. This plan has no impact on income.
Revenue Recognition
Sales of grain and ethanol are primarily recognized at the time of shipment, which is when title and risk of loss transfers to the customer. Direct ship grain sales (where the Company never takes physical possession of the grain) are recognized when the grain arrives at the customer’s facility. Revenues from other grain and ethanol merchandising activities are recognized as services are provided; grain inventory as well as commodity derivative gains and losses are recognized into revenue on a daily basis when these positions are marked-to-market. Sales of other products are recognized at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment or, in the case of retail store sales, when the customer takes possession of goods in the retail stores. Under the Company’s mark-to-market method for its grain and ethanol operations, gross profit on grain and ethanol sales are recognized when sales contracts are executed. Sales of grain and ethanol are then recognized at the time of shipment when title transfers to the customer. Revenues from other grain and ethanol merchandising activities are recognized as open grain contracts are marked-to-market or as services are provided.goods. Revenues for all other services are recognized as the service is provided.
Rental revenues on operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Sales to financial intermediaries of owned railcars which are subject to an operating lease (with the Company being the lessor in such operating leases prior to the sale, referred to as a “non-recourse transaction”) are recognized as revenue on the date of sale if the Company does not maintain substantial risk of ownership in the sold railcars. Revenues recognized related to these non-recourse transactions totaled $3.8 million in 2009 and $22.3 million in both 2008 and 2007, and $13.0 million in 2006.2007. Revenue on operating leases (where the Company is the lessor) and onrelated to railcar servicing and maintenance contracts in non-recourse transactions is recognized over the term of the lease or service contract.
Certain of the Company’s operations provide for customer billings, deposits or prepayments for product that is stored at the Company’s facilities. The sales and gross profit related to these transactions is not recognized until the

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product is shipped in accordance with the previously stated revenue recognition policy and these amounts are classified as a current liability titled “Customer prepayments and deferred revenue.”
Sales returns and allowances are provided for at the time sales are recorded. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Sales taxes and motor fuel taxes on ethanol sales are presented on a net basis and are excluded from revenues. In all cases, revenues are recognized only if collectibility is reasonably assured.assured at the time the revenue is recorded.
Rail Lease Accounting
The Company accounts for its leases under FASB Statement No. 13 as amended, “Accounting for Leases,” and related pronouncements.
In addition to the sale of railcars the Company makes to financial intermediaries on a non-recourse basis and recorded as revenue as discussed above, the Company also acts as the lessor and/or the lessee in various leasing arrangements as described below.
The Company’s Rail Group leases railcars and locomotives to customers, manages railcars for third parties and leases railcars for internal use. The Company acts as the lessor in various operating leases of railcars that are owned by the Company, or leased by the Company from financial intermediaries and, in turn, leased by the Company to end-users of the railcars. The leases from financial intermediaries are generally structured as sale-leaseback transactions, with the leaseback by the Company being treated as an operating lease. The Company records lease income for its activities as an operating lessor as earned, which is generally spread evenly over the lease term.
Certain of the Company’s leases include monthly lease fees that are contingent upon some measure of usage (“per diem” leases). This monthly usage is tracked, billed and collected by third party service providers and funds are generally remitted to the Company along with usage data three months after they are earned. Typically, the lease term related to per-diem leases is one year or less. The Company records lease revenue for these per diem arrangements based on recent historical usage patterns and records a true up adjustment when the actual data is received. Such true-up adjustments were not significant for any period presented. Lease income recognized under per diem arrangements totaled $9.1 million, $10.3 million and $11.5 million, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The Company expenses operating lease payments made to financial intermediaries on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company periodically enters into leases with Rail Group customers that are classified as direct financing capital leases, with the Company being the lessor. Although these lease terms are not significantly different from other operating leases that the Company maintains with its railcar customers, they qualify as capital leases. For these leases, the minimum lease payments, net of unearned income is included in accounts receivable for the amount to be received within one year and the remainder in other assets. In 2006, the Company entered into a direct financing lease and at December 31, 2008 and 2007, the present value of minimum lease payments receivable was $2.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively, with unearned income of $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense for each period includes current tax expense (income taxes currently payablerelated to current year activity) plus the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws governing periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company evaluates the realizability of deferred tax assets and provides a valuation allowance for amounts that management does not believe are more likely than not to be recoverable, as applicable.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 consists of the following:
                
 December 31, December 31,
 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs $(28,862) $(6,534) $(24,370) $(28,862)
Cash flow hedges  (1,184)  (663)  (944)  (1,184)
    
 $(30,046) $(7,197) $(25,314) $(30,046)
    
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company’s research and development program is mainly involved with the development of improved products and processes, primarily for the Turf & Specialty Group. The Company expended approximately $1.4 million, $0.5 million $0.6 million and $0.5$0.6 million on research and

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development activities during 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, respectively. In 2008, the Company, along with several partners, was awarded a $5 million grant from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The grant is for the development and commercialization of advanced granules and other emerging technologies to provide solutions for the economic health and environmental concerns of today’s agricultural industry. For the yearyears ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company received $0.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively, as part of this grant.
Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense of $4.0 million, $4.2 million and $4.4 million in 2009, 2008, and $3.8 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, is included in operating, administrative and general expenses.
Earnings per Share
BasicUnvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is equal to net income divided by weighted average shares outstanding. Dilutedan earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share is equalfor common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s nonvested restricted stock are considered participating securities since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividends irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest. The two-class method became effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. The adoption of the two class method did not reduce the reported amounts of basic or diluted earnings per share plusfor year ended December 31, 2008 or the incrementaldiluted earnings per share effect of dilutive options, restricted shares and performance share units.
             
  Year ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006
   
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic  18,068   17,833   16,007 
Unvested restricted shares, SOSARs, PSUs and shares issuable upon exercise of options  295   493   559 
   
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted  18,363   18,326   16,566 
   
Dilutedthe year ended December 31, 2007. The adoption of the two class method did reduce the reported amount of basic earnings per share for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006 exclude the impact of approximately sixty nine thousand and two hundred employee stock options, respectively, as such options were antidilutive. 2007 by $0.01 per share.
             
  Year ended
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
   
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc. $38,351  $32,900  $68,784 
Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock  122   90   138 
   
Earnings available to common shareholders $38,229  $32,810  $68,646 
             
Earnings per share — basic:
            
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic  18,190   18,068   17,833 
Earnings per common share — basic $2.10  $1.82  $3.85 
             
Earnings per share — diluted:
            
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic  18,190   18,068   17,833 
Effect of dilutive options  179   295   460 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted  18,369   18,363   18,293 
Earnings per common share — diluted $2.08  $1.79  $3.75 
There were no antidilutive equity instruments at December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007.
New Accounting Standards
In February 2008,May 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-2 “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” FSP No. 157-2 delays for one yearASC 855 “Subsequent Events”. ASC 855 requires entities to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. A Company must disclose within their Quarterly Reports on Form 10Q and Annual Report on Form 10K the date through which

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subsequent events have been evaluated. This ASC became effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assetsduring the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Thethe Company will adopt FSP No. 157-2 beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is inhas provided the process of assessing the impact this new standard will have on the Consolidated Statement of Income and Consolidated Balance Sheet.required disclosures.
In March 2008,June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” which requires companies with derivative instrumentsASC 810 “Consolidation”. ASC 810 amends the analysis an entity must perform to disclose additional informationdetermine if it has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”). ASC 810 provides that will enable usersthe primary beneficiary of

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financial statements to understand how and why a company uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FAS 133 and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2009. Because SFAS 161 only requires additional disclosures, there will be no impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows or Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3 “DeterminationVIE must have both of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP No. FAS 142-3 requires a company to consider its own historical experience in renewing or extending certain intangible assets when determining the useful life of similar type assets. FSP No. FAS 142-3 is effective for the Company for intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009. The impact of FSP No. FAS 142-3 is not expected to be material.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 03-6-1 “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities.” Under FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 and will apply the standard prospectively beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The impact on both basic and diluted earnings per share is not expected to be material.
In November 2008, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF 08-06 “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations”. EITF 08-06 requires the following:following characteristics:
  The initial carrying valuepower to direct the activities of an equity method investment to be measured at cost;the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance.
 
  An equity method investor must recognize other-than-temporary impairmentsThe obligation to absorb losses of an equity method investee in accordance with paragraph 19(h) of Opinion 18; and
An equity method investor shall account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment with any gainVIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or loss recognized in earnings.the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
EITF 08-06 is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial results.
In November 2008, the EITF issued EITF 08-07 “Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets” which applies to acquired intangible assets in situations where the company does not intend to actively use the asset but intends to hold the asset to prevent others from obtaining access to the asset. A defensive intangible asset should be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting and shall be assigned a useful life that reflects the entities consumption of the expected benefits related to the asset. EITF 08-07ASC 810 is effective for the Company for intangible assets acquired on or afterbeginning January 1, 2009.
In December 2008,2010. The Company is in the FASB issued FSP 132(R)-1 “Employer’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” which requires companies with Postretirement Benefit Plans to disclose additional information that will enable usersprocess of financial statements to understand how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categoriesfinalizing its analysis, but currently has not identified any impact of plan assets, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and significant concentrations of credit risk within plan assets. FSP 132(R)-1 is effective for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2009. Because FSP 132(R)-1 only requires additional disclosures, there will be no impactthis standard to the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flowshistorical conclusions or Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity.its financial statements.
2. Business Acquisitions
In May 2008,On August 1, 2009, the Company acquired 100%the assets of the sharesFertilizer Division of Douglass Fertilizer & Chemical,Hartung Brothers, Inc. (“HBI”) for $8.2a purchase price of $30.5 million. Douglass FertilizerHBI is primarily a specialtyregional wholesale supplier of liquid nutrient manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler and operatesfertilizers with six facilities located in FloridaWisconsin and Minnesota. The goodwill recognized as wella result of this acquisition is $4.3 million as it enhances the Caribbean. Douglass Fertilizer is partcore business of the Plant Nutrient Group and

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diversifies the Group’s product line offering and expands its market outside of the traditional Midwest row crops and into Florida’s specialty crops.
In August 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of Mineral Processing Company and ASC Mineral Processing Company, two pelleted lime manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Illinois, as well as the assets of another facility in Nebraska for $5.1 million. The acquisition expands the pelleted lime capabilities of itsCompany’s Plant Nutrient Group and makesextends their market beyond the Company the largest producer of pelleted lime in North America.
In September 2008, the Company acquired a grain storage facility in Michigan for $7.1 million and finalized a leasing agreement for another facility also in Michigan. These two facilities provide the Company with 3.6 million bushels of additional storage capacity.eastern corn belt.
The summarized purchase price allocations for these three acquisitions areallocation is as follows:
     
Cash $350 
Other current assets  21,533 
Intangible assets  4,628 
Goodwill  241 
Other long term assets  874 
Property, plant and equipment  16,034 
Current liabilities  (8,680)
Current maturities of long term debt  (7,569)
Long term debt  (2,156)
Other long term liabilities  (4,835)
    
Total purchase price (a) $20,420 
    
     
Inventory $6,096 
Customer list  3,500 
Supply agreement  4,100 
Goodwill  4,304 
Property, plant and equipment  12,466 
Other  14 
    
Total purchase price $30,480 
    
Both the customer list and the supply agreement are being amortized over 10 years.
(a)Of the $20.4 million aggregate purchase price, $1.0 million remained in other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2008 and $0.2 million remained in other accounts payable. These amounts will be paid out over a period of 3 years.
3. Equity Method Investments and Related Party Transactions
The Company, directly or indirectly, holds investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s equity in these entities is presented at cost plus its accumulated proportional share of income or loss, less any distributions it has received.
The Company has marketing agreements with three ethanol LLCs under which the Company purchases and markets the ethanol produced to external customers. As compensation for these marketing services, the Company earns a fee on each gallon of ethanol sold. For two of the LLCs, the Company purchases 100% of the ethanol produced and then sells it to external parties. For the third LLC, the Company buys only a portion of the ethanol produced. The Company acts as the principal in these ethanol sales transactions to external parties as the Company has ultimate responsibility of performance to the external parties. Substantially all of these purchases and subsequent sales are doneexecuted through forward contracts on matching terms and, outside of the fee the Company earns for each gallon sold, the Company does not recognize any gross profit on the sales transactions. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol were $402.1 million, $454.6 million and $257.6 million, respectively. There were no sales of ethanol in for the year ended December 31, 2006. In addition to the ethanol marketing agreements, the Company holds corn origination agreements, under which the Company originates 100% of the corn used in production for each ethanol LLC. For this service, the Company receives a unit based fee. Similar to the ethanol sales described above, the Company acts

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as a principal in these transactions, and accordingly, records revenues on a gross basis. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, revenues recognized for the sale of corn under these agreements were $404.2 million, $411.2 million and $149.8 million, and $23.5respectively. As part of the corn origination agreements, the Company also markets the ethanol co-product distillers’ dried grain (“DDG”) produced by the entities. For this service the Company receives a unit based fee. The Company does not purchase any of the DDG from the ethanol entities, however, as part of the agreement, the Company guarantees payment by the customer for DDG sales where the Company has identified the buyer. At December 31, 2009, the three ethanol entities had a combined receivable balance for DDG of $5.1 million, respectively.of which only $9 thousand was more than thirty days past due. The Company has concluded that the fair value of this guarantee is not material.
In January 2003, the Company invested $1.2 millionbecame a minority investor in Lansing Trade Group LLC for a 15% interest. Lansing Trade Group LLC,(“LTG”). LTG was formed in 2002 and focuses on trading commodity contracts andas well as trading related to the energy and biofuels industry. SinceAs a result of share redemptions by LTG, the initial investment,Company’s interest in LTG increased to 51% during the fourth quarter of 2009. Even though the Company has contributed an additional $45.6 million and now holds a 49% interest.

