UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015

 

Commission File Number 001-32924

 

Green Plains Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Iowa

84-1652107

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

450 Regency Parkway, Suite 400, Omaha, NE 68114

(402) 884-8700

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

 

☒ Yes   ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

☒ Yes   ☐ No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☒      Accelerated filer ☐      Non-accelerated filer ☐     Smaller reporting company ☐

 

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

 

☐ Yes   ☒ No

 

The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of July 28,November 2, 2015 was 38,086,53737,889,871 shares.

 

 


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

2

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2426

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

3842

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

4144

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

4245

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

4245

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

4548

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

4548

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

4548

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

4548

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

4548

 

 

 

Signatures 

4850

 

 

 

 

1

 


 

 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

September 30,

 

December 31,

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

ASSETS

ASSETS

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

399,488 

 

$

425,510 

$

495,863 

 

$

425,510 

Restricted cash

 

17,468 

 

 

29,742 

 

16,658 

 

 

29,742 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,335 and $1,231, respectively

 

116,051 

 

 

138,073 

 

141,020 

 

 

138,073 

Income taxes receivable

 

12,541 

 

 

 -

 

5,236 

 

 

 -

Inventories

 

215,847 

 

 

254,967 

 

263,012 

 

 

254,967 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

13,672 

 

 

18,776 

 

12,184 

 

 

18,776 

Deferred income taxes

 

 -

 

 

7,495 

 

 -

 

 

7,495 

Derivative financial instruments

 

37,772 

 

 

36,347 

 

33,792 

 

 

36,347 

Total current assets

 

812,839 

 

 

910,910 

 

967,765 

 

 

910,910 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$305,650 and $274,543, respectively

 

819,555 

 

 

825,210 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$321,418 and $274,543, respectively

 

820,600 

 

 

825,210 

Goodwill

 

40,877 

 

 

40,877 

 

40,877 

 

 

40,877 

Other assets

 

52,957 

 

 

51,560 

 

51,627 

 

 

51,560 

Total assets

$

1,726,228 

 

$

1,828,557 

$

1,880,869 

 

$

1,828,557 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

98,377 

 

$

170,199 

$

140,595 

 

$

170,199 

Accrued and other liabilities

 

32,438 

 

 

61,118 

 

38,266 

 

 

65,083 

Income taxes payable

 

 -

 

 

2,907 

 

4,168 

 

 

2,907 

Unearned revenue

 

8,593 

 

 

3,965 

Short-term notes payable and other borrowings

 

199,591 

 

 

209,886 

 

199,732 

 

 

209,886 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

9,289 

 

 

63,465 

 

4,499 

 

 

63,465 

Current deferred income taxes

 

1,298 

 

 

 -

 

2,854 

 

 

 -

Total current liabilities

 

349,586 

 

 

511,540 

 

390,114 

 

 

511,540 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

443,555 

 

 

399,440 

 

443,396 

 

 

399,440 

Deferred income taxes

 

121,009 

 

 

115,235 

 

70,227 

 

 

115,235 

Other liabilities

 

4,865 

 

 

4,893 

 

5,942 

 

 

4,893 

Total liabilities

 

919,015 

 

 

1,031,108 

 

909,679 

 

 

1,031,108 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized;
45,284,888 and 44,808,982 shares issued, and 38,084,888
and 37,608,982 shares outstanding, respectively

 

45 

 

 

45 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized;
45,283,060 and 44,808,982 shares issued, and 37,891,360
and 37,608,982 shares outstanding, respectively

 

45 

 

 

45 

Additional paid-in capital

 

573,632 

 

 

569,431 

 

575,915 

 

 

569,431 

Retained earnings

 

297,498 

 

 

299,101 

 

299,108 

 

 

299,101 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

1,846 

 

 

(5,320)

 

4,625 

 

 

(5,320)

Treasury stock, 7,200,000 shares

 

(65,808)

 

 

(65,808)

Total stockholders' equity

 

807,213 

 

 

797,449 

Treasury stock,7,391,700 and 7,200,000 shares, respectively

 

(69,811)

 

 

(65,808)

Total Green Plains stockholders' equity

 

809,882 

 

 

797,449 

Noncontrolling interest

 

161,308 

 

 

 -

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

1,726,228 

 

$

1,828,557 

$

1,880,869 

 

$

1,828,557 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

2

 


 

 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

744,490 

 

$

837,858 

 

$

1,482,878 

 

$

1,571,747 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

697,164 

 

 

759,543 

 

 

1,409,997 

 

 

1,392,683 

Gross profit

 

47,326 

 

 

78,315 

 

 

72,881 

 

 

179,064 

Product revenues

$

740,634 

 

$

831,779 

 

$

2,219,319 

 

$

2,399,384 

Service revenues

 

2,163 

 

 

2,146 

 

 

6,356 

 

 

6,288 

Total revenues

 

742,797 

 

 

833,925 

 

 

2,225,675 

 

 

2,405,672 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

679,348 

 

 

716,188 

 

 

2,048,379 

 

 

2,072,141 

Operations and maintenance expenses

 

7,715 

 

 

6,895 

 

 

21,850 

 

 

18,509 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

22,924 

 

 

19,369 

 

 

44,375 

 

 

41,774 

 

19,280 

 

 

20,217 

 

 

58,473 

 

 

56,898 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

16,621 

 

 

15,570 

 

 

48,634 

 

 

45,779 

Total costs and expenses

 

722,964 

 

 

758,870 

 

 

2,177,336 

 

 

2,193,327 

Operating income

 

24,402 

 

 

58,946 

 

 

28,506 

 

 

137,290 

 

19,833 

 

 

75,055 

 

 

48,339 

 

 

212,345 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

210 

 

 

143 

 

 

430 

 

 

255 

 

319 

 

 

164 

 

 

749 

 

 

420 

Interest expense

 

(10,564)

 

 

(9,704)

 

 

(19,722)

 

 

(19,463)

 

(10,196)

 

 

(10,288)

 

 

(29,918)

 

 

(29,751)

Other, net

 

(1,034)

 

 

704 

 

 

(1,965)

 

 

1,734 

 

(519)

 

 

1,068 

 

 

(2,484)

 

 

2,802 

Total other income (expense)

 

(11,388)

 

 

(8,857)

 

 

(21,257)

 

 

(17,474)

Total other expense

 

(10,396)

 

 

(9,056)

 

 

(31,653)

 

 

(26,529)

Income before income taxes

 

13,014 

 

 

50,089 

 

 

7,249 

 

 

119,816 

 

9,437 

 

 

65,999 

 

 

16,686 

 

 

185,816 

Income tax expense

 

5,222 

 

 

17,775 

 

 

2,775 

 

 

44,299 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(604)

 

 

24,250 

 

 

2,171 

 

 

68,550 

Net income

$

7,792 

 

$

32,314 

 

$

4,474 

 

$

75,517 

 

10,041 

 

 

41,749 

 

 

14,515 

 

 

117,266 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

3,862 

 

 

 -

 

 

3,862 

 

 

 -

Net income attributable to Green Plains

$

6,179 

 

$

41,749 

 

$

10,653 

 

$

117,266 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Green Plains stockholders - basic

$

0.16 

 

$

1.11 

 

$

0.28 

 

$

3.25 

Net income attributable to Green Plains stockholders - diluted

$

0.16 

 

$

1.03 

 

$

0.27 

 

$

2.90 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.20 

 

$

0.86 

 

$

0.12 

 

$

2.14 

 

38,066 

 

 

37,588 

 

 

37,966 

 

 

36,101 

Diluted

$

0.19 

 

$

0.82 

 

$

0.11 

 

$

1.88 

 

38,556 

 

 

40,542 

 

 

39,266 

 

 

41,130 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

38,027 

 

 

37,467 

 

 

37,916 

 

 

35,322 

Diluted

 

40,075 

 

 

39,359 

 

 

39,565 

 

 

41,308 

Cash dividend declared per share

$

0.12 

 

$

0.08 

 

$

0.28 

 

$

0.16 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividend declared per share

$

0.08 

 

$

0.04 

 

$

0.16 

 

$

0.08 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 


 

 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

7,792 

 

$

32,314 

 

$

4,474 

 

$

75,517 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period,
net of tax (expense) benefit of $2,470, $(12,364), $(3,327)
and $72,146, respectively

 

(4,108)

 

 

19,671 

 

 

5,558 

 

 

(119,121)

Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net
of tax expense (benefit) of $(6,031), $(36,471), $(962)
and $(67,543), respectively

 

10,030 

 

 

58,020 

 

 

1,608 

 

 

111,521 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

5,922 

 

 

77,691 

 

 

7,166 

 

 

(7,600)

Comprehensive income

$

13,714 

 

$

110,005 

 

$

11,640 

 

$

67,917 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

10,041 

 

$

41,749 

 

$

14,515 

 

$

117,266 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period,
net of tax (expense) benefit of $(2,232), $15,668, $(5,554)
and $90,605, respectively

 

3,682 

 

 

(24,836)

 

 

9,245 

 

 

(141,166)

Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net
of tax expense (benefit) of $547, $(31,428), $(420)
and $(101,762), respectively

 

(903)

 

 

49,819 

 

 

700 

 

 

158,549 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

2,779 

 

 

24,983 

 

 

9,945 

 

 

17,383 

Comprehensive income

 

12,820 

 

 

66,732 

 

 

24,460 

 

 

134,649 

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

3,862 

 

 

 -

 

 

3,862 

 

 

 -

Comprehensive income attributable to Green Plains

$

8,958 

 

$

66,732 

 

$

20,598 

 

$

134,649 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 


 

 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

4,474 

 

$

75,517 

$

14,515 

 

$

117,266 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
(used) by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

31,081 

 

 

29,362 

 

48,634 

 

 

45,779 

Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount

 

3,668 

 

 

4,549 

 

5,756 

 

 

6,905 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,323 

 

 

9,463 

 

(39,645)

 

 

11,655 

Stock-based compensation

 

1,054 

 

 

3,037 

 

3,207 

 

 

4,396 

Undistributed equity in loss of affiliates

 

2,159 

 

