UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2018April 30, 2019
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

Commission File Number 001-09097

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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

7720 Paragon Road, Dayton, Ohio45459
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(937) 276-3931

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par valueREXNew York Stock Exchange
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yesx  Noo

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yesx  Noo

 

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

 

Large accelerated fileroAccelerated filerx
Non-accelerated filero (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting companyo
 Emerging growth companyo

 

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.o

 

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

At the close of business on November 30, 2018June 3, 2019 the registrant had 6,327,1786,274,419 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

 
 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

  Page
    
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
    
Item 1.Financial Statements  
    
 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets33
 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations44
 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity55
 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows66
 Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements77
    
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations2422
    
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk3734
    
Item 4.Controls and Procedures3834
    
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION  
    
Item 1.Legal Proceedings3835
    
Item 1A.Risk Factors3935
    
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds3935
    
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities3935
    
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures3935
    
Item 5.Other Information3935
    
Item 6.Exhibits4036
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands) October 31, January 31,  April 30, January 31, 
 2018 2018  2019 2019 
Assets:                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents $178,229  $190,988  $204,704  $188,531 
Short-term investments  14,891      -   14,975 
Restricted cash  434   354   82   281 
Accounts receivable  15,732   12,913   11,663   11,378 
Inventory  21,636   20,755   20,150   18,477 
Refundable income taxes  8,339   6,612   7,695   7,695 
Prepaid expenses and other  8,111   7,412   9,352   9,284 
Total current assets  247,372   239,034   253,646   250,621 
Property and equipment, net  186,458   197,827   177,008   182,521 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  19,866   - 
Other assets  8,562   7,454   9,771   6,176 
Equity method investment  33,724   34,549   32,201   32,075 
Total assets $476,116  $478,864  $492,492  $471,393 
                
Liabilities and equity:                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable, trade $9,387  $8,149  $6,825  $7,463 
Current operating lease liabilities  5,421   - 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  10,225   13,716   8,078   9,546 
Total current liabilities  19,612   21,865   20,324   17,009 
Long-term liabilities:                
Deferred taxes  123   21,706   4,161   4,185 
Long-term operating lease liabilities  13,990   - 
Other long-term liabilities  7,947   3,367   4,935   4,928 
Total long-term liabilities  8,070   25,073   23,086   9,113 
Equity:                
REX shareholders’ equity:                
Common stock  299   299   299   299 
Paid-in capital  148,242   146,923   148,303   148,273 
Retained earnings  578,501   547,913   582,379   579,558 
Treasury stock  (331,763)  (313,643)  (335,186)   (335,193) 
Total REX shareholders’ equity  395,279   381,492   395,795   392,937 
Noncontrolling interests  53,155   50,434   53,287   52,334 
Total equity  448,434   431,926   449,082   445,271 
Total liabilities and equity $476,116  $478,864  $492,492  $471,393 

 

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

3

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

Unaudited

 

 Three Months
Ended
 Nine Months
Ended
 
 October 31, October 31, 
 2018 2017 2018 2017 
(In Thousands) Three Months
Ended
 
          April 30, 
 (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)  2019 2018 
                     
Net sales and revenue $123,750  $121,164  $373,327  $343,051  $104,575  $120,820 
Cost of sales  116,003   106,297   345,330   304,914   100,929   109,969 
Gross profit  7,747   14,867   27,997   38,137   3,646   10,851 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  (5,412)  (7,347)  (16,075)  (17,528)  (4,732)   (4,553) 
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates  611   1,094   2,182   1,931   126   697 
Interest and other income  809   645   2,159   1,194 
Interest and other income, (net)  1,127   654 
Income before income taxes  3,755   9,259   16,263   23,734   167   7,649 
Benefit for income taxes  10,014   5,735   18,348   1,043   3,548   2,703 
Net income  13,769   14,994   34,611   24,777   3,715   10,352 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (1,894)  (1,826)  (4,023)  (4,124)  (894)   (856) 
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders $11,875  $13,168  $30,588  $20,653  $2,821  $9,496 
                        
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted  6,388   6,597   6,473   6,594   6,315   6,571 
                        
Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders $1.86  $2.00  $4.73  $3.13  $0.45  $1.45 

 

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

4

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)

  REX Shareholders       
  Common Shares
Issued
  Treasury  Paid-in  Retained  Noncontrolling  Total 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Interests  Equity 
                                 
Balance at January 31, 2018  29,853  $299   23,287  $(313,643) $146,923  $547,913  $50,434  $431,926 
                                 
Net income                      30,588   4,023   34,611 
                                 
Treasury stock acquired          253   (18,419)              (18,419)
                                 
Capital contributions                          432   432 
                                 
Issuance of equity awards and stock based compensation expense          (13)  299   1,319           1,618 
                                 
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                    (1,734)  (1,734)
                                 
Balance at October 31, 2018  29,853  $299   23,527  $(331,763) $148,242  $578,501  $53,155  $448,434 
                                 
                                 
Balance at January 31, 2017  29,853  $299   23,292  $(313,838) $145,767  $508,207  $47,839  $388,274 
                                 
Net income                      20,653   4,124   24,777 
                                 
Capital contributions                                
                           738   738 
Issuance of equity awards and stock based compensation expense          (5)  188   1,120           1,308 
                                 
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                    (1,725)  (1,725)
                                 
Balance at October 31, 2017  29,853  $299   23,287  $(313,650) $146,887  $528,860  $50,976  $413,372 

  REX Shareholders       
                   
  Common Shares                
  Issued  Treasury  Paid-in  Retained  Noncontrolling  Total 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Interests  Equity 
                         
Balance at January 31, 2019  29,853  $299   23,580  $(335,193)  $148,273  $579,558  $52,334  $445,271 
                                 
Net income                      2,821   894   3,715 
                                 
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                          (87)   (87) 
                                 
Capital contributions                          146   146 
                                 
Stock based compensation expense  -   -   -   7   30   -   -   37 
                                 
Balance at April 30, 2019  29,853  $299   23,580  $(335,186)  $148,303  $582,379  $53,287  $449,082 
                                 
Balance at January 31, 2018  29,853  $299   23,287  $(313,643)  $146,923  $547,913  $50,434  $431,926 
                                 
Net income                      9,496   856   10,352 
                                 
Treasury stock acquired          126   (9,128)               (9,128) 
                                 
Capital contributions                          110   110 
                                 
Stock based compensation expense  -   -   -   13   58   -   -   71 
                                 
Balance at April 30, 2018  29,853  $299   23,413  $(322,758)  $146,981  $557,409  $51,400  $433,331 

 

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

5

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited

(In Thousands) Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 October 31, 
 2018 2017  April 30, 
         2019 2018 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income including noncontrolling interests $34,611  $24,777  $3,715  $10,352 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Depreciation  18,673   15,695   6,292   5,920 
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets  1,333   - 
Income from equity method investments  (2,182)  (1,931)  (126)   (697) 
Dividends received from equity method investee  3,007   4,009 
Interest income from investments  (993)     (25)   (341) 
Deferred income tax  (22,146)  (5,682)  (3,619)   (2,271) 
Stock based compensation expense  730   881   128   71 
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment  104   87 
Loss on sale of investment     13 
Gain on disposal of property and equipment  -   (8) 
Changes in assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable  (2,819)  2,023   (285)   (8,350) 
Inventories  (881)  (7,039)  (1,673)   (5,333) 
Other assets  (2,996)  (222)  (75)   (1,894) 
Accounts payable, trade  1,682   2,195   (760)   1,011 
Other liabilities  2,079   (746)  (3,365)   (1,980) 
Net cash provided by operating activities  28,869   34,060 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  1,540   (3,520) 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Capital expenditures  (7,954)  (19,315)  (632)   (3,061) 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired     (12,049)
Purchase of short-term investments  -   (111,154) 
Sale of short-term investments  112,091      15,000   - 
Purchase of short-term investments  (125,989)   
Restricted investments and deposits  -   5 
Other  25   275   7   6 
Net cash used in investing activities  (21,827)  (31,089)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  14,375   (114,204) 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Treasury stock acquired  (18,419)     -   (8,586) 
Dividend payments to and purchases of stock from noncontrolling interests holders  (1,734)  (1,725)
Payments to noncontrolling interests holders  (87)   - 
Capital contributions from minority investor  432   738   146   110 
Net cash used in financing activities  (19,721)  (987)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (12,679)  1,984 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  59   (8,476) 
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  15,974   (126,200) 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period  191,342   188,706   188,812   191,342 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $178,663  $190,690  $204,786  $65,142 
                
Non cash investing activities – Accrued capital expenditures $603  $1,049  $147  $142 
Non cash financing activities – Stock awards accrued $585  $768  $91  $- 
Non cash financing activities – Stock awards issued $1,473  $1,195 
Non cash financing activities – Accrued common stock repurchases $-  $542 
Initial right-of-use assets and liabilities recorded upon adoption of ASC 842 $20,918  $- 
                
Reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:                
        
Cash and cash equivalents $178,229  $190,460  $204,704  $64,246 
Restricted cash  434   230   82   896 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $178,663  $190,690  $204,786  $65,142 

 

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

6

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2018April 30, 2019

 

Note 1.Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set forth therein. Any such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Financial information as of January 31, 20182019 included in these financial statements has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 20182019 (fiscal year 2017)2018). It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2018.2019. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

 

Basis of Consolidation – The consolidated condensed financial statements in this report include the operating results and financial position of REX American Resources Corporation and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates the results of its four majority owned subsidiaries. The Company includes the results of operations of One Earth Energy, LLC (“One Earth”) in its Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations on a delayed basis of one month as One Earth has a fiscal year end of December 31.