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The following table presents summarized financial informationmajority of Lansing Trade Group LLC as it qualified asthe outstanding shares, all major operating decisions of LTG are made by LTG’s Board of Directors and the Company does not have a majority of the board seats. In addition, based on the terms of the operating agreement between LTG and its owners, the minority shareholders have substantive participating rights that allow them to effectively participate in the decisions made in the ordinary course of business that are significant subsidiaryto LTG. Due to these factors, the Company does not have control over LTG and therefore accounts for boththis investment under the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
             
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006
   
Sales $4,420,775  $3,584,134  $1,769,163 
Gross profit  69,934   68,895   42,973 
Income from continuing operations  17,795   35,917   18,751 
Net Income  17,795   35,917   18,751 
             
Current assets  591,719   675,274     
Non-current assets  70,299   27,372     
Current liabilities  551,131   455,433     
Non-current liabilities  10,078   178,953     
Minority interest  14,506   7,534     
equity method.
In 2005, the Company invested $13.1 million forbecame a 44% interestminority investor in The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC (“TAAE”). TAAE is a producer of ethanol and its co-product distillers dried grains (“DDG”). TAAE began producing at its 55 million gallon-per-year ethanol production facility in the third quarter of 2006.Albion, Michigan. The Company operates the facility under a management contract and provides corn origination, ethanol and DDG marketing and risk management services for which it is separately compensated. The Company also leases its Albion, Michigan grain facility to TAAE.
In February 2007, the Company exchanged its ownership interest in Iroquois Bio-Energy Company with a third party for an equal, additional interest in TAAE. The Company nowcurrent holds a 49% interest in TAAE.
In 2006, the Company invested $20.4 million forbecame a 37% interestminority investor in The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC (“TACE”). TACE began producingis a also a producer of ethanol and its co-product DDG at itsa 110 million gallon-per-year ethanol production facility in May 2007.Clymers, Indiana. The Company operates the facility under a management contract and provides corn origination, ethanol and DDG marketing and risk management services for which it is separately compensated. The Company also leases its Clymers, Indiana grain facility to TACE.
The following table presents summarized financial information of TACE as it qualified as a significant subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2008.
             
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006
   
Sales $269,777  $155,437  $ 
Gross profit  27,499   31,811    
Income from continuing operations  22,021   25,317   (6,476)
Net Income  22,021   25,317   (6,476)
             
Current assets  31,286   32,600     
Non-current assets  113,139   122,461     
Current liabilities  19,140   30,323     
Non-current liabilities  41,696   50,511     
In 2006, the Company invested $11.4 million forbecame a 50% interestinvestor in The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”). TAME is also a producer of ethanol and its co-product DDG at a 110 million gallon-per-year ethanol production facility in Greenville, Ohio. In January 2007, the Company invested an additional $7.1 million in TAME and in February 2007, the Company transferred its 50% share in TAME to The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”), a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. Since that time, TAEI has invested an additional $29.0 million in TAME, including $9.8 million in 2008, retainingCompany, for which a 50% interest.
TAME began producing ethanol at its 110 million gallon-per-year ethanol production facility, located in Greenville, Ohio, inthird party owns 34% of the first quarter of 2008.shares. The Company operates the Greenville, Ohio ethanol facility under a management

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contract and provides corn origination, ethanol and DDG marketing and risk management services for which it is separately compensated. In 2009 TAEI invested an additional $1.1 million in TAME, retaining a 50% ownership interest.
The balance in retained earnings at December 31, 2009 that represents undistributed earnings of the Company’s equity method investments is $25.3 million

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The following table presents aggregate summarized financial information of LTG, TAAE, TACE and TAME as itthey qualified as significant subsidiaries for the previous periods. There were no equity method investments that qualified as a significant subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
             
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006
   
Sales $230,713  $  $ 
Gross profit  (21,766)      
Loss from continuing operations  (31,022)  (3,900)  (340)
Net Loss  (31,022)  (3,900)  (340)
             
Current assets  28,651   5,654     
Non-current assets  142,963   140,081     
Current liabilities  25,810   20,159     
Non-current liabilities  81,250   49,500     
The balance in retained earnings at December 31, 2008 that represents undistributed earnings of the company’s equity method investments is $10.2 million
             
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
   
Sales $3,436,192  $5,032,466  $3,879,659 
Gross profit  106,755   86,522   129,729 
Income from continuing operations  37,610   16,935   81,289 
Net income  37,927   16,914   81,289 
             
Current assets  472,385   570,747     
Non-current assets  363,779   356,530     
Current liabilities  372,743   471,853     
Non-current liabilities  121,927   150,717     
Noncontrolling interest  25,059   14,506     
The following table summarizes income earned from the Company’s equity method investees by entity.
                
 December 31,                 
 % ownership        % ownership at    
��(direct and        December 31, 2009 December 31,  
(in thousands) indirect) 2008 2007 2006  (direct and indirect) 2009 2008 2007
    
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC  49%  $2,534 $11,228 $2,525   49% $5,735 $2,534 $11,228 
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC  37% 8,112 7,744  (803)  37% 2,965 8,112 7,744 
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC  50%  (15,511)  (1,950)  (170)  50% 2,936  (15,511)  (1,950)
Lansing Trade Group LLC  49% 8,776 15,258 6,771   51% 5,781 8,776 15,258 
Other  23%-33%  122  (417)  (133)  5%-33% 46 122  (417)
    
Total $4,033 $31,863 $8,190  $17,463 $4,033 $31,863 
    
The follow table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity.
                
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC $25,299 $25,747  $28,911 $25,299 
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC 30,805 27,356  33,705 30,805 
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC 29,777 35,538  33,813 29,777 
Lansing Trade Group LLC 54,025 29,300  59,648 54,025 
Other 1,149 971  1,283 1,149 
    
Total $141,055 $118,912  $157,360 $141,055 
    

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In the ordinary course of business, the Company will enter into related party transactions with its equity method investees. The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented:
                        
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
Sales and revenues $541,448 $290,423 $53,727  $474,724 $541,448 $290,423 
Purchases of product 428,067 248,375 20,009  411,423 428,067 248,375 
Lease income (a) 5,751 4,884 1,726  5,442 5,751 4,884 
Labor and benefits reimbursement (b) 9,800 6,358 1,817  10,195 9,800 6,358 
Accounts receivable at December 31 (c) 9,773 8,985 2,259  13,641 9,773 8,985 
Accounts payable at December 31 (d) 19,084 7,607   18,069 19,084 7,607 

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(a) Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various LLCs in which the Company has investments in.
 
(b) The Company provides all operational labor to the ethanol LLCs, and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services.
 
(c) Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees.
 
(d) Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol.
4. Fair Value Measurements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157Generally accepted accounting principles defines fair value as an exit price and also establishes a framework for measuring fair value within generally accepted accounting principles and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS 157 is effective for non-financial items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis beginning January 1, 2009.
SFAS 157 defines fair value as anvalue. An exit price which represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, SFAS 157 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy should be used, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
  Level 1 inputs: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
 
  Level 2 inputs: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
 
  Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs (e.g., a reporting entity’s own data).
In many cases, a valuation technique used to measure fair value includes inputs from multiple levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level of significant input determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy.
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis under SFAS 157 at December 31, 2009 and 2008.
                                
(in thousands)         December 31, 2009
Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Cash and cash equivalents $81,682 $ $ $81,682  $145,929 $ $ $145,929 
Commodity derivatives, net  12,706 5,114 17,820    (257) 1,948 1,691 
Net margin deposit assets 13,094   13,094  28,836  (1,824)  27,012 
Net margin deposit liabilities   (1,778)   (1,778)   (1,965)   (1,965)
Other assets and liabilities (a) 13,303   (2,367) 10,936  8,441   (1,763) 6,678 
    
Total $108,079 $10,928 $2,747 $121,754  $183,206 $(4,046) $185 $179,345 
    
                 
(in thousands)     December 31, 2008  
Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents $81,682  $  $  $81,682 
Commodity derivatives, net     12,706   5,114   17,820 
Net margin deposit assets  13,094         13,094 
Net margin deposit liabilities     (1,778)     (1,778)
Other assets and liabilities (a)  13,303      (2,367)  10,936 
   
Total $108,079  $10,928  $2,747  $121,754 
   
 
(a) Included in other assets and liabilities is restricted cash, interest rate and foreign currency derivatives and deferred compensation assets. At December 31, 2008, other assets and liabilities included assets held in a VEBA for healthcare benefits and deferred compensation assets.benefits. The VEBA was closed in 2009.

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A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
                
             2009 2008
 Interest rate and     Interest Commodity Interest Commodity
 foreign currency Commodity   rate derivatives, rate derivatives,
(in thousands) derivatives derivatives, net Total derivatives net derivatives net
    
Asset (liability) at December 31, 2007 $(1,167) $5,561 $4,394 
Asset (liability) at December 31, $(2,367) $5,114 $(1,167) $5,561 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings  (526)  (246)  (772) 158  (2,944)  (526)  (246)
Unrealized loss included in other comprehensive income  (836)   (836) 354   (836)  
New contracts entered into 162  162  92  162  
Transfers from level 2  5,193 5,193   416  5,193 
Contracts cancelled, transferred to accounts receivable   (5,394)  (5,394)   (638)   (5,394)
    
Asset (liability) at December 31, 2008 $(2,367) $5,114 $2,747 
Asset (liability) at December 31, $(1,763) $1,948 $(2,367) $5,114 
The majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach valuation technique. With the market approach, fair value is derived using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
The Company’s net commodity derivatives primarily consist of contracts with producers or customers under which the future settlement date and bushels of commodities to be delivered (primarily wheat, corn, soybeans and ethanol) are fixed and under which the price may or may not be fixed. Depending on the specifics of the individual contracts, the fair value is derived from the futures or options prices on the Chicago Board of TradeMercantile Exchange (“CBOT”CME”) or the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) for similar commodities and delivery dates as well as observable quotes for local basis adjustments (the difference between the futures price and the local cash price). Although nonperformance risk, both of the Company and the counterparty, is present in each of these commodity contracts and is a component of the estimated fair values, based on the Company’s historical experience with its producers and customers and the Company’s knowledge of their businesses, we do not view non-performance risk to be a significant input to fair value for the majority of these commodity contracts. However, in situations where the Company believes that nonperformance risk is higher (based on past or present experience with a customer or knowledge of the customer’s operations or financial condition), the Company classifies these commodity contracts as “level 3” in the fair value hierarchy and, accordingly, records estimated fair value adjustments based on internal projections and views of these contracts.
Net margin deposit assets reflect the fair value of the futures and options contracts that the Company has through the CBOT,CME, net of the cash collateral that the Company has in its margin account with them.
Net margin deposit liabilities reflect the fair value of the Company’s over-the-counter ethanol-related futures and options contracts in a liability position with various financial institutions, net of the cash collateral that the Company has in its margin account with them. While these contracts themselves are not exchange-traded, the fair value of these contracts is estimated by reference to similar exchange-traded contracts. We do not consider nonperformance risk or credit risk on these contracts to be material. This determination is based on credit default rates, credit ratings and other available information.

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5. Details of Certain Financial Statement Accounts
Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:
                
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Grain $223,107 $376,739  $268,648 $223,107 
Agricultural fertilizer and supplies 144,536 63,325  80,194 144,536 
Lawn and garden fertilizer and corncob products 38,011 29,286  32,036 38,011 
Retail merchandise 27,579 29,182  24,066 27,579 
Railcar repair parts 3,317 4,054  2,601 3,317 
Other 370 318  300 370 
    
 $436,920 $502,904  $407,845 $436,920 
      
Intangible assets and goodwill
The Company’s intangible assets are included in other assets and are as follows:
                              
 Original Accumulated Net Book Original Accumulated Net Book
(in thousands) Group Cost Amortization Value Group Cost Amortization Value
  
December 31, 2009
 
Amortized intangible assets 
Acquired customer list Rail $3,462 $3,267 $195 
Acquired customer list Plant Nutrient 3,846 251 3,595 
Acquired non-compete agreement Plant Nutrient 1,250 344 906 
Acquired marketing agreement Plant Nutrient 1,604 439 1,165 
Acquired supply agreement Plant Nutrient 4,846 386 4,460 
Patents and other Various 943 275 668 
  
 $15,951 $4,962 $10,989 
  
   
December 31, 2008
    
Amortized intangible assets    
Acquired customer list Rail $3,462 $3,165 $297  Rail $3,462 $3,165 $297 
Acquired customer list Plant Nutrient 346 36 310  Plant Nutrient 346 36 310 
Acquired non-compete agreement Plant Nutrient 1,200 100 1,100  Plant Nutrient 1,200 100 1,100 
Acquired marketing agreement Plant Nutrient 1,604 185 1,419  Plant Nutrient 1,604 185 1,419 
Acquired supply agreement Plant Nutrient 746 86 660  Plant Nutrient 746 86 660 
Patents and other Various 943 192 751  Various 943 192 751 
      
   $8,301 $3,764 $4,537  $8,301 $3,764 $4,537 
      
December 31, 2007
   
Amortized intangible assets   
Acquired customer list Rail $3,462 $2,519 $943 
Patents and other Various 212 105 107 
    
   $3,674 $2,624 $1,050 
    
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.1$1.2 million, $0.7$1.1 million and $0.7 million for 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, respectively. Expected aggregatefuture annual amortization expense is as follows: 2009 — $0.9 million; 2010 2011 andthrough 2012 — $0.8$1.5 million per year; 2013 — $1.4 million; and 20132014$0.7$1.1 million.
The Company also has goodwill of $1.6$5.9 million included in other assets. The Company added an additional $0.3 million to goodwill in 2008 as part of the Company’s acquisition of three pelleted lime facilities. Goodwill includes $0.1 million in the Grain & Ethanol Group, $0.8$5.1 million in the Plant Nutrient Group and $0.7 million in the Turf & Specialty Group.