 

871 

 

2,678 

 

 

2,511 

Other

 

104 

 

 

52 

 

104 

 

 

1,047 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities before
effects of business combinations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

21,918 

 

 

(6,509)

 

(3,051)

 

 

4,938 

Inventories

 

39,120 

 

 

29,018 

 

(8,045)

 

 

(24,359)

Derivative financial instruments

 

10,033 

 

 

(26,232)

 

18,503 

 

 

14,212 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

5,220 

 

 

1,599 

 

6,732 

 

 

5,116 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(100,228)

 

 

2,461 

 

(56,636)

 

 

28,288 

Current income taxes

 

(13,021)

 

 

24,035 

 

(1,532)

 

 

10,891 

Unearned revenues

 

4,628 

 

 

2,854 

Other

 

1,671 

 

 

936 

 

1,300 

 

 

(3,078)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

23,204 

 

 

151,013 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

(7,480)

 

 

225,567 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(28,690)

 

 

(28,935)

 

(44,464)

 

 

(44,242)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 -

 

 

(23,900)

 

 -

 

 

(23,900)

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries

 

(3,309)

 

 

(3,277)

 

(3,309)

 

 

(3,460)

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(31,999)

 

 

(56,112)

 

(47,773)

 

 

(71,602)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

 

178,400 

 

 

443,767 

 

178,400 

 

 

493,892 

Payments of principal on long-term debt

 

(188,744)

 

 

(419,699)

 

(194,819)

 

 

(475,866)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

1,568,129 

 

 

1,782,974 

 

2,382,589 

 

 

2,716,499 

Payments on short-term borrowings

 

(1,577,555)

 

 

(1,822,904)

 

(2,391,874)

 

 

(2,767,575)

Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, net

 

157,422 

 

 

 -

Payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(4,003)

 

 

 -

Payments of cash dividends

 

(6,077)

 

 

(2,893)

 

(10,646)

 

 

(5,899)

Change in restricted cash

 

12,275 

 

 

(12,084)

 

13,085 

 

 

16,033 

Payments of loan fees

 

(4,289)

 

 

(6,286)

 

(5,314)

 

 

(6,387)

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

 

634 

 

 

3,576 

 

766 

 

 

4,424 

Net cash used by financing activities

 

(17,227)

 

 

(33,549)

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

125,606 

 

 

(24,879)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(26,022)

 

 

61,352 

 

70,353 

 

 

129,086 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

425,510 

 

 

272,027 

 

425,510 

 

 

272,027 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

399,488 

 

$

333,379 

$

495,863 

 

$

401,113 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continued on the following page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 


 

 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continued from the previous page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

4,552 

 

$

7,790 

$

43,347 

 

$

42,503 

Cash paid for interest

$

19,114 

 

$

18,117 

$

27,248 

 

$

26,134 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Assets acquired in acquisitions and mergers

$

 -

 

$

25,611 

$

 -

 

$

25,611 

Less: liabilities assumed

 

 -

 

 

(1,711)

 

 -

 

 

(1,711)

Net assets acquired

$

 -

 

$

23,900 

$

 -

 

$

23,900 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% Notes

$

 -

 

$

89,950 

Common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% notes

$

 -

 

$

89,950 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

6

 


 

 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(unaudited)

 

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

References to the Company

 

References to “Green Plains” or the “Company”“company” in the consolidated financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The consolidated financial statements include the company’s accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Allall significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on a consolidated basis for reporting purposes.are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Results for the interim periods presentedInterim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have beenare prepared in conformityaccordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly,Because they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP, for complete financial statements. Thethe consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’scompany’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal and recurring in nature, except asunless otherwise noted.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenues, costs and expenses, net income or stockholders’ equity.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The preparationPreparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Companycompany bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. The Companycompany regularly evaluates the appropriateness of these estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relatingrelated to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, asset retirement obligations, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments and accounting for income taxesare impacted significantlyaffected by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation ofto prepare the consolidated financial statements.

 

Description of Business

 

Green Plains is North America’sthe fourth largest ethanol producer.producer in North America. The Companycompany operates its business within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, and distillers grains collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2)and corn oil, production, (3)(2) agribusiness, which includes grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, collectively referred to as agribusiness,(3) marketing and (4)distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading and logistics services for Company-producedcompany-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of(4) partnership, which includes fuel terminals, collectively referred to as marketingstorage and distribution.transportation services. The Companycompany is also is a partner in a joint venture focused on developing technology to commercialize advanced technologies for the growinggrow and harvesting of algal biomass.harvest algae in commercially viable quantities.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Companycompany recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence ofthat an arrangement exists;exists, title of product and risk of loss and title transferare transferred to the customer; thecustomer, price is fixed and determinable;determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

7

 


 

 

For salesSales of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities by the Company’scompany’s marketing business revenue isare recognized when title to theof product and risk of loss transferare transferred to an external customer. Revenues related to marketing operations for third parties are recordedpresented on a gross basis aswhen the Companycompany takes title toof the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is reflected on the consolidated balance sheetsrecorded for goods in transit for whichwhen the Companycompany has received payment andbut the title has not yet been transferred to the customer. Revenues from the Company’s fuel terminal operations, which includefor receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol transload services,and other fuels are recognized when these services are completed.the product is delivered to the customer.

 

The Companycompany routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. In certain instances,At times, the Company intends to settlecompany settles these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than bydelivering the physical delivery.commodity. These transactions are reported net as a component of revenues. Revenues also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).or loss.

 

Sales of agricultural commodities, including cattle, are recognized when title to theof product and risk of loss transferare transferred to the customer, which is dependentdepends on the agreed upon sales terms with the customer. Theseterms. The sales terms provide for passage of title either at the timewhen shipment is made or at the time the commodity is delivered and the customer has been deliveredagreed to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon with the customer.prices. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross in the statements of operations with amounts billed forand include shipping and handling, included in revenues andwhich is also as a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized aswhen services are rendered.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of the Company’s ethanol plants.plant operations. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, other thanexcluding labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Direct materials consist ofMaterials include the costscost of corn feedstock, denaturant and process chemicals. Corn feedstock costs include unrealized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, inbound freight charges, inspection costs and transfer costs. Corn feedstock costs also includeas well as realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).or loss. Plant overhead costsconsists primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred directly by the Company,company, including railcar lease costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.

 

The Companycompany uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize the effectseffect of price changes inon the prices of agricultural commodities on its agribusiness segment’s grain and cattle inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued at quoted market prices. These contracts areprices and settled predominantly settled in cash. The Companycompany is exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by the counter-party towhen counterparties default on forward purchase and forward sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale and forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts in the agribusiness segment are valued at market prices wherewhen available or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily in transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on whichwhere the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the fair value of grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded futures and options contracts in the agribusiness segment, are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

To minimize the risk and the effects of the volatility of commodity price changes primarily related to corn, ethanol, cattle and natural gas, the CompanyThe company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts.contracts, to minimize risk and the effect of price changes related to corn, ethanol, cattle and natural gas. The Companycompany monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seekspolicy to reduce the potentially adverse effects that theeffect market volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Companycompany may take hedging positions inhedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities,risk, however, there aremay be situations in whichwhen these hedging activities can themselves result in losses.

 

By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Companycompany has exposures on these derivatives to credit and market risk. The Company is exposedcompany’s exposure to credit risk thatincludes the counterparty might failcounterparty’s failure to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. The Companycompany minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring thetheir financial condition of its counterparties.condition. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. The Companycompany manages market risk by incorporating parameters to monitor exposure within its risk management strategy which limits the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the company can use and the degree of market risk it can take by the use of derivative instruments.

8

 


 

 

monitoring parameters within its risk management strategy that limit the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the Company uses, and the degree of market risk that may be undertaken by the use of derivative instruments.

The Companycompany evaluates its contracts that involve physical delivery contracts to determine whetherif they may qualify for the normal purchase or normal sale exemptionexemptions and are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Any contractsContracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value with the changevalue. Changes in fair value are recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the Companycompany elects, hedge accounting treatment.

 

Certain qualifying derivatives related to the ethanol production and agribusiness segments are designated as cash flow hedges. Prior to entering into cash flow hedges, the CompanyThe company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness. Foreffectiveness prior to entering into cash flow hedges, any ineffectivenesshedges. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until gains and lossesthe gain or loss from the underlying hedged transaction areis realized. In the event thatWhen it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company would discontinue cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which would affectaffects earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value.

 

At times, the Companycompany hedges its exposuresexposure to changes in the value of inventories and designates certain qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted throughin current period results for changes in the fair value arising from changes in underlying prices. Any ineffectivenessvalue. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results to the extent that the change in the fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in the fair value of the derivative.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which replaces existing revenue recognition guidance by requiring revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has approved deferral of required adoption of the amended guidance by one year, from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Early application beginning January 1, 2017 is permitted. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the updated standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Companycompany will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amended guidance, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amended guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis, whereinand the balance sheet of each individual period presented will be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance.

 

Effective January 1, 2016, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which reduces the number of consolidation models and simplifies the guidance by placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest, reducing the frequency of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, and changing consolidation conclusions for companies in industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or variable interest entities. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Companycompany will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The amended guidance, which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt 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. The updated standard permits either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early application beginning January 1, 2017 is permitted. The company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the updated standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

2.  GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP

Initial Public Offering of Subsidiary

On July 1, 2015, Green Plains Partners LP, or the partnership, a newly formed subsidiary of the company, closed its initial public offering, or the IPO.  In conjunction with the IPO, the company contributed its downstream ethanol transportation and storage assets to the partnership. A total of 11,500,000 common units, representing limited partner interests including 1,500,000 common units pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option, were sold to the public for $15.00 per common unit. The partnership received net proceeds of approximately $157.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, structuring fees and offering expenses. The partnership used the proceeds to make a distribution to the company of $155.3 million and to pay approximately $0.9 million in origination fees under its new $100.0 million revolving credit facility. The remaining $1.2 million was retained for general partnership purposes. The company now owns a 62.5% limited partner interest, consisting of 4,389,642 common units and 15,889,642 subordinated units, and a 2.0%  general partner interest in the partnership. The public owns the remaining 35.5%  limited partner interest in the partnership. As such, the partnership is consolidated in the company’s financial statements.

