Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2018
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 000-20557
 
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
 
OHIO 34-1562374
(State of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1947 Briarfield Boulevard, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(419) 893-5050
(Telephone Number)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerýAccelerated Filer¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨


Smaller reporting company¨
Emerging growth company
¨


  
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The registrant had approximately 28.3 million common shares outstanding, no par value, at April 27,October 26, 2018.

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



Part I. Financial Information




Item 1. Financial Statements


The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$31,497
 $34,919
 $29,645
$16,820
 $34,919
 $24,478
Restricted cash
 
 752
Accounts receivable, net216,021
 183,238
 190,628
206,380
 183,238
 196,192
Inventories (Note 2)731,629
 648,703
 641,294
490,331
 648,703
 475,602
Commodity derivative assets – current (Note 5)43,810
 30,702
 48,049
76,861
 30,702
 45,202
Other current assets57,147
 63,790
 83,623
58,374
 63,790
 53,958
Assets held for sale57,775
 37,859
 
29,527
 37,859
 8,383
Total current assets1,137,879
 999,211
 993,991
878,293
 999,211
 803,815
Other assets:          
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent (Note 5)1,739
 310
 339
766
 310
 245
Goodwill6,024
 6,024
 63,934
6,024
 6,024
 23,105
Other intangible assets, net108,855
 112,893
 103,057
100,730
 112,893
 113,371
Other assets, net28,566
 12,557
 8,108
26,174
 12,557
 11,852
Equity method investments224,449
 223,239
 208,993
240,350
 223,239
 215,031
369,633
 355,023
 384,431
374,044
 355,023
 363,604
Rail Group assets leased to others, net (Note 3)462,253
 423,443
 342,936
464,776
 423,443
 377,393
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 3)393,763
 384,677
 440,395
434,505
 384,677
 419,348
Total assets$2,363,528
 $2,162,354
 $2,161,753
$2,151,618
 $2,162,354
 $1,964,160

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Liabilities and equity          
Current liabilities:          
Short-term debt (Note 4)$489,000
 $22,000
 $255,000
$132,000
 $22,000
 $19,000
Trade and other payables263,519
 503,571
 276,834
344,406
 503,571
 381,359
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue81,778
 59,710
 81,628
38,242
 59,710
 29,520
Commodity derivative liabilities – current (Note 5)15,424
 29,651
 29,914
91,403
 29,651
 38,578
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities60,095
 69,579
 65,952
68,925
 69,579
 67,064
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)14,134
 54,205
 56,144
15,677
 54,205
 53,972
Total current liabilities923,950
 738,716
 765,472
690,653
 738,716
 589,493
Other long-term liabilities31,536
 33,129
 36,125
30,615
 33,129
 34,407
Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent (Note 5)1,414
 825
 450
2,548
 825
 902
Employee benefit plan obligations26,310
 26,716
 34,832
25,356
 26,716
 36,356
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 4)438,628
 418,339
 365,971
437,280
 418,339
 371,315
Deferred income taxes118,933
 121,730
 181,541
122,523
 121,730
 181,876
Total liabilities1,540,771
 1,339,455
 1,384,391
1,308,975
 1,339,455
 1,214,349
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
 
 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:          
Common shares, without par value (63,000 shares authorized; 29,430 shares issued at 3/31/2018, 12/31/17 and 3/31/2017)96
 96
 96
Common shares, without par value (63,000 shares authorized; 29,430 shares issued at 9/30/2018, 12/31/17 and 9/30/2017)96
 96
 96
Preferred shares, without par value (1,000 shares authorized; none issued)
 
 

 
 
Additional paid-in-capital221,990
 224,622
 220,366
222,368
 224,622
 223,814
Treasury shares, at cost (955, 1,063 and 1,074 shares at 3/31/2018, 12/31/17 and 3/31/2017, respectively)(36,028) (40,312) (40,727)
Treasury shares, at cost (929, 1,063 and 1,079 shares at 9/30/2018, 12/31/17 and 9/30/2017, respectively)(35,039) (40,312) (40,905)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,988) (2,700) (11,964)(4,364) (2,700) (9,682)
Retained earnings618,572
 633,496
 601,560
628,676
 633,496
 568,438
Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.800,642
 815,202
 769,331
811,737
 815,202
 741,761
Noncontrolling interests22,115
 7,697
 8,031
30,906
 7,697
 8,050
Total equity822,757
 822,899
 777,362
842,643
 822,899
 749,811
Total liabilities and equity$2,363,528
 $2,162,354
 $2,161,753
$2,151,618
 $2,162,354
 $1,964,160
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$635,739
 $852,016
$685,579
 $836,595
 $2,232,720
 $2,682,273
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues572,034
 775,558
631,715
 766,924
 2,024,677
 2,448,310
Gross profit63,705
 76,458
53,864
 69,671
 208,043
 233,963
Operating, administrative and general expenses64,257
 81,545
65,986
 68,153
 190,096
 219,242
Asset impairment
 
 6,272
 
Goodwill impairment
 
 
 42,000
Interest expense6,999
 6,100
5,176
 5,384
 20,000
 17,472
Other income:          
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates, net3,573
 (1,878)7,225
 3,586
 20,601
 8,093
Other income, net1,686
 7,495
6,434
 5,285
 10,949
 17,028
Income (loss) before income taxes(2,292) (5,570)(3,639) 5,005
 23,225
 (19,630)
Income tax provision (benefit)(310) (2,535)(1,764) 2,389
 5,668
 7,505
Net income (loss)(1,982) (3,035)(1,875) 2,616
 17,557
 (27,135)
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests(282) 54
223
 83
 (175) 73
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(1,700) $(3,089)$(2,098) $2,533
 $17,732
 $(27,208)
Per common share:          
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders$(0.06) $(0.11)$(0.07) $0.09
 $0.63
 $(0.96)
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders$(0.06) $(0.11)$(0.07) $0.09
 $0.62
 $(0.96)
Dividends declared$0.165
 $0.160
$0.165
 $0.160
 $0.495
 $0.480
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net income (loss)$(1,982) $(3,035)$(1,875) $2,616
 $17,557
 $(27,135)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Change in fair value of convertible preferred securities (net of income tax of $(87) and $0)(87) 
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $15 and $7)(51) (10)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $0 and $0)(1,150) 514
Change in fair value of convertible preferred securities (net of income tax of $0, $134, $0 and $134)
 211
 (87) 211
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $(38), $(64), $(139) and $(699))(129) (101) (467) (1,099)
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $40, $0, $56 and $0)119
 
 170
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0)993
 2,201
 (1,280) 3,674
Other comprehensive income (loss)(1,288) 504
983
 2,311
 (1,664) 2,786
Comprehensive income (loss)(3,270) (2,531)(892) 4,927
 15,893
 (24,349)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests(282) 54
223
 83
 (175) 73
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(2,988) $(2,585)$(1,115) $4,844
 $16,068
 $(24,422)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
Three months ended March 31,Nine months ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Operating Activities      
Net income (loss)$(1,982) $(3,035)$17,557
 $(27,135)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization22,679
 21,003
67,960
 64,546
Bad debt expense (recovery)(531) 629
(436) 1,076
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of dividends(2,360) 1,931
(18,390) (2,168)
Gains on sale of Rail Group assets and related leases(2,280) (3,609)(5,911) (7,642)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets277
 (4,698)
Gain on sale of assets(4,181) (11,443)
Stock-based compensation expense1,268
 1,220
4,898
 4,550
Goodwill impairment
 42,000
Asset impairment6,272
 
Other(70) (725)(2,626) (610)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable(30,730) 7,563
(20,853) (334)
Inventories(85,262) 33,456
156,375
 200,667
Commodity derivatives(45,775) 4,017
18,080
 16,073
Other assets1,134
 (9,375)127
 10,422
Payables and other accrued expenses(235,075) (277,612)(190,042) (229,268)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(378,707) (229,235)28,830
 60,734
Investing Activities      
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
 (3,507)
Purchases of Rail Group assets(29,516) (25,074)(108,054) (77,513)
Proceeds from sale of Rail Group assets14,575
 5,621
47,644
 18,368
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and capitalized software(29,414) (5,608)(86,694) (26,705)
Proceeds from sale of assets6
 13,912
42,307
 26,601
Proceeds from returns of investments in affiliates
 1,339
Purchase of investments
 (1,817)(11,086) (4,929)
Other
 (281)
 1,470
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(44,349) (13,247)(115,883) (64,876)
Financing Activities      
Net change in short-term borrowings467,000
 226,000
110,000
 (11,059)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt50,000
 15,175
57,000
 35,175
Proceeds from long-term financing arrangement
 10,396

 12,195
Payments of long-term debt(106,515) (37,852)(112,995) (54,326)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest owner14,700
 
31,115
 
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors
 511

 450
Payments of debt issuance costs(787) (33)(1,446) (2,024)
Dividends paid(4,650) (4,483)(13,976) (13,485)
Other(114) (217)(744) (936)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities419,634
 209,497
68,954
 (34,010)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(3,422) (32,985)(18,099) (38,152)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period34,919
 62,630
34,919
 62,630
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$31,497
 $29,645
$16,820
 $24,478
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2016$96
 $222,910
 $(45,383) $(12,468) $609,206
 $16,336
 $790,697
$96
 $222,910
 $(45,383) $(12,468) $609,206
 $16,336
 $790,697
Net income (loss)        (3,089) 54
 (3,035)        (27,208) 73
 (27,135)
Other comprehensive income (loss)      504
     504
      2,786
     2,786
Other change in noncontrolling interest          (8,359) (8,359)          (8,359) (8,359)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(323) (126 shares)  (2,549) 4,604
       2,055
Dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)        (4,500)   (4,500)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(323) (122 shares)  899
 4,426
       5,325
Dividends declared ($0.48 per common share)        (13,503)   (13,503)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents  5
 52
   (57)   
  5
 52
   (57)   
Balance at March 31, 2017$96
 $220,366
 $(40,727) $(11,964) $601,560
 $8,031
 $777,362
Balance at September 30, 2017$96
 $223,814
 $(40,905) $(9,682) $568,438
 $8,050
 $749,811
                          
Balance at December 31, 2017$96
 $224,622
 $(40,312) $(2,700) $633,496
 $7,697
 $822,899
$96
 $224,622
 $(40,312) $(2,700) $633,496
 $7,697
 $822,899
Net income (loss)        (1,700) (282) (1,982)        17,732
 (175) 17,557
Other comprehensive income (loss)      (1,288)     (1,288)      (1,664)     (1,664)
Cash received from noncontrolling interest          14,700
 14,700
Cash received from (paid to) noncontrolling interest  (2,268)       23,384
 21,116
Adoption of accounting standard, net of income tax of $2,869        (8,441)   (8,441)        (8,441)   (8,441)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(0) (105 shares)  (2,632) 4,164
       1,532
Dividends declared ($0.165 per common share)        (4,663)   (4,663)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(0) (134 shares)  14
 5,153
       5,167
Dividends declared ($0.495 per common share)        (13,991)   (13,991)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents  

 120
   (120)   
  

 120
   (120)   
Balance at March 31, 2018$96
 $221,990
 $(36,028) $(3,988) $618,572
 $22,115
 $822,757
Balance at September 30, 2018$96
 $222,368
 $(35,039) $(4,364) $628,676
 $30,906
 $842,643
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The Andersons, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)




1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal and recurring items considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods indicated have been made. The results in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. An unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31,September 30, 2017 has been included as the Company operates in several seasonal industries. Certain prior year amounts within the operating and investing activities sections of the statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 2017 was derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in The Andersons, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Form 10-K”).
New Accounting Standards
Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This standard simplifies the recognition and presentation of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments and, among other things, eliminates the requirement to separately measure and record hedge ineffectiveness. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 during the current year noting the effects of this standard on our condensed consolidated financial statements were not material. There was no transition impact.
Revenue Recognition


In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively.  The core principle of the new revenue standard is that an entity recognizes revenue from the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the standard in the current periodyear using the modified retrospective method. As a result of the adoption we recognized a cumulative catch-up transition adjustment in beginning retained earnings at January 1, 2018 for non-recourse financing transactions that were open as of December 31, 2017. This resulted in a $25.6 million increase in Rail Group net assets, $34.0 million increase in financing liabilities and deferred tax liabilities and $8.4 million decrease to retained earnings. See Note 7 for further detail.