 

Nature of Operations – In the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company began reporting the results of its refined coal operation as a new segment as a result of the August 10, 2017 acquisition of an entity that operates a refined coal facility (see Note 4). Prior to the acquisition, the Company had one reportable segment, ethanol. Beginning with the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the–The Company has two reportable segments: i) ethanol and by-productsby-products; and ii) refined coal. Within the ethanol and by-products segment, the Company has equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which are majority ownership interests. Within the refined coal segment, the Company has a majority equity interest in one refined coal limited liability company.

 

Note 2.Accounting Policies

 

The interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s fiscal year 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the adoption of new accounting standards described at the end of this footnote. While management believes that the procedures followed in the preparation of interim financial information are reasonable, the accuracy of some estimated amounts is dependent upon facts that will exist or calculations that will be accomplished at fiscal year-end. Examples of such estimates include accrued liabilities, such as management bonuses, and the provision for income

7

taxes. Any adjustments pursuant to such estimates during the quarter were of a normal recurring nature. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

7

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

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

 

Revenue Recognition

 

For ethanol and by-products segment sales, the Company recognizes sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil when obligations under the terms of the respective contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs with the transfer of control of products, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products. For refined coal segment sales, the Company recognizes sales of refined coal when obligations under the term of the contract with its customer are satisfied; this occurs when title and control of the product transfers to its customer, generally upon the coal leaving the refined coal plant. Refined coal sales are recorded net of the cost of coal as the Company purchases the coal feedstock from the customer to which the processed refined coal is sold.

 

Cost of Sales

 

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

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

The Company includes non-production related costs such as professional fees, selling charges and certain payroll in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Financial Instruments

 

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

 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to manage a portion of the risk associated with changes in commodity prices, primarily related to corn. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities, there are situations in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses. The Company does not hold or issue

8

derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The changes in fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in current period earnings as the Company does not use hedge accounting.

8

Income Taxes

 

TheHistorically, the Company appliesrecorded its interim tax provision or benefit for income taxes including the three months ended April 30, 2018, by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to interim periods“ordinary” income or loss (pre-tax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. The Company determined that is consistent withsince small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate, as adjustedthe historical method would not provide a reliable estimate for discrete items impacting the interim periods. The Company’s estimated annualthree months ended April 30, 2019. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate includesmethod to calculate the impact of its refined coal operation andprovision or benefit for income taxes for the expected federal income tax credits to be earned, beginning August 10, 2017, the date of the refined coal acquisition (see Note 4). three months ended April 30, 2019.

The Company provides for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company provides for a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company paid no income taxes of approximately $0.9 million and approximately $6.8 million during the nine months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company did not receive anynor received refunds of income taxes during the ninethree months ended October 31,April 30, 2019 and 2018. The Company received refunds of state income taxes of approximately $0.5 million during the nine months ended October 31, 2017.

 

As of October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018,2019, total unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $6.6$8.9 million and $2.0approximately $8.8 million, respectively. Accrued penalties and interest were approximately $0.5 million and approximately $0.4 million at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018.2019, respectively. If the Company were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by approximately $6.0$8.4 million. In addition, the impact of penalties and interest would also benefit the effective tax rate. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are recorded within income tax expense. On a quarterly basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory includes direct production costs and certain overhead costs such as depreciation, property taxes and utilities related toassociated with producing ethanol and related by-products and refined coal. Inventory is permanently written down for instances when cost exceeds estimated net realizable value; such write-downs are based primarily upon commodity prices as the market value of inventory is often dependent upon changes in commodity prices. At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, there was a permanent write-down of inventory of approximately $0.4$0.2 million. There was no significant permanent write-down of inventory at January 31, 2018.2019. Fluctuations in the write-down of inventory generally relate to the levels and composition of such inventory at a given

9

inventory at a given point in time. The components of inventory are as follows as of the dates presented (amounts in thousands):

 

 October 31,
2018
 January 31,
2018
  April 30,
2019
 January 31,
2019
 
             
Ethanol and other finished goods $6,014  $8,402  $7,770  $5,767 
Work in process  2,924   2,824   2,922   3,094 
Grain and other raw materials  12,698   9,529   9,458   9,616 
Total $21,636  $20,755  $20,150  $18,477 

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is recorded at cost or the fair value on the date of acquisition (for property and equipment acquired in a business combination). Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 2 to 20 years for fixtures and equipment.

 

In accordance with ASC 360-10 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, based on an analysis of undiscounted future expected cash flows from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset.recoverable. There were no impairment charges in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal years 20182019 or 2017. Impairment charges have historically resulted from the Company’s management performing cash flow analysis and have represented management’s estimate of the excess of net book value over fair value.2018.

 

The Company tests for recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying amount to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, if any. The Company generally determines the fair value of the asset group using a discounted cash flow model based on market participant assumptions (for income producing asset groups) or by obtaining appraisals based on the market approach and comparable market transactions (for non-income producing asset groups).

 

Investments

 

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

10

accounts for its investment in Big River Resources, LLC (“Big River”) using the equity method of accounting and includes the results on a delayed basis of one month as Big River has a fiscal year end of December 31.

 

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations include general economic and company-specific evaluations. If the Company determines that a decline in market value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

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

 

Comprehensive Income

 

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

 

Accounting Changes and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

Effective February 1, 2018,2019, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and replaces existing revenue recognition guidance. See Note 3 for a further discussion of the Company’s adoption of this amended guidance.

Effective February 1, 2018, the Company prospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update “ASU” 2016-15Codification “ASC” Topic 842Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)Leases” and all related amendments (“ASC 842”), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This standard provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. The cash flow issues covered by this ASU are: 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; 2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; 4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; 6) distributions received from equity method investees; 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle for distributions received from equity method investees in the Statement of Cash Flows. The adoption of this standard did not affect the consolidated condensed financial statements and related disclosures.

Effective February 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-18 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash”.This standard requires that the statements of cash flows explain the changes in the combined total of restricted and unrestricted cash balances. Amounts generally described as restricted cash will be combined with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances on the statements of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard retrospectively. Therefore, the beginning period balance of cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2017 was increased by $130,000, the end of period balance of cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2017 was increased

11

by $230,000 and the beginning period balance of cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2018 was increased by $354,000 to reflect the respective restricted cash amounts.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases”. This standardwhich requires that virtually all leases willto be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accountedliability. The adoption of ASC 842 had a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as total assets and total liabilities increased by approximately $20.9 million upon adoption. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations for as operating leases. The Company will be required to adoptthe three months ended April 30, 2019. See Note 4 for a further discussion of the Company’s adoption of this standard effective February 1, 2019. The related leases are currently accounted for as operating leases (see Note 5). This standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach and allows for early adoption. amended guidance.

In JulyAugust 2018, FASBthe Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-13. “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted ImprovementsChanges to Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements, which provides an option to applyimproves the transition provisionseffectiveness of recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements disclosures. This standard removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements and is effective for the new standard at the adoption date instead of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements.Company beginning February 1, 2020. The Company has not completed its analysis ofdetermined the effect of adopting this guidance but it does expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impactstandard on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the right-of-use asset and lease obligation liability to be recognized upon adoption of this guidance in addition to requiring expanded disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company expects to complete its analysis of the impact of adopting this guidance during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018.statements and related disclosures.

 

Note 3.Net Sales and Revenue

On February 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, and all related amendments and applied it to all contracts utilizing the modified retrospective method. There were no adjustments to the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet as of February 1, 2018 as a result of the adoption of this accounting guidance. Therefore, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Furthermore, there was no impact related to the adoption of this accounting guidance on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations or Balance Sheets for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2018. The Company expects the impact of adopting this accounting guidance to be immaterial on an ongoing basis.

 

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

 

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

 

The Company elected, pursuant to the new accounting guidance, to recognize as fulfillment activities the cost for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer obtains control of the

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promised goods and not when performance obligations are met. See Note 1716 for disaggregation of net sales and revenue by operating segment and by product.

Note 4.Business Combinations

On August 10, 2017, the Company, through a 95.35% owned subsidiary, purchased the entire ownership interest of an entity that owns a refined coal facility. The Company began operating its refined coal facility immediately after the acquisition. The Company expects that the revenues from the sale of refined coal produced in the facility will be subsidized by federal production tax credits through November 2021, subject to meeting qualified emissions reductions as governed by Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The impact on the combined results of operations of the Company and the refined coal entity, on a pro forma basis, as though the companies had been combined as of the beginning of fiscal year 2017, is as follows:

Cost of sales would have increased by approximately $1,385,000 for the nine months ended October 31, 2017. This pro forma increase is a result of increased depreciation expense as if the refined coal entity was consolidated since the beginning of the nine months ended October 31, 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses would have increased by approximately $370,000 for the nine months ended October 31, 2017. These pro forma adjustments are a result of transaction costs occurring (on a pro forma basis) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The provision for income taxes would have decreased by approximately $667,000 for the nine months ended October 31, 2017. Net income attributable to REX common shareholders would have decreased by approximately $1,037,000 for the nine months ended October 31, 2017. Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders would have decreased by approximately $0.16 for the nine months ended October 31, 2017.

The results of the Company’s refined coal operations (approximately $1.0 million of net sales and revenue and approximately $14.2 million of net income attributable to REX common shareholders, including the income tax benefit of estimated Section 45 credits to be earned) have been included in the consolidated financial statements subsequent to the acquisition date and are included in the Company’s refined coal segment.