9


During the subordination period, which is described in the partnership agreement for Green Plains Partners, holders of the subordinated units are not entitled to receive distributions until the common units have received the minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages of the minimum quarterly distribution from prior quarters. If the partnership does not pay distributions on the subordinated units, the subordinated units will not accrue arrearages for those unpaid distributions. Each subordinated unit will convert into one common unit at the end of the subordination period.

The partnership is a fee-based master limited partnership formed by Green Plains to provide fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. The partnership’s initial assets include (i) 27 ethanol storage facilities, located at or near the company’s 12 ethanol production plants, which have the ability to efficiently and effectively store and load railcars and tanker trucks with all of the ethanol produced at the company’s ethanol production plants, (ii) eight fuel terminal facilities,  located near major rail lines, which enable the partnership to receive, store and deliver fuels from and to markets that seek access to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of approximately 2,200 railcars with an aggregate capacity of 66.3 million gallons, or mmg, as of September 30, 2015 which is contracted to transport ethanol from the company’s ethanol production plants to refineries throughout the United States and international export terminals. The partnership expects to be the company’s primary downstream logistics provider to support its over one billion gallons per year, or bgy, ethanol marketing and distribution business since the partnership’s assets are the principal method of storing and delivering the ethanol the company produces.

A substantial portion of the partnership’s revenues are derived from long-term, fee-based commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade, a subsidiary of the company. In connection with the IPO, the partnership (1) entered into (i) a ten-year fee-based storage and throughput agreement; (ii) a six-year fee-based rail transportation services agreement; and (iii) a one-year fee-based trucking transportation agreement, and (2) assumed (i) an approximately 2.5-year terminal services agreement for the partnership’s Birmingham, Alabama-unit train terminal; and (ii) various other terminal services agreements for its other fuel terminal facilities, each with Green Plains Trade. The partnership’s storage and throughput agreement, and certain terminal services agreements, including the terminal services agreement for the Birmingham facility, are supported by minimum volume commitments. The partnership’s rail transportation services agreement is supported by minimum take-or-pay capacity commitments. The company also has agreements which establish fees for general and administrative,  and operational and maintenance services it provides. These transactions are eliminated when the company consolidates its financial results.

Noncontrolling Interest

Green Plains owns a 62.5% limited partner interest,  a 2.0% general partner interest in the partnership and all of the partnership’s incentive distribution rights, with the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest owned by public common unitholders as of September 30, 2015.

The company consolidates the financial results of the partnership and records a noncontrolling interest in the partnership held by public common unitholders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations includes the portion of net income attributable to the economic interest held by the partnership’s public common unitholders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets includes the portion of net assets attributable to the partnership’s public common unitholders.

3.  FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

 

The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used in estimatingto estimate the fair value of the Company’scompany’s financial instruments:

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability tocompany can access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to exchange-traded open trade equity and option values in the Company’scompany’s brokerage accounts.

 

Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1;1, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active;active, and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data bythrough correlation or other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness segment are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis levels.basis.

 

910

 


 

 

Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that arecomprise a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Companycompany currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial instruments.

 

There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value. The following tables set forth the Company’scompany’s assets and liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2015

Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

 

Significant Other Observable Inputs

 

Reclassification for Balance Sheet

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

 

Significant Other Observable Inputs

 

Reclassification for Balance Sheet

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Presentation

 

Total

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Presentation

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

399,488 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

399,488 

$

495,863 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

495,863 

Restricted cash

 

17,468 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

17,468 

 

16,658 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

16,658 

Margin deposits

 

15,037 

 

 

 -

 

 

(15,037)

 

 

 -

 

13,752 

 

 

 -

 

 

(13,752)

 

 

 -

Inventories carried at market

 

 -

 

 

13,979 

 

 

 -

 

 

13,979 

 

 -

 

 

19,802 

 

 

 -

 

 

19,802 

Unrealized gains on derivatives

 

11,519 

 

 

21,968 

 

 

4,285 

 

 

37,772 

 

13,286 

 

 

12,307 

 

 

8,199 

 

 

33,792 

Total assets measured at fair value

$

443,512 

 

$

35,947 

 

$

(10,752)

 

$

468,707 

$

539,559 

 

$

32,109 

 

$

(5,553)

 

$

566,115 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

��

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses on derivatives

$

8,261 

 

$

12,592 

 

$

(10,752)

 

$

10,101 

$

2,261 

 

$

10,200 

 

$

(5,553)

 

$

6,908 

Other

 

 -

 

 

26 

 

 

 -

 

 

26 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

$

8,261 

 

$

12,592 

 

$

(10,752)

 

$

10,101 

$

2,261 

 

$

10,226 

 

$

(5,553)

 

$

6,934 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

 

Significant Other Observable Inputs

 

Reclassification for Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Presentation

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

425,510 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

425,510 

Restricted cash

 

29,742 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

29,742 

Margin deposits

 

24,488 

 

 

 -

 

 

(24,488)

 

 

 -

Inventories carried at market

 

 -

 

 

36,411 

 

 

 -

 

 

36,411 

Unrealized gains on derivatives

 

11,877 

 

 

18,111 

 

 

6,359 

 

 

36,347 

Other assets

 

118 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

121 

Total assets measured at fair value

$

491,735 

 

$

54,525 

 

$

(18,129)

 

$

528,131 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses on derivatives

$

18,129 

 

$

28,082 

 

$

(18,129)

 

$

28,082 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

$

18,129 

 

$

28,082 

 

$

(18,129)

 

$

28,082 

 

The Companycompany believes the fair value of its debt approximwas ated $654.3approximately $646.0 million compared tocompared with a book valuevalue of $652.4$647.6 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and the fair value of its debt approximatedwas approximately $676.5 million compared towith a book value of $672.8 million at December 31, 2014.2014. The Company estimatescompany estimated the fair value of its outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs. The Companycompany believes the fair values of its accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated book value, which were $116.1$141.0 million and $98.4$140.6 million, respectively, at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and $138.1 million and $170.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014.

 

Although the Companycompany currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial measurements, the fair values of the tangible assets and goodwill acquired and the equity component of convertible debt represent Level 3 measurements andwhich were derived using a combination of the income approach, the market approach and the cost approach as considered appropriate for the specific assets or liabilities being valued.

1011

 


 

 

3.4.  SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

As a result of the IPO, the company implemented organizational changes during the third quarter of 2015. Company management now reviews the financial and operating performance inof the following four separate operating segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, and distillers grains collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2)and corn oil, production, (3)(2) agribusiness, which includes grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, collectively referred to as agribusiness,(3) marketing and (4)distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading and logistics services for Company-producedcompany-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

When transferring assets between entities under common control under GAAP, the entity receiving the net assets initially recognizes the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities at the date of transfer. The transferee’s prior period financial statements are restated for all periods its operations were part of the parent’s consolidated financial statements. On July 1, 2015, Green Plains Partners received ethanol storage and railcar assets and liabilities in a transfer between entities under common control. The transferred assets and liabilities are recognized at the company’s historical cost and reflected retroactively in the segment information of the consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q. The assets of Green Plains Partners were previously included in the ethanol production and marketing and distribution segments. Expenses related to the ethanol storage and railcar assets, such as depreciation, amortization and railcar lease expenses, are also reflected retroactively in the following segment information. There are no revenues related to the operation of fuel terminals, collectively referredthese ethanol storage and railcar assets in the partnership segment prior to as marketing and distribution. Selling,July 1, 2015, the date the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade became effective.

Corporate activities include selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily consisting of compensationprimarily of corporate employees,employee compensation, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment, are reflected in the table below as corporate activities.segment.

 

During the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions between segments. Examples of these intersegment transactions include, but are not limited to, operating segments do business with each other. For example, the ethanol production segment sellingsells ethanol to the marketing and distribution segment, and the agribusiness segment sellingsells grain to the ethanol production segment and the partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services for the marketing and distribution segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions and recorded by each segment at prices approximating market and treated as if they are third-party transactions.values. Consequently, these transactions affect segment performance; however, they do not impact segment performance. However,the company’s consolidated results since the revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation and do not impact the Company’s consolidated results.consolidation.

 

The following tables set forth certain financial data for the Company’s

12


Revenues, cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization, and operating income by segments are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

$

38,856 

 

$

(71,054)

 

$

102,950 

 

$

(98,486)

Intersegment revenues

 

411,582 

 

 

603,529 

 

 

764,441 

 

 

1,169,332 

Total segment revenues

 

450,438 

 

 

532,475 

 

 

867,391 

 

 

1,070,846 

Corn oil production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

 -

 

 

(7)

 

 

(13)

 

 

 -

$

37,702 

 

$

34,593 

 

$

140,640 

 

$

(63,893)

Intersegment revenues

 

17,027 

 

 

20,381 

 

 

33,836 

 

 

36,765 

 

352,215 

 

 

568,938 

 

 

1,145,879 

 

 

1,764,734 

Total segment revenues

 

17,027 

 

 

20,374 

 

 

33,823 

 

 

36,765 

 

389,917 

 

 

603,531 

 

 

1,286,519 

 

 

1,700,841 

Agribusiness:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

78,642 

 

 

33,488 

 

 

136,976 

 

 

51,729 

 

54,519 

 

 

23,747 

 

 

191,495 

 

 

75,476 

Intersegment revenues

 

264,935 

 

 

347,116 

 

 

527,718 

 

 

651,354 

 

255,671 

 

 

290,543 

 

 

783,388 

 

 

941,897 

Total segment revenues

 

343,577 

 

 

380,604 

 

 

664,694 

 

 

703,083 

 

310,190 

 

 

314,290 

 

 

974,883 

 

 

1,017,373 

Marketing and distribution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

626,992 

 

 

875,431 

 

 

1,242,965 

 