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In addition to
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. There were no goodwill impairment charges for any of the goodwill acquired in 2008, the Company acquired $4.6 million of intangible assets in connection with the acquisition noted above as well as the acquisition of Douglass Fertilizer.periods presented.
Property, plant and equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
                
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Land $14,524 $11,670  $15,191 $14,524 
Land improvements and leasehold improvements 39,040 36,031  42,495 39,040 
Buildings and storage facilities 119,174 109,301  129,625 119,174 
Machinery and equipment 151,401 137,631  162,810 151,401 
Software 8,899 7,450  10,202 8,899 
Construction in progress 6,597 6,141  2,624 6,597 
    
 339,635 308,224  362,947 339,635 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 218,106 208,338  230,659 218,106 
    
 $121,529 $99,886  $132,288 $121,529 
    
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment amounted to $17.4 million, $14.6 million and $12.5 million in 2009, 2008 and $11.8 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

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Railcars


The components of Railcar assets leased to others are as follows:
                
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Railcar assets leased to others $224,691 $194,185  $241,681 $224,691 
Less accumulated depreciation 50,559 40,950  62,527 50,559 
    
 $174,132 $153,235  $179,154 $174,132 
    
Depreciation expense on railcar assets leased to others amounted to $14.1 million, $12.2 million and $12.4 million in 2009, 2008 and $11.4 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
6. Short-Term Borrowing Arrangements
The Company maintains a borrowing arrangement with a syndicate of banks. The current arrangement, which was initially entered into in 2002 and most recently amended in October 2008April 2009, provides the Company with $655$490 million in short-term lines of credit along with a temporary flex line allowingand $85 million in long-term lines of credit. It also provides the Company to increasewith $90 million in letters of credit. Any amounts outstanding on letters of credit will reduce the amount available short-term line by $161 million. Aton the lines of credit. The Company had standby letters of credit outstanding of $14.1 million at December 31, 2009. This agreement expires in September 2011. At both December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no short-term borrowings outstanding under the short-term line of credit. At December 31, 2007, short-term borrowings totaled $245.5. The significant borrowings in 2007 related primarily to increased commodity prices and margin call demands on the Company’s open positions with the Chicago Board of Trade. The temporary flex line terminates in April 2009 and the line of credit terminates in September 2009.credit. Borrowings under the lines of credit bear interest at variable interest rates, which are based on LIBOR, the prime rate or the federal funds rate, plus a spread. The terms of the borrowing agreement provide for annual commitment fees.

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The following information relates to short-term borrowings:
                        
 December 31, December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2008 20072006 2009 2008 2007
    
Maximum amount borrowed $666,900 $271,500 $152,500  $92,700 $666,900 $321,500 
Weighted average interest rate  3.48%  5.69%  5.45%  2.89%  3.48%  5.69%

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7. Long-Term Debt and Interest Rate Contracts
Recourse Debt
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company borrowed $195 million under an uncollateralized long-term note purchase agreement. The notes were issued in three series. The first series was for $92 million at an interest rate of 4.8%, payable in full in March of 2011. The second series was for $61.5 million at an interest rate of 6.12%, payable in full in March of 2015. The last series was for $41.5 million at an interest rate of 6.78% and is payable in full in March of 2018. In the third quarter, the Company entered into a $16.2 million variable rate note with a final maturity date of July 2023.
Long-term debt consists of the following:
         
  December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2008 2007
   
Long term line of credit, 5.29%, due in full 2009 $  $50,000 
Note payable, 4.8%, payable at maturity, due 2011  92,000    
Note payable, 6.12%, payable at maturity, due 2015  61,500    
Note payable, 6.78%, payable at maturity due 2018  41,500    
Note payable, variable rate (6.46% at December 31, 2008), payable $143 monthly, due 2012  12,568   13,535 
Note payable, 6.95%, payable $317 quarterly plus interest, due 2010  8,856   9,807 
Note payable, 5.0%, payable in increasing amounts ($800 annually at December 31, 2008) plus interest, due 2023  16,240    
Note payable, variable rate (2.21% at December 13, 2008), payable $58 monthly plus interest, due 2016  12,250   12,950 
Note payable, variable rate (6.48% at December 31, 2008), payable $291 quarterly, due 2016  7,475   8,001 
Note payable, 4.64%, payable $67 monthly, due 2009  1,969   2,713 
Note payable, 4.60%, payable $235 quarterly, due 2010  4,726   5,256 
Note payable, 8.5%, payable $15 monthly, due 2016  1,372    
Industrial development revenue bonds:        
Variable rate (1.70% at December 31, 2008), due 2019  4,650   4,650 
Variable rate (1.80% at December 31, 2008), due 2025  3,100   3,100 
Debenture bonds, 5.00% to 8.00%, due 2009 through 2018  39,465   32,984 
Obligations under capital lease     172 
Other notes payable and bonds  878   123 
   
   308,549   143,291 
Less current maturities  14,594   10,096 
   
  $293,955  $133,195 
   
         
  December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2009 2008
   
Note payable, 4.8%, payable at maturity, due 2011 $92,000  $92,000 
Note payable, 6.12%, payable at maturity, due 2015  61,500   61,500 
Note payable, 6.78%, payable at maturity due 2018  41,500   41,500 
Note payable, 6.46%, payable $143 monthly, due 2012 (a)  11,252   12,568 
Note payable, 6.95%, payable $317 quarterly plus interest     8,856 
Note payable, variable rate (0.5% at December 31, 2009), payable in increasing amounts ($850 annually at December 31, 2009) plus interest, due 2023 (a)  15,440   16,240 
Note payable, variable rate (1.04% at December 13, 2009), payable $58 monthly plus interest, due 2016 (a)  11,550   12,250 
Note payable, 6.48%, payable $291 quarterly, due 2016 (a)  6,607   7,475 
Note payable, 4.64%, payable $67 monthly     1,969 
Note payable, 4.60%, payable $235 quarterly     4,726 
Note payable, 8.5%, payable $15 monthly, due 2016  1,309   1,372 
Industrial development revenue bonds:        
Variable rate (0.35% at December 31, 2009), due 2019  4,650   4,650 
Variable rate (0.67% at December 31, 2009), due 2025  3,100   3,100 
Debenture bonds, 5.00% to 8.00%, due 2010 through 2019  45,595   39,465 
Other notes payable and bonds  108   878 
   
   294,611   308,549 
Less current maturities  5,855   14,594 
   
  $288,756  $293,955 
   
The notes payable due 2010, 2012, 2016 and 2023 (for a total of $49.9 million) and the industrial development revenue bonds are collateralized by first mortgages on certain facilities and related equipment with a book value of $41.5 million. The note payable due 2009 is collateralized by railcars with a book value of $1.5 million.
(a)debt is collateralized by first mortgages on certain facilities and related equipment with a book value of $26.5 million
At December 31, 2008,2009, the Company had $11.9$3.9 million of five-year term debenture bonds bearing interest at 6.0%5.0% and $5.9$1.0 million of ten-year term debenture bonds bearing interest at 7.0%6.0% available for sale under an existing registration statement.

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The Company’s short-term and long-term borrowing agreements include both financial and non-financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company at a minimum to:
  maintain minimum working capital of $55.0 million and net equity (as defined) of $125 million;
 
  limit the incurrence of new long-term recourse debt; and
 
  restrict the amount of dividends paid.
The Company was in compliance with all covenants at and during the years ended December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.
The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, are as follows: 2009 — $14.6 million; 2010 — $17.4$5.9 million; 2011 — $99.3$99.1 million; 2012 — $17.5 million; 2013 — $10.1 million; 2014 — $12.3 million; and $149.6$149.7 million thereafter.
Non-Recourse Debt
The Company’s non-recourse long-term debt consists of the following:
         
  December 31, 
(in thousands, except percentages) 2008  2007 
   
Class A-1 Railcar Notes, 2.79%, payable $600 monthly plus interest, due 2019 $  $2,600 
Class A-2 Railcar Notes, 4.57%, payable $700 monthly plus interest, due 2019  16,271   21,000 
Class A-3 Railcar Notes, 5.13%, payable $100 monthly plus interest, due 2019     4,460 
Class B Railcar Notes, 14.00%, payable $50 monthly plus interest, due 2019  2,350   2,950 
Note Payable, 5.95%, payable $450 monthly, due 2013  31,274   34,709 
Note Payable, 6.37%, payable $28 monthly, due 2014  1,953   2,307 
Notes Payable, 5.98%-7.08%, payable $28 monthly, due 2009-2011  1,354   1,973 
   
   53,202   69,999 
Less current maturities  13,147   13,722 
   
  $40,055  $56,277 
   
         
  December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2009 2008
   
Class A-2 Railcar Notes, 4.57%, payable $700 monthly plus interest $  $16,271 
Class B Railcar Notes, 14.00%, payable $50 monthly plus interest     2,350 
Note Payable, 5.95%, payable $420 monthly, due 2013  21,641   31,274 
Note Payable, 6.37%, payable $28 monthly, due 2014  1,640   1,953 
Notes Payable, 5.98%-7.08%, payable $28 monthly, due 2010-2011  1,069   1,354 
   
   24,350   53,202 
Less current maturities  5,080   13,147 
   
  $19,270  $40,055 
   
In 2005 The Andersons Rail Operating I (“TARO I”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $41 million in non-recourse long-term debt for the purpose of purchasing 2,293 railcars and related leases from the Company. As of March 31, 2009, the Company had violated the utilization covenant and debt service coverage ratio covenant associated with this debt. This covenant violation did not trigger any cross default provisions under any other debt agreements. The Company serves as managerreceived a waiver of this violation and in April 2009, the railcar assetsCompany paid an additional $4.0 million to the bank in principal payments. Based on the arrangement with the lender, this additional payment resulted in the exclusion of idle cars from the utilization and servicerdebt service coverage ratio calculation. The Company received a modification from the bank of this debt agreement which reduces the related leases.debt service coverage ratio from 1.5 to 1.15. With the modification, the Company does not expect to violate this covenant in the future. TARO I is a bankruptcy remote entity and the debt holders have recourse only to the assets and related leases of TARO I which had a book value of $28.2$20.8 million at December 31, 2008.2009. The balance outstanding on the TARO I non-recourse long-term debt at December 31, 20082009 was $31.3$21.6 million.
In 2004During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company formed three bankruptcy-remote entities that are wholly-ownedpaid the remaining principal balance on its note payable held by TOP CAT Holding Company LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. These bankruptcy-remote entities issued $86.4 million in non-recourse long-term debt. The balance at December 31, 2008original maturity date of these notes payable was $18.6 million. The2019, and the Company did not recognize any gain or loss on this early debt holders have recourse only to the assets including any related leases of those bankruptcy remote entities. These entities are also governed by an indenture agreement. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as trustee under the indenture. The Company serves as manager of the railcar assets and servicer of the leases for the bankruptcy-remote entities. The trustee ensures that the bankruptcy remote entities are managed in accordance with the terms of the indenture and all payees (both service providers and creditors) of the bankruptcy-remote entities are paid in accordance to the payment priority specified within the Indenture.
The Class A debt is insured by Municipal Bond Insurance Association. Financing costs of $4.7 million were incurred to issue the debt. These costs are being amortized over the expected debt repayment period, as describedrepayment.

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below. The book value of the railcar rolling stock at December 31, 2008 was $50.3 million. All of the debt issued has a final stated maturity date of 2019, however, it is anticipated that repayment of the $18.6 million outstanding will occur before 2012 based on debt amortization requirements of the indenture. The Company also has the ability to redeem the debt, at its option, beginning in 2011. This financing structure places a limited life on the created entities, limits the amount of assets that can be sold by the manager, requires variable debt repayment on asset sales and does not allow for new asset purchases within the existing bankruptcy remote entities.
The Company’s non-recourse debt includes separate financial covenants relating solely to the collateralized assets. Triggering one or more of these covenants for a specified period of time could result in the acceleration in amortization of the outstanding debt. These maximum covenants include, but are not limited to, the following:
  Monthly average lease rate greater than or equal to $200;
 
  Monthly utilization rate greater than or equal to 80%; and
 
  Coverage ratio greater than or equal to 1.15; and
Class A notes balance less than or equal to 90% of the stated value (as assigned in the debt documents) of railcars.1.15
The Company was in compliance with these debt covenants at December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.
The aggregate annual maturities of non-recourse, long-term debt are as follows: 2009 — $13.1 million; 2010 — $14.0$5.1 million; 2011 — $5.0$4.3 million; 2012 — $4.6 million; 2013 — $15.6$9.6 million and $0.9 million thereafter.
Interest Paid and Interest Rate Derivatives2014 — $0.8 million.
Interest paid (including interest on short-term lines of credit) amounted to $20.0 million, $28.1 million and $17.2 million and $15.2 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The Company has entered into a derivative interest rate contract to manage interest rate risk on short-term borrowings. The contract converts variable interest rates to short-term fixed rates, consistent with projected borrowing needs. At December 31, 2008, the Company had an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $20.0 million which caps interest rates at 5.4% through April 2009. Although this derivative instrument is intended to hedge interest rate risk on short-term borrowings, the Company has elected not to account for it as a hedge. Changes in fair value are included in interest expense in the statement of income.
The Company has also entered into various derivative financial instruments to hedge the interest rate component of long-term debt and lease obligations. The following table displays the contracts open at December 31, 2008.
                     