The purchase price was $12,049,000, which was paid in cash. The acquisition was recorded by allocating the total purchase price to the assets acquired, based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is based on the final fair value assessment results of a valuation analysis. The income approach was used to determine the fair values of assets acquired. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired at the acquisition date (amounts in thousands):

Inventory $49 
Property, plant and equipment  12,000 
Total assets acquired and purchase price $12,049 

Transaction costs totaled approximately $2.5 million during fiscal year 2017. The Company does not expect to incur additional transaction costs from this acquisition.

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Note 5.4.Leases

 

The Company used the optional transition method in adopting ASC 842 which resulted in applying ASC 842 at the date of adoption (February 1, 2019). Thus, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods.

ASC 842 provides for three practical expedients, which the Company elected as a package. Pursuant to this package, the Company did not reassess: i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases that were previously classified as operating leases; or iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases.

The Company elected the practical expedient, available pursuant to ASC 842, for lessees to include both lease and non-lease components as a single component and account for them as a lease. In general, certain maintenance costs are the responsibility of the Company related to its railcar leases. This maintenance cost is a non-lease component the Company elected to combine with rental payments and account for the total cost as operating lease expense.

At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, the Company has lease agreements, as lessee, for rail cars and a natural gas pipeline.cars. All of the leases are accounted for as operating leases. The lease agreements do not contain a specified implicit interest rate; therefore, the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate was used to determine the present value of future minimum lease payments. The exercise of any lease renewal is at the Company’s sole discretion. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease and any periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Certain leases include rent escalations pre-set in the agreements, which are factored into the lease payment stream. The components of lease expense, classified as selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations are as follows:

Three Months Ended April 30, 2019 
    
Operating lease expense $1,609 
Variable lease expense  193 
Total lease expense $1,802 

The following table is a summary of future minimum rentals on such leases (amounts in thousands):

 

Years Ended January 31, Minimum
Rentals
       Minimum
Rentals
 
       
Remainder of 2019 $1,982 
2020  7,220 
Remainder of 2020 $4,957 
2021  5,865   5,502 
2022  5,182   4,793 
2023  3,600   3,199 
2024  2,056 
Thereafter  7,123   1,250 
Total $30,972   21,757 
Less: present value discount  2,346 
Operating lease liabilities $19,411 
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At April 30, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term is 4.0 years and the weighted average discount rate is 5.46% for the above leases.

At January 31, 2019, the Company had operating lease agreements (pursuant to ASC 840, “Leases”), as lessee, for rail cars and other equipment. At January 31, 2019, future minimum annual rentals on such leases were as follows leases (amounts in thousands):

Years Ended January 31,      Minimum
Rentals
 
    
2020 $6,767 
2021  5,487 
2022  4,791 
2023  3,208 
2024  2,041 
Thereafter  1,221 
Total $23,515 

 

Note 6.5.Fair Value

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

To ensure the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, investments and property and equipment, various processes and

13

controls have been adopted, which include: (i) model validation that requires a review and approval for

14

pricing, financial statement fair value determination and risk quantification; and (ii) periodic review and substantiation of profit and loss reporting for all derivative instruments. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value 
                  
Investment in cooperative (2)(1) $  $  $333  $333  $-  $-  $333  $333 
Commodity futures and options (5)     72      72 
Commodity futures (4)  -   289   -   289 
Total assets $  $72  $333  $405  $-  $289  $333  $622 
                                
Commodity futures (3)(2) $  $  $  $  $-  $8  $-  $8 
Forward purchase contract liability (4)(3)     528      528   -   253   -   253 
Total liabilities $  $528  $  $528  $-  $261  $-  $261 

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 20182019 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Fair Value 
             
Forward purchase contracts asset (1) $  $72  $  $72 
Investment in cooperative (2)        333   333 
Total assets $  $72  $333  $405 
                 
Commodity futures (3) $  $87  $  $87 
Forward purchase contract liability (4)     34      34 
Total liabilities $  $121  $  $121 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Fair Value 
             
Commodity futures (4) $-  $44  $-  $44 
Investment in cooperative (1)  -   -   333   333 
Total assets $-  $44  $333  $377 
                 
Forward purchase contract liability (3) $-  $22  $-  $22 

 

(1) The forward purchase contract asset is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

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

(3) Commodity(2) The commodity futures areliability is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

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

(5)(4) The commodity futures and options asset is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets”. on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

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

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There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 or January 31, 2018. As discussed in Note 4, the Company estimated the fair values of refined coal assets acquired using the income approach. This estimated fair value is a level 3 measurement.2019.

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Note 7.6.Property and Equipment

 

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

 

 October 31,
2018
 January 31,
2018
  April 30,
2019
 January 31,
2019
 
             
Land and improvements $21,095  $21,074  $21,481  $21,469 
Buildings and improvements  23,609   23,272   23,608   23,608 
Machinery, equipment and fixtures  295,114   288,832   298,412   297,807 
Construction in progress  3,241   3,155   1,114   708 
  343,059   336,333   344,615   343,592 
Less: accumulated depreciation  (156,601)  (138,506)  (167,607)   (161,071) 
Total $186,458  $197,827  $177,008  $182,521 

 

Note 8.7.Other Assets

 

The components of other assets are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

 October 31,
2018
 January 31,
2018
  April 30,
2019
 January 31,
2019
 
             
Real estate taxes refundable $7,290  $6,719 
Deferred income taxes  563     $9,438  $5,843 
Deposits     5 
Other  709   730   333   333 
Total $8,562  $7,454  $9,771  $6,176 

 

Real estate taxes refundable represent amounts due One Earth associated with refunds of previously paid taxes in connection with a tax increment financing arrangement with local taxing authorities.

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Note 9.8.Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

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

 

  October 31,
2018
  January 31,
2018
 
         
Accrued payroll and related items $2,252  $5,108 
Accrued utility charges  2,167   2,639 
Accrued real estate taxes  2,007   2,678 
Accrued income taxes  62   61 
Other  3,737   3,230 
Total $10,225  $13,716 

  April 30,
2019
  January 31,
2019
 
       
Accrued payroll and related items $1,117  $2,041 
Accrued utility charges  2,066   2,924 
Accrued transportation related items  1,555   1,567 
Accrued real estate taxes  1,881   1,680 
Accrued income taxes  44   71 
Other  1,415   1,263 
Total $8,078  $9,546 
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Note 10.9.Revolving Lines of Credit

 

Effective April 1, 2016, One Earth and NuGen Energy, LLC (“NuGen”) each entered into $10.0 million revolving loan facilities that mature June 1, 2019 as extended. The Company does not expect to renew these facilities based upon liquidity considerations. Neither One Earth nor NuGen had outstanding borrowings on the revolving loans during the ninethree months ended October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and 2017.2018.

 

Note 11.10.Derivative Financial Instruments

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

 

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

 

 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives 
 Asset Derivatives
Fair Value
 Liability Derivatives
Fair Value
  Fair Value Fair Value 
 October 31,
2018
 January 31,
2018
 October 31,
2018
 January 31,
2018
  April 30,
2019
 January 31,
2019
 April 30,
2019
 January 31,
2019
 
                  
Commodity futures (1) $72  $  $  $87  $289  $44  $8  $- 
Forward purchase contracts (2)     72   528   34   -   -   253   22 
Total $72  $72  $528  $121  $289  $44  $261  $22 

 

(1) Commodity futures liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

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Commodity futures assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. These contracts are short/sell positions for approximately 2.70.6 million bushels of corn and approximately 4.0 million gallons of ethanol at October 31, 2018.April 30, 2019. These contracts are short/sell positions for approximately 2.52.0 million bushels of corn and approximately 2.8 million gallons of ethanol and long/buy positions for approximately 2.8 million gallons of ethanol at January 31, 2018.2019.

 

(2) Forward purchase contracts assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets while forward purchase contracts liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. These contracts are for purchases of approximately 2.61.9 million and 11.71.3 million bushels of corn at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018,2019, respectively.

 

As of October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, all of the derivative financial instruments held by the Company were subject to enforceable master netting arrangements. The Company’s accounting policy is to offset positions and amounts owed or owing with the same counterparty. As of October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, the gross positions of the enforceable master netting agreements are not significantly different from the net positions presented in the table above. Depending on the amount of an unrealized loss on a derivative contract held by the Company, the counterparty may require collateral to secure the Company’s derivative contract position. As of October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, the Company was required to maintain collateral in the amount of approximately $434,000$82,000 to secure the Company’s derivative position.

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See Note 65 which contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

 

Gains (losses) on the Company’s derivative financial instruments of approximately $2,432,000$369,000 and approximately $75,000$(565,000) for the third quartersfirst quarter of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, were included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations. Gains on the Company’s derivative financial instruments of approximately $2,273,000 and approximately $1,052,000$302,000 for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively,year 2019 were included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations. LossesGains on the Company’s derivative financial instruments of approximately $64,000$44,000 for the thirdfirst quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2018 were included in interestnet sales and other incomerevenue on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.

 

Note 12.11.Investments

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity method investment at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 20182019 (dollars in thousands):

 

Entity Ownership Percentage Carrying Amount
October 31, 2018
 Carrying Amount
January 31, 2018
  Ownership Percentage Carrying Amount
April 30, 2019
 Carrying Amount
January 31, 2019
 
                   
Big River  10.3% $33,724  $34,549   10.3%  $32,201   $32,075 

 

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s equity method investee totaled approximately $13.7$12.2 million and $14.5approximately $12.0 million at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018,2019, respectively. The Company receiveddid not receive dividends from its equity method investee of approximately $3.0 million and approximately $4.0 million duringin the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.2019 or 2018.