 

1,618,504 

 

648,413 

 

 

773,439 

 

 

1,887,184 

 

 

2,387,801 

Intersegment revenues

 

31,887 

 

 

34,595 

 

 

71,262 

 

 

68,060 

 

21,914 

 

 

40,616 

 

 

93,176 

 

 

108,677 

Total segment revenues

 

658,879 

 

 

910,026 

 

 

1,314,227 

 

 

1,686,564 

 

670,327 

 

 

814,055 

 

 

1,980,360 

 

 

2,496,478 

Partnership:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

2,163 

 

 

2,146 

 

 

6,356 

 

 

6,288 

Intersegment revenues

 

19,247 

 

 

1,255 

 

 

21,895 

 

 

3,267 

Total segment revenues

 

21,410 

 

 

3,401 

 

 

28,251 

 

 

9,555 

Revenues including intersegment activity

 

1,469,921 

 

 

1,843,479 

 

 

2,880,135 

 

 

3,497,258 

 

1,391,844 

 

 

1,735,277 

 

 

4,270,013 

 

 

5,224,247 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(725,431)

 

 

(1,005,621)

 

 

(1,397,257)

 

 

(1,925,511)

 

(649,047)

 

 

(901,352)

 

 

(2,044,338)

 

 

(2,818,575)

Revenues as reported

$

744,490 

 

$

837,858 

 

$

1,482,878 

 

$

1,571,747 

$

742,797 

 

$

833,925 

 

$

2,225,675 

 

$

2,405,672 

 

 

 

(1)

Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

365,348 

 

$

512,621 

 

$

1,184,595 

 

$

1,448,082 

Agribusiness

 

307,995 

 

 

311,691 

 

 

962,979 

 

 

1,009,246 

Marketing and distribution

 

656,934 

 

 

800,100 

 

 

1,950,327 

 

 

2,437,813 

Partnership

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Intersegment eliminations

 

(650,929)

 

 

(908,224)

 

 

(2,049,522)

 

 

(2,823,000)

 

$

679,348 

 

$

716,188 

 

$

2,048,379 

 

$

2,072,141 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

5,528 

 

$

72,836 

 

$

43,139 

 

$

198,359 

Agribusiness

 

365 

 

 

1,136 

 

 

5,833 

 

 

3,341 

Marketing and distribution

 

9,406 

 

 

8,378 

 

 

17,446 

 

 

43,446 

Partnership

 

11,030 

 

 

(5,268)

 

 

416 

 

 

(14,054)

Intersegment eliminations

 

1,882 

 

 

6,842 

 

 

5,264 

 

 

4,270 

Corporate activities

 

(8,378)

 

 

(8,869)

 

 

(23,759)

 

 

(23,017)

 

$

19,833 

 

$

75,055 

 

$

48,339 

 

$

212,345 

1113

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

24,284 

 

$

35,171 

 

$

17,464 

 

$

106,859 

Corn oil production

 

9,625 

 

 

10,931 

 

 

20,010 

 

 

18,746 

Agribusiness

 

4,006 

 

 

2,499 

 

 

9,218 

 

 

5,475 

Marketing and distribution

 

10,714 

 

 

9,899 

 

 

22,868 

 

 

50,615 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(1,303)

 

 

19,815 

 

 

3,321 

 

 

(2,631)

 

$

47,326 

 

$

78,315 

 

$

72,881 

 

$

179,064 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

18,230 

 

$

30,111 

 

$

5,087 

 

$

96,337 

Corn oil production

 

9,567 

 

 

10,874 

 

 

19,778 

 

 

18,582 

Agribusiness

 

2,258 

 

 

1,269 

 

 

5,468 

 

 

2,205 

Marketing and distribution

 

4,564 

 

 

4,391 

 

 

10,172 

 

 

36,885 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(1,303)

 

 

19,815 

 

 

3,381 

 

 

(2,571)

Corporate activities

 

(8,914)

 

 

(7,514)

 

 

(15,380)

 

 

(14,148)

 

$

24,402 

 

$

58,946 

 

$

28,506 

 

$

137,290 

The following table sets forth revenuesRevenues by product lineare as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol

$

468,998 

 

$

618,386 

 

$

913,299 

 

$

1,148,427 

$

468,005 

 

$

617,130 

 

$

1,381,203 

 

$

1,765,561 

Distillers grains

 

128,503 

 

 

143,695 

 

 

237,891 

 

 

280,687 

 

121,273 

 

 

132,233 

 

 

359,164 

 

 

412,920 

Corn oil

 

19,619 

 

 

22,196 

 

 

38,700 

 

 

39,328 

 

28,949 

 

 

24,866 

 

 

67,649 

 

 

64,198 

Grain

 

53,688 

 

 

44,172 

 

 

152,774 

 

 

73,372 

 

47,106 

 

 

42,085 

 

 

199,982 

 

 

115,448 

Cattle

 

66,287 

 

 

3,431 

 

 

111,478 

 

 

3,431 

 

56,904 

 

 

12,728 

 

 

168,381 

 

 

16,158 

Service revenues

 

2,163 

 

 

2,146 

 

 

6,356 

 

 

6,288 

Other

 

7,395 

 

 

5,978 

 

 

28,736 

 

 

26,502 

 

18,397 

 

 

2,737 

 

 

42,940 

 

 

25,099 

$

744,490 

 

$

837,858 

 

$

1,482,878 

 

$

1,571,747 

$

742,797 

 

$

833,925 

 

$

2,225,675 

 

$

2,405,672 

 

The following table sets forth totalTotal assets by operating segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

September 30,

 

December 31,

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets (1):

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

875,086 

 

$

983,289 

$

866,871 

 

$

991,260 

Corn oil production

 

31,990 

 

 

31,405 

Agribusiness

 

230,037 

 

 

234,626 

 

238,611 

 

 

234,626 

Marketing and distribution

 

264,795 

 

 

305,675 

 

259,342 

 

 

259,246 

Partnership

 

77,630 

 

 

76,762 

Corporate assets

 

334,207 

 

 

290,123 

 

445,938 

 

 

290,123 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(9,887)

 

 

(16,561)

 

(7,523)

 

 

(23,460)

$

1,726,228 

 

$

1,828,557 

$

1,880,869 

 

$

1,828,557 

(1)

Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances.

 

 

12


4.5.  INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, except for grain held for sale and fair value hedged inventories, which are valuedreported at market value.

The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

September 30,

 

December 31,

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

$

43,820 

 

$

34,639 

$

51,953 

 

$

34,639 

Grain held for sale

 

6,653 

 

 

23,027 

 

5,401 

 

 

23,027 

Raw materials

 

39,000 

 

 

78,095 

 

94,129 

 

 

78,095 

Work-in-process

 

104,719 

 

 

100,221 

 

88,348 

 

 

100,221 

Supplies and parts

 

21,655 

 

 

18,985 

 

23,181 

 

 

18,985 

$

215,847 

 

$

254,967 

$

263,012 

 

$

254,967 

 

 

5.6.  GOODWILL

 

The Companycompany did not have any changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which was $40.9 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.  Goodwill of $30.3 million is attributable to the ethanol production segment and $10.6 million is attributable to the marketing and distributionpartnership segment.

14


 

6.7.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company’scompany’s consolidated balance sheet reflectsreflected unrealized gains of $4.6 million, net of tax, of $1.8 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. The Companycompany expects that all of the unrealizedthese gains at Junew 30, 2015 willill be reclassified intoas operating income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount ultimately realized in operating income, however, will differ as commodity prices change.

 

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 

The following table provides information about the fair values of the Company’scompany’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated balance sheets in which the fair valueswhere they are reflectedreported are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives'

 

Liability Derivatives'

 

Asset Derivatives'

 

Liability Derivatives'

 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments (1)

 

$

22,735 

(2)

$

11,859 

(3)

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

20,040 

(2)

$

11,859 

(3)

$

 -

 

$

 -

Other assets

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Accrued and other liabilities

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

10,101 

 

 

28,082 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

6,908 

 

 

28,082 

Other liabilities

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

26 

 

 

 -

Total

 

$

22,735 

 

$

11,862 

 

$

10,101 

 

$

28,082 

 

$

20,040 

 

$

11,862 

 

$

6,934 

 

$

28,082 

 

(1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $15.0$13.8 million andand $24.5 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

(2) Balance at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 includes $1.2includes $2.3 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(3)Balance at December 31, 2014 includes $0.6 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

 

 

Refer to Note 23 - Fair Value Disclosures, which also contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

 

13


Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

 

The following tables provide information about gains or losses recognized in income and other comprehensive income onrelated to the Company’scompany’s derivative financial instruments and the line items inon the consolidated financial statements in which such gains and losseswhere they are reflectedreported are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Designated in a Hedging Relationship

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

3,617 

 

$

(4,884)

 

$

(166)

 

$

13,366 

 

$

(9,431)

 

$

11,627 

 

$

(9,597)

 

$

24,992 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

(11,233)

 

 

3,560 

 

 

(18,209)

 

 

2,398 

 

 

20,992 

 

 

419 

 

 

2,783 

 

 

2,817 

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

(7,616)

 

$

(1,324)

 

$

(18,375)

 

$

15,764 

 

$

11,561 

 

$

12,046 

 

$

(6,814)

 

$

27,809 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

of Cash Flow Hedges

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

(28)

 

$

264 

 

$

(59)

 

$

(82)

 

$

14 

 

$

(196)

 

$

(45)

 

$

(278)

Cost of goods sold

 

 

494 

 

 

(1,610)

 

 

23 

 

 

(750)

 

 

(23)

 

 

1,095 

 

 

 -

 

 

345 

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

466 

 

$

(1,346)

 

$

(36)

 

$

(832)

 

$

(9)

 

$

899 

 

$

(45)

 

$

67 

15


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

into Net Income

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

935 

 

$

(15,484)

 

$

4,643 

 

$

(228,806)

Cost of goods sold

 

 

515 

 

 

(65,763)

 

 

(5,763)

 

 

(31,505)

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

1,450 

 

$

(81,247)

 

$

(1,120)