Leasing

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842). The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in July 2018 with ASU 2018-10 and in August 2018 with ASU 2018-11. ASC 842 supersedes the current accounting for leases. The new standard, while retaining two distinct types of leases, finance and operating, (i) requires lessees to record a right of use asset and a related liability for the rights and obligations associated with a lease, regardless of lease classification, and recognize lease expense in a manner similar to current accounting, (ii) eliminates current real estate specific lease provisions, (iii) modifies the lease classification criteria and (iv) aligns many of the underlying lessor model principles with those in the new revenue standard. ASC 842 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to early adopt. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and must be adopted using either the modified retrospective approach, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented or the optional alternative approach, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the standard’s effective date.

The Company expects this standard to have the effect of bringing certain off balance-sheet rail assets onto the balance sheet along with a corresponding liability for the associated obligations. Additionally, we have other arrangements currently classified as operating leases which will be recorded as a right of use asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.





Other applicable standards


In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. This ASU reduces the complexity of accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement. This standard aligns the accounting for implementation costs of hosting arrangements, regardless of whether they convey a license to the hosted software. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. This standard modified the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating when to adopt this standard but has not done so in the current period.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement which removes and modifies some existing disclosure requirements and adds others. The ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU. is currently evaluating when to adopt this standard but has not done so in the current period.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows companies to reclassify stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in their consolidated financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We have evaluated the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements and donoting it is not expect the impact to be material. Early adoption is permitted, howeverbut the Company has not chosen to do so at this time.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This standard simplifies the recognition and presentation of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company plans to adopt this standard in the second quarter of 2018. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.


In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. ThisUnder this standard, states that if the vesting conditions, fair value, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification an entity would not apply modification accounting. The FASB then issued ASU 2018-07 which expands the scope to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The Company has adopted this standard inthese standards during the current periodyear, noting no impact as the Company has not made any modifications to our stock compensation awards.


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This standard requires that the service cost component be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs should be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. The Company has adopted this standard in the current periodyear using the retrospective approach and prior periods have been recast to reflect this change.change, noting the amounts are immaterial.


In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The Company has adopted this standard in the current periodyear noting the impact is immaterial.


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update changes the accounting for credit losses on loans and held-to-maturity debt securities and requires a current expected credit loss (CECL) approach to determine the allowance for credit losses. This includes allowances for trade receivables. The Company has not historically incurred significant credit losses and does not currently anticipate circumstances that would lead to a CECL approach differing from the Company's existing allowance estimates in a material way. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, howeverbut the Company does not plan to do so.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in February 2018 and March 2018 within ASU 2018-03 and ASU 2018-04, respectively. This standard provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The Company has adopted this standard in the current periodyear noting the impact is immaterial.



2. Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:
(in thousands)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Grain$324,232
 $505,217
 $342,837
Ethanol and co-products15,419
 11,003
 12,502
Plant nutrients and cob products145,363
 126,962
 114,131
Retail merchandise
 
 718
Railcar repair parts5,317
 5,521
 5,414
 $490,331
 $648,703
 $475,602

(in thousands)March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Grain$541,272
 $505,217
 $443,870
Ethanol and co-products14,320
 11,003
 15,549
Plant nutrients and cob products170,748
 126,962
 165,584
Retail merchandise
 
 11,082
Railcar repair parts5,289
 5,521
 5,209
 $731,629
 $648,703
 $641,294



Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017 do not include 0.7 million, 1.0 million and 2.71.0 million bushels of grain, respectively, held in storage for others. Inventories held in storage for others was di minims as of September 30, 2018. The Company does not have title to the grain and is only liable for any deficiencies in grade or shortage of quantity that may arise during the storage period. Management has not experienced historical losses on any deficiencies and does not anticipate material losses in the future.


3. Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of Property, plant and equipment, net are as follows:
(in thousands)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Land$29,545
 $22,388
 $23,342
Land improvements and leasehold improvements68,859
 69,127
 71,559
Buildings and storage facilities282,826
 284,820
 298,951
Machinery and equipment380,109
 373,127
 384,422
Construction in progress65,539
 7,502
 7,703
 826,878
 756,964
 785,977
Less: accumulated depreciation392,373
 372,287
 366,629
 $434,505
 $384,677
 $419,348

(in thousands)March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Land$29,915
 $22,388
 $29,331
Land improvements and leasehold improvements69,320
 69,127
 78,798
Buildings and storage facilities285,084
 284,820
 321,344
Machinery and equipment377,563
 373,127
 388,230
Construction in progress15,116
 7,502
 13,113
 776,998
 756,964
 830,816
Less: accumulated depreciation383,235
 372,287
 390,421
 $393,763
 $384,677
 $440,395

Capitalized interest totaled $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $11.6$34.7 million and $12.1$36.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.Additionally, depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $11.5 million and $11.9 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In June 2018, the Company recorded charges totaling $1.6 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Grain segment related to assets that were reclassified as assets held for sale at June 30, 2018 and were sold in the third quarter. In December 2017, the Company recorded charges totaling $10.9 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Grain segment, of which $5.6 million relates to assets that are deemed held and used and $5.3 million related to assets that have been reclassified as assets held for sale at December 31, 2017. The Company wrote down the value of these assets to the extent their carrying amounts exceeded fair value. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the impaired assets as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.


Rail Group Assets
The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows:
(in thousands)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Rail Group assets leased to others$576,622
 $531,391
 $484,214
Less: accumulated depreciation111,846
 107,948
 106,821
 $464,776
 $423,443
 $377,393
(in thousands)March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Rail Group assets leased to others$577,678
 $531,391
 $448,761
Less: accumulated depreciation115,425
 107,948
 105,825
 $462,253
 $423,443
 $342,936

Depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $6.2$18.4 million and $4.7$14.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $6.1 million and $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In June 2018, the Company recorded charges totaling $4.7 million related to Rail Group assets leased to others that have been reclassified as assets held for sale at June 30, 2018. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the impaired assets as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

4. Debt


The Company has a line of credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The agreement provides for a credit facility inof $800 million. During the amount of $800third quarter, the Andersons Railcar Leasing Company LLC amended and restated their revolving asset based loan agreement, increasing the credit facility to $200.0 million. Total borrowing capacity for the Company under all lines of credit is currently at $950.0$1,085.0 million, including subsidiary debt that is non-recourse to the Company of $15.0 million for The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE"), $70$70.0 million for ELEMENT LLC and $65$200.0 million for The Andersons Railcar Leasing Company LLC. At March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had a total of $338.3$823.1 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit. The Company's borrowing capacity is reduced by a combination of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 31,September 30, 2018.


ELEMENT, LLC, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, entered into a financing agreement during the first quarter. This agreement provides a construction loan of up to $70.0 million.  Upon project completion, the agreement provides the opportunity for the Company to convert the construction loan to a term loan of up to $50.0 million and a revolving term loan of up to $20.0 million.  The maturity date of the credit agreement is March 2, 2025. During the construction period, borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at variable interest rates, which are based off LIBOR plus an applicable spread.  Upon

conversion of the construction loan to a term loan, the Company will have the option of fixing the interest on portions of the loans, or continuing at the previously described variable interest rates. There are no outstanding borrowings under this agreement as of March 31, 2018. The agreements include both financial and non-financial covenants that ELEMENT LLC, among other things, is required at a minimum to maintain various working capital levels and debt service coverage ratios based on project milestones as well as a minimum owner's equity level.

The Andersons Railcar Leasing Company LLC, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, entered into a revolving asset based loan agreement on March 22, 2018 that provides for a credit facility in the amount of $65 million. The maturity date of the loan agreement is March 23, 2021. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at market driven, variable interest rates which was 3.88% as of March 31, 2018 The agreement includes both financial and non-financial covenants, including maintaining certain leverage and interest coverage ratios, tangible net worth and utilization levels. There are $40.0 million of outstanding borrowings under this agreement as of March 31, 2018, the proceeds of which were used to pay down outstanding balances of the Company's primary credit facility agreement.

The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at March 31,September 30, 2018December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017 consisted of the following:
(in thousands)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Short-term Debt – Non-Recourse$
 $
 $
Short-term Debt – Recourse132,000
 22,000
 19,000
Total Short-term Debt$132,000
 $22,000
 $19,000
      
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Non-Recourse$3,772
 $
 $
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Recourse11,905
 54,205
 53,972
Total Current Maturities of Long-term Debt$15,677
 $54,205
 $53,972
      
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Non-Recourse$77,114
 $
 $
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Recourse360,166
 418,339
 371,315
Total Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities$437,280
 $418,339
 $371,315

(in thousands)March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Short-term Debt – Non-Recourse$
 $
 $
Short-term Debt – Recourse489,000
 22,000
 255,000
Total Short-term Debt$489,000
 $22,000
 $255,000
      
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Non-Recourse$2,922
 $
 $
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Recourse11,212
 54,205
 56,144
Total Current Maturities of Long-term Debt$14,134
 $54,205
 $56,144
      
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Non-Recourse$72,977
 $
 $
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Recourse365,651
 418,339
 365,971
Total Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities$438,628
 $418,339
 $365,971


5. Derivatives
The Company’s operating results are affected by changes to commodity prices. The Grain and Ethanol businesses have established “unhedged” position limits (the amount of a commodity, either owned or contracted for, that does not have an offsetting derivative contract to lock in the price). To reduce the exposure to market price risk on commodities owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts and over-the-counter forward and option contracts with various counterparties. These contracts are primarily traded via the regulated CME. The Company’s forward purchase and sales contracts are for physical delivery of the commodity in a future period. Contracts to purchase commodities from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of commodities to processors or other commercial consumers generally do not extend beyond one year.


All of these contracts meet the definition of derivatives. While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges as defined under current accounting standards. The Company accounts for its commodity derivatives at estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the commodity derivative contracts that require the receipt or posting of cash collateral is recorded on a net basis (offset against cash collateral posted or received, also known as margin deposits) within commodity derivative assets or liabilities. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices and in the case of its forward purchase and sale contracts, estimated fair value is adjusted for differences in local markets and non-performance risk. For contracts for which physical delivery occurs, balance sheet classification is based on estimated delivery date. For futures, options and over-the-counter contracts in which physical delivery is not expected to occur but, rather, the contract is expected to be net settled, the Company classifies these contracts as current or noncurrent assets or liabilities, as appropriate, based on the Company’s expectations as to when such contracts will be settled.



Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues.


Generally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a future, option or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a 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. The margin deposit assets and liabilities are included in short-term commodity derivative assets or liabilities, as appropriate, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents at March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017, a summary of the estimated fair value of the Company’s commodity derivative instruments that require cash collateral and the associated cash posted/received as collateral. The net asset or liability positions of these derivatives (net of their cash collateral) are determined on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and are included within current or noncurrent commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
(in thousands)
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
Collateral paid (received)$14,942
 $
 $1,351
 $
 $27,737
 $
Fair value of derivatives36,653
 
 17,252
 
 (999) 
Balance at end of period$51,595
 $
 $18,603
 $
 $26,738
 $

 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
(in thousands)
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
Collateral paid (received)$54,762
 $
 $1,351
 $
 $(2,769) $
Fair value of derivatives(18,874) 
 17,252
 
 32,310
 
Balance at end of period$35,888
 $
 $18,603
 $
 $29,541
 $


The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities:
March 31, 2018September 30, 2018
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent TotalCommodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$29,861
 $1,851
 $3,115
 $47
 $34,874
$69,957
 $767
 $731
 $38
 $71,493
Commodity derivative liabilities(40,813) (112) (18,539) (1,461) (60,925)(8,038) (1) (92,134) (2,586) (102,759)
Cash collateral54,762
 
 
 
 54,762
14,942
 
 
 
 14,942
Balance sheet line item totals$43,810
 $1,739
 $(15,424) $(1,414) $28,711
$76,861
 $766
 $(91,403) $(2,548) $(16,324)

 December 31, 2017
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$36,929
 $311
 $489
 $1
 $37,730
Commodity derivative liabilities(7,578) (1) (30,140) (826) (38,545)
Cash collateral1,351
 
 
 
 1,351
Balance sheet line item totals$30,702
 $310
 $(29,651) $(825) $536

 September 30, 2017
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$33,804
 $288
 $676
 $74
 $34,842
Commodity derivative liabilities(16,339) (43) (39,254) (976) (56,612)
Cash collateral27,737
 
 
 
 27,737
Balance sheet line item totals$45,202
 $245
 $(38,578) $(902) $5,967

 March 31, 2017
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$57,499
 $341
 $554
 $3
 $58,397
Commodity derivative liabilities(6,681) (2) (30,468) (453) (37,604)
Cash collateral(2,769) 
 
 
 (2,769)
Balance sheet line item totals$48,049
 $339
 $(29,914) $(450) $18,024


The net pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line items in which they are located for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017 2018 2017
Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues$(51,059) $(690) $(30,451) $(15,538)
 Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues$(25,236) $27,025

The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017:
 September 30, 2018
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:       
Corn277,774
 