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

 

  Three Months Ended
October 31,
  Nine Months Ended
October 31,
 
  2018  2017  2018  2017 
             
Net sales and revenue $196,169  $201,621  $600,204  $606,190 
Gross profit $15,150  $18,620  $39,489  $38,363 
Income from continuing operations $5,932  $11,010  $21,164  $19,628 
Net income $5,932  $11,010  $21,164  $19,628 

  Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
  2019  2018 
       
Net sales and revenue $184,069  $191,943 
Gross profit $1,569  $13,691 
Income from continuing operations $1,227  $6,765 
Net income $1,227  $6,765 
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The following table summarizes the Company’s held-to-maturity security at OctoberJanuary 31, 2018 (dollars2019 (amounts in thousands):

 

  Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
             
United States Treasury Bill $14,891  $5  $14,886 
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
          
United States Treasury Bill  $14,975   $2   $14,973 

 

As of OctoberJanuary 31, 2018,2019, the contractual maturity of this investment was less than one year. Theyear and the yield to maturity rate is 2.34%was 2.29%.

The Company had no held-to-maturity investments as of January 31, 2018.

 

Note 13.12.Employee Benefits

 

The Company maintains the REX 2015 Incentive Plan, approved by its shareholders, which reserves a total of 550,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms. The plan provides for the granting of shares of stock, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Since plan inception, the Company has only granted restricted stock awards. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company records noncash compensation expense related to liability and equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, 489,430 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. As a component of their compensation, restricted stock has been granted to directors at the closing market price of REX common stock on the predetermined grant date. In addition one third of executives’ incentive compensation is payable by an award of restricted stock based on the then closing market price of REX common stock on the predetermined grant date. The Company’s board of directors has determined that the grant date will be June 15th, or the next business day if June 15th is not a business day, for all grants of restricted stock.

 

At October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018,2019, unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock was approximately $237,000$162,000 and $233,000,$200,000, respectively. The following tables summarize non-vested restricted stock award activity for the three months ended April 30, 2019 and 2018:

  Three Months Ended April 30, 2019
          
  Non-Vested
Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
(000’s)
  Weighted
Average Remaining
Vesting Term
(in years)
 
          
Non-Vested at January 31, 2019   38,036  $2,935   2 
Granted  -   -     
Forfeited  -   -     
Vested  -   -     
             
Non-Vested at April 30, 2019  38,036   2,935   1 
1918

non-vested restricted stock award activity for the nine months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017:

  Nine Months Ended October 31, 2018
   
  Non-Vested
Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
(000’s)
  Weighted
Average Remaining
VestingTerm
(in years)
 
             
Non-Vested at January 31, 2018  29,415  $2,275   2 
Granted  21,745   1,622     
Forfeited          
Vested  13,124   963     
             
Non-Vested at October 31, 2018  38,036  $2,934   2 

 Nine Months Ended October 31, 2017 Three Months Ended April 30, 2018
         
 Non-Vested
Shares
 Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
(000’s)
 Weighted
Average Remaining
VestingTerm
(in years)
  Non-Vested
Shares
 Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
(000’s)
 Weighted
Average Remaining
Vesting Term
(in years)
 
                   
Non-Vested at January 31, 2017  23,350  $1,386   2 
Non-Vested at January 31, 2018  29,415  $2,275   2 
Granted  14,156   1,370       -   -     
Forfeited            -   -     
Vested  8,091   481       672   50     
                        
Non-Vested at October 31, 2017  29,415   2,275   2 
Non-Vested at April 30, 2018  28,743  $2,225   2 

 

The above tables include 34,148 and 24,711 non-vested shares at October 31,April 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively, which are included in the number of weighted average shares outstanding used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to REX common shareholders. Such shares are treated, for accounting purposes, as being fully vested at the grant date as they were granted to recipients who were retirement eligible at the time of grant.

 

Note 1413. Income Taxes

Historically, the Company recorded its interim tax provision or benefit for income taxes including the three months ended April 30, 2018, by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pre-tax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. The Company determined that since small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate, the historical method would not provide a reliable estimate for the three months ended April 30, 2019. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2019.

 

The effective tax rate on consolidated pre-tax income was (266.7)approximately (2,124.6)% and (61.9)approximately (35.3)% for the three months ended October 31,April 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively and was (112.8)% and (4.4)% for the nine months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fluctuation in the rate results primarily from the production tax credits the Company expects to receive associated with its refined coal segment relative to lower tax rates as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“the Tax Act”) and expected research and experimentation federal tax credits to be claimed and earnedpre-tax income in fiscal year 2018. The Company records its

20

tax provision/benefit based on an estimated annual effective rate adjusted for items recorded discretely. The estimated annual effective tax rate includes the impact of the refined coal operation and the expected federal income tax credits to be earned in fiscal year 2018.

The Tax Act signed into law on December 22, 2017, reduced the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Tax Act also made numerous other changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, permitting full expensing of qualified property acquired after September 27, 2017, expanding prior limitations of the deductibility of certain executive compensation and eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax.

The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. In recognition of the inherent complexities associated with accounting for the effects of the Tax Act, SAB 118 provides a measurement period of up to one year from enactment of the Tax Act for companies to complete the accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. Although the Company’s accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act are not yet complete, at January 31, 2018, the Company made a preliminary estimate of the effect of the tax rate reduction on the existing deferred tax balances and recorded a tax benefit of approximately $14,362,000 to remeasure the deferred tax liability at the new 21% rate. The Company will continue to refine the calculation as additional analysis is completed, which will include a final determination of the deferred tax balances at January 31, 2018 after the Company’s federal income tax return is filed, and as further guidance is provided by the Internal Revenue Service.2019.

 

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

 

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and various state income tax returns. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended January 31, 20132014 and prior. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending

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amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

 Nine Months Ended
October 31,
 Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
 2018 2017  2019 2018 
             
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period $2,325  $2,096  $9,232  $2,325 
Changes for prior years’ tax positions  4,666   247   66   809 
Changes for current year tax positions        138   - 
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period $6,991  $2,343  $9,436  $3,134 

 

The Company expects to claim research and experimentation credits in the current year and certain prior years. In connection with this, the Company has increased the amount of unrecognized tax benefits.

 

Note 15.14.Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. After taking into consideration legal counsels’ evaluations of such actions, management is of the opinion that

21

their outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 6.511.2 million bushels of corn, the principal raw material for their ethanol plants. They expect to take delivery of the grain through MarchJuly 2019.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 2,732,000388,000 Mmbtu (million british thermal units) of natural gas. They expect to take delivery of the natural gas through MayJune 2019.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined sales commitments for approximately 37.945.2 million gallons of ethanol, approximately 109,00065,000 tons of distillers grains and approximately 19.118.5 million pounds of non-food grade corn oil. They expect to deliver a majority of the ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil through JanuaryJuly 2019.

 

The refined coal entity has various agreements (site license, operating agreements, etc.) containing payment terms based upon production of refined coal under which the Company is required to pay various fees. These fees totaled approximately $7.7$1.5 million and approximately $1.8 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal year 2018.2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Note 16.15.Related-Party Transactions

During the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017,2018, One Earth and NuGen purchased approximately $47.3$46.7 million and approximately $43.4$46.1 million, respectively, of corn from minority equity investors and board members of those subsidiaries. Such purchases totaled approximately $138.6 million and approximately $121.8 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. One Earth purchases all of its corn from an equity investor which acts as a grain origination agent for One Earth. The Company had amounts payable to related parties for corn purchases of approximately $2.0$1.7 million and $0.9approximately $1.9 million at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018,2019, respectively.

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During each of the three months ended October 31,first quarters of fiscal years 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized commission expense of approximately $0.4$0.1 million, and approximately $1.6 million, respectively, payable to the minority investor in the refined coal entity. The Company recognized commission expense of approximately $0.7 million and approximately $1.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. The commission expense is associated with the refined coal acquisition. The Company had accrued liabilities and accounts payable related to the commission expense of approximately $1.4 million and approximately $1.6 million and $1.5 million at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and January 31, 2018,2019, respectively.

 

Note 17.16. Segment Reporting

 

In the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company began reporting the results of its refined coal operations as a new segment as a result of the refined coal acquisition (see Note 4.) The Company has two segments: ethanol and by-products and refined coal. The Company evaluates the performance of each reportable segment based on net income attributable to REX common shareholders.segment profit. The following table

22

summarizes segment and other results and assets (amounts in thousands):

 

 Three Months Ended 
 Three Months Ended
October 31,
 Nine Months Ended
October 31,
 April 30, 
 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 
Net sales and revenue:                        
Ethanol and by-products $123,546  $120,971  $372,717  $342,858  $104,453  $120,680 
Refined coal1  204   193   610   193   122   140 
Total net sales and revenue $123,750  $121,164  $373,327  $343,051  $104,575  $120,820 

 

1The Company records sales in the refined coal segment net of the cost of coal as the Company purchases the coal feedstock from the customer to which refined coal is sold.