 

$

(260,311)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

into Net Income

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

(8,141)

 

$

(125,177)

 

$

3,708 

 

$

(213,323)

Cost of goods sold

 

 

(7,920)

 

 

30,686 

 

 

(6,278)

 

 

34,259 

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

(16,061)

 

$

(94,491)

 

$

(2,570)

 

$

(179,064)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Portion of Cash Flow
Hedges Recognized in

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity Contracts

 

$

5,914 

 

$

(40,504)

 

$

14,799 

 

$

(231,771)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Portion of Cash Flow
Hedges Recognized in

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity Contracts

 

$

(6,578)

 

$

32,035 

 

$

8,885 

 

$

(191,267)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) from Fair Value

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Hedges of Inventory

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value)

 

$

(1,002)

 

$

(693)

 

$

(2,370)

 

$

2,453 

 

$

376 

 

$

(611)

 

$

(1,994)

 

$

1,842 

Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge)

 

 

817 

 

 

729 

 

 

3,900 

 

 

(2,049)

 

 

842 

 

 

715 

 

 

4,742 

 

 

(1,257)

Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

(185)

 

$

36 

 

$

1,530 

 

$

404 

 

$

1,218 

 

$

104 

 

$

2,748 

 

$

585 

 

There were no gains or losses due to the discontinuance offrom discontinuing cash flow hedge or fair value hedge treatment during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

1416

 


 

 

The following table summarizes volumes of open commodity derivative positions as of JuneSeptember 30, 2015, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

September 30, 2015

September 30, 2015

 

Exchange Traded

 

Non-Exchange Traded

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange Traded

 

Non-Exchange Traded

 

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments

 

Net Long & (Short) (1)

 

Long (2)

 

(Short) (2)

 

Unit of Measure

 

Commodity

 

Net Long & (Short) (1)

 

Long (2)

 

(Short) (2)

 

Unit of Measure

 

Commodity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures

 

(11,150)

 

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat

Futures

 

(12,220)

 

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat

 

(3,045)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn

Futures

 

6,400 

(3)

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn

 

(10,885)

(4)

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn

Futures

 

80,556 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

 

21,714 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Futures

 

(93,660)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

 

(43,092)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Futures

 

(5,473)

 

 

 

 

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

 

(2,800)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Cattle

Futures

 

(2,540)

(4)

 

 

 

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

 

(37,560)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Cattle

Futures

 

2,600 

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Cattle

 

(5,943)

 

 

 

 

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Futures

 

(17,800)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Cattle

 

(5,088)

(4)

 

 

 

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Futures

 

12 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

 

(226)

 

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

Futures

 

(4,140)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Soybean Oil

 

7,500 

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Soybean Oil

Options

 

622 

 

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat

 

(5,304)

 

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat

Options

 

4,506 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

 

12,882 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Options

 

(35,544)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Cattle

 

(5,271)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Cattle

Options

 

(80)

 

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

 

106 

 

 

 

 

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Options

 

6,540 

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Soybean Oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

Options

 

77 

 

 

 

 

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Forwards

 

 

 

20,587 

 

(6,437)

 

Bushels

 

Corn and Soybeans

Forwards

 

 

 

24,094 

 

(9,223)

 

Bushels

 

Corn and Soybeans

 

 

 

22,738 

 

(146,698)

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Forwards

 

 

 

4,950 

 

(198,922)

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

 

 

 

114 

 

(346)

 

Tons

 

Distillers Grains

Forwards

 

 

 

135 

 

(423)

 

Tons

 

Distillers Grains

 

 

 

19,044 

 

(84,560)

 

Pounds

 

Corn Oil

Forwards

 

 

 

16,513 

 

(90,146)

 

Pounds

 

Corn Oil

 

 

 

10,829 

 

(2,254)

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Forwards

 

 

 

8,047 

 

(5,134)

 

mmBTU

 

Natural Gas

 

 

 

561 

 

(489)

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis. Options are presented on a delta-adjusted basis.

(2)

Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis including both fixed-price and basis contracts.

(3)

Futures used for cash flow hedges.

(4)

Futures used for fair value hedges.

 

 

Energy trading contracts that do not involve physical delivery are presented net in revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. Included in revenues are net gains of $2.4$2.9 million and $7.7$10.7 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively, and net losses of $0.2$0.3 million and $1.3$7.1 million for the  three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, respectively, on energy trading contracts.

1517

 


 

 

 

 

7.8.  DEBT

 

The principal balances of the components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

September 30,

 

December 31,

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$62.5 million term loan

$

 -

 

$

40,000 

$

 -

 

$

40,000 

Green Plains Holdings II:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$46.8 million term loans

 

 -

 

 

29,510 

 

 -

 

 

29,510 

$20.0 million revolving term loan

 

 -

 

 

6,000 

 

 -

 

 

6,000 

Green Plains Obion:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$37.4 million revolving term loan

 

 -

 

 

27,400 

 

 -

 

 

27,400 

Green Plains Processing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$345.0 million term loan

 

321,840 

 

 

213,775 

 

316,167 

 

 

213,775 

Green Plains Superior:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$15.6 million revolving term loan

 

 -

 

 

15,025 

 

 -

 

 

15,025 

Corporate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$120.0 million convertible notes

 

103,072 

 

 

100,845 

 

104,221 

 

 

100,845 

Other

 

27,932 

 

 

30,350 

 

27,507 

 

 

30,350 

Total long-term debt

 

452,844 

 

 

462,905 

 

447,895 

 

 

462,905 

Less: current portion of long-term debt

 

(9,289)

 

 

(63,465)

 

(4,499)

 

 

(63,465)

Long-term debt

$

443,555 

 

$

399,440 

$

443,396 

 

$

399,440 

 

Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at JuneSeptember 30, 2015, includedinclude working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain andand Green Plains Trade with outstanding balancesbalances of $81.4$58.0 million, $47.0$60.0 million and $71.2$81.7 million, respectively. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at December 31, 2014, includedinclude working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $77.0 million, $37.0 million and $95.9 million, respectively.

 

Ethanol Production Segment

 

During the second quarter of 2015, Green Plains Processing LLC (“Green Plains Processing”),has a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, amended its senior secured credit facility to increase the outstanding borrowings by $120.0 million. The proceeds were primarily used to refinance debt outstanding, with maturity dates ranging from November 2015 to May 2020, at certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (that are now subsidiaries of the Green Plains Processing), which include Green Plains Holdings II LLC, Green Plains Obion LLC, Green Plains Superior LLC, Green Plains Fairmont LLC and Green Plains Wood River LLC, to pay fees and expenses in connection therewith and for general corporate purposes.

The $345.0 million senior secured credit facility, which is guaranteed by the Companycompany and each of the subsidiaries of Green Plains Processing and secured by the stock and substantially all of the assets of Green Plains Processing and its subsidiaries.Processing. The credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to 5.5%is 5.50% plus LIBOR, subject to a 1.0%1.00% floor.  The terms of the credit facility require the borrower to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio of 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of each quarter, decreasing to 3.25 to 1.00 over the life of the credit facility and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00. The credit facility also has a provision requiring the company to make special quarterly payments of 50% to 75% of its available free cash flow, subject to certain limitations.  

At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the interest rate on this term debt was 6.5%6.50%. Commencing in the third quarter of 2015, scheduled principal payments are $0.9 million each quarter. The terms of the credit facility require the Borrower to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter of not more than 4.00 to 1.00, initially, decreasing to 3.25 to 1.00 over the life of the credit facility. The terms of the credit facility also require a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00. The credit facility has a provision that requires the Company to make quarterly special payments of 50% to 75% of the available free cash flow from the entity’s operations subject to certain limitations.

 

16


Agribusiness Segment

 

Green Plains Grain has a $125.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with various lenderswhich matures on August 26, 2016, to provide forfinance working capital financing. The lenders will make loans up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible cash, eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to an annual interest charges at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate plus 2.25% or the base rate plus 3.25%.  The revolving credit facility matures on August 26, 2016. The revolvialso includes ng credit facility includes total revolving credit commitments of $125.0 million and an accordion feature whereby amounts available underthat enables the facility mayto be increased by up to $75.0 million of new lender commitments uponwith agent approval. The credit facility can also allows for additional seasonal borrowingsbe increased by up to $50.0 million. The totalmillion for seasonal borrowings. Total commitments outstanding under the facility cannot exceed $250.0 million.

 

As security for the Green Plains Grain revolving credit facility, the lenders receivedLenders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable and other assets owned by subsidiaries withinin the agribusiness segment.segment as security on the credit facility. The terms of the credit facility include variousimpose affirmative covenants and negative covenants, including maintenance ofmaintaining working capital of $19.4 million for 2015 and maintenance of tangible net worth of $26.3 million for 2015. TheCapital expenditures are limited to $8.0 million per year under the credit facility, also includes a capital expenditure limitation of $8.0 million annually, plus any equity contributions from the Companycompany and any unused amount amounts

18


from the previous year.  In addition, the credit facility requires maintenance ofthe company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter of 1.25 to 1.00 and an annual leverage ratio of 6.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter of 6.00 to 1.00. This revolvingquarter. The  credit facility also contains restrictions on distributions with respectrelated to capital stock, with  exceptions for distributions ofup to 40% of net profit before tax, subject to certain conditions. 

 

Green Plains Cattle has a $100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with various lenderswhich matures on October 31, 2017, to provide forfinance working capital financing for the cattle feedlot operations.operations The lenders will make loans up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables, eligible inventories and eligible other current assets, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to variable annual interest charges at a variable rate per annumrates equal to the LIBOR rate for the outstanding period plus 3.00%,  2.50%, or 2.00%, depending upon availability. The revolving credit facility matures on October 31, 2017. The revolving credit facilityalso includes total revolving credit commitments of $100.0 million and an accordion feature whereby amounts available underthat enables the credit facility mayto be increased by up to $50.0 million of new lender commitments uponwith agent approval.