 
 
Soybeans45,755
 
 
 
Wheat7,948
 
 
 
Oats31,155
 
 
 
Ethanol
 230,813
 


 
Corn oil
 
 2,560
 
Other
 1,000
 
 115
Subtotal362,632
 231,813
 2,560
 115
Exchange traded:       
Corn123,250
 
 
 
Soybeans31,855
 
 
 
Wheat44,130
 
 
 
Oats1,005
 
 
 
Ethanol
 92,274
 
 
Subtotal200,240
 92,274
 
 
Total562,872
 324,087
 2,560
 115
 March 31, 2018
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:       
Corn335,887
 
 
 
Soybeans48,003
 
 
 
Wheat16,639
 
 
 
Oats40,555
 
 
 
Ethanol
 280,243
 

 
Corn oil
 
 5,048
 
Other27
 4,500
 

 90
Subtotal441,111
 284,743
 5,048
 90
Exchange traded:       
Corn146,505
 
 
 
Soybeans52,460
 
 
 
Wheat74,805
 
 
 
Oats2,290
 
 
 
Ethanol
 108,108
 
 
Subtotal276,060
 108,108
 
 
Total717,171
 392,851
 5,048
 90


 December 31, 2017
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:       
Corn218,391
 


 


 
Soybeans18,127
 
 
 
Wheat14,577
 
 
 
Oats25,953
 
 
 
Ethanol
 197,607
 
 
Corn oil
 
 6,074
 
Other47
 
 
 97
Subtotal277,095
 197,607
 6,074
 97
Exchange traded:       
Corn82,835
 
 
 
Soybeans37,170
 
 
 
Wheat65,640
 
 
 
Oats1,345
 
 
 
Ethanol
 39,438
 
 
Other
 840
 
 
Subtotal186,990
 40,278
 
 
Total464,085
 237,885
 6,074
 97
 September 30, 2017
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:       
Corn222,287
 
 
 
Soybeans44,463
 
 
 
Wheat8,598
 
 
 
Oats36,451
 
 
 
Ethanol
 201,521
 


 
Corn oil
 
 5,782
 
Other51
 
 


 110
Subtotal311,850
 201,521
 5,782
 110
Exchange traded:       
Corn113,990
 
 
 
Soybeans45,220
 
 
 
Wheat61,795
 
 
 
Oats895
 
 
 
Ethanol
 22,890
 
 
Other
 840
 
 
Subtotal221,900
 23,730
 
 
Total533,750
 225,251
 5,782
 110

 March 31, 2017
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:       
Corn201,200
 
 
 
Soybeans29,015
 
 
 
Wheat7,956
 
 
 
Oats46,861
 
 
 
Ethanol
 178,040
 
 
Corn oil
 
 6,279
 
Other100
 1,000
 
 239
Subtotal285,132
 179,040
 6,279
 239
Exchange traded:       
Corn104,790
 
 
 
Soybeans47,605
 
 
 
Wheat40,855
 
 
 
Oats1,660
 
 
 
Ethanol
 16,590
 
 
Other
 
 
 15
Subtotal194,910
 16,590
 
 15
Total480,042
 195,630
 6,279
 254

Interest Rate and Other Derivatives

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a

counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. 
At March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017, the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company's other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:derivatives:
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
(in thousands)  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments     
Interest rate contracts included in Other long-term assets (Other long-term liabilities)$193

$(1,244)
$(1,929)
Foreign currency contracts included in Other current assets (Accrued expenses and other current liabilities)(737)
426

1,605
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments     
Interest rate contract included in Other assets227





 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
(in thousands)  
Interest rate contracts included in other long-term liabilities$(453) $(1,244) $(2,141)
Foreign currency contracts included in other current assets (Accrued expenses and other current liabilities)(695) 426
 (14)
The recording of derivatives gains and losses included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the financial statement line item in which they are located for derivatives notare as follows:
 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017 2018 2017
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments       
Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense)$521

$229

$1,662

$601
Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) included in Other income, net372

950

(1,163)
1,717
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments       
Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in OCI159



226


Interest rate derivatives gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense)54



126




As of September 30, 2018, the Company had one outstanding interest rate derivative, with a notional amount of $40 million and a maturity date of March 2021, that was designated as hedging instrumentsa cash flow hedge of interest rate risk. The gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are as follows:
made on the Company’s variable-rate debt.
 Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense)$1,408
 $389
Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) included in Other income, net(1,122) 98


6. Employee Benefit Plans


The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 Pension Benefits
(in thousands)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Interest cost$33
 $38
 $98
 $116
Recognized net actuarial loss61
 63
 183
 189
Benefit cost$94
 $101
 $281
 $305
 Pension Benefits
(in thousands)Three months ended March 31,
2018 2017
Interest cost$33
 $39
Recognized net actuarial loss61
 63
Benefit cost$94
 $102


 Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost$81
 $81
 $243
 $310
Interest cost188
 202
 565
 784
Amortization of prior service cost(227) (228) (683) (228)
Benefit cost$42
 $55
 $125
 $866

 Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)Three months ended March 31,
2018 2017
Service cost$87
 $123
Interest cost187
 300
Amortization of prior service cost(228) 
Benefit cost$46
 $423


7. Revenue


Many of the Company’s revenues are generated from contracts that are outside the scope of ASC 606 and thus are accounted for under other accounting standards. Specifically, many of the Company's Grain and Ethanol sales contracts are derivatives under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and the Rail Group's leasing revenue is accounted for under ASC 840, Leases.Leases. The breakdown of revenues between ASC 606 and other standards is as follows:
(in thousands)Three months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Revenues under ASC 606$156,394
 $706,927
Revenues under ASC 84025,853
 78,110
Revenues under ASC 815503,332
 1,447,683
Total Revenues$685,579
 $2,232,720

(in thousands)Three months ended March 31, 2018
Revenues under ASC 606$193,650
Revenues under ASC 84026,029
Revenues under ASC 815416,060
Total Revenues$635,739


The remainder of this note applies only to those revenues that are accounted for under ASC 606.


Disaggregation of revenue
The following table disaggregatestables disaggregate revenues under ASC 606 by major product/service line:
Three months ended March 31, 2018Three months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)Grain Ethanol Plant Nutrient Rail TotalGrain Ethanol Plant Nutrient Rail Total
Specialty nutrients$
 $
 $75,078
 $
 $75,078
$
 $
 $36,856
 $
 $36,856
Primary nutrients
 
 53,219
 
 53,219

 
 60,460
 
 60,460
Service4,418
 2,545
 209
 8,117
 15,289
Services3,052
 2,713
 877
 8,925
 15,567
Co-products
 26,646
 
 
 26,646

 29,282
 
 
 29,282
Other210
 
 7,111
 16,097
 23,418
245
 
 5,996
 7,988
 14,229
Total$4,628
 $29,191
 $135,617
 $24,214
 $193,650
$3,297
 $31,995
 $104,189
 $16,913
 $156,394

Approximately 8%For the three months ended September 30, 2018, approximately 10% of revenues accounted for under ASC 606 are recorded over time which primarily relates to service revenues noted above.
 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)Grain Ethanol Plant Nutrient Rail Total
Specialty nutrients$
 $
 $206,215
 $
 $206,215
Primary nutrients
 
 313,967
 
 313,967
Service10,851
 8,018
 3,498
 26,350
 48,717
Co-products
 88,390
 
 
 88,390
Other747
 
 19,231
 29,660
 49,638
Total$11,598
 $96,408
 $542,911
 $56,010
 $706,927

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, approximately 7% of revenues accounted for under ASC 606 are recorded over time which primarily relates to service revenues noted above.

Specialty and primary nutrients
The Company sells several different types of specialty nutrient products, including: low-salt liquid starter fertilizers, micro-nutrients and other specialty lawn products. These products can be sold through the wholesale distribution channels as well as directly to end users at the farm center locations. Similarly, the Company sells several different types of primary nutrient products, including:including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These products may be purchased and re-sold as is or sold as finished goods resulting from a blending and manufacturing process. The contracts associated with specialty and primary nutrients generally have just a single performance obligation, as the Company has elected the accounting policy to consider shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs. Revenue is recognized when control of the product has passed to the customer. Payment terms generally range from 0 - 30 days.
Service
Service revenues primarily relate to the railcar repair business. The Company owns several railcar repair shops which repair railcars through specific contracts with customers or throughby operating as an agent for a particular railroad to repair cars that are on theirits rail line per American Association of American Railroads (“AAR”) standards. These contracts contain a single performance obligation which is to complete the requested and/or required repairs on the railcars. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit of the repair work we perform, revenue for these contracts is recognized over time. The Company uses an input-based measure of progress using costs incurred to total expected costs as that is the measure that most faithfully depicts our progress towards satisfying our performance obligation. Upon completion of the work, the invoice is sent to the customer, with payment terms that generally range from 0 - 30 days.
Co-products
In addition to the ethanol sales contracts that are considered derivative instruments, the Ethanol Group sells several other co-products that remain subject to ASC 606, including E-85, DDGs, syrups and renewable identification numbers (“RINs”). RINs are credits for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard Programprogram and are created by renewable fuel producers. Contracts for these co-products generally have a single performance obligation, as the Company has elected the accounting policy to consider shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs. Revenue is recognized when control of the product has passed to the customer which follows shipping terms on the contract. Payment terms generally range from 5 - 15 days.
Contract balances
The opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract liabilities are as follows:
(in thousands)Contract liabilities
Balance at January 1, 2018$25,520
Balance at March 31, 201867,715
Balance at June 30, 201810,047
Balance at September 30, 201829,836

in thousandsContract liabilities
Balance at January 1, 2018$25,520
Balance at March 31, 2018$67,715

The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between the Company’s performance and the customer’s payment. Contract liabilities relate to the Plant Nutrient business for payments received in advance of fulfilling our performance obligations under our customer contracts. Further, due

Due to seasonality of this business, contract liabilities were built up in the amount offirst quarter. In the second quarter, the change in liabilities is due to revenue recognized in the current period relatedrelating to the beginningliability. This liability then increased in the third quarter primarily as a result of the year contract liability is not material.payments received in advance of fulfilling our performance obligations under our customer contracts in preparation for early spring.

Impact of New Revenue Guidance on Financial Statement Line Items
The following table compares the reported condensed consolidated balance sheet, and statement of operations, as of and for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, to the pro forma amounts had the previous guidance been in effect:
 Balance Sheet
 September 30, 2018
(in thousands)As Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash$16,820
 $
 $16,820
Accounts receivable, net206,380
 
 206,380
Inventories490,331
 178
 490,509
Commodity derivative assets - current76,861
 
 76,861
Other current assets87,901
 (268) 87,633
Other noncurrent assets374,044
 
 374,044
Rail Group assets leased to others, net464,776
 (23,337) 441,439
Property, plant and equipment, net434,505
 
 434,505
     Total assets2,151,618

(23,427) 2,128,191
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt147,677
 (3,772) 143,905
Trade and other payables and accrued expenses and other current liabilities413,331
 
 413,331
Commodity derivative liabilities - current91,403
 
 91,403
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue38,242
 
 38,242
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent and Other long-term liabilities33,163
 
 33,163
Employee benefit plan obligations25,356
 
 25,356
Long-term debt, less current maturities437,280
 (31,018) 406,262
Deferred income taxes122,523
 2,869
 125,392
     Total liabilities1,308,975
 (31,921) 1,277,054
Retained earnings628,676
 8,494
 637,170
Common shares, additional paid-in-capital, treasury shares, accumulated other comprehensive loss and noncontrolling interests213,967
 
 213,967
     Total equity842,643
 8,494
 851,137
     Total liabilities and equity$2,151,618
 $(23,427) $2,128,191

 Balance Sheet
(in thousands)As Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash$31,497
 $
 $31,497
Accounts receivable, net216,021
 
 216,021
Inventories731,629
 145
 731,774
Commodity derivative assets - current43,810
 
 43,810
Other current assets114,922
 (170) 114,752
Other noncurrent assets369,633
 
 369,633
Rail Group assets leased to others, net462,253
 (24,844) 437,409
Property, plant and equipment393,763
 
 393,763
     Total assets2,363,528

(24,869) 2,338,659
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt503,134
 (2,922) 500,212
Trade and other payables and accrued expenses and other current liabilities323,614
 
 323,614
Commodity derivative liabilities - current15,424
 
 15,424
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue81,778
 
 81,778
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent and Other long-term liabilities32,950
 
 32,950
Employee benefit plan obligations26,310
 
 26,310
Long-term debt, less current maturities438,628
 (33,318) 405,310
Deferred income taxes118,933
 2,942
 121,875
     Total liabilities1,540,771
 (33,298) 1,507,473
Retained earnings618,572
 8,429
 627,001
Common shares, additional paid-in-capital, treasury shares, accumulated other comprehensive loss and noncontrolling interests204,185
 
 204,185
     Total equity822,757
 8,429
 831,186
     Total liabilities and equity2,363,528
 (24,869) 2,338,659


Total reported assets were $24.9$23.4 million greater than on the pro forma balance sheet, which assumes the previous guidance remained in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2018. This was largely due to the Rail Group assets that were recorded on the balance sheet on January 1, 2018 as part of the cumulative catch-up adjustment upon the adoption of ASC 606.
Total reported liabilities were $33.3$31.9 million greater than on the pro forma balance sheet, which assumes the previous guidance remained in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2018. This was largely due to the financing obligation and deferred taxes related to the Rail Group assets that were recorded on the balance sheet on January 1, 2018 as part of the cumulative catch-up adjustment upon the adoption of ASC 606.