 

Segment gross profit (loss):                
Ethanol and by-products $11,260  $18,257  $38,475  $41,527 
Refined coal  (3,513)  (3,390)  (10,478)  (3,390)
Total gross profit $7,747  $14,867  $27,997  $38,137 

Income (loss) before income taxes:                
Ethanol and by-products $8,405  $15,554  $29,491  $31,807 
Refined coal  (4,240)  (5,684)  (11,887)  (5,684)
Corporate and other  (410)  (611)  (1,341)  (2,389)
Total income (loss) before income taxes $3,755  $9,259  $16,263  $23,734 

Benefit (provision) for income taxes:                
Ethanol and by-products $1,643  $(4,379) $(1,806) $(9,712)
Refined coal  8,318   9,918   19,914   9,918 
Corporate and other  53   196   240   837 
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes $10,014  $5,735  $18,348  $1,043 

Segment profit (loss) (net of noncontrolling interests):                
Ethanol and by-products $7,946  $9,058  $23,096  $17,665 
Refined coal  4,260   4,520   8,549   4,520 
Corporate and other  (331)  (410)  (1,057)  (1,532)
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders $11,875  $13,168  $30,588  $20,653 

Segment gross profit (loss):        
Ethanol and by-products $6,115  $13,546 
Refined coal  (2,469)   (2,695) 
Total gross profit $3,646  $10,851 
 October 31,
2018
 January 31,
2018
          
Assets:     
Income (loss) before income taxes:        
Ethanol and by-products $407,094  $384,997          $3,205  $11,009 
Refined coal  9,330   12,165    (2,676)   (2,859) 
Corporate and other  59,692   81,702    (362)   (501) 
Total assets $476,116  $478,864  
Total income before income taxes $167  $7,649 
        
Benefit (provision) for income taxes:        
Ethanol and by-products $(486)  $(1,420) 
Refined coal  3,946   3,999 
Corporate and other  88   124 
Total benefit for income taxes $3,548  $2,703 
2321
  Three Months Ended
October 31,
  Nine Months Ended
October 31,
 
  2018  2017  2018  2017 
Sales of products, ethanol and by-products segment:            
Ethanol $91,538  $96,296  $283,720  $276,553 
Dried distillers grains  24,683   16,703   65,826   45,325 
Non-food grade corn oil  4,964   6,041   15,019   15,359 
Modified distillers grains  2,340   1,889   8,100   5,557 
Other  21   42   52   64 
Total $123,546  $120,971  $372,717  $342,858 
                 
Sales of products, refined coal segment:                
Refined coal $204  $193  $610  $193 
  Three Months Ended 
  April 30, 
  2019  2018 
Segment profit (loss) (net of noncontrolling interests):      
Ethanol and by-products $1,709  $8,589 
Refined coal  1,386   1,271 
Corporate and other  (274)   (364) 
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders $2,821  $9,496 
         
  April 30,
2019
  January 31,
2019
 
Assets:      
Ethanol and by-products $412,849  $393,691 
Refined coal  8,283   8,625 
Corporate and other  71,360   69,077 
Total assets $492,492  $471,393 
         
  Three Months Ended 
  April 30, 
  2019  2018 
Sales of products, ethanol and by-products segment:      
Ethanol $77,618  $91,893 
Dried distillers grains  18,674   20,083 
Non-food grade corn oil  4,983   4,980 
Modified distillers grains  3,140   3,717 
Other  38   7 
Total $104,453  $120,680 
         
Sales of products, refined coal segment:        
Refined coal $122  $140 

 

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

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

 

Ethanol and By-Products

 

At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, investments in our ethanol business include equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, in two of which we have a majority ownership interest. The following table is

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a summary of ethanol gallons shipped at our plants:

 

EntityTrailing 12
Months
Ethanol
Gallons
Shipped
REX’s
Current
Effective
Ownership
Interest
REX’s
Current
Effective
Ownership
Interest
Current Effective
Ownership of
Trailing 12
Months Ethanol
Gallons Shipped
One Earth Energy, LLC137.2143.2 M75.1%75.1%103.0107.5 M
NuGen Energy, LLC141.0134.3 M99.5%99.5%140.3133.6 M
Big River Resources, LLC:   
Big River Resources W Burlington, LLC108.4108.5 M10.3%10.3%11.2 M
Big River Resources Galva, LLC128.3127.6 M10.3%10.3%13.213.1 M
Big River United Energy, LLC129.8131.1 M5.7%5.7%7.47.5 M
Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC57.457.6 M10.3%10.3%5.9 M
Total702.1702.3 M 281.0278.8 M

 

Our ethanol operations and the results thereof are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains, non-food grade corn oil and natural gas. As a result of price volatility for these commodities, our operating results can fluctuate substantially. The price and availability of corn is subject to significant fluctuations depending upon a number of factors that affect commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, weather, federal policy and foreign trade. Because the market price of ethanol is not always directly related to corn prices (for example, crude and other energy prices, the export market demand for ethanol and the results of federal policy decisions can impact ethanol prices), at times ethanol prices may not follow movements in corn prices and, in an environment of

24

higher corn prices or lower ethanol prices, reduce the overall margin structure at the plants. As a result, at times, we may operate our plants at negative or minimally positive operating margins.

 

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

 

We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of commodity prices by utilizing forward grain purchase, forward ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil sale contracts and commodity futures agreements, as management deems appropriate. We attempt to match quantities of these sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our fixed price contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in the crush spread for

23

more than four months; thus, we are unable to predict the likelihood or amounts of future income or loss from the operations of our ethanol facilities. We utilize derivative financial instruments, primarily exchange traded commodity future contracts, in conjunction with certain of our grain procurement activities.

 

Refined Coal

 

On August 10, 2017, we purchased the entire ownership interest of an entity that owns a refined coal facility, through a 95.35% owned subsidiary, for approximately $12.0 million. We began operating the refined coal facility immediately after the acquisition. We expect that the revenues from the sale of refined coal produced in the facility will be subsidized by federal production tax credits through November 2021, subject to meeting qualified emissions reductions as governed by Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to maintain compliance with Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code, we are required to test every six months, through an independent laboratory, the effectiveness of our process with respect to emissions reductions.reductions every six months through an independent laboratory. Annually, the IRS publishes the amount of federal income tax credit earned per ton of refined coal produced and sold. We expect to earn credits at the rate of $7.03approximately $7.15 per ton of refined coal produced and sold during calendar year 2018.2019.

 

The refined coal facility is located at the site of a utility-owned electrical generating power station, which is our refined coal operation’s sole customer. We expect future period refined coal production and sales amounts to vary withdepending on fluctuations in demand from the demand requirements of thesite host utility, company, increasing during periods of colder and hotterwhich generally change based upon weather conditions in the areasgeographic markets the utility company serves.serves and competing fuel prices and supplies. We have contracted with an experienced third party to operate and maintain the refined coal facility and to provide us with management reporting and operating data as required. We do not have any employees on site at the refined coal facility.

25

Future Energy

 

During fiscal year 2013, we entered into a joint venture with Hytken HPGP, LLC (“Hytken”) to file and defend patents for eSteam technology relating to heavy oil and oil sands production methods, and to commercially exploit the technology to generate license fees, royalty income and development opportunities. The patented technology is an enhanced method of heavy oil recovery involving zero emissions downhole steam generation. We own 60% and Hytken owns 40% of the entity named Future Energy, LLC (“Future Energy”).

 

We have agreed to fund direct patent expenses relating to patent applications and defense, annual annuity fees and maintenance on a country by country basis, with the right to terminate funding and transfer related patent rights to Hytken. We may also fund, through loans, all costs relating to new intellectual property, consultants, and future research and development, pilot field tests and equipment purchases forwith respect to the proposed commercialization stage of the patents.technology. To date, we have paid approximately $1.9$2.0 million cumulatively primarily for our ownership interest, patentpatents and other expenses. We have not yet tested or proven the commercial feasibility of the technology.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, we did not change any of our critical accounting

24

policies as disclosed in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2018.2019, except as discussed in Note 2, adopted ASC Topic 842.

 

Fiscal Year

 

All references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to REX’s fiscal year ended January 31. For example, “fiscal year 2018”2019” means the period February 1, 20182019 to January 31, 2019.2020.

 

Results of Operations

 

For a detailed analysis of period to period changes, see the segment discussion that follows this section as that discussion reflects how management views and monitors our business.

 

Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended October 31,April 30, 2019 and 2018 and 2017

 

Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 were approximately $123.8$104.6 million compared to approximately $121.2$120.8 million in the prior year’s thirdfirst quarter, representing an increasea decrease of approximately $2.6 million. The increase$16.2 million, which was primarily caused by higherlower sales in our ethanol and by-products segment of approximately $2.6 million. Net sales and revenue in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 were approximately $373.3 million compared to approximately $343.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2017, representing an increase of approximately $30.2 million. The increase was primarily caused by higher sales in our ethanol and by-products segment of approximately $29.9$16.2 million.

 

Gross profit for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 was approximately $7.7$3.6 million (6.3%(3.5% of net sales and revenue) which was approximately $7.1$7.2 million lower compared to approximately $14.9$10.9 million of gross profit (12.3%(9.0% of net sales and revenue) for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. Gross profit for

26

the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 decreased by approximately $7.0$7.4 million compared to the prior year thirdfirst quarter as a result of operations in the ethanol and by-products segment. Gross loss in the refined coal segment was consistent in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017. Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 was approximately $28.0 million (7.5% of net sales and revenue) which was approximately $10.1 million lower compared to approximately $38.1 million of gross profit (11.1% of net sales and revenue) for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 decreased by approximately $3.1 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 as a result of operations in the ethanol and by-products segment and decreased by approximately $7.1 million as a result of operations in the refined coal segment.2018.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 were approximately $5.4$4.7 million, forconsistent with the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018 which was approximately $1.9 million lower compared to approximately $7.3 million for the third quarteramount of fiscal year 2017. SG&A expenses were approximately $16.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, which was approximately $1.5 million lower compared to approximately $17.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. The decreases (both quarterly and nine months to date) are primarily related to commission expense associated with the refined coal acquisition during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017.$4.6 million.