 

As security for the Green Plains Cattle revolving credit facility, the lenders receivedLenders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable, property and equipment and other assets owned by Green Plains Cattle.Cattle as security on the credit facility. The terms of the credit facility includeimpose affirmative covenants and negative covenants, including maintenance ofmaintaining working capital of $15.0 million for 2015, maintenance ofand net worth of $20.3 million for 2015 and maintenance ofmaintain a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50 to 1.00. TheCapital expenditures are limited to $3.0 million per year under the credit facility, also includes an annual capital expenditure limitation of $3.0 million, plus any unused amountamounts from the previous year.

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Green Plains Trade has a $150.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with various lenderswhich matures on November 26, 2019, to provide forfinance working capital financing. The lenders will make loansfor marketing and distribution activities up to $150.0 million based on eligible collateral. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. The outstanding balance if any, is subject to interest charges at the lender’s floating base rate plus the applicable margin or LIBOR plus the applicable margin.

The revolvingterms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00. Capital expenditures are limited to $1.5 million per year under the credit facility.  The credit facility matures on November 26, 2019. In addition to other customary covenants, this revolving credit facilityalso contains restrictions on distributions with respectrelated to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions with respect to tax obligations, subject to certain conditions, whereby distributions may be made in an amount up to 50% of net income if (a) undrawn availability under this facility, on a pro forma basis, is(a) availability has been greater than $10.0 million for the precedinglast 30 days and (b) as of the date of the distribution, the borrower would be in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on a pro forma basis. The loan agreement includes affirmative covenants and negative covenants including maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00 and capital expenditure limitation of $1.0 million annually. the distribution date.  

At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, Green Plains Trade had $11.1$9.4 million prpresented as esented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet, the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance.

 

Partnership Segment

On July 1, 2015, the partnership’s primary operating subsidiary, Green Plains Operating Company, entered into a  five-year $100.0 million revolving credit facility to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes, which matures in July 2020. The credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants include restricting the partnership’s ability to incur additional debt, acquire and sell assets, create liens, invest capital, pay distributions and materially amend the partnership’s commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade. The credit facility may be increased up to $50.0 million without the consent of the lenders. The credit facility is available for revolving loans with sublimits of $15.0 million for swing line loans and $15.0 million for letters of credit. The partnership’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the capital stock of the partnership’s present and future subsidiaries, (ii) all of the partnership’s present and future personal property, such as investment property, general intangibles and contract rights, including rights under agreements with Green Plains Trade, and (iii) all proceeds and products of the equity interests of the partnership’s present and future subsidiaries and its personal property. The partnership and its existing and future domestic subsidiaries also guarantee the credit facility.

Loans under this credit facility are subject to a floating interest rate based on the partnership’s maximum consolidated net leverage ratio equal to (a) a base rate plus 75 to 175 basis points per year or (b) a LIBOR rate plus 175 to 275 basis points. The unused portion of the credit facility is subject to a commitment fee based on the maximum consolidated net leverage ratio ranging from 30 to 50 basis points per year. The credit facility requires the partnership to maintain a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio of no more than 3.50 to 1.00, and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of no less than 2.75 to 1.00.

1719

 


 

 

Corporate Activities

 

In September 2013, the Companycompany issued $120.0 million of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notesconvertible senior notes due 2018, or the 3.25% Notes.notes. The 3.25% Notes representnotes are senior, unsecured obligations of the Company,company, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. At the time the Companycompany issued the 3.25% Notes,notes, it was only permitted to settle conversions with shares of its common stock. The Company received shareholder approval at itsAt the 2014 annual meeting, held in the second quarter, to allow forshareholders approved flexible settlement, which gives itthe company the option to settle conversionsthe 3.25% notes in cash, shares of common stock or  anya  combination thereof.of cash and common stock. The Companycompany intends to satisfy conversion ofconvert the 3.25% Notesnotes with cash for the principal amount of the debt and cash or shares of common stock for any relatedthe conversion premium. 

The 3.25% Notesnotes contain liability and equity components which werethat are bifurcated and accounted for separately. The liability component, of the 3.25% Notes, as of the issuance date, was calculated by estimating the fair value of a similar liability issued at an 8.21% effective interest rate, which was determined by considering the rate of return investors would require for comparable debt of the Company without conversion rights.rate. The amount of the equity component was calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal, amount of the 3.25% Notes, resultingwhich resulted in the initial recognitiondebt discount costs of $24.5 million as debt discount costs recorded inas additional paid-in capital. The carrying amount of the 3.25% Notesnotes will be accretedaccrete to the principal amount over the remaining term tountil maturity, and the Companycompany will record a corresponding amount of noncash interest expense. Additionally, the Companycompany incurred debt issuance costs of $5.1 million related to the 3.25% Notes and allocated $4.0 million of debt issuance costs and allocated $4.0 million to the liability component of the 3.25% Notes.notes. These costs will be amortized toas noncash interest expense over the five-year term of the 3.25% Notes.notes. Prior to April 1, 2018, the 3.25% Notes willnotes are not be convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment uponwhen the occurrence of certain events, including the payment of a quarterly cash dividend that exceeds $0.04 per share. As a result, theThe conversion rate was recently adjusted to  48.199248.4199 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 3.25% Notes,principal which is equal to a current conversion price of approximately $20.75$20.65 per share. In addition, the CompanyThe company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including the Company callingredemption of the 3.25% Notes for redemption.notes.  

 

The Companycompany may redeem for cash all, but not less than all of the 3.25% Notesnotes at any time on or after October 1, 2016 if the sale price of the Company'scompany’s common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date the Companycompany delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, such as a change in control, holdersHolders of the 3.25% Notes willnotes have the right, at their option to require the Companycompany to repurchase theirthe 3.25% Notesnotes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest.interest when there is a fundamental change, such as change in control. Default with respect toon any loan in excess of $10.0 million constitutes an event of default, under the 3.25% Notes, which could result in the 3.25% Notesnotes being declared due and payable.

 

Covenant Compliance

 

The Company, including all of its subsidiaries,company was was in compliance with its debt covenants as of JuneSeptember 30, 2015.

 

Capitalized Interest

 

The Companycompany had $218$313 thousand and $393$707 thousand inof capitalized interest during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.2015, respectively.

 

Restricted Net Assets

 

At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, there were approximately $701.5approximately $711.0 million of net assets at the Company’scompany’s subsidiaries that werecould not available to be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

18


8.9.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Companycompany has an equity incentive plan whichthat reserves a total of 3.5 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms.issuance. 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 and deferred stock unit awards, to be granted to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Companycompany measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Companycompany records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite period on a straight-line basis. Substantially all of the existing stock-based compensation has been equity awards.

20


The exercisable stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

339,750 

 

$

10.82 

 

3.1

 

$

4,763 

Granted

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Exercised

(41,000)

 

 

18.24 

 

-

 

 

363 

Forfeited

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Expired

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Outstanding at September 30, 2015

298,750 

 

$

9.81 

 

2.7

 

$

2,811 

Exercisable at September 30, 2015 (1)

298,750 

 

$

9.81 

 

2.7

 

$

2,811 

(1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 298,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.81.

Option awards allow employees to exercise options through cash payment for the shares of common stock or simultaneous broker-assisted transactions in which the employee authorizes the exercise and immediate sale of the option in the open market. The company uses newly issued shares of common stock to satisfy its share-based payment obligations.

The non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units

 

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term
(in years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2014

678,504 

 

$

16.18 

 

 

Granted

483,289 

 

 

26.94 

 

 

Forfeited

(5,116)

 

 

21.38 

 

 

Vested

(418,460)

 

 

16.58 

 

 

Non-Vested at September 30, 2015

738,217 

 

$

22.96 

 

2.0

Compensation costs for share-based payment plans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015,  were approximately $2.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively, and approximately $1.3 million and $5.8 million, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. At September 30, 2015, there were $12.5 million of unrecognized compensation costs from share-based compensation related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. The potential tax benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 37.9% of these expenses.

Green Plains Partners

The board of directors of the general partner adopted Green Plains Partners’ 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan upon completion of the IPO. The incentive plan is intended to promote the interests of the partnership, its general partner and affiliates by providing incentive compensation based on units to employees, consultants and directors to encourage superior performance. The incentive plan reserves 2.5 million common units for issuance in the form of options, restricted units, phantom units, distributable equivalent rights, substitute awards, unit appreciation rights, unit awards, profits interest units or other unit-based awards. The partnership measures unit-based compensation related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.  Substantially all

In August 2015, the partnership granted 10,089 restricted unit awards, vesting on July 1, 2016, with a weighted average price of $14.93 to certain directors of the Company’s existing share-basedgeneral partner as compensation awards have been determined to be equity awards.

The following table summarizes exercisable stock option activity forunder the six months ended June 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

339,750 

 

$

10.82 

 

3.1

 

$

4,763 

Granted

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Exercised

(32,300)

 

 

19.79 

 

-

 

 

282 

Forfeited

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Expired

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Outstanding at June 30, 2015

307,450 

 

$

9.88 

 

2.8

 

$

5,356 

Exercisable at June 30, 2015 (1)

307,450 

 

$

9.88 

 

2.8

 

$

5,356 

(1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 307,450 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.88.

The Company’s option awards allow employees to exercise options through cash payment to the Company for the shares of common stock or through a simultaneous broker-assisted cashless exercise of a share option through which the employee authorizes the exercise of an option and the immediate sale of the option shares in the open market. The Company uses newly-issued shares of common stock to satisfy its share-based payment obligations.

The following table summarizes non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units

 

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term
(in years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2014

678,504 

 

$

16.18 

 

 

Granted

473,289 

 

 

27.03 

 

 

Forfeited

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

Vested

(381,528)

 

 

15.91 

 

 

Non-Vested at June 30, 2015

770,265 

 

$

22.98 

 

2.2

incentive plan. Compensation costs of approximately $24 thousand were expensed for share-based payment plans described above during both the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015, were approximately $2.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 were approximately $1.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively. At June 30, 2015,there were $15.0 million$127 thousand of unrecognized compensation costs from share-based compensation arrangements, which are related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years. The potential tax benefit realizable for the anticipated tax deductions of the exercise of share-based payment arrangements generally would approximate 37.5% of these expense amounts.unit-based compensation.