            Initial    
Interest Rate         Notional    
Hedging Year Year of Amount   Interest
Instrument Entered Maturity (in millions) Hedged Item Rate
 
Swap  2005   2016  $4.0  Interest rate component of an operating lease — not accounted for as a hedge  5.23%
Swap  2006   2016  $14.0  Interest rate component of long-term debt — accounted for as cash flow hedge  5.95%
Cap  2008   2010  $20.0  Interest rate component of long-term debt — not accounted for as a hedge  4.25%
Cap  2008   2010  $10.0  Interest rate component of long-term debt — not accounted for as a hedge  4.67%
The initial notional amounts on the above instruments amortize monthly in the same manner as the underlying hedged item. Changes in the fair value of both caps and the interest rate swap with a notional amount of $4.0 million are included in interest expense in the statements of income, as they are not accounted for as cash flow hedges. The interest rate swap with a notional amount of $14.0 million is designated as a cash flow hedge with changes in fair value included as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. Also included in accumulated other comprehensive income are closed treasury rate locks entered into to hedge the interest rate

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component of railcar lease transactions prior to their closing. The reclassification of these amounts from other comprehensive income into interest or cost of railcar sales occurs over the term of the hedged debt or lease, as applicable.
The fair values of all derivative instruments are included in prepaid expenses, other assets, other accounts payable or other long-term liabilities. The fair value amounts were a liability of $2.9 million and $1.2 million in2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and an asset of less than $0.1 million in both 2008 and 2007. The mark-to-market effect of long-term and short-term interest rate contracts on interest expense was $0.5 million in 2008, $0.3 million in 2007 and $0.1 million in 2006. If there are no additional changes in fair value, the Company expects to reclassify less than $0.1 million from other comprehensive income into interest expense or cost of railcar sales in 2009. Counterparties to the short and long-term derivatives are large international financial institutions.respectively.
8. Income Taxes
Income tax provision applicable to continuing operations consists of the following:
                        
 Year ended December 31 Year ended December 31
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
Current:             
Federal $11,441 $27,656 $9,841  $4,848  $11,441  $27,656 
State and local  (31) 3,149 703   828   (31)  3,149 
Foreign 932 999 205   (176)  932   999 
    
 $12,342 $31,804 $10,749  $5,500  $12,342  $31,804 
    
             
Deferred:             
Federal $4,110 $4,975 $6,396  $15,638  $4,110  $4,975 
State and local  (121) 302 473   1,833   (121)  302 
Foreign 135  (4) 504   (1,041)  135   (4)
    
 $4,124 $5,273 $7,373  $16,430  $4,124  $5,273 
    
             
Total:             
Federal $15,551 32,631 $16,237  $20,486  $15,551  $32,631 
State and local  (152) 3,451 1,176   2,661   (152)  3,451 
Foreign 1,067 995 709   (1,217)  1,067   995 
    
 $16,466 $37,077 $18,122  $21,930  $16,466  $37,077 
    
Income before income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following:
                        
 Year ended December 31 Year ended December 31
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
U.S. income $45,889 $103,118 $51,975  $64,359 $43,086 $101,762 
Foreign 3,477 2,743 2,494   (2,863) 3,477 2,743 
    
 $49,366 $105,861 $54,469  $61,496 $46,563 $104,505 
        

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A reconciliation from the statutory U.S. federal tax rate to the effective tax rate follows:
                        
 Year ended December 31 Year ended December 31
 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%
Increase (decrease) in rate resulting from:  
Effect of extraterritorial income exclusion and qualified domestic production deduction  (0.2)  (0.6)  (1.2)
Effect of qualified domestic production deduction  (0.4)  (0.2)  (0.6)
Effect of charitable contribution of appreciated property   (1.6)      (1.7)
State and local income taxes, net of related federal taxes  (0.9) 2.1 1.4  2.8  (1.0) 2.2 
Ethanol small producer’s credit    (1.2)
Effect of noncontrolling interest in pass-through entity  (0.7) 2.1 0.5 
Other, net  (0.5) 0.1  (0.7)  (1.0)  (0.5) 0.1 
    
Effective tax rate  33.4%  35.0%  33.3%  35.7%  35.4%  35.5%
        
Income tax refunds of $24.2 million were received in 2009. Income taxes paid in 2008 2007 and 20062007 were $49.7 million $24.1 million and $3.6$24.1 million, respectively.
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
                
 December 31 December 31
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
      
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Property, plant and equipment and railcar assets leased to others $(47,665) $(35,272) $(56,883) $(47,665)
Prepaid employee benefits  (11,353)  (8,136)  (11,172)  (11,353)
Investments  (8,500)  (3,011)  (16,511)  (8,500)
Other  (3,139)  (1,696)  (3,828)  (3,139)
    
  (70,657)  (48,115)  
      (88,394)  (70,657)
   
Deferred tax assets:  
Employee benefits 30,303 16,129  29,848 30,303 
Accounts and notes receivable 5,043 1,794  6,192 5,043 
Inventory 10,722 2,110  4,348 10,722 
Deferred expenses 3,493 2,671  7,176 3,493 
Net operating loss carryforwards 1,159 1,411  1,918 1,159 
Other 4,193 3,316  4,018 4,193 
      
Total deferred tax assets 54,913 27,431  53,500 54,913 
      
Valuation allowance  (1,115)  (1,134)  (960)  (1,115)
      
 53,798 26,297  52,540 53,798 
      
Net deferred tax liabilities $(16,859) $(21,818) $(35,854) $(16,859)
      
On December 31, 20082009 the Company had a less than $0.1 million federal net operating loss, acquired as part of the ASC Mineral Processing Company purchase, which will expire in 2026. We do not expect the company’s ability to utilize the loss to be limited under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to ownership changes. A deferred tax asset of less than $0.1 million has been recorded with respect to the net operating loss carryforward and no valuation allowance has been established because the Company is expected to utilize the net operating loss carryforward.
On December 31, 2008 the Company had $17.2$14.8 million in state net operating loss carryforwards that expire from 20152016 to 2023. A deferred tax asset of $1.1$1.0 million has been recorded with respect to the net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance of $1.1$1.0 million has been established against the deferred tax asset because it is unlikely that the Company will realize the benefit of these carryforwards. On December 31, 20072008 the Company

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had recorded a $1.1 million deferred tax asset and a $1.1 million valuation allowance with respect to state net operating loss carryforwards.carryforwards

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On December 31, 20082009 the Company had $0.1$4.9 million in remainingcumulative Canadian net operating losses. Of this total, $1.1 million may be carried back against earlier tax years to generate tax refunds of $0.3 million. The remaining $3.8 million in net operating losses that will expire in 2027.from 2027 to 2030. A deferred tax asset of less than $0.1$1.0 million has been recorded with respect to net operating loss carryforwards. No valuation allowance has been established because the Company is expected to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards. On December 31, 20072008 the Company had recorded a $0.3 million deferred tax asset, and no valuation allowance, of less than $0.1 million with respect to Canadian net operating losses.loss carryforwards.
During 2008, the State of Indiana certified that a pass-through entity, in which theThe Company has an ownership interest, may claim investment tax credits related to 2006 construction of an ethanol production facility. The Company’s portion of the credit is $0.7 million, and a deferred tax asset of $0.4 million has been recorded with respect to the portion of the credit that has not been used and may be carried forward through the year 2015. No valuation allowance has been established because the Company is expected to utilize the credit carryforwards.
Upon adoption of SFAS 123 (R), “Share-Based Payment,” the Company utilized the long-form method to calculate the $3.1 million pool of windfall tax benefits.benefits associated with stock-based compensation plans. The Company accounts for utilization of windfall tax benefits based on tax law ordering and considered only the direct effects of stock-based compensation for purposes of measuring the windfall at settlement of an award. Under SFAS No. 123(R),The amount of cash resulting from the exercise of awards during 2009 was $0.1 million and the tax benefit the Company realized from the exercise of awards was $0.3 million. For 2008, the amount of cash resulting from the exercise of awards during 2008 was $0.2 million and the tax benefit the Company realized from the exercise of awards was $2.8 million. The total compensation cost that the Company charged against income was $4.1 million and the total recognized tax benefit from such charge was $1.4 million. For 2007, the amount of cash resulting from the exercise of awards was $0.5 million and the tax benefit the Company realized from the exercise of awards was $5.7 million. The total compensation cost that the Company charged against income was $4.3 million and the total recognized tax benefit from such charge was $1.5 million.
The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), an interpretation of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS No. 109) as of January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $0.4 million decrease to beginning retained earnings during 2007.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S., Canadian and Mexican federal jurisdictions and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by U.S. tax authorities for years before 2006, no longer subject to examinations by Canadian tax authorities for years before 2005, with the exception of Mexico, where the year 2004 is alsoand subject to examination.examination by Mexican tax authorities for all years beginning with 2004. During 2008, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax return for the year 2006. As of December 31, 2008, the Service has not proposed any significant adjustments to the Company’s 2006 federal income tax return, but management anticipates that it is reasonably possible that an additional payment of approximately $0.1 million may be made by the end of 2009, for audit adjustments relating to the timing of income recognition and expense deductions. During 2008, the Internal Revenue Service completed an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returnreturns for the year 2005years 2006 and 2007, resulting in an additional payment of $1.1$2.5 million. Substantially all audit adjustments related to the timing of income recognition and expense deductions.

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A reconciliation of the January 1, 20072008 and December 31, 20082009 amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
     
  (in thousands) 
Balance at January 1, 2007 $1,496 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year   
Additions based on tax position related to prior years  407 
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities   
Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations  (571)
    
Balance at December 31, 2007 $1,332 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  66 
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years  204 
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities  (361)
Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations  (514)
    
Balance at December 31, 2008 $727 
    
Included in the balance at December 31, 2008, is $0.1 million for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the timing of income recognition and expense deduction would not affect the annual effective tax rate, although it would accelerate the payment of cash to taxing authorities to an earlier period.
     
   (in thousands)    
Balance at January 1, 2007 $1,496 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year   
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years  407 
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities   
Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations  (571)
    
Balance at December 31, 2007  1,332 
     
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  66 
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years  204 
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities  (361)
Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations  (514)
    
   727 
     
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  28 
Additions based on tax position related to prior years  (25)
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities  (153)
Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations  (259)
    
Balance at December 31, 2009 $318 
    
The remaining $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 20082009 are associated with positions taken on state income tax returns, and would decrease the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The statute of limitations for examinations related to $0.2 million of such benefits is scheduled to expire in the fourth quarter of 2009.2010.
The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties accrued as required by FIN 48, as interest expense and penalty expense, respectively, rather than as income tax expense. The total amountCompany has $0.3 million accrued for the payment of accrued interest and penalties asat December 31, 2009. The net interest and penalties expense for 2009 is a $0.1 million benefit, due to the relief of the date of adoption is $0.5 million.

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previously recorded interest and penalties. The Company hashad $0.4 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2008. The net interest and penalties expense for 2008 iswas less than $0.1 million. The Company had $0.4 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2007. The net interest and penalties expense for 2007 was $0.1 million.
The Company has recorded reserves for tax exposures based on its best estimate of probable and reasonably estimable tax matters and does not believe that a material additional loss is reasonably possible for tax matters.
9. Stock Compensation Plans
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), using the modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, stock-based compensation expense for 2006 and 2007 includes compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards granted prior to January 1, 2006 that were not yet vested, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123. Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards granted after January 1, 2006 are based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R). The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.
Total compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for all stock compensation programs was $4.1 million, $4.3 million and $2.9 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The Company’s 2005 Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan, dated May 6, 2005 (the “LT Plan”), authorizes the Board of Directors to grant options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and share awards to employees and outside directors for up to 400,000 of the Company’s common shares plus 426,000 common shares that remained available under a prior plan. In 2008, shareholder’sshareholders approved an additional 500,000 of the Company’s common shares to be available under the LT Plan. As of December 31, 2008,2009, approximately 595,000350,000 shares remain available for grant under the LT Plan. Options granted have a maximum term of 10 years. Prior to 2006, options granted to managers had
Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards are based on the grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a fixed termstraight-line basis over the requisite service period of five yearsthe award. Total compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for all stock compensation programs was $2.7 million, $4.1 million and vested 40% immediately, 30% after one year$4.2 million in 2009, 2008 and 30% after two years. Options granted to outside directors had a fixed term of five years and vested after one year.2007, respectively.