 

During the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017,2018, we recognized income of approximately $0.6$0.1 million and $1.1approximately $0.7 million, respectively, from our equity investment in Big River, which is included in our ethanol and by-products segment results. Such income was approximately $2.2 million and $1.9 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 and 2017, respectively. Big River’s results in fiscal year 2017 were negatively impacted by an asset impairment charge related to an abandoned protein production project which reduced our equity method income by approximately $0.5 million. Big River has interests in four ethanol production plants that shipped approximately 424425 million gallons in the trailing twelve months ended October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and has an effective ownership of ethanol gallons shipped for the same period of approximately 366 million gallons. Big River’s operations also include agricultural elevators. Due to the inherent volatility of commodity prices within the ethanol industry, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.

 

Interest and other income was approximately $0.8$1.1 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 versus approximately $0.6$0.7 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017. Interest and other income was approximately $2.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 versus approximately $1.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017.2018. Income has increased as yields on our excess cash have improved compared to fiscal year 2017.2018. In addition, excess cash investment balances in fiscal year 2019 increased compared to fiscal year 2018.

25

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes was approximately $3.8$0.2 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 versus approximately $9.3$7.6 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017. Income before2018.

Historically, we recorded our interim tax provision or benefit for income taxes was approximately $16.3 millionincluding the three months ended April 30, 2018, by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the first nine months offull fiscal year 2018 versus approximately $23.7 millionto “ordinary” income or loss (pre-tax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the first ninereporting period. We determined that since small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate, the historical method would not provide a reliable estimate for the three months of fiscal year 2017.

ended April 30, 2019. Thus, we used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2019. Our effective tax rate was approximately (266.7)(2,124.6)% and (61.9)approximately (35.3)% for the third quarters of fiscal yearsthree months ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively, and approximately (112.8)% and (4.4)% for the first nine months of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fluctuation in the rate results primarily from the federal production tax credits we expect to receive associated with our refined coal segment and from the research and experimentation credits we expectrelative to receive associated with our ethanol and by-products segment. In

27

addition, the fluctuationlower pre-tax income in the rate also was impacted by the Tax Act, which reduced the federal income tax rate on corporations from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. We record our tax provision/benefit based on an estimated annual effective rate adjusted for items recorded discretely.fiscal year 2019.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income was approximately $13.8$3.7 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 compared to approximately $15.0$10.4 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017. Net income was approximately $34.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 compared to approximately $24.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017.2018.

 

Income related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $1.9 million and approximately $1.8$0.9 million during each of the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017, respectively, and was approximately $4.0 million and approximately $4.1 million during the first nine months of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.2018. These amounts represent the other owners’ share of the income or loss of NuGen, One Earth, the refined coal entity and Future Energy.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 was approximately $11.9$2.8 million, a decrease of approximately $1.3$6.7 million from approximately $13.2$9.5 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017. Net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 was approximately $30.6 million, an increase of approximately $9.9 million from approximately $20.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017.2018.

 

Business Segment Results

 

In the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, we began reporting the results of our refined coal operations as a new segment as a result of the acquisition of a refined coal entity (see Note 4.) We have two segments: ethanol and by-products and refined coal. We evaluate the performance of each reportable segment based on segment profit. Segment profit excludes indirect interest income and certain other items that are included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Segment profit includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments and the provision/benefit for income taxes.

 

The following sections discuss the results of operations for each of our business segments and corporate and other. Amounts in the corporate and other category include activities that are not separately reportable or related to a segment.

28

The following tabletables summarizes segment and other results (amounts in thousands):

 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  October 31,  October 31, 
  2018  2017  2018  2017 
Net sales and revenue:                
Ethanol and by-products $123,546  $120,971  $372,717  $342,858 
Refined coal1  204   193   610   193 
Total net sales and revenue $123,750  $121,164  $373,327  $343,051 

  Three Months Ended 
  April 30, 
  2019  2018 
Net sales and revenue:        
Ethanol and by-products $104,453  $120,680 
Refined coal1  122   140 
Total net sales and revenue $104,575  $120,820 
26
1We record sales in the refined coal segment net of the cost of coal as we purchase the coal feedstock from the customer to which refined coal is sold.

 Three Months Ended 
 April 30, 
 2019 2018 
Segment gross profit (loss):                        
Ethanol and by-products $11,260  $18,257  $38,475  $41,527  $6,115  $13,546 
Refined coal  (3,513)  (3,390)  (10,478)  (3,390)  (2,469)   (2,695) 
Total gross profit $7,747  $14,867  $27,997  $38,137  $3,646  $10,851 
                        
Income (loss) before income taxes:                        
Ethanol and by-products $8,405  $15,554  $29,491  $31,807  $3,205  $11,009 
Refined coal  (4,240)  (5,684)  (11,887)  (5,684)  (2,676)   (2,859) 
Corporate and other  (410)  (611)  (1,341)  (2,389)  (362)   (501) 
Total income (loss) before income taxes $3,755  $9,259  $16,263  $23,734 
Total income before income taxes $167  $7,649 
                        
Benefit (provision) for income taxes:                        
Ethanol and by-products $1,643  $(4,379) $(1,806) $(9,712) $(486)  $(1,420) 
Refined coal  8,318   9,918   19,914   9,918   3,946   3,999 
Corporate and other  53   196   240   837   88   124 
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes $10,014  $5,735  $18,348  $1,043 
Total benefit for income taxes $3,548  $2,703 
                        
Segment profit (loss) (net of noncontrolling interests):                        
Ethanol and by-products $7,946  $9,058  $23,096  $17,665  $1,709  $8,589 
Refined coal  4,260   4,520   8,549   4,520   1,386   1,271 
Corporate and other  (331)  (410)  (1,057)  (1,532)  (274)   (364) 
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders $11,875  $13,168  $30,588  $20,653  $2,821  $9,496 

 

Ethanol and by-Products

 

The ethanol and by-products segment includes the consolidated financial results of One Earth and NuGen, our equity investment in Big River and certain administrative expenses.

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The following table summarizes sales from One Earth and NuGen by product group (amounts in thousands):

 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 October 31, October 31,  April 30, 
 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 
Sales of products, ethanol and by-products segment:                     
Ethanol $91,538  $96,296  $283,720  $276,553  $77,618  $91,893 
Dried distillers grains  24,683   16,703   65,826   45,325   18,674   20,083 
Non-food grade corn oil  4,964   6,041   15,019   15,359   4,983   4,980 
Modified distillers grains  2,340   1,889   8,100   5,557   3,140   3,717 
Other  21   42   52   64   38   7 
Total $123,546  $120,971  $372,717  $342,858  $104,453  $120,680 

 

The following table summarizes selected operating data from One Earth and NuGen:

 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 October 31, October 31,  April 30, 
 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 
              
Average selling price per gallon of ethanol $1.28  $1.45  $1.33  $1.45  $1.27  $1.33 
Gallons of ethanol sold (in millions)  71.4   66.4   213.3   191.1   61.3   69.2 
Average selling price per ton of dried distillers grains $139.67  $108.34  $141.90  $101.44  $142.02  $137.75 
Tons of dried distillers grains sold  176,728   154,178   463,876   446,813   131,490   145,794 
Average selling price per pound of non-food grade corn oil $0.25  $0.30  $0.24  $0.29  $0.25  $0.25 
Pounds of non-food grade corn oil sold (in millions)  20.1   20.2   61.5   53.3   19.8   20.1 
Average selling price per ton of modified distillers grains $46.67  $41.64  $59.96  $41.53  $65.75  $70.29 
Tons of modified distillers grains sold  50,139   45,366   135,078   133,800   47,760   52,886 
Average cost per bushel of grain $3.32  $3.35  $3.47  $3.39  $3.53  $3.50 
Average cost of natural gas (per mmbtu) $2.90  $3.22  $3.07  $3.41  $3.66  $3.46 

 

Ethanol sales decreased from approximately $96.3$91.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $91.5 million in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018 to approximately $77.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, primarily a result of a $0.17 decline11% decrease in gallons sold compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. In addition, the price per gallon sold which was partially offsetdecreased by an 8% increase in gallons sold.$0.06 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The volume increasedecrease was primarily a result of our recent capacity expansion efforts.weather related logistical delays which impacted production. Management believes the price decrease is primarily related to a general oversupply of ethanol in fiscal year 20182019 as the industry has operated at historically high production levels and the EPA has recently granted waivers to certainsmall refiners relieving them of theirwhich lowered the RINs obligation to source ethanol.and we believe weakened domestic ethanol demand. Dried distillers grains sales increaseddecreased from approximately $16.7$20.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $24.7 million in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018 to approximately $18.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, primarily a result of a $31.3310% decrease in tons sold compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. This fluctuation was partially offset

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by a $4.27 increase in the price per ton sold and a 15% increase in tons sold. Management believescompared to the price increase is primarily related to stronger export markets infirst quarter of fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017.2018. The volume decrease was primarily a result of weather related logistical delays which impacted production. Non-food grade corn oil sales decreased from approximately $6.0 million in

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the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 towere approximately $5.0 million in each of the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 2019 and 2018. Modified distillers grains sales decreased from approximately $3.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 to approximately $3.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, primarily a result of a $0.05 decline10% decrease in pounds sold compared to the price per pound sold. Modified distillers grains sales increased from approximately $1.9 million in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $2.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, primarily a result of a $5.03 increase in the price per ton sold and an 11% increase in tons sold.