1921

 


 

 

9.10.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share, or EPS, is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income on an if-converted basis for the first quarter of 2014, associated with respect to the 3.25% Notesnotes and the 5.75% Convertible Senior Notesconvertible senior notes due 2015, or the 5.75% Notes,notes, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities. All of the 5.75% Notesnotes were retired during the first quarter of 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company received shareholder approval to allow forshareholders approved flexible settlement, which gives the company the option to settle the 3.25% notes in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares ofcommon stock. The company intends to convert the 3.25% notes with cash for the principal and cash or common stock for the conversion of the 3.25% Notes. The Company intends to settle conversions in cash for the principal amount and cash or shares of the Company’s common stock for any related conversion premium. Accordingly, beginning in the second quarter of 2014, diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities.

The calculations of basic and diluted EPS are calculated as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

7,792 

 

$

32,314 

 

$

4,474 

 

$

75,517 

Net income attributable to Green Plains

$

6,179 

 

$

41,749 

 

$

10,653 

 

$

117,266 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

38,027 

 

 

37,467 

 

 

37,916 

 

 

35,322 

 

38,066 

 

 

37,588 

 

 

37,966 

 

 

36,101 

EPS - basic

$

0.20 

 

$

0.86 

 

$

0.12 

 

$

2.14 

$

0.16 

 

$

1.11 

 

$

0.28 

 

$

3.25 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

7,792 

 

$

32,314 

 

$

4,474 

 

$

75,517 

Net income attributable to Green Plains

$

6,179 

 

$

41,749 

 

$

10,653 

 

$

117,266 

Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.75% Notes

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

576 

3.25% Notes

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,379 

Net income - diluted

$

7,792 

 

$

32,314 

 

$

4,474 

 

$

77,472 

5.75% notes

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

576 

3.25% notes

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,379 

Net income attributable to Green Plains - diluted

$

6,179 

 

$

41,749 

 

$

10,653 

 

$

119,221 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

38,027 

 

37,467 

 

37,916 

 

35,322 

 

38,066 

 

37,588 

 

37,966 

 

36,101 

Effect of dilutive convertible debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.75% Notes

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

2,029 

3.25% Notes

 

1,881 

 

1,675 

 

1,480 

 

3,716 

5.75% notes

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

1,345 

3.25% notes

 

355 

 

2,752 

 

1,154 

 

3,452 

Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards

 

167 

 

 

217 

 

 

169 

 

 

241 

 

135 

 

 

202 

 

 

146 

 

 

232 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

 

40,075 

 

 

39,359 

 

 

39,565 

 

 

41,308 

 

38,556 

 

 

40,542 

 

 

39,266 

 

 

41,130 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS - diluted

$

0.19 

 

$

0.82 

 

$

0.11 

 

$

1.88 

$

0.16 

 

$

1.03 

 

$

0.27 

 

$

2.90 

 

ExcludedThere was no stock-based compensation awards excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the sixthree and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, were stock-based compensation awards totaling 6 thousand shares becauseand 2014 due to the exercise prices or the grant-date fair value as applicable, of the corresponding awards were greater thanexceeding the average market price of the Company’scompany’s common stock during the period. 

2022

 


 

 

10.11.  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

Additional

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

Additional

 

 

Comp.

 

Green Plains

Non-

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury Stock

Stockholders'

Common Stock

Paid-in

Retained

Income

Treasury Stock

Stockholders'

Controlling

Stockholders'

Shares

Amount

Capital

Earnings

Income (Loss)

Shares

Amount

Equity

Shares

Amount

Capital

Earnings

(Loss)

Shares

Amount

Equity

Interest

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

44,809 

$

45 

$

569,431 

$

299,101 

$

(5,320)
7,200 

$

(65,808)

$

797,449 
44,809 

$

45 

$

569,431 

$

299,101 

$

(5,320)
7,200 

$

(65,808)

$

797,449 

$

 -

$

797,449 

Net income

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

4,474 

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

4,474 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

10,653 

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

10,653 

 

3,862 

 

14,515 

Cash dividends declared

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

(6,077)

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

(6,077)

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

(10,646)

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

(10,646)

 

 -

 

(10,646)

Other comprehensive income,
before reclassification

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

5,558 

 -

 

 -

 

5,558 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

9,245 

 -

 

 -

 

9,245 

 

 -

 

9,245 

Amounts reclassified from
accum. other comprehensive
income

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

1,608 

 -

 

 -

 

1,608 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

700 

 -

 

 -

 

700 

 

 -

 

700 

Other comprehensive income,
net of tax

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

7,166 

 -

 

 -

 

7,166 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

9,945 

 -

 

 -

 

9,945 

 

 -

 

9,945 

Repurchase of common stock

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

192 

 

(4,003)

 

(4,003)

 

 -

 

(4,003)

Net proceeds from issuance of
common units - Green Plains
Partners LP

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

157,446 

 

157,446 

Stock-based compensation

444 

 

 -

 

3,567 

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

3,567 
433 

 

 -

 

5,718 

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

5,718 

 

 -

 

5,718 

Stock options exercised

32 

 

 -

 

634 

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

634 
41 

 

 -

 

766 

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

766 

 

 -

 

766 

Balance, June 30, 2015

45,285 

$

45 

$

573,632 

$

297,498 

$

1,846 
7,200 

$

(65,808)

$

807,213 

Balance, September 30, 2015

45,283 

$

45 

$

575,915 

$

299,108 

$

4,625 
7,392 

$

(69,811)

$

809,882 

$

161,308 

$

971,190 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

Statements of
Operations

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Statements of
Operations

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Classification

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Classification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol commodity derivatives

$

(8,141)

 

$

(125,177)

 

$

3,708 

 

$

(213,323)

 

Revenues

$

935 

 

$

(15,484)

 

$

4,643 

 

$

(228,806)

 

Revenues

Corn commodity derivatives

 

(7,920)

 

 

30,686 

 

 

(6,278)

 

 

34,259 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

515 

 

 

(65,763)

 

 

(5,763)

 

 

(31,505)

 

Cost of goods sold

Total

 

(16,061)

 

 

(94,491)

 

 

(2,570)

 

 

(179,064)

 

Income (loss) before
income taxes

 

1,450 

 

 

(81,247)

 

 

(1,120)

 

 

(260,311)

 

Income (loss) before
income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(6,031)

 

 

(36,471)

 

 

(962)

 

 

(67,543)

 

Income tax expense
(benefit)

 

547 

 

 

(31,428)

 

 

(420)

 

 

(101,762)

 

Income tax expense
(benefit)

Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss)

$

(10,030)

 

$

(58,020)

 

$

(1,608)

 

$

(111,521)

 

 

$

903 

 

$

(49,819)

 

$

(700)

 

$

(158,549)

 

 

 

11.12.  INCOME TAXES

 

The Companycompany records income tax expense or benefit during interim periods based on its best estimate of the annual effective tax rate. Certain items are given discrete period treatment and as a result, the tax effectseffect of suchthose items are reported in full in the relevant interim period. Green Plains Partners is a master limited partnership, which is treated as a flow-through entity for federal income tax purposes and is not subject to income taxes. As a result, the company’s consolidated financial statements do not reflect any benefit or provision for income taxes on pre-tax income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the partnership.

 

Income taxtax benefit was $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and income tax expense was $2.2 million for the  the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared with income tax expense of $24.3 million and $68.6 million, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 was $5.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, compared to $17.8 million and $44.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2014.2014, respectively. The effective tax rate,  (calculatedcalculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes)taxes, was approximately 40.1%(6.4)% and 38.3%13.0% for the three and sixnine months

23


ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 respectively, and 35.5%36.7% and 37.0%36.9% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, respectively. The increasedecrease in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the impact of the noncontrolling interest in Green Plains Partners on the consolidated financial results. This was partially offset by a change in estimate related to the company’s filing position in various jurisdictions as well as comparable permanent differences on lower amounts of income before taxes for the 2015 periodperiods compared towith the 2014 period.periods.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0.3 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  and December 31, 2014. Recognition of these benefits would have a favorable impact on the Company’company’s effective tax rate. 

21


 

The 2015 annual effective tax rate can be affected as a result ofby variances among the estimates and amounts of full-year sources of taxable income (both among the various states, entities and activity types), thetypes, realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review, variances in the release of valuation allowances and the Company’scompany’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

 

12.13.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases

 

The Companycompany leases certain facilities and parcels of land under agreements that expire at various dates. For accounting purposes, rent expense is based on a straight-line amortization of the total payments required over the lease term.lease. The Companycompany incurred lease expensesexpenses of $8.6$8.0 million and $16.9$24.8 million durinduring g the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively, and $4.6$8.3 million and $11.2$23.5 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, respectively.  

Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2015 and in future fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ending December 31,

 

Amount

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

$

15,381 

 

$

7,850 

2016

 

 

27,008 

 

 

27,315 

2017

 

 

16,961 

 

 

16,897 

2018

 

 

13,880 

 

 

13,828 

2019

 

 

10,033 

 

 

9,912 

Thereafter

 

 

8,928 

 

 

8,930 

Total

 

$

92,191 

 

$

84,732 

 

Commodities

 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Companycompany had contracted for future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle, valued at approximately $336.4$297.9 million.

 

Legal

 

The Companycompany is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but it does not believe that any current or pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

13.Insurance Recoveries

In March 2014, the Green Plains Otter Tail ethanol plant was damaged by a fire, which caused substantial property damage and business interruption costs. The company had property damage and business interruption insurance coverage and, as a result, the incident did not have a material adverse impact on the company’s financial results. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the company recorded a gain of $3.3 million in other income representing partial recovery in excess of the book value of the damaged property and equipment. The company also received insurance proceeds of $8.5 million as of September 30, 2014, related to the business interruption portion of the claim, which reimbursed a majority of lost profits, net of deductible, while the equipment was being repaired. These proceeds were recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The insurance claims for property damage and business interruption were finalized and the remaining amount was paid by the insurance carrier during the fourth quarter of 2014.