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Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights (“SOSARs”) and Stock Options
Beginning in 2006, the Company discontinued granting options to directors and management and instead began granting SOSARs. SOSARs granted to directors and management personnel under the LT Plan in 2008 and 2009 have a term of five-years and have a three year graded vesting. The SOSARs granted in 2006 and 2007 have a term of five years and vest after three years. SOSARs granted under the LT Plan are structured as fixed grants with exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. The related compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period. On March 1, 2008, 151,580In 2009 there were 193,728 SOSARs were granted to directors and management personnel. Upon the acquisition of Douglass Fertilizer, an additional 2,470 SOSARs were issued to employees of that entity. During 2008, an additional 4,007 SOSARs in total were issued to new directors.
The fair value for SOSARs was estimated at the date of grant, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted average assumptions listed below. Volatility was estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares over the past five years. The average expected life was based on the contractual term of the stock optionaward and expected employee exercise and post-vesting employment termination trends. The risk-free rate is based on U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. Forfeitures are estimated at the date of grant based on historical experience.
                        
 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
Long Term Performance Compensation Plan
 
Risk free interest rate  2.24%  4.34%  4.82%  1.89%  2.24%  4.34%
Dividend yield  0.67%  0.45%  0.50%  3.18%  0.67%  0.45%
Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common shares .410 .375 .290  .520 .410 .375 
Expected life for the options (in years) 4.10 4.50 4.50  4.10 4.10 4.50 

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A reconciliation of the number of SOSARs and stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2009, and changes during the period then ended is as follows:
                 
        Weighted-  
      Weighted- Average Aggregate
      Average Remaining Intrinsic
  Shares Exercise Contractual Value
  (000)’s Price Term ($000)
   
Options & SOSARs outstanding at January 1, 2009  905  $32.78         
SOSARs granted  194   11.16         
Options exercised  (153)  15.50         
Options & SOSARs cancelled / forfeited  (39)  41.68         
   
Options and SOSARs outstanding at December 31, 2009  907  $30.69   2.21  $4,576 
   
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2009  903  $30.69   2.20  $4,548 
   
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009  491  $32.08   1.29  $1,806 
   
             
  2009 2008 2007
   
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31 (000’s) $2,127  $6,384  $14,175 
   
Total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31 (000’s) $4,145  $533  $437 
   
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31 $3.80  $15.26  $15.32 
   
As of December 31, 2009, there was $0.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and SOSARs granted under the LT Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next 1.17 years.
Restricted Stock Awards
The LT Plan permits awards of restricted stock. These shares carry voting and dividend rights; however, sale of the shares is restricted prior to vesting. Restricted shares have a three year vesting period. Total restricted stock expense is equal to the market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of the award and is recognized over the service period. On March 1, 2008, 17,900In 2009, there were 30,500 shares were issued to members of management. Upon
A summary of the acquisitionstatus of Douglass Fertilizer, an additional 740the Company’s nonvested restricted shares were issuedas of December 31, 2009, and changes during the period then ended, is presented below:
         
      Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair
Nonvested Shares Shares (000)’s Value
   
Nonvested at January 1, 2009  52  $42.30 
Granted  30   11.02 
Vested  (21)  38.70 
Forfeited  (—)  41.12 
   
Nonvested at December 31, 2009  61  $30.20 
   

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  2009 2008 2007
   
Total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31 (000’s) $109  $20  $201 
   
Weighted average fair value of restricted shares granted during the year ended December 31 $11.02  $46.06  $42.30 
   
As of December 31, 2009, there was $0.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to employees of that entity.nonvested restricted shares granted under the LT Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next 2.0 years.
Performance Share Units (“PSUs”)
The LT Plan also allows for the award of PSUs. Each PSU gives the participant the right to receive one common share dependent on achievement of specified performance results over a three calendar year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of shares of stock issued will be determined by adjusting the award upward or downward from a target award. Fair value of PSUs issued is based on the market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of the award. The related compensation expense is recognized over the performance period when achievement of the award is probable and is adjusted for changes in the number of shares expected to be issued if changes in performance are expected. In 2009 there were 56,801 PSUs issued to executive officers. Currently, the Company is accounting for the awards granted in 2006 at the maximum amount available for issuance2007 and the awards granted in 20072009 at 50% of the maximum amount available for issuance. On March 1, 2008 36,005 PSUs were issued to executive officers. As of December 31, 2008,2009, it does not appear that the Company will reach the minimum threshold earnings per share growth for issuance of any of the 2008 awards and therefore no stock compensation expense is being taken on these awards.

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PSUs Activity


A summary of the status of the Company’s PSUs as of December 31, 2009, and changes during the period then ended, is presented below:
         
      Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair
Nonvested Shares Shares (000)’s Value
   
Nonvested at January 1, 2009  75  $43.07 
Granted  57   11.13 
Vested  (26)  38.16 
Forfeited     39.12 
   
Nonvested at December 31, 2009  106  $28.88 
   
             
  2009 2008 2007
   
Weighted average fair value of PSUs granted during the year ended December 31 $10.81  $46.24  $42.30 
   
As of December 31, 2009, there was $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSUs granted under the LT Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next 2.0 years.
Employee Share Purchase Plan (the “ESP Plan”)
The Company’s 2004 ESP Plan allows employees to purchase common shares through payroll withholdings. The Company has registered 423,369355,459 common shares remaining available for issuance to and purchase by employees under this plan. The ESP Plan also contains an option component. The purchase price per share under the ESP Plan is the lower of the market price at the beginning or end of the year. The Company records a liability for withholdings not yet applied towards the purchase of common stock.

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The fair value of the option component of the ESP Plan is estimated at the date of grant under the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions for the appropriate year. Expected volatility was estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares over the past year. The average expected life was based on the contractual term of the plan. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury issues with a one year term. Forfeitures are estimated at the date of grant based on historical experience.
             
  2008 2007 2006
   
Employee Share Purchase Plan
            
Risk free interest rate  3.34%  5.0%  4.38%
Dividend yield  0.73%  0.45%  0.84%
Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common shares  .470  .555  .419 
Expected life for the options (in years)  1.00   1.00   1.00 
Stock Option and SOSAR Activity
A reconciliation of the number of SOSARs and stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2008, and changes during the period then ended is as follows:
                 
          Weighted-  
      Weighted- Average Aggregate
      Average Remaining Intrinsic
  Shares Exercise Contractual Value
  (000)'s Price Term ($000)
   
Options & SOSARs outstanding at January 1, 2008  1,007  $24.78         
SOSARs granted  158   45.78         
Options exercised  (253)  8.74         
Options cancelled / forfeited  (7)  48.25         
     
Options and SOSARs outstanding at December 31, 2008  905  $32.78   2.36  $501 
         
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2008  903  $32.74   2.35  $501 
         
Options exercisable at December 31, 2008  338  $17.90   1.24  $501 
         
             
  2008 2007 2006
   
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31 (000’s) $6,384  $14,175  $14,970 
       
Total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31 (000’s) $533  $437  $878 
       
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31 $15.26  $15.32  $12.13 
       
As of December 31, 2008, there was $1.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and SOSARs granted under the LT Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next 1.41 years.

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Restricted Shares Activity
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted shares as of December 31, 2008, and changes during the period then ended, is presented below:
         
      Weighted-Average
      Grant-Date Fair
Nonvested Shares Shares (000)'s Value
   
Nonvested at January 1, 2008  36  $40.39 
Granted  19   46.06 
Vested  (1)  42.13 
Forfeited  (2)  42.56 
     
Nonvested at December 31, 2008  52  $42.30 
     
             
  2008 2007 2006
   
Total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31 (000’s) $20  $201  $332 
   
             
Weighted average fair value of restricted shares granted during the year ended December 31 $46.06  $42.30  $39.12 
   
As of December 31, 2008, there was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted shares granted under the LT Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next 2.41 years.
PSUs Activity
A summary of the status of the Company’s PSUs as of December 31, 2008, and changes during the period then ended, is presented below:
         
      Weighted-Average 
      Grant-Date Fair 
Nonvested Shares Shares (000)'s  Value 
   
Nonvested at January 1, 2008  74  $29.09 
Granted  36   46.26 
Vested  (34)  15.87 
Forfeited  (1)  45.02 
     
Nonvested at December 31, 2008  75  $43.07 
     
             
  2008 2007 2006
   
Weighted average fair value of PSUs granted during the year ended December 31 $46.24  $42.30  $39.12 
       
As of December 31, 2008, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSUs granted under the LT Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over the next year.
             
  2009 2008 2007
   
Employee Share Purchase Plan
            
Risk free interest rate  0.37%  3.34%  5.0%
Dividend yield  2.06%  0.73%  0.45%
Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common shares  .673   .470   .555 
Expected life for the options (in years)  1.00   1.00   1.00 
10. Other Commitments and Contingencies
Railcar leasing activities:
The Company is a lessor of railcars. The majority of railcars are leased to customers under operating leases that may be either net leases (where the customer pays for all maintenance) or full service leases under which(where the Company provides maintenance and fleet management services.services). The Company also provides such services to financial intermediaries to whom it has sold railcars and locomotives in non-recourse lease transactions. Fleet management services generally include maintenance, escrow, tax filings and car tracking services.
Many of the Company’s leases provide for renewals. The Company also generally holds purchase options for railcars it has sold and leased-back from a financial intermediary, and railcars sold in non-recourse lease transactions. These purchase options are for stated amounts which are determined at the inception of the lease and are intended to approximate the estimated fair value of the applicable railcars at the date for which such purchase options can be exercised.

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Lease income from operating leases (with the Company as lessor) to customers (including month to month and per diem leases) and rental expense for railcar operating leases (with the companyCompany as lessee) were as follows:
                        
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006 2009 2008 2007
    
Rental and service income — operating leases $87,445 $81,885 $74,948  $73,575 $87,445 $81,885 
        
Rental expense $23,695 $21,607 $18,254  $24,271 $23,695 $21,607 
        
Lease income recognized under per diem arrangements (described in Note 1) totaled $3.9 million, $9.1 million and $10.3 million, in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and are included in the amounts above.

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Future minimum rentals and service income for all noncancelable railcar operating leases greater than one year are as follows:
         
  Future Rental and  
  Service Income – Future Minimum
(in thousands) Operating Leases Rental Payments
Year ended December 31,  
2009 $60,321  $23,425 
2010  43,674   21,645 
2011  31,758   18,365 
2012  22,010   11,588 
2013  14,985   7,957 
Future years  33,599   26,381 
   
  $206,347  $109,361 
     
In 2006, the Company entered into a direct financing lease. Future rental income for this lease is as follows: 2009 — 2013 $0.2 million per year and $1.2 million thereafter.
         
  Future Rental and Future
  Service Income– Minimum Rental
(in thousands) Operating Leases Payments
   
Year ended December 31,        
2010 $43,963  $21,286 
2011  30,609   18,647 
2012  21,171   11,887 
2013  14,080   8,258 
2014  10,194   5,803 
Future years  28,044   21,125 
   
  $148,061  $87,006 
   
The Company also arranges non-recourse lease transactions under which it sells railcars or locomotives to financial intermediaries and assigns the related operating lease on a non-recourse basis. The Company generally provides ongoing railcar maintenance and management services for the financial intermediaries, and receives a fee for such services when earned. Management and service fees earned in 2009, 2008 and 2007 and 2006 were $3.0 million, $3.1 million and $2.0 million, and $1.9 million, respectively.
The Company has entered into a zero cost foreign currency collar to hedge the change in conversion rate between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar for railcar leases in Canada. This zero cost collar, which is being accounted for as a cash flow hedge, has an initial notional amount of $6.8 million and places a floor and ceiling on the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate at $0.9875 and $1.069, respectively. Changes in the fair value of this derivative are included as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. The fair value of this derivative was $0.6 million at December 31, 2008 and is included in other asses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Other leasing activities:
The Company, as a lessee, leases real property, vehicles and other equipment under operating leases. Certain of these agreements contain lease renewal and purchase options. The Company also leases excess property to third parties. Net rental expense under these agreements was $5.1 million, $4.7 million and $3.4 million in 2009, 2008 and $3.1 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Future minimum lease payments (net of sublease income commitments) under agreements in effect at December 31, 20082009 are as follows: 2009 — $4.1 million; 2010 — $4.1 million; 2011 — $3.6$3.7 million; 2012 — $2.8$2.9 million; 2013 — $1.6$1.7 million; 2014 — $1.1 million; and $2.9$1.4 million thereafter.
In addition to the above, the Company leases its Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain elevators under operating leases to two of its ethanol joint ventures. The Albion, Michigan grain elevator lease expires in 2056. The initial term of the Clymers, Indiana grain elevator lease ends in 2014 and provides for 5 renewals of 7.5 years each. Lease income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 was $1.8 million, $1.8 million and $1.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.