Ethanol sales increased from approximately $276.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $283.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, primarily a result of an increase of 22.2 million gallons sold, which was partially offset by a $0.12 decrease in the price per gallon sold. The volume increase was a result of our recent capacity expansion efforts. The same factors affecting the quarterly ethanol price decrease explained above also affect the year to date price decrease. Dried distillers grains sales increased from approximately $45.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $65.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, primarily a result of a $40.46 increase in the price per ton sold and a 4% increase in tons sold. The same factors affecting the quarterly dried distillers grains price increase explained above also affect the year to date price increase. Non-food grade corn oil sales decreased from approximately $15.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $15.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, primarily a result of $0.05 decline in2018. In addition, the price per pound sold which was partially offsetdecreased by a 15% increase in pounds sold. Modified distillers grains sales increased from approximately $5.6 million in$4.54 compared to the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017 to approximately $8.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018,2018. The volume decrease was primarily a result of an $18.43 increase in the price per ton sold.weather related logistical delays which impacted production.

 

We expect that sales in future periods will be based upon the following (One Earth and NuGen only):

 

ProductAnnual Sales Quantity
  
Ethanol270 million to 300 million gallons
Dried distillers grains590,000580,000 to 630,000650,000 tons
Non-food grade corn oil70 million to 90 million pounds
Modified distillers grains170,000180,000 to 225,000270,000 tons

 

This expectation assumes that One Earth and NuGen will operate at slightly above historical production levels, as we seek to benefit from our recently completed plant expansion projects, which is dependent upon market conditions, logistics, plant profitability and efficient plant operations. We may vary the amounts of ethanol, dried and modified distillers grains and corn oil production, and thus, the resulting sales, based upon market conditions. NuGen and One Earth have received the EPA pathway approval and have permits to increase each of their production levels to 150 million gallons annually.

 

Gross profit for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 was approximately $11.3$6.1 million (9.1%(5.9% of net sales and revenue), which was approximately $7.0$7.4 million lower compared to approximately $18.3$13.5 million of gross profit (15.1%(11.2% of net sales and revenue) for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. The crush spread for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 was approximately $0.13$0.02 per gallon of ethanol sold compared to the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20172018 which was approximately $0.29$0.12 per gallon of ethanol sold. The increaseRecent USDA reports indicate that current year progress of approximately $8.0 million in sales of dried distillers grains comparedcorn planted is lower than historical averages. Should this continue and cause the corn harvest to the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 positively affected gross profit.be delayed and/or reduced, future period corn prices could increase. The decrease of approximately $1.1 million in sales of non-food

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grade corn oil compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 negatively affected gross profit. Grain accounted for approximately 76% ($84.9 million) of our cost of sales during the third quarter of fiscal year 2018 consistent with the approximately 76% ($78.2 million) during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. Natural gas accounted for approximately 5% ($5.5 million) of our cost of sales during the third quarter of fiscal year 2018 consistent with the approximately 5% ($5.6 million) during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017.

Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 was approximately $38.5 million (10.3% of net sales and revenue), which was approximately $3.1 million lower compared to approximately $41.5 million of gross profit (12.1% of net sales and revenue) for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. The crush spread for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 was approximately $0.13 per gallon of ethanol sold compared to approximately $0.26 per gallon of ethanol sold for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. The increase of approximately $20.5$1.4 million in sales of dried distillers grains compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 positively affected gross profit. The increase of approximately $2.5 million in sales of modified distillers grains compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 positively affected gross profit. The volume of ethanol sold during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 positively impactednegatively affected gross profit by approximately $2.8 million. and was primarily a result of weather related logistical delays which impacted production.

Grain accounted for approximately 77% ($256.775.6 million) of our cost of sales during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018 compared to2019 consistent with the approximately 76%78% ($229.183.2 million) during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. Natural gas accounted for approximately 5%6% ($17.06.2 million) of our cost of sales during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018 compared to2019 consistent with the approximately 6% ($16.86.4 million) during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017.2018.

 

We attempt to match quantities of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sales contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain a satisfactory margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have

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executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price sales contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in the crush spread for more than four months. Based on existing contracts at the end of the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018, none2019, approximately 3% of our forecasted ethanol, approximately 14%8% of our forecasted distillers grains and approximately 23% of our forecasted non-food grade corn oil production for the next 12 months are subject to fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse change in the selling price of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oilthese commodities from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $46.0$44.3 million for the remaining forecasted sales. Similarly, approximately 2%6% of our estimated corn usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts at the end of the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018.2019. The effect of a 10% adverse change in the price of corn from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $33.9$34.8 million for the remaining forecasted grain purchases. At the end of the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2019, approximately 39%7% of our estimated natural gas usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse change in the price of natural gas from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $1.3$1.7 million for the remaining forecasted natural gas purchases.

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SG&A expenses for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2019 were approximately $3.9 million, consistent with the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 were approximately $4.0 million, consistent with the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 amount of $4.3 million. SG&A expenses were approximately $12.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, consistent with the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 amount of $12.4$3.6 million.

 

During the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017,2018, we recognized income of approximately $0.6$0.1 million and $1.1$0.7 million, respectively, from our equity investment in Big River. Such income was approximately $2.2 million and approximately $1.9 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 and 2017, respectively. Big River’s results in fiscal year 2017 were negatively impacted by an asset impairment charge related to an abandoned protein production project which reduced our equity method income by approximately $0.5 million. Big River has interests in four ethanol production plants that shipped approximately 424425 million gallons in the trailing twelve months ended October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and has an effective ownership of ethanol gallons shipped for the same period of approximately 366 million gallons. Big River’s operations also include agricultural elevators. Due to the inherent volatility of commodity prices within the ethanol industry, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.

 

Interest and other income was approximately $0.6$0.8 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 versus approximately $0.5$0.4 million for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017. Interest and other income was approximately $1.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 versus approximately $0.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. In general,2018. Income has increased as yields on our excess cash and other investments have improved during fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017.2018 and the balance of our excess cash invested has increased compared to fiscal year 2018.

 

The benefit for income taxes was approximately $1.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018 compared to a provision of approximately $4.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. The provision for income taxes was approximately $1.8$0.5 million in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 20182019 compared to approximately $9.7$1.4 million in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. The segment income tax rateprovision was lower in the third quarter and first nine months offiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018 was lower compared to the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2017 asprimarily a result of the reduction in corporate tax rates in connection with the Tax Act and from the research and experimentation credits we expect to earn inlower pre-tax income during fiscal year 2018 (and claim by filing amended returns for prior years).2019.

 

Income related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $2.1$1.0 million duringin each of the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017. Income related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $4.6 million and approximately $4.4 million during the first nine months of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.2018. These amounts represent the other owners’ share of the income of NuGen and One Earth.

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Segment profit for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 was approximately $7.9$1.7 million, which was approximately $1.2$6.9 million lower compared to the prior year thirdfirst quarter profit of approximately $9.1$8.6 million. Segment profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 was approximately $23.1 million, which was approximately $5.4 million higher compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 profit of approximately $17.7 million. The increase from fiscal year 2017 results is primarily related to a lower provision for income taxes.

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Refined Coal

 

The refined coal segment includes the consolidated financial results of our refined coal entity and certain administrative expenses. We acquired the refined coal entity during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. The following table summarizes sales from refined coal operations by product group (amounts in thousands):

 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 October 31, October 31,  April 30, 
 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 
Sales of products, refined coal segment:                     
        
Refined coal1 $204  $193  $610  $193  $122  $140 

 

1 We record sales in the refined coal segment net of the cost of coal as we purchase the coal feedstock from the customer to which refined coal is sold.

 

Refined coal sales were approximately $0.2$0.1 million in each of the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017 and were approximately $0.6 million and approximately $0.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.2018. We expect future period refined coal sales to vary depending on fluctuations in demand from the site host utility, which generally change based upon weather and other market conditions in the geographic markets the utility serves.serves and competing fuel prices and supplies.

 

Gross loss was approximately $3.5$2.5 million and approximately $3.4$2.7 million in the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal year 20182019 and 2017, respectively. Gross loss was approximately $10.5 million and approximately $3.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, and 2017, respectively. We expect future period gross loss to vary similar to the sales fluctuations described above. Based onupon the agreements in place that govern the operation, sales and purchasing activities of the refined coal plant, we expect the refined coal operation to continue operating at a gross loss. We expect that the ongoing losses will be subsidized by federal production income tax credits.

 

SG&A expenses were approximately $0.7 million and approximately $2.3$0.2 million in each of the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017, respectively. Such expenses were approximately $1.4 million and approximately $ 2.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decreases from the fiscal year 2017 amounts are primarily related to commission expense recognized in fiscal year 2017 associated with the refined coal acquisition during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. We expect future period expenses to be less than $1.0 million per quarter.

 

Loss related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $0.2 million and approximately $0.3$0.1 million in each of the third quarterfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017, respectively, and was approximately $0.5 million and approximately $0.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal years 2018, and 2017, respectively. This amount represents the other owners’owner’s share of the pre-tax loss of refined coal operations.

 

The benefit for income taxes was approximately $8.3$3.9 million and approximately $9.9$4.0 million in the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017, respectively, and was approximately $19.9 million and approximately $9.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal years 2018, and 2017, respectively. The refined coal segment tax benefit is comprised of an estimated statutory benefit of its pre-tax losses and an estimated benefit from the Section 45federal production tax credits we expect to earn from producing and selling refined coal.

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The amount of benefit we recognize during interim periods will fluctuate based on actual and expected production and profitability levels.

31

As a result of the foregoing, including the benefit of federal production tax credits associated with refined coal production and sales, segment profit was approximately $4.3$1.4 million and approximately $4.5$1.3 million for the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal years 20182019 and 2017, respectively. Segment profit was approximately $8.5 million and approximately $4.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal years 2018, and 2017, respectively.