The following table compares the reported condensed statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, to the pro forma amounts had the previous guidance been in effect:
Statement of OperationsStatement of Operations
in thousandsAs Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Three months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)As Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Sales and merchandising revenues$635,739
 $164,189
 $799,928
$685,579
 $173,183
 $858,762
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues572,034
 164,650
 736,684
631,715
 173,706
 805,421
Gross profit63,705
 (461) 63,244
53,864
 (523) 53,341
Operating, administrative and general expenses64,257
 
 64,257
65,986
 
 65,986
Goodwill impairment

 
 
Asset impairment
 
 
Interest expense6,999
 (403) 6,596
5,176
 (387) 4,789
Other income:          
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net3,573
 
 3,573
7,225
 
 7,225
Other income, net1,686
 
 1,686
6,434
 
 6,434
Income (loss) before income taxes(2,292) (58) (2,350)(3,639) (136) (3,775)
Income tax provision(310) (22) (332)(1,764) (34) (1,798)
Net income (loss)(1,982) (36) (2,018)(1,875) (102) (1,977)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests(282) 
 (282)223
 
 223
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(1,700) $(36) $(1,736)$(2,098) $(102) $(2,200)
 Statement of Operations
 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)As Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Sales and merchandising revenues$2,232,720
 $522,648
 $2,755,368
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues2,024,677
 524,121
 2,548,798
Gross profit208,043
 (1,473) 206,570
Operating, administrative and general expenses190,096
 
 190,096
Asset impairment6,272
 
 6,272
Interest expense20,000
 (1,185) 18,815
Other income:     
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net20,601
 
 20,601
Other income, net10,949
 
 10,949
Income (loss) before income taxes23,225
 (288) 22,937
Income tax provision5,668
 (72) 5,596
Net income (loss)17,557
 (216) 17,341
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests(175) 
 (175)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$17,732
 $(216) $17,516

The following summarizes the significant changes on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 as a result ofdue to the adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 compared to the results that would have been reported if the Company had continued to recognize revenues under ASC 605:
While grain origination agreements, and their related sales contracts, will be accounted for under ASC 815, we are still required to evaluate the principal versus agent guidance in ASC 606 to determine whether realized gains or losses should be presented on a gross or net basis in the consolidated statements of operations upon physical settlement. The

Company has determined that it is the agent in certain origination arrangements within our Grain Group and therefore realized gains or losses will be presented on a net basis upon adoption ofunder ASC 606. As a result ofSince these transactions are now being recorded on a net basis, revenues and related cost of sales would have been $161.9$170.4 million and $515.4 million higher under the previous guidance.guidance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

ASC 606 requiredrequires certain Rail Group assets and related financing obligations to be recorded on the balance sheet as these transactions no longer qualifiedqualify as sales as a result of the existence of repurchase options within the sales contracts. The result of this change primarily impacts geography within the income statement, as lease expense to the financial institution will beis replaced with a combination of depreciation and interest expense.


The net impact of accounting for revenue under the new guidance had an immaterial impact on net income (loss) and no impact on the Company's earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018.
The adoption of ASC 606 had an immaterial on the Company’s cash flows from operations. The aforementioned impacts resulted in offsetting shifts in cash flows throughout net income and various changes in working capital balances.
Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations
ASC 606 requires that the Company disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied at period end. The guidance provides certain practical expedients that limit this requirement. The Company has various contracts that meet the following practical expedients provided by ASC 606:
The performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.
The variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation in accordance with ASC 606-10-25-14(b), for which the criteria in ASC 606-10-32-40 have been met.



Contract costs
The company has elected to apply the practical expedient and accordingly recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. These costs are included in Operating, administrative and general expenses.
Significant judgments
In making its determination of standalone selling price, the Company maximizes its use of observable inputs.  Standalone selling price, once established, is then used to allocate total consideration proportionally to the various performance obligations, if applicable, within a contract.
To estimate variable consideration, the Company applies both the “expected value” method and “most likely amount” method based on the form of variable consideration, according to which method would provide the best prediction.  The expected value method involves a probability-weighted determination of the expected amount, whereas the most likely amount method identifies the single most likely outcome in a range of possible amounts.  However, once a method has been applied to one form of variable consideration, it is applied consistently throughout the contract term.
The primary types of variable consideration present in the Company’s contracts are product returns, volume rebates and the CPI index.  The overall impact of this variable consideration is not material.
Practical expedients
The Company has elected to apply the following practical expedients provided by ASC 606:
Future performance obligations - see discussion above.
Contract costs - see discussion above.
Shipping and handling activities - see discussion above.
Sales tax presentation - the Company has elected to exclude from the transaction price all sales taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entityCompany from a customer.
Modified retrospective approach - see discussion in Note 1.1 regarding adoption elections.




8. Income Taxes


On a quarterly basis, the Company estimates the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year and makes changes if necessary based on new information or events. The estimated annual effective tax rate is forecast based on actual historical information and forward-looking estimates and is used to provide for income taxes in interim reporting periods. The Company also recognizes the tax impact of certain unusual or infrequently occurring items, such as the effects of changes in tax laws or rates and impacts from settlements with tax authorities, discretely in the quarter in which they occur.


For the three months ended March 31, 2018, theThe Company recorded income tax benefit of $0.3$1.8 million atfor the three months ended September 30, 2018, an effective income tax rate of 13.5%. The annual effective48.5%, as compared to income tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate due to the impactexpense of state income taxes and nondeductible compensation. The effective tax rate$2.4 million for the three month periodmonths ended March 31,September 30, 2017, an effective income tax rate of 47.7%. Income tax expense was $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, also includesan effective income tax benefits fromrate of 24.4%, as compared to $7.5 million for the releasenine months ended September 30, 2017, an effective income tax rate of reserves upon(38.2)%. The current year income tax expense for both the expiration of statutes of limitation, offset by changesthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 reflect the reduction in the state allocation/apportionmentU.S. statutory tax rate and other U.S. tax law changes as a result of a statutory mergerthe 2017 Tax Cuts and excess tax expense from stock-based compensation. The decrease inJobs Act.

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as comparedis higher than our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017, due to the samecurrent period last yearloss before income taxes and additional tax benefits from tax credits and permanent provision to return items, including reversal of the provisional estimate for transition tax. These items resulted in a net increase of 14.8%, offset by the decrease in the U.S. federal statutory rate of 14%.

Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is higher than our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as attributed to the Company’s loss before income taxes in the period ended September 31, 2017, after a goodwill write-off which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit. This was primarily attributed topartially offset in the current period by the reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the U.S. tax reform. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.5 million at an effective tax rate of 45.5%.Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.


The Company’scompany’s accounting for the certain elements of the Tax Act was incomplete as of the period ended December 31, 2017, and remains incomplete as of March 31,September 30, 2018. However, the Companycompany was able to make reasonable estimates of the effects and, therefore, recorded provisional estimates for these items. In connection with its initial analysis of the impact of the Tax
Act, the Company recorded a provisional discrete net tax benefit of $73.5 million in the period ended December 31, 2017. This provisional estimate consists of a net expense of $1.4 million for the one-time transition tax and a net benefit of $74.9 million related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, caused by the new lower corporate tax rate. To determine the
transition tax provisional estimate, the Company must determinedetermined the estimate of the amount of post-1986 accumulated earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. While the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the transition tax, the Company continues to gather additional information to more precisely compute the final amount. Likewise, while the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction to the corporate tax rate, its rate may be affected by other analysis related to the Tax Act, including, but not limited to, the state tax

effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences. Due to the complexity of the new global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") tax rules, the company is continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740. Under GAAP, the Company is allowed to make an accounting policy choice to either (i) treat taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period cost method"); or (ii) factor in such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). The Company’s selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules is dependent on additional analysis and potential future modifications to existing structures, which are not currently known. The Company has not made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI. The Company will continue to analyze the full effects of the Tax Act on its Consolidated Financial Statements. During the third quarter of 2018, a portion of initial estimate was refined as a result of the US federal tax return filing and regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service. As a result, the Company recorded a provisional benefit of $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2018 to reverse the one-time transition tax expense provisional estimate, as well as a $1.3 million expense related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities. The measurement period under SAB 118 remains open as there is still anticipated guidance clarifying certain aspects of the Act. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2018 when the full analysis is complete.





9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss


The following tables summarize the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)

   
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)

  Three months ended March 31, 2018 Three months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total(in thousands) Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total
Beginning BalanceBeginning Balance $(7,716) $344
 $4,672
 $(2,700)Beginning Balance $51
 $(9,989) $257
 $4,334
 $(5,347) $
 $(7,716) $344
 $4,672
 $(2,700)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,150) (87) 117
 $(1,120)Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 65
 993
 
 39
 $1,097
 44
 (1,280) (87) 37
 (1,286)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 (168) $(168)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 54
 
 
 (168) $(114) 126
 
 
 (504) (378)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (1,150) (87) (51) (1,288)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 119
 993
 
 (129) 983
 170
 (1,280) (87) (467) (1,664)
Ending balanceEnding balance $(8,866) $257
 $4,621
 $(3,988)Ending balance $170
 $(8,996) $257
 $4,205
 $(4,364) $170
 $(8,996) $257
 $4,205
 $(4,364)
 Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 Three months ended March 31, 2017 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment 
Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities

 Defined Benefit Plan Items Total
Beginning BalanceBeginning Balance $(11,002) $(1,466) $(12,468)Beginning Balance $(9,529) $
 $(2,464) $(11,993) $(11,002) $
 $(1,466) $(12,468)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 514
 (10) 504
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 2,201
 211
 41
 2,453
 3,674
 211
 (957) 2,928
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 (142) (142) 
 
 (142) (142)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 514
 (10) 504
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,201
 211
 (101) 2,311
 3,674
 211
 (1,099) 2,786
Ending balanceEnding balance $(10,488) $(1,476) $(11,964)Ending balance $(7,328) $211
 $(2,565) $(9,682) $(7,328) $211
 $(2,565) $(9,682)
(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits


The following table shows the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018:
 Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)(in thousands)Three months ended March 31, 2018(in thousands)Three months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items        
Amortization of prior-service cost (228) (b) (228) (b) (684) (b)
 (228) Total before tax (228) Total before tax (684) Total before tax
 60
 Income tax provision 60
 Income tax provision 180
 Income tax provision
 $(168) Net of tax $(168) Net of tax $(504) Net of tax
        
Cash Flow Hedges     
Interest payments 73
 Interest expense 171
 Interest expense
 73
 Total before tax 171
 Total before tax
 (19) Income tax provision (45) Income tax provision
 $54
 Net of tax $126
 Net of tax
     
Total reclassifications for the period $(168) Net of tax $(114) Net of tax $(378) Net of tax
  Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items        
     Amortization of prior-service cost (227) (b) (227) (b)
  (227) Total before tax (227) Total before tax
  85
 Income tax provision 85
 Income tax provision
  $(142) Net of tax $(142) Net of tax
         
Total reclassifications for the period $(142) Net of tax $(142) Net of tax
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss
(b) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).
There were no reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2017.




10. Earnings Per Share
The Company’s non-vested restricted stock that was granted prior to March 2015 is considered a participating security since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividends irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
(in thousands, except per common share data)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(2,098) $2,533
 $17,732
 $(27,208)
Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock
 
 
 
Earnings (losses) available to common shareholders$(2,098) $2,533
 $17,732
 $(27,208)
Earnings per share – basic:       
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic28,263
 28,350
 28,254
 28,327
Earnings (losses) per common share – basic$(0.07) $0.09
 $0.63
 $(0.96)
Earnings per share – diluted:       
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic28,263
 28,350
 28,254
 28,327
Effect of dilutive awards
 134
 233
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted28,263
 28,484
 28,487
 28,327
Earnings (losses) per common share – diluted$(0.07) $0.09
 $0.62
 $(0.96)
(in thousands, except per common share data)Three months ended March 31,
2018 2017
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(1,700) $(3,089)
Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock
 
Earnings (losses) available to common shareholders$(1,700) $(3,089)
Earnings per share – basic:   
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic28,237
 28,281
Earnings (losses) per common share – basic$(0.06) $(0.11)
Earnings per share – diluted:   
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic28,237
 28,281
Effect of dilutive awards
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted28,237
 28,281
Earnings (losses) per common share – diluted$(0.06) $(0.11)

All outstanding share awards were antidilutive for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2017 as the Company experiencedincurred a net loss in both periods.for the period. There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. There were 43 thousand antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and all outstanding share awards were antidilutive for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.


11. Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017:
(in thousands)March 31, 2018September 30, 2018
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Commodity derivatives, net (a)$35,888
 $(7,177) $
 $28,711
$51,595

$(67,919)
$
 $(16,324)
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(48,478) (31,847) 
 (80,325)(55,697)
(23,136)

 $(78,833)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 7,388
 7,388




7,154
 $7,154
Other assets and liabilities (d)8,947
 (454) 
 8,493
5,988

193


 $6,181
Total$(3,643) $(39,478) $7,388
 $(35,733)$1,886
 $(90,862) $7,154
 $(81,822)
(in thousands)December 31, 2017
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Commodity derivatives, net (a)18,603
 (18,067) 
 536
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(98,190) (67,094) 
 (165,284)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 7,388
 7,388
Other assets and liabilities (d)9,705
 (1,244) 
 8,461
Total$(69,882) $(86,405) $7,388
 $(148,899)
(in thousands)March 31, 2017
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Restricted cash$752
 $
 $
 $752
Commodity derivatives, net (a)29,566
 (11,542) 
 18,024
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(86,314) (37,643) 
 (123,957)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 3,294
 3,294
Other assets and liabilities (d)8,518
 (2,141) 
 6,377
Total$(47,478) $(51,326) $3,294
 $(95,510)

(in thousands)September 30, 2017
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Commodity derivatives, net (a)26,738
 (20,771) 
 5,967
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(85,546) (33,944) 
 (119,490)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 6,638
 6,638
Other assets and liabilities (d)10,996
 (1,929) 
 9,067
Total$(47,812) $(56,644) $6,638
 $(97,818)
(a)Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral
(b)Included in "Provisionally priced contracts" are those instruments based only on underlying futures values (Level 1) and delayed price contracts (Level 2)
(c)Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to certain available securities.Sheets.
(d)Included in other assets and liabilities are assets held in rabbi trusts to fund deferred compensation plans, ethanol risk management contracts, and foreign exchange derivative contracts (Level 1), and interest rate derivatives (Level 2).


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.


Level 1 commodity derivatives reflect the fair value of the exchange-traded futures and options contracts that the Company holds, net of the cash collateral that the Company has in its margin account.


The Company’s net commodity derivatives primarily consist of futures or options contracts via regulated exchanges and contracts with producers or customers under which the future settlement date and bushels (or gallons in the case of ethanol contracts) of commodities to be delivered (primarily wheat, corn, soybeans and ethanol) are fixed and under which the price may or may not be fixed. Depending on the specifics of the individual contracts, the fair value is derived from the futures or options prices on the CME or the New York Mercantile Exchange for similar commodities and delivery dates as well as observable quotes for local basis adjustments (the difference, which is attributable to local market conditions, between the quoted futures price and the local cash price). Because basis for a particular commodity and location typically has multiple quoted prices from other agribusinesses in the same geographical vicinity and is used as a common pricing mechanism in the Agribusiness industry, we have concluded that basis is a Level 2 fair value input for purposes of the fair value disclosure requirements related to our commodity derivatives. Although nonperformance risk, both of the Company and the counterparty, is present in each of these commodity contracts and is a component of the estimated fair values, based on the Company’s historical experience with its producers and customers and the Company’s knowledge of their businesses, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a material input to fair value for these commodity contracts.



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


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


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


A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
  Convertible Preferred Securities
(in thousands) 2018 2017
Assets (liabilities) at January 1, $7,388
 $3,294
Gains (losses) included in earnings 
 
Assets (liabilities) at March 31, $7,388
 $3,294
Gains (losses) included in earnings 
 
New investments 100
 
Asset (liabilities) at June 30,
$7,488

$3,294
Gains (losses) included in earnings 5,080
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income 
 344
New investments 986
 3,000
Sale proceeds (6,400) 
Asset (liability) at September 30, $7,154
 $6,638

 Convertible Preferred Securities
(in thousands)2018 2017
Assets (liabilities) at January 1,$7,388
 $3,294
Gains (losses) included in earnings
 
Assets (liabilities) at March 31,$7,388
 $3,294


The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(in thousands)Fair Value as of March 31, 2018 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted AverageFair Value as of September 30, 2018 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)$7,388
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A$7,154
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A
Real Property (b)$29,347
 Third Party Appraisal N/A N/A
(in thousands)Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted AverageFair Value as of December 31, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)$7,388
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A$7,388
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A
Real Property (b)$29,347
 Third-Party Appraisal N/A N/A29,347
 Third-Party Appraisal N/A N/A
(in thousands)Fair Value as of September 30, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)$6,638
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A
(in thousands)Fair Value as of March 31, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)$3,294
 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A

(a) Due to early stages of business and timing of investments, cost basis, plus interestimplied value based on market price was deemed to approximate fair value in prior periods.value. As the underlying enterprises have matured, observable price changes and other additional market data is available to consider in order to estimate fair value, including additional capital raising, internal valuation models, progress towards key business milestones, and other relevant market data points.
(b) The Company recognized impairment charges on certain grain assets during 2017 and measured the fair value using Level 3 inputs on a nonrecurring basis. The fair value of the grain assets was determined using prior transactions, prior third-party appraisals and a pending sale of grain assets held by the Company.



Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. As such, the Company has concluded that the fair value of long-term debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

(in thousands)September 30,
2018

December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities$445,342
 $474,769
 $431,542
Fair value in excess of carrying value (a)11,629
 1,451
 2,389
(in thousands)March 31,
2018

December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities$448,346
 $474,769
 $426,105
Fair value in excess of carrying value (a)8,241
 1,451
 1,036

(a) Carrying value used for this purpose excludes unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs
The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying value as they are close to maturity.



12. Related Party Transactions
Equity Method Investments
The Company, directly or indirectly, holds investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s equity in these entities is presented at cost plus its accumulated proportional share of income or loss, less any distributions it has received.
The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity:
(in thousands)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC$49,882
 $45,024
 $42,302
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC22,589
 19,830
 17,837
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC15,373
 12,660
 12,390
Lansing Trade Group, LLC99,904
 93,088
 89,541
Thompsons Limited (a)50,280
 50,198
 50,399
Other2,322
 2,439
 2,562
Total$240,350
 $223,239
 $215,031

(in thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC$46,145
 $45,024
 $38,694
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC20,339
 19,830
 19,946
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC12,615
 12,660
 13,266
Lansing Trade Group, LLC94,483
 93,088
 88,339
Thompsons Limited (a)48,362
 50,198
 46,054
Other2,505
 2,439
 2,694
Total$224,449
 $223,239
 $208,993
(a) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

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


The following table summarizes income (loss) earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity:
   Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)% Ownership at September 30, 2018 2018 2017 2018 2017
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC55% $2,408
 $1,473
 $4,858
 $3,331
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC39% 1,376
 1,822
 3,121
 2,597
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC33% 1,029
 985
 2,713
 1,301
Lansing Trade Group, LLC33% (a) 2,428
 305
 8,603
 491
Thompsons Limited (b)50% 35
 (940) 1,345
 546
Other5% - 50% (51) (59) (39) (173)
Total  $7,225
 $3,586
 $20,601
 $8,093
   Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)% Ownership at March 31, 2018 2018 2017
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC55% $1,121
 $(277)
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC39% 509
 207
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC33% (44) (463)
Lansing Trade Group, LLC33% (a) 2,584
 (711)
Thompsons Limited (b)50% (669) (595)
Other5% - 50% 72
 (39)
Total  $3,573
 $(1,878)

 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 1%
 (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures


Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates were $1.2$2.2 million and $7.1 million for the threenine months ended March 31, 2018. There were no distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates for the three months ended March 31, 2017.September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In the firstthird quarter of 2018, The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC,and Lansing Trade Group and Thompsons Limited("LTG") qualified as significant equity investees of the Company under the income test. The following table presents combinedunaudited summarized unaudited financial information of these investments for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:investees:
(in thousands)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues$1,504,141
 $1,341,123
 $4,244,385
 $3,797,546
Gross profit49,497
 42,973
 147,013
 111,468
Income (loss) from continuing operations12,126
 3,265
 36,955
 7,950
Net income (loss)11,678
 3,121
 35,240
 6,583
Net income (loss) attributable to Companies11,678
 3,300
 35,240
 7,486

(in thousands)Three months ended March 31,
2018 2017
Revenues$1,459,331
 $1,459,557
Gross profit56,096
 38,391
Income (loss) from continuing operations8,908
 (3,765)
Net income (loss)9,462
 (4,298)
Net income (loss) attributable to companies9,462
 (3,867)


Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business and on an arms-length basis, the Company will enter into related party transactions with each of the investments described above, along with other related parties.


On March 2, 2018, the Company invested in ELEMENT, LLC.  The Company owns 51% of ELEMENT, LLC and ICM, Inc. owns the remaining 49% interest.  ELEMENT, LLC will constructis constructing a 70 million-gallon-per-year bio-refinery.  As part of the Company’s investment into ELEMENT, LLC, the Company and ICM, Inc. entered into a number of agreements with the entity.  Most notably, ICM, Inc. will operate the facility under a management contract and manage the initial construction of the facility, while the Company will provide corn origination, ethanol marketing, and risk management services.  The results of operations for ELEMENT, LLC have been included in our consolidated results of operations beginning on March 2, 2018 and are a component of our Ethanol segment. Consolidation is based on a combination of ownership interest and control of operational decision-making authority.  Construction is underway and theThe plant is expected to be operational in 2019.












The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented:
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Sales revenues$88,815
 $198,068
$82,394
 $225,367
 $278,974
 $665,331
Service fee revenues (a)5,117
 4,627
5,231
 14,397
 15,539
 28,433
Purchases of product and capital assets181,524
 134,508
177,583
 165,084
 556,551
 467,495
Lease income (b)1,582
 1,287
1,623
 1,850
 4,829
 4,559
Labor and benefits reimbursement (c)3,567
 3,690
3,436
 3,208
 10,603
 10,071
(a)Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDG) marketing fees, and other commissions.
(b)Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs.
(c)
The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services.
(in thousands)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
Accounts receivable (d)$32,584
 $30,252
 $18,694
Accounts payable (e)32,347
 27,866
 27,413
(in thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
Accounts receivable (d)$27,438
 $30,252
 $19,999
Accounts payable (e)33,184
 27,866
 19,888

(d)Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees.
(e)Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items.


For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $146.2$161.9 million and $123.3$160.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $480.4 million and $445.4 million, respectively.


For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $117.5$119.1 million and $362.2 million. As a result of the new revenue recognition guidance, these transactions are now being recorded on a net basis instead of a gross basis, which is included in service fee revenues above. See Note 7 for further discussion.


From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties, including the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs, LTG, and the Thompsons Limited joint ventures, for the purchase and sale of grain and ethanol, for price risk mitigation purposes and on similar terms as the purchase and sale of derivative contracts it enters into with unrelated parties. The fair value of derivative contract assets with related parties as of March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017 was $0.6$6.8 million, $0.2 million and $2.0$1.9 million, respectively. The fair value of derivative contract liabilities with related parties as of March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31,September 30, 2017 was $2.9$7.2 million, $2.5 million and $0.5$0.1 million, respectively.






13. Segment Information
The Company’s operations include four reportable business segments that are distinguished primarily on the basis of products and services offered. The Grain business includes grain merchandising, the operation of terminal grain elevator facilities and the investments in LTG and Thompsons Limited. The Ethanol business purchases and sells ethanol, and provides risk management, origination and management services to ethanol production facilities. These facilities are organized as limited liability companies, two are consolidated and three are investments accounted for under the equity method. The Company performs a combination of these services under various contracts for these investments. Rail operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and other assets, railcar repair and metal fabrication. The Plant Nutrient business manufactures and distributes agricultural inputs, primarily fertilizer, to dealers and farmers, along with turf care and corncob-based products. Rail operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and other assets, railcar repair and metal fabrication. Prior to 2018, the Company reported the Retail operations as a fifth reportable business segment even though it did not meet the quantitative thresholds for segment disclosures. As previously disclosed, the Company closed the Retail business during 2017, and accordingly has recast the prior results for this segment within the Other category, which also includes other corporate level costs not attributable to an operating segment.