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11. Employee Benefit Plan Obligations
The Company provides retirementfull-time employees with pension benefits under several defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The Company’s expense for its defined contribution plans amounted to $3.3 million in 2009, $2.7 million in 2008 and $2.3 million in 2007 and $1.5 million in 2006.2007. The Company also provides certain health insurance benefits to employees as well as retirees.
The Company has both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its non-retail employees.plans. The plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and average monthly compensation using a career average formula. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company announced that it would be freezing its defined benefit plan as of July 1, 2010 for all of its non-retail line of business employees. Pension benefits for the retail line of business employees were frozen at December 31, 2006. As a result of this curtailment, the Company recorded a gain of $4.1 million to pension expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The net gain consisted of $4.3 million of remaining prior service cost and $0.2 million curtailment loss that were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

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The Company also has postretirement health care benefit plans covering substantially all of its full time employees hired prior to January 1, 2003. These plans are generally contributory and include a cap on the Company’s share for most retirees.
The measurement date for all plans is December 31.
Obligation and Funded Status
Following are the details of the obligation and funded status of the pension and postretirement benefit plans:
                                
 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement
 Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2009 2008 2009 2008
    
Change in benefit obligation
  
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $55,025 $57,465 $17,987 $21,078  $67,686 $55,025 $19,792 $17,987 
Service cost 2,665 2,659 375 436  2,861 2,665 412 375 
Interest cost 3,614 3,137 1,125 1,163  4,001 3,614 1,155 1,125 
Actuarial (gains)/losses 8,785  (5,195) 1,233  (3,653) 6,739 8,785 652 1,233 
Participant contributions   352 373    388 352 
Retiree drug subsidy received   54 133    45 54 
Benefits paid  (2,403)  (3,041)  (1,334)  (1,543)  (2,050)  (2,403)  (1,150)  (1,334)
Plan curtailment  (4,362)    
          
Benefit obligation at end of year 67,686 55,025 19,792 17,987  74,875 67,686 21,294 19,792 
          
 
Change in plan assets
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $51,209 $64,278 $ $ 
Actual gains (loss) on plan assets 15,214  (20,668)   
Company contributions 6,050 10,002 762 981 
Participant contributions   388 353 
Benefits paid  (2,050)  (2,403)  (1,150)  (1,334)
  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 70,423 51,209   
  
 
  
Funded status of plans at end of year  (4,452)  (16,477)  (21,294)  (19,792)
  
                 
Change in plan assets
                
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $64,278  $56,938  $  $ 
Actual gains (loss) on plan assets  (20,668)  3,381       
Company contributions  10,002   7,000   981   1,170 
Participant contributions        353   373 
Benefits paid  (2,403)  (3,041)  (1,334)  (1,543)
   
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  51,209   64,278       
         
Funded status of plans at end of year  (16,477)  9,253   (19,792)  (17,987)
         

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Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 consist of:
                                
 Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2009 2008 2009 2008
    
Pension asset $ $10,714 $ $ 
Accrued expenses  (70)  (109)  (1,113)  (1,053) $(72)  (70) $(1,163)  (1,113)
Employee benefit plan obligations  (16,407)  (1,352)  (18,679)  (16,934)  (4,380)  (16,407)  (20,131)  (18,679)
          
Net amount recognized $(16,477) $9,253 $(19,792) $(17,987) $(4,452) $(16,477) $(21,294) $(19,792)
          
Following are the details of the pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2008:2009:

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                 Pension Postretirement
 Pension Postretirement Benefits Benefits
 Benefits Benefits Unamortized Unamortized Unamortized Unamortized Prior
 Unamortized Unamortized Unamortized Unamortized Actuarial Prior Service Actuarial Net Service
(in thousands) Actuarial Prior Service Actuarial Prior Service Net Losses Costs Losses Costs
 Net Losses Costs Net Losses Costs  
  
Balance at beginning of year $11,893 $(5,336) $8,416 $(4,602) $45,437 $(4,717) $9,038 $(4,091)
Amounts arising during the period 34,489  1,233    (8,482)  652  
Plan curtailment (193) 4,325 
Recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost  (945) 619  (611) 511   (3,503) 392  (624) 511 
          
Balance at end of year $45,437 $(4,717) $9,038 $(4,091) $33,259 $ $9,066 $(3,580)
          
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year are as follows:
                        
(in thousands) Pension Postretirement Total Pension Postretirement Total
    
Prior service cost $(587) $(511) $(1,098) $ $(511) $(511)
Net actuarial loss 4,036 642  4,678 1,694 630 2,324 
The accumulated benefit obligations related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are $60.2$74.3 million and $49.5$60.2 million as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively.
Amounts applicable to the Company’s defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:
                
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Projected benefit obligation $67,686 $1,461  $74,875 $67,686 
      
Accumulated benefit obligation $60,188 $1,461  $74,267 $60,188 
      

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The combined benefits expected to be paid for all Company defined benefit plans over the next ten years (in thousands) are as follows:
                        
 Expected Pension Expected Postretirement Medicare Part D Expected Pension Expected Postretirement Medicare Part D
Year Benefit Payout Benefit Payout Subsidy Benefit Payout Benefit Payout Subsidy
2009 $3,821 $1,259 $(146)
2010 3,868 1,335  (161) $4,317 $1,317 $(155)
2011 4,170 1,410  (178) 4,544 1,392  (174)
2012 4,469 1,466  (203) 4,922 1,455  (195)
2013 4,525 1,541  (231) 4,795 1,531  (222)
2014-2018 25,375 8,589  (1,639)
2014 4,804 1,599  (247)
2015-2019 25,498 8,889  (1,770)

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Following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for each year:
                         
  Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands) 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006
   
Service cost $2,666  $2,659  $3,665  $374  $436  $393 
Interest cost  3,614   3,137   3,024   1,125   1,163   1,148 
Expected return on plan assets  (5,037)  (4,565)  (4,013)         
Amortization of prior service cost  (619)  (635)  (527)  (511)  (511)  (511)
Recognized net actuarial loss  945   1,072   1,798   611   793   972 
Curtailment cost        135          
Current period impact of prior errors                 (693)
             
Benefit cost $1,569  $1,668  $4,082  $1,599  $1,881  $1,309 
             
In 2006, the Company identified a postretirement plan amendment implemented in 2003 that was not valued. The entire correction was recorded in 2006 on the basis that it was not material to the then current or prior periods.
                         
  Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2007 2009 2008 2007
   
Service cost $2,861  $2,666  $2,659  $412  $374  $436 
Interest cost  4,001   3,614   3,137   1,155   1,125   1,163 
Expected return on plan assets  (4,356)  (5,037)  (4,565)         
Amortization of prior service cost  (392)  (619)  (635)  (511)  (511)  (511)
Recognized net actuarial loss  3,503   945   1,072   624   611   793 
Curtailment gain  (4,132)               
   
Net periodic benefit cost $1,485  $1,569  $1,668  $1,680  $1,599  $1,881 
   
Assumptions
                        
                         Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
Weighted Average Assumptions Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2009 2008 2007 2008 2008 2007
 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006  
  
Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at Measurement Date
  
Discount rate  6.10%  6.30%  5.80%  6.10%  6.40%  5.80%
Discount rate (a)  5.70%  6.10%  6.30%  5.80%  6.10%  6.40%
Rate of compensation increases  4.50%  4.50%  4.50%      3.50%  4.50%  4.50%    
Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years ended December 31
  
Discount rate  6.30%  5.80%  5.50%  6.40%  5.80%  5.50%  6.10%  6.30%  5.80%  6.10%  6.40%  5.80%
Expected long-term return on plan assets  8.25%  8.50%  8.50%      8.25%  8.25%  8.50%    
Rate of compensation increases  4.50%  4.50%  4.50%      4.50%  4.50%  4.50%    
(a)In 2009, the calculated discount rate for the unfunded pension plan was different than the defined benefit pension plan. The calculated rate for the supplemental employee retirement plan was 6.00%.
The discount rate for measuring the 2008 benefit obligations wasis calculated based on projecting future cash flows and aligning each year’s cash flows to the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and then calculating a weighted average discount rate for each plan. The Company has elected to then use the nearest tenth of a percent from this calculated rate.
The expected long-term return on plan assets was determined based on the current asset allocation and historical results from plan inception. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on a target allocation of assets, which is based on our goal of earning the highest rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels and is disclosed in the Plan Assets section of this Note. The plan strives to have assets sufficiently diversified so that adverse or unexpected results from one security class will not have an unduly detrimental impact on the entire portfolio.

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Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates at Beginning of Year
                
 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year  9.0%  9.5%  8.5%  9.0%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)  5.0%  5.0%  5.0%  5.0%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2017 2017  2017 2017 

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The assumed health care cost trend rate has an effect on the amounts reported for postretirement benefits. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:
         
  One-Percentage-Point
(in thousands) Increase Decrease
   
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2008 $(20) $16 
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2008  (58)  38 
         
  One-Percentage-Point
(in thousands) Increase Decrease
   
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2009 $(19) $16 
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2009  (116)  92 
To partially fund self-insured health care and other employee benefits, the Company makesmade payments to a trust. This trust was closed in December of 2009 after all of the remaining cash was used to fund benefits. The estimated fair value of the assets of the trust was $5.2 million at both December 31, 2008 and 2007, and is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on ourthe Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheet.
Plan Assets
The Company’s pension plan weighted average asset allocations at December 31 by asset category, are as follows:
                
Asset Category 2008 2007 2009 2008
    
Equity securities  74%  74%  74%  74%
Fixed income securities  24%  23%  24%  24%
Cash and equivalents  2%  3%  2%  2%
    
  100%  100%  100%  100%
The plan assets are allocated within the broader asset categories in investments that focus on more specific sectors. Within equity securities, subcategories include large cap growth, large cap value, small cap growth, small cap value, and internationally focused investment funds. These funds are judged in comparison to benchmark indexes that best match their specific category. Within fixed income securities, the funds are invested in a broad cross section of securities to ensure diversification. These include treasury, government agency, corporate, securitization, high yield, global, emerging market and other debt securities.
The investment policy and strategy for the assets of the Company’s funded defined benefit plan includes the following objectives:
  ensure superior long-term capital growth and capital preservation;
 
  reduce the level of the unfunded accrued liability in the plan; and
 
  offset the impact of inflation.
Risks of investing are managed through asset allocation and diversificationdiversification. Investments are given extensive due diligence by an impartial third party investment firm. All investments are monitored and are monitoredre-assessed by the Company’s pension committee on a semi-annual basis. Available investment options include U.S. Government and agency bonds and instruments, equity and debt securities of public corporations listed on U.S. stock exchanges, exchange listed U.S. mutual funds and institutional portfolios investing in equity and debt securities of publicly traded domestic or international companies and cash or money market securities. In order to minimizereduce risk and volatility, the Company has placed the following portfolio market value limits on its investments, to which the investments must be rebalanced after each quarterly cash contribution. Note that the single security restriction does not apply to mutual funds.funds or institutional investment portfolios. No securities are purchased on margin, nor are any derivatives used to create leverage. The overall expected long-term rate of return is determined by using long-term historical returns for equity and fixed income securities in proportion to their weight in the investment portfolio.

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  Percentage of Total Portfolio Market Value
  Minimum Maximum Single Security
   
Equity based  60%  80%  <10%
Fixed income based  20%  35%  <5%
Cash and equivalents  1%  5%  <5%
             
  Percentage of Total Portfolio Market Value
  Minimum Maximum Single Security
   
Equity based  60%  80%  <10%
Fixed income based  20%  35%  <5%
Cash and equivalents  1%  5%  <5%
The following table presents the fair value of the assets (by asset category) in the Company’s defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2009.
                 
(in thousands)        
Assets Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents $240  $  $  $240 
Money market fund     1,240      1,240 
Equity funds     52,000      52,000 
Fixed income funds     16,943      16,943 
   
Total $240  $70,183  $  $70,423 
There is no equity or debt of the Company included in the assets of the defined benefit plan.

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Cash Flows
The Company expects to make a minimum contributioncontributions to the funded defined benefit pension plan of approximately $5.0up to $6.1 million in 2009.2010. The Company reserves the right to contribute more or less than this amount. For the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, the Company contributed $10.0$6.0 million to the defined benefit pension plan.
12. Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s cash equivalents, margin deposits, short-term borrowings and certain long-term borrowings approximate their carrying values since the instruments are close to maturity and/or carry variable interest rates based on market indices. The Company accounts for investments in affiliates using either the equity method or the cost method. These investments have no quoted market price.
Certain long-term notes payable and the Company’s debenture bonds bear fixed rates of interest and terms of up to 10 years. Based upon the Company’s credit standing and current interest rates offered by the Company on similar bonds and rates currently available to the Company for long-term borrowings with similar terms and remaining maturities, the Company estimates the fair values of its long-term debt instruments outstanding at December 200831, 2009 and 2007,2008, as follows:
                
(in thousands) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
    
2008:
 
Long-term notes payable $212,720 $205,146 
2009:
 
Fixed rate long-term notes payable $214,207 $219,904 
Long-term notes payable, non-recourse 53,202 52,736  24,350 24,629 
Debenture bonds 39,465 37,291  45,595 46,307 
    
 $305,387 $295,173  $284,152 $290,840 
      
 
2007:
 
Long-term notes payable $39,311 $38,919 
2008:
 
Fixed rate long-term notes payable $212,720 $207,621 
Long-term notes payable, non-recourse 69,999 68,234  53,202 52,365 
Debenture bonds 32,984 32,346  39,465 38,059 
    
 $142,294 $139,499  $305,387 $298,045 
      

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13. Derivatives
The Company’s operating results are affected by changes to commodity prices. The grain division has established “unhedged” grain position limits (the amount of grain, either owned or contracted for, that does not have an offsetting derivative contract to lock in the price). To reduce the exposure to market price risk on grain owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into regulated commodity futures contracts for corn, soybeans, wheat and oats and over-the-counter contracts for ethanol. The forward contracts are for physical delivery of the commodity in a future period. Contracts to purchase grain from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of grain to processors or other consumers generally do not extend beyond one year. Contracts for the purchase and sale of ethanol currently do not extend beyond one year. The terms of the contracts for the purchase and sale of grain and ethanol are consistent with industry standards. The Company, although to a lesser extent, also enters into option contracts for the purpose of providing pricing features to its customers and to manage price risk on its own inventory.
All of these contracts are considered derivatives. While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges as defined under current accounting standards. The Company records forward commodity contracts on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, as appropriate, and accounts for them at estimated fair value, the same method it uses to value its grain inventory. The estimated fair value of the regulated commodity futures and options contracts as well as the over-the-counter contracts is recorded on a net basis (offset against cash collateral posted or received) within margin deposits or accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the balance sheet. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices and in the case of its forward purchase and sale contracts, estimated fair value is adjusted for differences in local markets and non-performance risk.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in sales and merchandising revenues in the statements of income.
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s commodity derivatives as of December 31, 2009, and the balance sheet line item in which they are located:
     
(in thousands) December 31, 2009 
    
Forward commodity contracts included in Commodity derivative assets —current $24,255 
Forward commodity contracts included in Commodity derivative assets — noncurrent  3,137 
Forward commodity contracts included in Commodity derivative liabilities — current  (24,871)
Forward commodity contracts included in Commodity derivative liabilities — noncurrent  (830)
Regulated futures and options contracts included in Margin deposits (a)  (11,354)
Over-the-counter contracts included in Margin deposits (a)  (1,824)
Over-the-counter contracts included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities  (4,193)
    
Total estimated fair value of commodity derivatives $(15,680)
    
(a)The fair value of futures, options and over-the-counter contracts are offset by cash collateral posted or received and included as a net amount in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1 for additional information.