 

Corporate and Other

 

SG&A expenses for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20182019 were approximately $0.7 million, which was approximately $0.1 million lower compared toconsistent with the approximately $0.8 million of expenses for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2017. These expenses for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 were approximately $2.1 million, which was approximately $0.8 million lower compared to approximately $2.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. The decrease is primarily related to higher professional expenses incurred during the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 associated with due diligence and other efforts related to researching the refined coal operations prior to our acquisition.2018.

 

Interest and other income was approximately $0.3 million for each of the third quarterfirst quarters of fiscal year 2018 versus approximately $0.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. Such income was approximately $0.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 versus approximately $0.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. The income has increased as yields on our excess cash have improved compared to fiscal year 2017.2019 and 2018.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $28.9$1.5 million for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, compared to net cash used of approximately $34.1$3.5 million for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. For the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, cash was provided by net income of approximately $34.6$3.7 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately ($5.9)$4.0 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. We received dividends from Big RiverAn increase in the balance of inventories used cash of approximately $3.0$1.7 million, duringwhich was primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $0.8 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $3.4 million, which was primarily a result of payments of operating leases and incentive compensation as well as lower accruals for utilities.

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $3.5 million for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, cash was provided by net income of approximately $10.4 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $2.7 million, which consisted of depreciation, income from equity method investments, accrued interest income, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $2.8$8.4 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of customer shipments and payments. An increase in the balance of inventories used cash of approximately $0.9$5.3 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials.materials as we took advantage of purchasing opportunities that existed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. An increase in refundable income taxes used cash of approximately $1.7$1.2 million, which was primarily a result of recognizing the benefit of an expected filing of an amended income tax return to claim a refund for prior years. An increase in the balance of accounts payable provided cash of approximately $1.7 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. An increase in the balance of other liabilities provided cash of approximately $2.1 million which was primarily a result of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain tax credits.

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $34.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. For the first nine months of fiscal year 2017, cash was provided by net income of

35

approximately $24.8 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $9.0 million, which consisted of depreciation and amortization, income from equity method investments, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. Big River paid dividends to REX of approximately $4.0 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. A decrease in the balance of accounts receivable provided cash of approximately $2.0 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of customer shipments and payments. An increase in the balance of inventories used cash of approximately $7.0 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials as we took advantage of purchasing opportunities that existed during the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. An increase in the balance of accounts payable provided cash of approximately $2.2$1.0 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other current liabilities used cash of approximately $0.8$2.0 million which was primarily a result of payments of incentive compensation and real estate taxes.

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At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, working capital was approximately $227.8$233.3 million, compared to approximately $217.2$233.6 million at January 31, 2018.2019. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 12.612.5 to 1 at October 31, 2018April 30, 2019 and 10.914.7 to 1 at January 31, 2018.2019.

 

Cash of approximately $21.8$14.4 million was used inprovided by investing activities for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, compared to cash used of approximately $31.1$114.2 million during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. During the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, we had capital expenditures of approximately $8.0 million, the majority of which were capacity expansion projects at the One Earth and NuGen ethanol plants.$0.6 million. We expect to spend between $2.0$3.0 million and $3.0$6.0 million during the remainder of fiscal year 20182019 on various capital projects. During the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, we used cash of approximately $126.0 million for the purchase ofsold United States treasury bills to increase the interest income we receive on our excess cash balances. As these were all(classified as short-term investments,investments) of approximately $112.1 million of the treasury bills matured during the first nine months of fiscal year 2018.$15.0 million. Depending on investment options available, we may elect to retain the funds, or a portion thereof, in cash investments, short-term investments or long-term investments.

 

Cash of approximately $31.1$114.2 million was used in investing activities for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017.2018. During the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2017,2018, we had capital expenditures of approximately $19.3$3.1 million, the majority of which were plant capacity expansion projects at the One Earth and NuGen ethanol plants. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2017, we used cash of approximately $12.0 for the refined coal acquisition.

Cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $19.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 compared to approximately $1.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. During the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018, we used cash of approximately $18.4$111.2 million for the purchase of United States treasury bills (classified as short-term investments) to increase the income we receive on our excess cash balances.

Cash provided by financing activities was insignificant for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 compared to cash used of approximately $8.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, we used cash of approximately $8.6 million to purchase approximately 253,000119,000 shares of our common stock in open market transactions. We will continue to monitor opportunities to purchase our common stock based upon our stock price performance. During the first nine monthsquarters of fiscal year 2018, we used cash of approximately $1.7 million to purchase membership interests fromyears 2019 and pay dividends to noncontrolling members of One Earth. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, we received approximately $0.4 million in capital contributions from the minority investor in the refined coal entity. We expect to continue to receive these capital contributions in the future as we expect the minority investor to continue funding its proportionate share of refined coal operating losses.

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Cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $1.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2017, we used cash of approximately $1.7 million to purchase membership interests from and pay dividends to noncontrolling members of One Earth. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2017, we received approximately $0.7$0.1 million in capital contributions from the minority investor in the refined coal entity.

 

We are investigating various uses for our excess cash and short-term investments. We have a stock buyback program, and given our current authorization level, can repurchase a total of approximately 403,000350,000 shares. We also plan to seek and evaluate investment opportunities including energy related, agricultural or other ventures we believe fit our investment criteria in addition to investing in highly liquid short-term securities.

 

Effective April 1, 2016, One Earth and NuGen each entered into $10.0 million revolving loan facilities that mature June 1, 2019 as extended. We do not expect to renew these facilities based upon liquidity considerations. Neither One Earth nor NuGen had outstanding borrowings on the revolving loans during the nine monthsquarters ended October 31,April 30, 2019 and 2018. These agreements do not contain any financial covenants.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

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

33

forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include among other things: the impact of legislative changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, distillers grains, ethanol, non-food grade corn oil, gasoline, natural gas, our ethanol and refined coal plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, changes in the international, national or regional economies, weather, results of income tax audits, changes in income tax laws or regulations and the effects of terrorism or acts of war. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 20182019 (File No. 001-09097).

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

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

 

We manage a portion of our risk with respect to the volatility of commodity prices inherent in the ethanol industry by using forward purchase and sale contracts. At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, One Earth and NuGen combined have forward purchase contracts for approximately 6.511.2 million bushels of corn, the principal raw material for their ethanol plants. One Earth and NuGen expect to take delivery of the corn through MarchJuly 2019. At October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, One Earth and NuGen combined have forward purchase contracts for approximately 388,000 Mnbtu of natural gas. They expect to take delivery of the natural gas through June 2019. At April 30, 2019, One Earth and NuGen have combined sales commitments for approximately 37.945.2 million gallons of ethanol, approximately 109,00065,000 tons of distillers grains and approximately 19.1

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18.5 million pounds of non-food grade corn oil. One Earth and NuGen expect to deliver the majority of the ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil through JanuaryJuly 2019. NoneOur exposure to market risk, which includes the impact of our forecasted ethanol sales forrisk management activities, is based on the next 12 months has been sold under fixed-price contracts. Theestimated effect of a 10% adverse moveon pre-tax income starting on April 30, 2019 is as follows (amounts in the price of ethanol from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $35.7 million. Approximately 14% of our forecasted distillers grains sales for the next 12 months have been sold under fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of distillers grains from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $8.6 million. Approximately 23% of our forecasted non-food grade corn oil sales for the next 12 months have been sold under fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of non-food grade corn oil from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $1.6 million. Similarly, approximately 2% of our estimated corn usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of corn from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $33.9 million. Approximately 39% of our estimated natural gas usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of natural gas from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $1.3 million.thousands):

Commodity Estimated Total
Volume for the
Next 12 Months
 Unit of Measure Decrease in Pre-tax
Income From a 10%
Adverse Change in Price
         
Ethanol  295,000  Gallons $34,264 
Corn  105,357  Bushels $34,818 
Distillers Grains  852  Tons $8,492 
Non-food grade Corn Oil  79,000  Pounds $1,522 
Natural Gas  5,964  MMBTU $1,662 

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is

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recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

We are not party to any legal proceedings that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

During the nine monthsquarter ended October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, there have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2018.2019.

 

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

 

Dividend Policy

 

REX did not pay dividends in the current or prior years. We currently have no restrictions on the payment of dividends. None of our consolidated subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us. During the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018, One Earth2019, NuGen paid dividends to REX of approximately $5.1$3.1 million. DuringNeither One Earth nor NuGen paid dividends to REX during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal year 2018, NuGen did not pay dividends.2018.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Period Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
  Average
Price
Paid per
Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (1)
 
August 1-31, 2018    $      427,181 
September 1-30, 2018  2,000   73.78   2,000   425,181 
October 1-31, 2018  22,561   71.97   22,561   402,620 
Total  24,561  $72.12   24,561   402,620 

(1)On March 20, 2018, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization by an additional 500,000 shares. At October 31, 2018, a total of 402,620 shares remained available to purchase under this authorization.

 

Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 5.Other Information

 

None

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Item 6.Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report:

 

 31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
    
 32 Section 1350 Certifications
    
 101 The following information from REX American Resources Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2018,April 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity, (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 REX American Resources Corporation
 Registrant

Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Zafar Rizvi
(Zafar Rizvi)
 Chief Executive Officer and President
(Zafar Rizvi)(Chief Executive Officer) December 3, 2018June 4, 2019
     
/s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman
(Douglas L. Bruggeman)
 Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
(Douglas L. Bruggeman)(Chief Financial Officer) December 3, 2018June 4, 2019
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