The segment information below includes the allocation of expenses shared by one or more operating segments. Although management believes such allocations are reasonable, the operating information does not necessarily reflect how such data might appear if the segments were operated as separate businesses. Inter-segment sales are made at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales. The Company does not have any customers who represent 10 percent or more of total revenues.
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues from external customers          
Grain$276,852
 $478,528
$343,430
 $497,613
 $986,202
 $1,464,588
Ethanol172,838
 154,153
194,849
 191,531
 568,625
 533,515
Plant Nutrient135,617
 146,587
104,188
 103,620
 542,911
 514,943
Rail50,432
 40,390
43,112
 43,093
 134,982
 121,632
Other
 32,358

 738
 
 47,595
Total$635,739
 $852,016
$685,579
 $836,595
 $2,232,720
 $2,682,273
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Inter-segment sales          
Grain$531
 $66
$442
 $72
 $1,435
 $279
Plant Nutrient
 171

 
 
 241
Rail333
 292
288
 327
 959
 893
Total$864
 $529
$730
 $399
 $2,394
 $1,413
 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017 2018 2017
Income (loss) before income taxes       
Grain$(8,619) $2,641
 $1,228
 $4,497
Ethanol9,058
 6,098
 17,022
 12,474
Plant Nutrient(7,976) (7,920) 8,239
 (27,074)
Rail5,732
 6,127
 10,645
 18,065
Other(2,057) (2,024) (13,734) (27,665)
Noncontrolling interests223
 83
 (175) 73
Total$(3,639) $5,005
 $23,225
 $(19,630)
 Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Income (loss) before income taxes   
Grain$(30) $(5,073)
Ethanol1,839
 1,716
Plant Nutrient1,091
 6,672
Rail3,969
 6,078
Other(8,879) (15,017)
Noncontrolling interests(282) 54
Total$(2,292) $(5,570)
(in thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
Identifiable assets     
Grain$1,031,150
 $948,871
 $884,870
Ethanol210,169
 180,173
 170,020
Plant Nutrient455,148
 379,309
 512,744
Rail530,994
 490,448
 415,801
Other136,067
 163,553
 178,318
Total$2,363,528
 $2,162,354
 $2,161,753



(in thousands)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
Identifiable assets     
Grain$788,770
 $948,871
 $799,655
Ethanol263,949
 180,173
 173,545
Plant Nutrient415,314
 379,309
 389,396
Rail564,227
 490,448
 446,884
Other119,358
 163,553
 154,680
Total$2,151,618
 $2,162,354
 $1,964,160


14. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is party to litigation, or threats thereof, both as defendant and plaintiff with some regularity, although individual cases that are material in size occur infrequently. As a defendant, the Company establishes reserves for claimed amounts that are considered probable and capable of estimation. If those cases are resolved for lesser amounts, the excess reserves are taken into income and, conversely, if those cases are resolved for larger than the amount the Company has accrued, the Company records additional expense. The Company believes it is unlikely that the results of its current legal proceedings for which it is the defendant, even if unfavorable, will be material. As a plaintiff, amounts that are collected can also result in sudden, non-recurring income.
Litigation results depend upon a variety of factors, including the availability of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the performance of counsel, the state of the law, and the impressions of judges and jurors, any of which can be critical in importance, yet difficult, if not impossible, to predict. Consequently, cases currently pending, or future matters, may result in unexpected, and non-recurring losses, or income, from time to time. Finally, litigation results are often subject to judicial reconsideration, appeal and further negotiation by the parties, and as a result, the final impact of a particular judicial decision may be unknown for some time, or may result in continued reserves to account for the potential of such post-verdict actions.
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company’s Plant Nutrient business recorded a $2.2 million reserve for settlement of a 2015 legal claim.
The estimated losses for all other outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible is not material.
Commitments
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company began construction of a new ethanol facility, which is expected to be completed in 2019. Portions of the project are covered by design and build contracts, with approximately $150$105.9 million of remaining obligation, of which $14.9$10.5 million has been prepaid, as of March 31,September 30, 2018.
Build-to-Suit Lease
In August 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement with an initial term of 15 years for a build-to-suit facility to be used as the new corporate headquarters which was completed in the third quarter of 2016. Since the Company is deemed to be the owner of this facility for accounting purposes during the construction period, it has recognized an asset and a corresponding financing obligation.
The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other long-term liabilities of $23.9$23.1 million, $24.3 million, and $24.1$24.7 million at March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31,September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other current liabilities of $1.4$1.5 million, $1.4 million, and $0.8$1.4 million at March 31,September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31,September 30, 2017, respectively.




15. Supplemental Cash Flow Information



Certain supplemental cash flow information, including noncash investing and financing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
 Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information   
Interest paid$23,327
 $20,356
Noncash investing and financing activity   
Capital projects incurred but not yet paid13,941
 6,319
Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest)
 8,360
Dividends declared not yet paid4,663
 4,501
Debt resulting from accounting standard adoption36,953
 
Railcar assets resulting from accounting standard adoption25,643
 

 Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information   
Interest paid$9,854
 $8,670
Noncash investing and financing activity   
Capital projects incurred but not yet paid7,115
 2,216
Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest)
 8,360
Outstanding receivable for sale of assets
 3,597
Dividends declared not yet paid4,663
 4,501
Debt as a result of accounting standard adoption36,953
 
Railcar assets as a result of accounting standard adoption25,643
 


16. Sale of Assets

The Company closed on an agreement to sell its grain elevators in Humboldt, Kenton and Dyer, Tennessee for $19.5 million plus working capital during the second quarter of 2018 and its Como location for $1.3 million plus working capital during the third quarter of 2018.
During the third quarter of 2018, the Company also closed on an agreement to sell one of its convertible preferred security investments for $6.4 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of $3.9 million in Other income, net.

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

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



17. Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale

The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017. Inventory and fixtures liquidation efforts were completed throughout the year, and no additional charges were incurred during the first quarter of 2018. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company incurred exit charges of $7.8 million, consisting primarily of employee severance and related benefits.


The Company classified assets aggregating $57.8$29.5 million of assets as held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31,September 30, 2018. This includes $19.4$25.1 million of Rail Group assets, which is primarily comprised of barges. Additionally, property plant and equipment of $4.4 million was classified as held for sale including $4.2 million of Retail store assets and $0.2 million relating to administrative offices at an outlying location in the Plant Nutrient Group

The Company classified $37.9 million of assets as Assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017. This includes $19.5 million of Property, plant and equipment, net, $13.8$11.4 million of Inventories, and $18.8$1.2 million of Commodity derivative assets related to certain Westernwestern Tennessee locations inof the Grain group.Group. The Company classified $4.2 million and $1.6 million of additional Property, plant and equipment, net as Assets held for sale related to the remaining Retail store assets and administrative offices at an outlying location in the Plant Nutrient Group, respectively.


The Company classified assets aggregating $37.9$8.4 million of assetsProperty, plant and equipment, net as Assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017. This includes $19.5 millionSeptember 30, 2017, all of Property, plant and equipment, net, $11.4 million of Inventories, and $1.2 million of Commodity derivative assetswhich related to certain Western Tennessee locations inRetail store assets.

The Retail business closed during the Grain group.second quarter of 2017. Inventory and fixtures liquidation efforts were completed throughout the year. The Company classified $4.2recorded minimal additional exit charges during the third quarter of 2017 and a total of $11.5 million and $1.6 millionduring the first nine months of additional Property, plant and equipment, net as Assets held for sale related to the remaining Retail store assets and administrative offices at an outlying location in the Plant Nutrient Group, respectively.2017.





18. Subsequent Events


On April 2,October 15, 2018, the Company closed onentered into an agreement to sell its grain elevatorspurchase the remaining equity (not currently owned by the Company) of LTG. The transaction will also result in Humboldt, Kentonthe consolidation of Thompsons and Dyer, Tennesseerelated entities as they are currently jointly owned by the Company and LTG.  The Company currently owns approximately 32.5% of LTG equity and will acquire the remaining approximately 67.5% interest for $19.5approximately $305 million, pluswhich includes the Company’s share of estimated working capital.capital of the acquired entities and other closing adjustments. The Company will assume approximately $166 million of long-term debt, consisting of up to $130 million from LTG and about $36 million from Thompsons. The Company will pay the purchase price with cash and unregistered common shares of the Company. The Company intends to fund the cash portion utilizing the Company's existing line of credit. The final purchase price will be dependent on the number of shares issued, share price on date of closing, and actual working capital, among other items. The transaction is expected to close in the January 2019.



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements which relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The reader is urged to carefully consider these risks and others, including those risk factors listed under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”). In some cases, the reader can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than any imposed by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


Our critical accounting policies and critical accounting estimates, as described in our 2017 Form 10-K, have not materially changed through the firstthird quarter of 2018, other than as a result of adopting the new revenue recognition accounting standard. See additional information regarding these policies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements herein in Notes 1 and 7.


Executive Overview


Our operations are organized, managed and classified into four reportable business segments: Grain, Ethanol, Plant Nutrient, and Rail. Each of these segments is based on the nature of products and services offered. Prior to 2018, we reported the Retail operations as a fifth reportable business segment even though it did not meet the quantitative thresholds for segment disclosures. As previously disclosed, we closed the Retail business during 2017, and accordingly have recast the prior results for this segment within the Other category, which also includes other corporate level costs not attributable to an operating segment.


The agricultural commodity-based business is one in which changes in selling prices generally move in relationship to changes in purchase prices. Therefore, increases or decreases in prices of the agricultural commodities that the business deals in will have a relatively equal impact on sales and cost of sales and a much less significant impact on gross profit. As a result, changes in sales between periods may not necessarily be indicative of the overall performance of the business and more focus should be placed on changes in gross profit.


Grain Group


The Grain Group's performanceGroup’s results in the firstthird quarter reflects continued recovery with improved earningswere down due to significantly lower basis levels, due primarily to high new crop yields and exports tariffs. While the drop in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. Market volatility as well as strong execution by our origination team hasbasis levels led to an increase in risk management income. The resultsthird quarter losses, the Group should now have the ability to fill the remainder of our storage capacity at attractive prices which provides strong basis appreciation opportunity going into the food business and equity investments also improved over those of the prior year.fourth quarter.


Grain inventories on hand at March 31,September 30, 2018 were 108.472.0 million bushels. These amounts compare to 75.1 million bushels on hand at September 30, 2017, of which 0.71.0 million bushels were stored for others. These amounts compare to 100.1 million bushels on hand at March 31, 2017, of which 2.7 million bushels were stored for others. While totalTotal grain storage capacity, including temporary pile storage, remained unchangedwas approximately 140 million bushels at approximatelySeptember 30, 2018 compared to 153 million bushels at March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017,September 30, 2017. This decrease in capacity is a result of the sale of threefour Tennessee locations in 2018.

In October, the second quarterCompany announced that it had entered into a merger agreement with Lansing Trade Group, LLC, its long-time affiliate, to acquire the 67.5% of Lansing equity that it does not already own. We believe the acquisition will decrease storage by approximately 8 million bushels.create a grain and trading business of highly complementary assets with greater scale that will significantly expand our reach in the agricultural marketplace.

While weather will play a factor, the spring planting season is still in its early stages. The Grain Group will focus on growing originations, risk management services, and its food ingredients business.


Ethanol Group


The Ethanol Group's firstthird quarter results reflect increased ethanol volumes from improved yields at the plant locations as well as an increase in volumes primarily due to the Albion plant expansion and highercoproduct sales. Improved DDG values due tohelped drive improved results at the lack of vomitoxin issues in the current year. Group's unconsolidated LLC's.

The Company also began construction of itsthe Group's new bio-refinery facility whichis well underway and the project is expected to be completed inoperational by mid- 2019.


Ethanol and related coproducts volumes for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
(in thousands)Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Ethanol (gallons shipped)103,075
 89,423
117,848
 108,452
 337,984
 307,379
E-85 (gallons shipped)14,901
 9,257
16,022
 12,482
 47,501
 32,385
Corn Oil (pounds shipped)4,807
 4,260
5,200
 4,504
 15,574
 12,842
DDG (tons shipped) *39
 42
40
 42
 120
 121
* DDG tons shipped converts wet tons to a dry ton equivalent amount


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


Plant Nutrient Group


The Plant Nutrient Group's firstthird quarter results reflect a continued depresseddecrease in sales volume in our primary nutrients and lower margins in our specialty nutrient market and continued delay in market improvements aroundproducts. While primary product margins have improved, the specialty products. These circumstances were partially offset by volume and margin increases in lawn products. We expect volume and margin pressures to continue to be a challenge inoutlook for the remaining quarters of 2018.Group remains challenged.