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The gains included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income and the line items in which they are located for the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:
     
  Year ended
(in thousands) December 31, 2009
Gains on commodity derivatives included in sales and merchandising revenues $45,707 
At December 31, 2009, the Company had the following bushels and gallons outstanding (on a gross basis) on all commodity derivative contracts:
             
  Number of bushels Number of tons Number of gallons
Commodity (in thousands) (in thousands) (in thousands)
   
Corn  229,340       
Soybeans  17,053       
Wheat  5,301       
Oats  8,683       
Soymeal     38    
Ethanol        323,986 
   
Total  260,377   38   323,986 
   
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Company periodically enters into interest rate contracts, including interest rate swaps and caps, to manage interest rate risk on borrowing or financing activities. One of the Company’s long-term interest rate swaps is recorded in other long-term liabilities and is designated as a cash flow hedge; accordingly, changes in the fair value of this instrument are recognized in other comprehensive income. The terms of the swap match the terms of the underlying debt instrument. The deferred derivative gains and losses on the interest rate swap are reclassified into income over the term of the underlying hedged items. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company reclassified less than $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. The Company expects to reclassify less than $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings in the next twelve months.
The Company has other interest rate contracts that are not designated as hedges. While the Company considers all of its interest rate derivative positions to be effective economic hedges of specified risks, these interest rate contracts are recorded on the balance sheet in prepaid expenses and other assets or current and long-term liabilities and changes in fair value are recognized currently in income as interest expense.

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The following table presents the open interest rate contracts at December 31, 2009.
                   
Interest Rate       Initial
Notional
    
Hedging Year Year of Amount   Interest
Instrument Entered Maturity (in millions) Hedged Item Rate
 
Short-term                
Cap 2008  2010  $20.0  Interest rate component of debt — not accounted for as a hedge  4.25%
Cap 2008  2010  $10.0  Interest rate component of debt — not accounted for as a hedge  4.67%
                   
Long-term                
Swap 2005  2016  $4.0  Interest rate component of an operating lease — not accounted for as a hedge  5.23%
Swap 2006  2016  $14.0  Interest rate component of debt — accounted for as cash flow hedge  5.95%
Cap 2009  2011  $10.0  Interest rate component of debt — not accounted for as a hedge  2.92%
Cap 2009  2012  $10.0  Interest rate component of debt — not accounted for as a hedge  3.42%
Cap 2009  2011  $10.0  Interest rate component of debt — not accounted for as a hedge  2.92%
At December 31, 2009, the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivatives:
     
  December 31, 
(in thousands) 2009 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    
Interest rate contracts included in other assets $55 
Interest rate contracts included in deferred income and other long term liabilities  (320)
    
Total fair value of interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $(265)
    
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    
Interest rate contract included in deferred income and other long term liabilities $(1,540)
    
Total fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments $(1,540)
    
The gains (losses) included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income and the line item in which they are located for interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
     
  Year ended
(in thousands) December 31, 2009
Interest expense $158 
The gains included in the Company’s Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and the line item in which they are located for interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
     
  Year ended
(in thousands) December 31, 2009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $893 

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Foreign Currency Derivatives
The Company has entered into a zero cost foreign currency collar to hedge the change in conversion rate between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar for railcar leases in Canada. This zero cost collar, which is being accounted for as a cash flow hedge, has an initial notional amount of $6.8 million and places a floor and ceiling on the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate at $0.9875 and $1.069, respectively. Changes in the fair value of this derivative are included as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. The terms of the collar match the underlying lease agreements and therefore any ineffectiveness is considered immaterial.
At December 31, 2009, the Company had recorded the following amount for the fair value of the Company’s foreign currency derivatives:
     
(in thousands) December 31, 2009
Foreign currency contract included in other assets $42 
The losses included in the Company’s Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and the line item in which they are located for foreign currency derivatives designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
     
  Year ended
(in thousands) December 31, 2009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(539)
14. Business Segments
The Company’s operations include five reportable business segments that are distinguished primarily on the basis of products and services offered. The Grain & Ethanol Group’s operations include grain merchandising, the operation of terminal grain elevator facilities and the investment in and management of ethanol production facilities as well as an investment in Lansing Trade Group LLC. In the Rail Group, operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and locomotives, railcar repair and metal fabrication. The Plant Nutrient Group manufactures and distributes agricultural inputs, primarily fertilizer, to dealers and farmers. The Turf & Specialty Group’s operations include the production and distribution of turf care and corncob-based products. The Retail Group operates large retail stores, a specialty food market, a distribution center and a lawn and garden equipment sales and service shop.
Included in Other are the corporate level amounts not attributable to an operating Group and the sale of some of the Company’s excess real estate.
The segment information below includes the allocation of expenses shared by one or more Groups. Although management believes such allocations are reasonable, the operating information does not necessarily reflect how such data might appear if the segments were operated as separate businesses. Inter-segment sales are made at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales. Operating income (loss) for each Group is based on net sales and merchandising revenues plus identifiable other income less all identifiable operating expenses, including interest expense for carrying working capital and long-term assets. Capital expenditures include additions to property, plant and equipment, software and intangible assets.

7982


                                                        
(in thousands) Grain & Plant Turf &       Grain & Plant        
2008 Ethanol Rail Nutrient Specialty Retail Other Total
2009 Ethanol Rail Nutrient Turf & Specialty Retail Other Total
Revenues from external customers
 $2,411,144 $133,898 $652,509 $118,856 $173,071 $ $3,489,478  $2,153,978 $92,789 $491,293 $125,306 $161,938 $  $3,025,304 
Inter-segment sales
 15 439 4,017 1,728   6,199  9 634 3,150 1,504    5,297 
Equity in earnings of affiliates
 4,027  6    4,033  17,452  8   3  17,463 
Other income, net
 4,751 526 893 446 692  (1,138) 6,170  2,319 485 1,755 1,131 683 1,958  8,331 
Interest expense (a)
 18,667 4,154 5,616 1,522 886 394 31,239  9,363 4,468 3,933 1,429 961 534  20,688 
Operating income (loss)(a)
 43,587 19,782  (12,325) 2,321 843  (4,842) 49,366  51,354  (1,034) 11,294 4,735  (2,843)  (3,225) 60,281 
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (1,215)        (1,215)
  
Income before income taxes
 52,569  (1,034) 11,294 4,735  (2,843)  (3,225) 61,496 
              
Identifiable assets
 575,589 198,109 266,785 70,988 50,605 146,697 1,308,773  597,041 194,748 205,968 63,353 45,696 177,585  1,284,391 
Capital expenditures
 5,317 682 10,481 2,018 924 893 20,315  6,145 297 6,610 1,305 1,157 1,046  16,560 
Railcar expenditures
 19,066 78,923     97,989   24,965      24,965 
Cash invested in affiliates
 41,350     100 41,450  1,100     100  1,200 
Acquisitions of businesses
 7,132  11,788    18,920    30,480     30,480 
Depreciation and amortization
 4,377 13,915 5,901 2,228 2,218 1,128 29,767  5,532 15,967 8,665 2,314 2,286 1,256  36,020 
                                                        
(in thousands) Grain & Plant Turf &       Grain & Plant        
2007 Ethanol Rail Nutrient Specialty Retail Other Total
2008 Ethanol Rail Nutrient Turf & Specialty Retail Other Total
Revenues from external customers $1,498,652 $129,932 $466,458 $103,530 $180,487 $ $2,379,059  $2,411,144 $133,898 $652,509 $118,856 $173,071 $ $3,489,478 
Inter-segment sales 6 715 10,689 1,154   12,564  15 439 4,017 1,270   5,741 
Equity in earnings of affiliates 31,870   (7)    31,863  4,027  6    4,033 
Other income, net 11,721 1,038 916 438 840 6,778 21,731  4,751 526 893 446 692  (1,138) 6,170 
Interest expense (a) 8,739 5,912 1,804 1,475 875 243 19,048  18,667 4,154 5,616 1,522 886 394 31,239 
Operating income (loss)(a) 65,934 19,505 27,055 95 139  (6,867) 105,861  43,587 19,782  (12,325) 2,321 843  (4,842) 49,366 
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,803      2,803 
  
Income before income taxes 40,784 19,782  (12,325) 2,321 843  (4,842) 46,563 
 
Identifiable assets 823,451 193,948 142,513 59,574 53,604 51,898 1,324,988  575,589 198,109 266,785 70,988 50,605 146,697 1,308,773 
Capital expenditures 4,126 598 6,883 3,331 3,895 1,513 20,346  5,317 682 10,481 2,018 924 893 20,315 
Railcar expenditures  56,014    56,014  19,066 78,923     97,989 
Cash invested in affiliates 36,249      36,249  41,350     100 41,450 
Depreciation and amortization 3,087 14,183 3,748 1,914 2,186 1,135 26,253  4,377 13,915 5,901 2,228 2,218 1,128 29,767 

83


                                                        
(in thousands) Grain & Plant Turf &       Grain & Plant Turf &     
2006 Ethanol Rail Nutrient Specialty Retail Other Total
2007 Ethanol Rail Nutrient Specialty Retail Other Total
Revenues from external customers $791,207 $113,326 $265,038 $111,284 $177,198 $ $1,458,053  $1,498,652 $129,932 $466,458 $103,530 $180,487 $ $2,379,059 
Inter-segment sales 712 507 5,805 1,164   8,188  6 715 10,689 1,154   12,564 
Equity in earnings of affiliates 8,183  7    8,190  31,870   (7)    31,863 
Other income, net 7,684 511 1,008 1,115 865 2,731 13,914  11,721 1,038 916 438 840 6,778 21,731 
Interest expense (income) (a) 6,562 6,817 2,828 1,555 1,245  (2,708) 16,299 
Interest expense 8,739 5,912 1,804 1,475 875 243 19,048 
Operating income (loss)(a) 27,955 19,543 3,287 3,246 3,152  (2,714) 54,469  65,934 19,505 27,055 95 139  (6,867) 105,861 
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,356      1,356 
  
Income before income taxes 64,578 19,505 27,055 95 139  (6,867) 104,505 
 
Identifiable assets 428,780 190,012 111,241 55,198 53,277 40,540 879,048  823,451 193,948 142,513 59,574 53,604 51,898 1,324,988 
Capital expenditures 3,242 469 5,732 1,667 3,260 1,661 16,031  4,126 598 6,883 3,331 3,895 1,513 20,346 
Railcar expenditures  85,855     85,855   56,014    56,014 
Cash invested in affiliates 34,255      34,255  36,249      36,249 
Depreciation and amortization 3,094 13,158 3,330 1,948 2,102 1,105 24,737  3,087 14,183 3,748 1,914 2,186 1,135 26,253 
 
(a) TheOperating income (loss) for each Group is based on net sales and merchandising revenues plus identifiable other income less all identifiable operating expenses, including interest income (expense)expense for carrying working capital and long-term assets and is reported in the Other segment includes net interest income at the corporate level. These amounts result from a rate differential between the interest rate on which interest is allocatedof net (income) loss attributable to the operating segments and the actual rate at which borrowings are made.noncontrolling interest.
Grain sales for export to foreign markets amounted to approximately $313 million, $195 million and $315 million in 2009, 2008 and $218 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Revenues from leased railcars in Canada totaled $12.4 million, $18.1 million and $15.4 million in 2009, 2008 and $14.2 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The net book value of the leased railcars at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 was $25.7$26.9 million and $27.5$25.7 million, respectively. Lease revenue on railcars in Mexico totaled $0.3 million in 2009, $0.8 million in 2008 and $0.5 million in both 2007 and 2006. The net book value of the leased railcars at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.2007.