Storage capacity at our wholesale nutrient and farm center facilities, including leased storage, was approximately 484476 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 513515 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at March 31,September 30, 2018, comparablecompared to approximately 486478 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 528525 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at March 31,September 30, 2017.


Tons of product sold for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
(in thousands)Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Primary nutrients202
 217
214
 254
 1,072
 1,099
Specialty nutrients186
 209
108
 109
 541
 540
Other16
 23
13
 15
 42
 53
Total tons404
 449
335
 378
 1,655
 1,692


In the table above, primary nutrients is comprised of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from our wholesale and farm center businesses. Specialty nutrients encompasses low-salt liquid starter fertilizers, micro-nutrients for wholesale and farm center businesses, as well as the lawn business. Other tons includes those from the cob business.


Rail Group


As anticipated,The Rail Group results reflect a decrease in the Rail Group's resultsleasing business due to lower leasing rates. Renewal lease rates are lower in 2018than the expiring rates, even though market rates have seen gradual improvement. Despite lower lease rates, the base leasing business remains healthy as they reflect additional certification expenses and the inability to record gains on nonrecourse financing of rail cars in the quarter as a result of the new revenue recognition accounting standard. Despite these headwinds, the groupit saw an increase in average utilization rates from 83.685.8 percent in the firstthird quarter of 2017 to 87.992.0 percent in the firstthird quarter of 2018. WhileA portion of this increase is attributable to the railcar scrap program from the second quarter. However, most of the increase is from higher industry carload traffic. Rail Group assets under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at March 31,September 30, 2018 were 23,04422,509 compared to 23,39422,986 at March 31,September 30, 2017, due to the number ofscrapped cars and excluding the remaining cars held for sale.

The Group expects continued steady growth in cars on lease, increased by 4% fromwith an abundant railcar supply putting pressure on renewing lease rates. We also expect the prior year. The Group also purchased over 350 railcars in the first quarter of 2018 and scrapped just over 560 cars, taking advantage of an increase in scrap prices.

The Group willrepair business to continue to focus on managing the age of its fleet by making strategic purchases and taking advantage of higher scrap prices, increasing the percent of cars under lease.grow profitably.


Other
Our “Other” activities include corporate income and expense and cost for functions that provide support and services to the operating segments. The results include expenses and benefits not allocated to the operating segments, including a portion of our ERP project. The results of our former retail business, which was closed in 2017, are also included in "Other" activities.



Operating Results
The following discussion focuses on the operating results as shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and includes a separate discussion by segment. Additional segment information is included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements herein in Note 13 Segment Information.
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$635,739
 $852,016
$685,579
 $836,595
 $2,232,720
 $2,682,273
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues572,034
 775,558
631,715
 766,924
 2,024,677
 2,448,310
Gross profit63,705
 76,458
53,864
 69,671
 208,043
 233,963
Operating, administrative and general expenses64,257
 81,545
65,986
 68,153
 190,096
 219,242
Asset impairment
 
 6,272
 
Goodwill impairment
 
 
 42,000
Interest expense (income)6,999
 6,100
5,176
 5,384
 20,000
 17,472
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net3,573
 (1,878)7,225
 3,586
 20,601
 8,093
Other income (expense), net1,686
 7,495
6,434
 5,285
 10,949
 17,028
Income (loss) before income taxes(2,292) (5,570)(3,639) 5,005
 23,225
 (19,630)
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(282) 54
223
 83
 (175) 73
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(2,010) $(5,624)$(3,862) $4,922
 $23,400
 $(19,703)
Comparison of the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 with the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017:
Grain Group
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$276,852
 $478,528
$343,430
 $497,613
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues250,802
 454,879
326,818
 465,297
Gross profit26,050
 23,649
16,612
 32,316
Operating, administrative and general expenses25,954
 25,327
26,142
 27,622
Interest expense (income)2,959
 2,696
2,126
 1,898
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net1,987
 (1,345)2,412
 (694)
Other income (expense), net846
 646
625
 539
Income (loss) before income taxes$(30) $(5,073)$(8,619) $2,641


Operating results for the Grain Group improveddeclined by $5.0$11.3 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $201.7$154.2 million which was more than offset by a decrease inand cost of sales and merchandising revenues of $204.1decrease $138.5 million for aan unfavorable net favorable gross profit impact of $2.4$15.7 million. The adoption of ASC 606 led to a decrease in revenue of $164.4$170.4 million and an equal offsetting decreaserelated primarily to cost of sales.grain origination revenues. The gross profit increasedecrease was primarily driven by accelerated basis appreciation and an increase in risk management fees in the first quarter.mark-to-market changes on our grain inventory that we believe will substantially rebound before year-end.


Equity in earnings of affiliates improved by $3.3$3.1 million due to better operating results from Lansing Trade Group during the quarter.


Ethanol Group
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$172,838
 $154,153
$194,849
 $191,531
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues169,972
 148,613
187,889
 185,143
Gross profit2,866
 5,540
6,960
 6,388
Operating, administrative and general expenses3,029
 3,247
3,296
 4,526
Interest expense (income)(41) (3)(784) (27)
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net1,586
 (533)4,813
 4,280
Other income (expense), net93
 7
20
 12
Income (loss) before income taxes1,557
 1,770
9,281
 6,181
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(282) 54
223
 83
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$1,839
 $1,716
$9,058
 $6,098


Operating results for the Ethanol Group improved $0.1$3.0 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $18.7$3.3 million compared to the results of the same period last year. This was driven by strong yields which led to a 16%9% increase in ethanol gallons sold, a portion of which is attributable to the Albion plant expansion that was not operating at its current capacity until the second quarter of 2017, and a 61% increase in E-85 sales.sold. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased as a result of the increase in sales volume. Gross profit declined

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $1.2 million primarily due to a decrease$1.5 million write-off of 8%a potential capital project that occurred in the average selling price of ethanol.2017.


Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $2.1$0.5 million due to improved results from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. TheseThe improved results were driven by the Albion plant expansion and higheran improvement in DDG values and productivity savings in the first quarter, each accounting for approximately half of the increase.current quarter.
Plant Nutrient Group
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$135,617
 $146,587
$104,188
 $103,620
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues113,380
 120,779
88,646
 86,271
Gross profit22,237
 25,808
15,542
 17,349
Operating, administrative and general expenses20,357
 23,060
22,829
 22,086
Interest expense (income)1,441
 1,640
1,315
 1,561
Other income (expense), net652
 5,564
626
 (1,622)
Income (loss) before income taxes$1,091
 $6,672
$(7,976) $(7,920)


Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group declined $5.6 million overwere flat compared to the same period in the prior year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $11.0increased $0.6 million which was more than offset by an increase in cost of sales and merchandising revenues of $2.4 million. A 72% decrease in farm center tons sold as a result of the sale of Florida locationsThis led to a $14.1decrease in gross profit of $1.8 million. While there was an 10% reduction in volume year over year, much of the shortfall in gross profit is the result of continued margin compression for specialty nutrients.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased $0.7 million revenue decrease.due an increase in amortization from capitalized software.

Other income is $2.2 million higher due to a legal settlement of $2.1 million paid in the prior year.

Rail Group
 Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$43,112
 $43,093
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues28,362
 29,671
Gross profit14,750
 13,422
Operating, administrative and general expenses6,636
 6,246
Interest expense (income)2,602
 1,742
Other income (expense), net220
 693
Income (loss) before income taxes$5,732
 $6,127

Operating results declined $0.4 million from the same period last year while Sales and merchandising revenues remained flat. Leasing revenues increased by approximately $1.4 million due to higher utilization and repair and other revenues increased $0.3 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 13% increasedecrease in lawn product tonscar sales revenue of $2.1 million as we sold which led to an increase of $6.2 million of revenue.fewer cars than prior year. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $7.4$1.3 million primarilycompared to the prior year due to lower car sales, in addition to lower freight and storage costs, as we had on average fewer idle cars than the prior year quarter. As a decreaseresult, gross profit increased $1.3 million compared to last year.

Interest expense increased $0.9 million as a result of the revolving asset-based loan and impact of adopting the new revenue recognition standard.
Other
 Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$
 $738
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
 542
Gross profit
 196
Operating, administrative and general expenses7,083
 7,673
Interest expense (income)(83) 210
Other income (expense), net4,943
 5,663
Income (loss) before income taxes$(2,057) $(2,024)

Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $0.7 million, cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $0.5 million and gross profit decreased $0.2 million. These decreases are a result of the retail business winding down operations in farm center tons sold noted above which was partially offset by the increase in lawn tons sold.prior year.


Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $2.7$0.6 million. We incurred $3.5 million of transaction costs related to the merger with LTG which was partially offset by reduction in health care claim costs. Additionally, labor, severance, benefits and other operating expenses decreased $1.5 million due to the shutdown of the retail business as these costs were incurred in the third quarter of 2017 but not incurred in the second quarter of 2018.

Other income, net decreased by $0.7 million. Income for 2018 includes $3.9 million of gains related to the sale of an investment and an increase in value of $1.2 million related to another investment, while 2017 includes $5.7 million of gains related to the sale of retail stores.

Income Taxes

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded income tax benefit of $1.8 million at an effective rate of 48.5%. In 2017, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $2.4 million at an effective tax rate of 47.4%. The net increase in effective tax rate resulted from the current period loss before income taxes, discrete net tax benefits from provision to return items including transition tax, and additional tax benefits for prior year amendments for federal tax credits. This was offset by the reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the U.S. tax reform.

Comparison of the Nine months ended September 30, 2018 with the Nine months ended September 30, 2017:
Grain Group
 Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$986,202
 $1,464,588
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues908,833
 1,378,176
Gross profit77,369
 86,412
Operating, administrative and general expenses77,669
 78,904
Asset impairment1,564
 
Interest expense (income)9,015
 6,921
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net9,909
 864
Other income (expense), net2,198
 3,046
Income (loss) before income taxes$1,228
 $4,497

Operating results for the Grain Group declined by $3.3 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $478.4 million which was largely offset by a decrease in cost of sales and merchandising revenues of $469.3 million for a decrease in gross profit of $9.0 million. The adoption of ASC 606 led to a decrease in revenue of $515.4 million and an equal offsetting decrease to cost of sales related primarily to grain origination revenues. The gross profit decrease was driven by mark-to-market changes on our grain inventory in the third quarter.

In the second quarter of 2018, asset impairment charges were recorded for $1.6 million related to Grain operations in Tennessee. These assets were sold during the third quarter.

Interest expense increased $2.1 million due to rising interest rates and higher average working capital usage.

Equity in earnings of affiliates improved by $9.0 million due to better operating results from Lansing Trade Group.

Ethanol Group
 Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$568,625
 $533,515
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues553,757
 518,267
Gross profit14,868
 15,248
Operating, administrative and general expenses9,966
 10,016
Interest expense (income)(1,095) (52)
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net10,692
 7,229
Other income (expense), net158
 34
Income (loss) before income taxes16,847
 12,547
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(175) 73
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$17,022
 $12,474

Operating results for the Ethanol Group improved $4.5 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $35.1 million compared to the results of the same period last year. This was driven by an 11% increase in ethanol volumes largely attributable to the Albion expansion. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased as a result of the increase in sales volume.

Interest expense is $1.0 million less than the same period last year as a result of capitalizing interest related to the construction of the bio-refinery facility.

Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $3.5 million due to improved results from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. Improved earnings are driven by improved DDG values, lower expense and lower productivity savings in the current quarter.

Plant Nutrient Group
 Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$542,911
 $514,943
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues467,965
 431,852
Gross profit74,946
 83,091
Operating, administrative and general expenses64,210
 67,727
Goodwill impairment
 42,000
Interest expense (income)4,397
 5,016
Other income (expense), net1,900
 4,578
Income (loss) before income taxes$8,239
 $(27,074)

Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group improved $35.3 million over the same period in the prior year, driven mostly from the nonrecurring goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 recorded in the prior year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $28.0 million which was more than offset by an increase in cost of sales and merchandising revenues of $36.1 million. This led to an $8.1 million decrease in gross profit as the result of margin compression, mainly for specialty products and the sale of the Florida Farm Center after the first quarter of 2017.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $3.5 million, largely due to $0.9the sale of the Florida farm center locations in 2017.

Other income, net decreased $2.7 million of labor and benefit reductions. Smaller reductions were also realized in a number of other expenses categories as part of our overall cost control efforts and aswhich is a result of Florida locations being excluded in current year results.

Other income (expense), net decreased $4.9 million as 2017 includes a $4.7 million gain on the sale of farm center locations in Florida.



Florida and a legal settlement of $2.1 million that were recorded in 2017.
Rail Group
Three months ended March 31,Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$50,432
 $40,390
$134,982
 $121,632
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues37,880
 28,082
94,122
 83,203
Gross profit12,552
 12,308
40,860
 38,429
Operating, administrative and general expenses6,231
 5,500
18,730
 17,141
Asset impairment4,708
 
Interest expense (income)2,368
 1,809
7,688
 5,487
Other income (expense), net16
 1,079
911
 2,264
Income (loss) before income taxes$3,969
 $6,078
$10,645
 $18,065


Operating results declined $2.1$7.4 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $10.0$13.4 million. Revenue from car sales increased by $10.0 million. Leasing$9.5 million, including cars scrapped, and leasing revenues increased by $2.0$6.0 million due to higher utilization which wasutilization. These were offset by a $2.0$2.1 million decrease in repair and other revenue.revenues. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased $9.8$10.9 million compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in car sales which was partially offset by a decrease in repair cost of sales related to the decrease in repair revenue.sales. As a result, gross profit increased $0.2$2.4 million compared to last year.


Operating, administrative and general expenses increased primarily due to an increase in depreciation from cars added to the balance sheet as a result of adopting the new revenue accounting standard.


Asset impairment charges were recorded for $4.7 million from a decision to scrap idle, out-of-favor cars during the second quarter of 2018.

Other income decreased $1.1$1.4 million, as end of lease settlements that occurred in the first quarter of 2017 did not recur.

Other
Three months ended March 31,Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$
 $32,358
$
 $47,595
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
 23,205

 36,812
Gross profit
 9,153

 10,783
Operating, administrative and general expenses8,686
 24,411
19,521
 45,454
Interest expense (income)272
 (42)(5) 100
Other income (expense), net79
 199
5,782
 7,106
Income (loss) before income taxes$(8,879) $(15,017)$(13,734) $(27,665)


Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $32.4$47.6 million, cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $23.2$36.8 million and gross profit decreased $9.2$10.8 million. All of theseThese decreases are a result of the retail business partially operating in the first quartersix months of 2017 but no longer operational in 2018.


Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $15.7$25.9 million primarily due to a decrease in labor, severance, benefits and other operating expenses that were incurred in the first quarternine months of 2017 but not incurred in the first quarter of 2018 as a result of the shutdown of the retail business. Unallocated corporate operating expenses increased slightly duebusiness, but not incurred in 2018.

Other income, net decreased by $1.4 million. Income for 2018 includes $3.9 million of gains related to the sale of an investment and an increase in severance costs.value of $1.2 million related to another investment, while 2017 includes $5.7 million in gains related to the sale of retail stores and $1.2 million for the sale of fixtures.


Income Taxes


InFor the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2018, an income tax benefitexpense of $0.3$5.7 million was providedrecorded at an effective rate of 13.5%24.4%. In the first quarter of 2017, an income tax benefitexpense of $2.5$7.5 million was providedrecorded at 45.5%an effective rate of (38.2)%. The lowerchange in 2018 effective tax rate is primarily due to the benefits of tax reform.reform as well as a nondeductible goodwill impairment charge that was recorded in the prior year.



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
At March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had working capital of $213.9$187.6 million. The following table presents changes in the components of current assets and current liabilities:
(in thousands)March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 VarianceSeptember 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 Variance
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$31,497
 $29,645
 $1,852
$16,820
 $24,478
 $(7,658)
Restricted cash
 752
 (752)
Accounts receivable, net216,021
 190,628
 25,393
206,380
 196,192
 10,188
Inventories731,629
 641,294
 90,335
490,331
 475,602
 14,729
Commodity derivative assets – current43,810
 48,049
 (4,239)76,861
 45,202
 31,659
Other current assets57,147
 83,623
 (26,476)58,374
 53,958
 4,416
Assets held for sale57,775
 
 57,775
29,527
 8,383
 21,144
Total current assets1,137,879
 993,991
 143,888
878,293
 803,815
 74,478
Current Liabilities:          
Short-term debt489,000
 255,000
 234,000
132,000
 19,000
 113,000
Trade and other payables263,519
 276,834
 (13,315)344,406
 381,359
 (36,953)
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue81,778
 81,628
 150
38,242
 29,520
 8,722
Commodity derivative liabilities – current15,424
 29,914
 (14,490)91,403
 38,578
 52,825
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities60,095
 65,952
 (5,857)68,925
 67,064
 1,861
Current maturities of long-term debt14,134
 56,144
 (42,010)15,677
 53,972
 (38,295)
Total current liabilities923,950
 765,472
 158,478
690,653
 589,493
 101,160
Working Capital$213,929
 $228,519
 $(14,590)$187,640
 $214,322
 $(26,682)
March 31,September 30, 2018 current assets increased $143.9$74.5 million in comparison to those of March 31,September 30, 2017. This increase was primarily due to increases in accounts receivable, inventories, assets held for sale and accounts receivable. The increase in inventory relates to higher grain inventories from higher bean prices and more bushels owned.commodity derivative assets. Accounts receivable increased due to the amount and timing of sales in the Grain and Ethanol business. Other current assets decreasedGroup. The increase in inventory relates to an increase in Plant Nutrients inventory as a result of holding inventory for appreciation, which was partially offset by a decrease in Grain inventory due to a decrease to railcars placed into service outthe sale of idle storage.Tennessee locations. Assets held for sale increased dueprimarily as a result of the decision to an increasesell barges in inventory and commodity derivative assets held for sale which was reclassed from the respective lines on the balance sheet, having no net impact on total current assets.Rail Group. Current commodity derivative assets and liabilities, which reflects the customer net asset or liability based on the value of forward contracts as compared to market prices at the end of the period, have decreased.show a net decrease. See also the discussion below on additional sources and uses of cash for an understanding of the decrease in cash from prior year.
Current liabilities increased $158.5$101.2 million compared to the prior year primarily due to an increaseincreases in short-term debt which was a result of higher inventories and increased margin funding. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in currentcommodity derivative liabilities. Current maturities of long-term debt decreased as debt was paid down using short-term debt. Overall, debt increased due of timing of payables and purchases of fixed assets in the rail group. Additionally, trade and other payables decreased due to timinghigher hold pay requests from vendors and a decrease in payables related to Tennessee due to the sale of debt maturities as well as timing of payments in accounts payable.these locations.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Our operating activities usedprovided cash of $378.7$28.8 million and $229.2$60.7 million in the first threenine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increasedecrease in cash usedprovided was due to the increaseschanges in accounts receivable, inventories and commodity derivativesworking capital, as discussed above. This was partially offset by a $16.2 million decrease due to lower dividends from equity affiliates.
Investing Activities
Investing activities used cash of $44.3$115.9 million through the first threenine months of 2018 compared to cash used of $13.2$64.8 million in the prior year. Cash used for the purchases of property, plant, equipment, and software increased due to costs associated with the beginning stages of the construction of the bio-refinery that began in the first quarternine months of 2018. Additionally, thereThis was a decrease of $13.9partially offset by $15.7 million proceeds from the sale of assets as 2017 reflectedfrom the sale of Florida farm centers.three Tennessee grain locations, corporate investments and proceeds from scrapping project in the Rail Group.

In 2018, we expect to spend a total of $145$120 million for the purchase of railcars and related leases and capitalized modifications of railcars. We also expect these purchases to be funded from sales and dispositions or non-recourse debt of approximately $125$100 million during the year.

In addition to the construction of the bio-refinery, total capital spending for 2018 on property, plant and equipment in our base business excluding rail leasing activity, but inclusive of information technology spending is expected to be approximately $60 million.
Financing Activities
Financing activities provided cash of $419.6$69.0 million and $209.5used $34.0 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was largely due to an increase in short-term borrowings which is a result ofproceeds from debt and an increase in commodity prices and associated working capital requirements. In addition,proceeds from noncontrolling interest owner related to our investment in the current year saw a $68.7 million increase in long-term debt payments which was partially offset by an increase of $34.8 million in funds provided by the issuance of long-term debt.bio-refinery.
We are party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks that provide a total of $950.0$1,085.0 million in borrowings. This amount includes $15.0 million of debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC, $70 million of debt of ELEMENT LLC and $65$200.0 million of debt of The Andersons Railcar Leasing Company LLC, that is non-recourse to the Company. Of that total, we had $338.3$823.1 million available for borrowing at March 31,September 30, 2018. Peak short-term borrowings to date were $541$555 million on March 14,April 12, 2018. Typically, our highest borrowing occurs in the late winter and early spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in our fertilizer and grain businesses.


We paid $4.7$14.0 million in dividends in the first quarternine months of 2018 compared to $4.5$13.5 million in the prior year. We paid $0.165 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April and July 2018 and $0.16 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April and July 2017. On February 23,August 24, 2018 we declared a cash dividend of $0.165 per common share payable on April 23,October 22, 2018 to shareholders of record on April 2,October 1, 2018.
Certain of our long-term borrowings include covenants that, among other things, impose minimum levels of equity and limitations on additional debt. We are in compliance with all such covenants as of March 31,September 30, 2018. In addition, certain of our long-term borrowings are collateralized by first mortgages on various facilities or are collateralized by railcar assets. Our non-recourse long-term debt is collateralized by ethanol plant assets and railcar assets.
Because we are a significant borrower of short-term debt in peak seasons and the majority of this is variable rate debt, increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our profitability. In addition, periods of high grain prices and/or unfavorable market conditions could require us to make additional margin deposits on our exchange traded futures contracts. Conversely, in periods of declining prices, we receive a return of cash.
We believe our sources of liquidity will be adequate to fund our operations, capital expenditures and payments of dividends in the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions


Our Rail Group utilizes leasing arrangements that provide off-balance sheet financing for its activities. We lease assets from financial intermediaries through sale-leaseback transactions, the majority of which involve operating leasebacks. Rail Group assets we own or lease from a financial intermediary are generally leased to a customer under an operating lease. We also arrange non-recourse lease transactions under which we sell assets to a financial intermediary, and assign the related operating lease to the financial intermediary on a non-recourse basis. In such arrangements, we generally provide ongoing maintenance and management services for the financial intermediary, and receive a fee for such services.


The following table describes our Rail Group asset positions at March 31,September 30, 2018:
Method of ControlFinancial Statement Units
Owned - railcars available for saleOn balance sheet – current 503665

Owned - railcar assets leased to othersOn balance sheet – non-current 18,44118,853

Railcars leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet 3,1382,502

Railcars in non-recourse arrangementsOff balance sheet 861326

Total Railcars  22,94322,346

Locomotive assets leased to othersOn balance sheet – non-current 3224

Locomotives leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet 4

Total Locomotives  3628
Barge assets leased to othersOn balance sheet – non-current

Barge assets leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet 6515

Total Barges  6515

In addition, we manage 539750 railcars for third party customers or owners for which we receive a fee.fee and we classified 69 railcars and 50 barges as held for sale as of September 30, 2018, all of which are excluded from the table above.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically commodity and interest rate risk during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2018.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer ("Certifying Officers"), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on the results of this evaluation, management concluded that, as of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.  As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of any change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company is undertaking the phased implementation of an ERP software system. The Company believes it is maintaining and monitoring appropriate internal controls during the implementation period and further believes that its internal control environment will be enhanced as a result of this implementation.  There have been no other changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.







Part II. Other Information


Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are currently subject to various claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, which include environmental issues, employment claims, contractual disputes, and defensive counter claims. We accrue liabilities where litigation losses are deemed probable and estimable. We believe it is unlikely that the results of our current legal proceedings, even if unfavorable, will be materially different from what we currently have accrued. There can be no assurance, however, that any claims or suits arising in the future, whether taken individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.


Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this Form 10-Q and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. These risks can be impacted by factors beyond our control as well as by errors and omissions on our part. The most significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results are described in our 2017 Form 10-K (Item 1A).


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


No sales or repurchases of shares have occurred in 2018.

Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
   
No.  Description
   
10.12.1 
10.2
10.3
10.4
   
12  
  
31.1  
  
31.2  
  
32.1  
   
101 Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended March 31,September 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
  
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Registrant)
  
Date: May 8,November 6, 2018 By /s/ Patrick E. Bowe
  Patrick E. Bowe
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  
Date: May 8,November 6, 2018 By /s/ Anne G. RexBrian A. Valentine
  Anne G. RexBrian A. Valentine
  Senior Vice President Corporate Controller & Interimand Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
  



Exhibit Index
The Andersons, Inc.
 
   
No.  Description
   
10.12.1 
10.2
10.3
10.4
   
12  
   
31.1  
   
31.2  
   
32.1  
   
101 Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended March 31,September 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




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