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14.15. Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for 20082009 and 2007.2008.
(in thousands, except for per common share data)
                                        
 Net Income Net Income    
 Per Share- Per Share- attributable to The Earnings Per Earnings Per
Quarter Ended Net Sales Gross Profit Amount Basic Diluted Net Sales Gross Profit Andersons, Inc. Share-Basic Share-Diluted
2009
           
March 31 $697,392 $61,374 $4,952 $0.27 $0.27 
June 30  810,954  73,334  15,918  0.87  0.87 
September 30  601,000  51,010  1,250  0.07  0.07 
December 31  915,958  69,788  16,231  0.89  0.88 
   
Year $3,025,304 $255,506 $38,351  2.10  2.08 
   
 
2008
  
March 31 $713,001 $52,241 $7,823 $0.43 $0.42  $713,001 $52,241 $7,823 $0.43 $0.42 
June 30 1,100,700 120,337 45,626 2.53 2.48  1,100,700 120,337 45,626 2.52 2.48 
September 30 905,712 73,025 12,840 0.71 0.70  905,712 73,025 12,840 0.71 0.70 
December 31 770,065 12,226  (33,389)  (1.85)  (1.85) 770,065 12,226  (33,389)  (1.84)  (1.84)
      
Year $3,489,478 $257,829 $32,900 1.82 1.79  $3,489,478 $257,829 $32,900 1.82 1.79 
      
 
2007
 
March 31 $406,503 $44,385 $9,239 $0.52 $0.51 
June 30 634,214 71,836 25,488 1.43 1.40 
September 30 553,708 48,814 10,565 0.59 0.58 
December 31 784,634 74,677 23,492 1.31 1.28 
   
Year $2,379,059 $239,712 $68,784 3.86 3.75 
   

84


Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. As such, the summation of the quarterly amounts may not equal the total net income per share reported for the year.
Included in gross profit for the third and fourth quarterquarters of 2008, was $13.1 million and $84.1 million, respectively, of lower-of-cost or market write-downs relating to the Company’s fertilizer inventory and committed purchase and sale contracts.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
The Company is not organized with one Chief Financial Officer. Our Vice President, Controller and CIO is responsible for all accounting and information technology decisions while our Vice President, Finance and Treasurer is responsible for all treasury functions and financing decisions. Each of them, along with the President and Chief Executive Officer (“Certifying Officers”), are responsible for evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures. These named Certifying Officers have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as of December 31, 2008,2009, and have determined that such controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in Item 8 on page 41.43.
There were no significant changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2008,2009, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
For information with respect to the executive officers of the registrant, see “Executive Officers of the Registrant” included in Part I, Item 4a of this report. For information with respect to the Directors of the registrant, see “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be held on May 8, 20097, 2010 (the “Proxy Statement”), which is incorporated herein by reference; for information concerning 1934 Securities and Exchange Act Section 16(a) Compliance, see such section in the Proxy Statement, incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information set forth under the caption “Share Ownership” and “Executive Compensation — Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
None.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information set forth under “Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) (1) (1) The consolidated financial statements of the Company are set forth under Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
 
(2)(2) The following consolidated financial statement schedule is included in Item 15(d):
     
    Page
II. II. Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 8892
     All other schedules for which provisions are made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable, and therefore have been omitted.

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(3) Exhibits:
 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 28, 1995 and amended as of September 26, 1995, by and between The Andersons Management Corp. and The Andersons. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registration Statement No. 33-58963).
 
 3.1 Articles of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to Registration Statement No. 33-16936).
 
 3.4 Code of Regulations of The Andersons, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement No. 33-58963).
 
 4.3 Specimen Common Share Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement No. 33-58963).
 
 4.4 The Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 14, 1997, between The Andersons, Inc. and The Fifth Third Bank, successor Trustee to an Indenture between The Andersons and Ohio Citizens Bank, dated as of October 1, 1985. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to The Andersons, Inc. the 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
 
 4.5 Loan Agreement dated October 30, 2002 and amendments through the eighth amendment dated September 27, 2006 between The Andersons, Inc., the banks listed therein and U.S. Bank National Association as Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2006).
 
 10.1 Management Performance Program. * (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Predecessor Partnership’s Form 10-K dated December 31, 1990, File No. 2-55070).

86


 10.2 The Andersons, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan * (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the April 25, 2002 Annual Meeting).
 
 10.3 The Andersons, Inc. 2004 Employee Share Purchase Plan * (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Proxy Statement for the May 13, 2004 Annual Meeting).
 
 10.4 Marketing Agreement between The Andersons, Inc. and Cargill, Incorporated dated June 1, 1998 (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
 
 10.5 Lease and Sublease between Cargill, Incorporated and The Andersons, Inc. dated June 1, 1998 (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
 
 10.6 Amended and Restated Marketing Agreement between The Andersons, Inc.; The Andersons Agriculture Group LP; and Cargill, Incorporated dated June 1, 2003 (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
 
 10.7 Amendment to Lease and Sublease between Cargill, Incorporated; The Andersons Agriculture Group LP; and The Andersons, Inc. dated July 10, 2003 (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
 
 10.8 Amended and Restated Asset Purchase agreement by and among Progress Rail Services and related entities and Cap Acquire LLC, Cap Acquire Canada ULC and Cap Acquire Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed February 27, 2004).

83


 10.9 Indenture between NARCAT LLC, CARCAT ULC, and NARCAT Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Issuers) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Indenture Trustee) dated February 12, 2004. (Incorporated by reference from Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
 
 10.10 Management Agreement between NARCAT LLC, CARCAT ULC, and NARCAT Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (the Companies), The Andersons, Inc. (the Manager) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Indenture Trustee and Backup Manager) dated February 12, 2004. (Incorporated by reference from Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
 
 10.11 Servicing Agreement between NARCAT LLC, CARCAT ULC, and NARCAT Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (the Companies), The Andersons, Inc. (the Servicer) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Indenture Trustee and Backup Servicer) dated February 12, 2004. (Incorporated by reference from form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
 
 10.12 Form of Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed August 9, 2005).
 
 10.13 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed -August 9, 2005).
 
 10.14 Security Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2005, made by The Andersons Rail Operating I, LLC in favor of Siemens Financial Services, Inc. as Agent (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed January 5, 2006).

87


 10.15 Management Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2005, made by The Andersons Rail Operating I, LLC and The Andersons, Inc., as Manager (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed January 5, 2006).
 
 10.16 Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2005, made by The Andersons Rail Operating I, LLC and The Andersons, Inc., as Servicer (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed January 5, 2006).
 
 10.17 Term Loan Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2005, made by The Andersons Rail Operating I, LLC, as borrower, the lenders named therein, and Siemens Financial Services, Inc., as Agent and Lender (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed January 5, 2006).
 
 10.18 The Andersons, Inc. Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan dated May 6, 2005* (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 6, 2005 Annual Meeting).
 
 10.19 Form of Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2006).
 
 10.20 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2006).
 
 10.21 Real Estate Purchase Agreement between Richard P. Anderson and The Andersons Farm Development Co., LLC (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed July 5, 2006).
 
 10.22 Real Estate Purchase Agreement between Thomas H. Anderson and The Andersons Farm Development Co., LLC (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed July 5, 2006).
 
 10.23 Real Estate Purchase Agreement between Paul M. Kraus and The Andersons Farm Development Co., LLC (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed July 5, 2006).

84


 10.24 Loan agreement dated September 27, 2006 between The Andersons, Inc., the banks listed therein and U.S. Bank National Association as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2006).
 
 10.25 Ninth Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated March 14, 2007, between The Andersons, Inc., as borrower, the lenders name herein, and U.S. National Bank Association as Agent and Lender (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed March 19, 2007).
 
 10.26 Form of Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2007)
 
 10.27 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2007
 
 10.28 Credit Agreement, dated February 25, 2008, between The Andersons, Inc., as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as lender.lender (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed February 28, 2008).
 
 10.29 Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 27, 2008, between The Andersons, Inc., as borrowers, and several purchases with Wells Fargo Capital Markets acting as agent (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed March 27, 2008).

88


 10.30 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated April 16, 2008, between The Andersons, Inc., as borrower, and several banks, with U.S. Bank National Association acting as agent and lender (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed April 17, 2008).
 
 10.31 Form of Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2008).
 
 10.32 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2008).
 
 10.33 Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated October 14, 2008, between The Andersons, Inc. as borrower, and several banks with U.S. National Bank Association acting as Agent and Lender (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed October 20, 2008).
 
 10.34 Form of Change in Control and Severance Participation Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed January 13, 2009).
 
 10.35 Change in Control and Severance Policy (Incorporated by reference form Form 8-K filed January 13, 2009).
 
 10.36Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed March 6, 2009).
10.37Form of Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed March 6, 2009).
10.38Form of Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement - Non-Employee Directors (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed March 6, 2009).
10.39Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated April 30, 2009 between The Andersons, Inc., as borrower, and U.S. Bank National Association acting as agent and lender (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed May 6, 2009).
21 Consolidated Subsidiaries of The Andersons, Inc.
 
 23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 31.1 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a).
 
 31.2 Certification of Vice President, Controller & CIO under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a).
 
 31.3 Certification of Vice President, Finance and Treasurer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a).
 
 32.1 Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
* Management contract or compensatory plan.

85


     The Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any long-term debt instrument or loan agreement that it may request.
(b) Exhibits:
The exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) of this report, and not incorporated by reference, follow “Financial Statement Schedule” referred to in (d) below.
The exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) of this report, and not incorporated by reference, follow “Financial Statement Schedule” referred to in (d) below.
(c) Financial Statement Schedule
The financial statement schedule listed in 15(a)(2) follows “Signatures.”
The financial statement schedule listed in 15(a)(2) follows “Signatures.”

8689


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.
     
 THE ANDERSONS, INC. (Registrant)
 
 
 By /s/By:  /s/ Michael J. Anderson   
 Michael J. Anderson  
 President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
           
Signature Title Date Signature Title Date
           
/s/ Michael J. Anderson
 
Michael J. Anderson
 Chairman of the Board President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) 2/27/0926/10 /s/ Paul M. KrausJohn T. Stout, Jr.
 
Paul M. KrausJohn T. Stout, Jr.
 Director  2/27/0926/10
(Principal Executive Officer)
           
/s/ Richard R. George
 
Richard R. George
 Vice President, Controller & CIO
(Principal (Principal Accounting Officer)
 2/27/0926/10 /s/ Donald L. Mennel
 
Donald L. Mennel
 Director  2/27/0926/10
           
/s/ Gary L. SmithNicholas C. Conrad
 
Gary L. SmithNicholas C. Conrad
 Vice President, Finance & Treasurer
(Principal (Principal Financial Officer)
 2/27/0926/10 /s/ David L. Nichols
 
David L. Nichols
 Director  2/27/09
/s/ Richard P. Anderson
Chairman of the Board2/27/09/s/ Ross W. Manire
Director 2/27/09
Richard P. AndersonRoss W. Manire26/10
           
/s/ Gerard M. Anderson
 
Director2/27/09/s/ Charles A. Sullivan
Gerard M. Anderson
 Director  2/27/09
Gerard M. Anderson26/10 /s/ Ross W. Manire
Ross W. Manire
 Director  Charles A. Sullivan2/26/10
           
/s/ Robert J. King, Jr.
 
Director2/27/09/s/ Jacqueline F. Woods
Robert J. King, Jr.
 Director  2/27/09
Robert J. King, Jr.26/10 /s/ Charles A. Sullivan
Charles A. Sullivan
 Director  Jacqueline F. Woods2/26/10
           
/s/ Catherine M. Kilbane
 
Catherine M. Kilbane
 Director 2/27/0926/10 /s/ Jacqueline F. Woods
Jacqueline F. Woods
 Director  2/26/10

8790


THE ANDERSONS, INC.
SCHEDULE II — CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                    
 Additions  
                     Transferred to Balance at
(in thousands) Additions   Balance at Charged to Costs Allowance for (1) End of
 Balance at Charged to Balance at
 Beginning of Costs and Charged to (1) End of
Description Period Expenses Other Accounts Deductions Period Beginning of Period and Expenses Notes Receivable Deductions Period
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes Receivable — Year ended December 31
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable — Year ended December 31Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable — Year ended December 31 
2009 $13,584 $4,973 $(7,889) $(1,915) $8,753 
2008 $4,545 $8,710 $31 $298 $13,584  4,545 8,710 31 298 13,584 
2007 2,404 3,430  (230) (1,059) 4,545  2,404 3,267  (230)  (896) 4,545 
2006 2,106 620  (46) (276) 2,404 
  
Allowance for Doubtful Notes Receivable — Year ended December 31Allowance for Doubtful Notes Receivable — Year ended December 31 
2009 $134  $7,889  (73) $7,950 
2008 339   (31)  (174) 134 
2007 39  230 29 339 
 
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries and adjustments to estimates for the allowance accounts.

8891


THE ANDERSONS, INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX
   
Exhibit  
Number  
10.28Credit Agreement, dated February 25, 2008, between The Andersons, Inc., as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as lender.
   
21 Consolidated Subsidiaries of The Andersons, Inc.
   
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
23.2 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
31.1 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
31.2 Certification of Vice President, Controller and CIO under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
31.3 Certification of Vice President, Finance and Treasurer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
32.1 Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

8992