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14.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Commercial Contracts

 

Three subsidiaries of the Companycompany have executed separate financing agreements for equipment with AXIS Capital Inc. Gordon F. Glade, Presidentpresident and Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer of AXIS Capital, is a member of the Company’s Boardcompany’s board of Directors.directors. In March 2014, a subsidiary of the Ccompany entered into $1.4 million of new equipment financing agreements with AXIS Capital with monthly payments beginning in April 2014. TotalsBalances of $1.1 million and $1.2 million related to these financing arrangements were included in debt at JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  and December 31, 2014, respectively, under these financing arrangements.respectively. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $69 thousand and $138$207 thousand during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively, and $88$69 thousand and $124$194 thousand during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the financing agreements with AXIS Capital was 6.8%.

 

22


Aircraft Lease

 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Companycompany entered into two agreements with an entity controlled by Wayne B. Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts. Mr. Hoovestol is Chairmanchairman of the Company’s Boardcompany’s board of Directors. In total, the Companydirectors. The company agreed to pay $9,766 per month for the combined use of up to 125 hours per year of the aircrafts. Any flightFlight time in excess of 125 hours per year will incur additional hourly-basedhourly charges. These agreements replaced prior agreements with entities controlled by Mr. Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts for $15,834 per month for use of up to 125 hours per year, with any flight time in excess of 125 hours resulting iper year incurring n additional hourly-basedhourly charges. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, payments related to these leases totaled $47$49 thousand and $104$153 thousand, respectivrespectivelyely,, and$68 thousand and $166 thousand during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, payments related to the aircraft lease totrespectively. The companyaled $68 had approximately $48 thousand and $99 thousand, respectively. The Company had no outstanding payables as of June 30, 2015 and approximately $2$2 thousand in outstandingoutstanding payables related to these agreements at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.2014, respectively. 

 

14.15.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Initial Public OfferingAcquisition of SubsidiaryEthanol Plant in Hopewell, Virginia

 

On July 1,October 26, 2015, Green Plains Partners LP (the “Partnership”), a the company acquired an ethanol production facility in Hopewell, Virginia for approximately $18.3 million. Operating at full capacity, the facility’s dry mill ethanol plant will increase the cnewly-formed subsidiaryompany’s annual production capacity by approximately 60 million gallons. Production is expected to resume by the end of 2015 and corn oil processing is expected to be operational during the Company, closed its initial public offering (the “Offering”). In conjunction withsecond quarter of 2016. The company expects to offer the Offering, the Company contributed its downstream ethanolHopewell plant’s transportation and storage assets to the Partnership. A totalpartnership.

Acquisition of 11.5 million common units representing limited partner interestsEthanol Plant in Hereford, Texas

On October 28, 2015, the company signed a definitive agreement regarding the purchase of an ethanol production facility in Hereford, Texas.  Under the terms of the Partnership, which included 1.5agreement, the company will acquire Hereford Renewable Energy, LLC for approximately $93.8 million, common units pursuantsubject to customary closing adjustments. The transaction value includes $78.5 million for the ethanol production facility with the balance for working capital. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The facility includes an ethanol plant with approximately 100 million gallons per year of production capacity, a corn oil extraction system and other related assets. The company expects to offer the Hereford plant’s transportation and storage assets to the underwriters’ overallotment option, were sold in the Offering at a price to the public of $15.00 per common unit. The Partnership received net proceeds of approximately $157.9 million from the Offering, after deducting the underwriting discount, structuring fees and offering expenses. The Partnership used the net proceeds to make a distribution to the Company of $155.3 million, pay origination fees under the Partnership’s new revolving credit facility and for general partnership purposes. After completion of the Offering, the Company, together with its subsidiaries, owns a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2% general partner interest in the Partnership and the public owns the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest in the Partnership. As such, the Company will consolidate the Partnership in its financial statements in future periods. In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership entered into a new $100.0 million revolving credit facility, as described below under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Initial Public Offering, and the Company entered into certain fee-based arrangements with the Partnership, as described in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015.partnership.

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

 

General

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believesthat we believe is relevant to an assessmentunderstand and understanding ofassess our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included herewith and notes to the consolidated financial statements thereto andcontained in this report together with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 including the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and the risk factors contained therein.2014.

 

Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, but rather to plans and objectives for future operations based uponon management’s reasonable estimates of future results or trends, and include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “outlook,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and similar words and phrases, of similar impact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future operating or financial performance, business strategy, business environment, key trends, and benefits of actual or planned acquisitions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant toin accordance with safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions, anyany or all forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be incorrect. They may be based on inaccurate assumptions or may not account for known or unknown risks and uncertainties.uncertainties, and therefore, be incorrect. Consequently, no forward-looking statement is guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially from the results expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements in this report expressly qualify all of our forward-looking statements. In addition, we are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and in Item 1A of Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015. Specifically, we may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic conditions, including, but not limited to, competition in the ethanol and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, counter-partycounterparty risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, risks related to closing and achieving anticipated results from acquisitions, risks associated with merchant trading, risks associated with the operations of a cattle-feeding business, risks associated with the joint venture to commercialize algae production and the growth potential of the algal biomass industry, and other risk factors detailed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Also in relation to the initial public offering, or Offering,IPO, of common units representing limited partnership interests in our newly-formednewly formed subsidiary, Green Plains Partners LP, or the Partnership,partnership, which closed subsequent to the quarter ended June 30,on July 1, 2015, additional risks include, but are not limited to, compliance with commercial contractual obligations, required in connection with the Partnership, potential tax consequences related to our investment in the Partnershippartnership and risks disclosed in the Partnership’spartnership’s SEC filings and associated with the operation of the Partnershippartnership as a separate, publicly-tradedpublicly traded entity.

 

In light of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this report or in any document incorporated by reference might not occur. Investors are cautionedWe caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speakrepresent management’s views only as of the date of this report or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this report.reference. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

We are a Fortune 1000, vertically-integratedvertically integrated producer, marketer and distributor of ethanol focused on generating stable operating margins through our diversified business segments and our risk management strategy. We believe that owning and operating strategically-locatedstrategically located assets throughout the ethanol value chain enables us to mitigate changes in commodity prices and differentiates us from companies focused only on ethanol production. We have operations throughout the ethanol value chain, beginning upstream with our grain handling and storage operations, continuing through our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil production operations, and ending downstream with our marketing, terminal and distribution services.

 

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Our management reviews our operations in

We review the financial and operating performance of four separate operating segments:

 

·

Ethanol Production.  We are North America’s fourth largest ethanol producer. We operate twelve12 ethanol plants in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska and Tennessee.Tennessee and are the fourth largest ethanol producer in North America. We have the capacity to consume approximately 360 million bushels of corn per year and produce over one billion gallons of ethanol and approximately 2.9 million tons of distillers grains annually.

·

Corn Oil Production.  We also operate corn oil extraction systems at our ethanol plants, with the capacity to produce approximately 250 million pounds annually. The corn oil systems are designed to extract non-edible corn oil, a value-added product, from the whole stillage immediately prior to production of distillers grains. Industrial uses for corn oil include feedstock for biodiesel, livestock feed additives, rubber substitutes, rust preventatives, inks, textiles, soaps and insecticides.

·

Agribusiness.    Within our bulk grain business, weWe have grain storage capacity of approximately 42.250.1 million bushels. Ourbushels and a cattle feedlot operation haswith the capacity to support approximately 70,000 head of cattle. We believe our agribusiness operations provide synergies with our ethanol production segment as it suppliesby supplying a portion of the feedstock needed to produce ethanol and utilizesusing a portion of the distillers grains that are output offrom our ethanol plants.

·

Marketing and Distribution.  Our in-house marketing business is responsible formarkets, sells and distributes all of the sale, marketing and distribution of all ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil produced at our ethanol plants. We also market and provide logistical services for ethanol and other commodities for a third-party producer. We purchaseIn addition, we buy and sell ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, grain, natural gas and other commodities and participate in other merchant trading activities inacross various markets. Additionally, we operate

·

Partnership.  Our master limited partnership provides fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. The partnership owns (i) 27 ethanol storage facilities located at or near our 12 ethanol production plants, which have the ability to efficiently and effectively store and load railcars and tanker trucks with all of the ethanol produced at our ethanol production plants, (ii) eight fuel terminalsterminal facilities, located near major rail lines, which enable the partnership to receive, store and deliver fuels from and to markets that otherwise lack efficient access to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of approximately 2,200 railcars with approximately 822an aggregate capacity of 66.3 million gallons, per year, or mmgy,mmg, as of total throughput capacity in seven south central U.S. states.September 30, 2015, which is contracted to transport ethanol from our ethanol production plants to refineries throughout the United States and international export terminals.

 

We intend to continue to take aare disciplined approach in evaluating new opportunities related to potential acquisition of additional ethanol plantsplant acquisitions by considering whether the plants meet our design, engineering, valuation and geographic criteria. We have begun to implement certainare implementing an expansion projectsproject at our ethanol plants to utilizeleverage the strategic location and capacity of these assets to cost-effectively increase our annual production. As part of our ethanol production capacity expansion program, we have added 35 million gallons of production capacity at a cost of $19.6 million through October 1, 2015. We anticipate adding another 30 million gallons of production capacity during the first quarter of 2016 and 20 million gallons of production capacity in the second quarter of 2016 at an estimated cost of approximately $30.4 million.  In our agribusiness and marketing and distribution segment,segments, we intend to expand our marketing efforts by entering into new or renewed contracts with other ethanol producers to optimize our logistics capabilities and realize additional profit margins by optimizingmargins. For our commodity logistics. In addition, within our recently-formedrecently formed subsidiary, Green Plains Partners, LP, our strategy is to build or acquire additional fuel terminal facilitiesassets that can be offered to the partnership to generate incremental distributable cash flow. In 2013, we began to implementimplemented a plan to realign our agribusiness operations by adding grain storage capacity located at or near our ethanol plants to take advantage of our current infrastructure and enhance our corn origination and trading capabilities. We intend to continue to addadding grain storage capacity with the goal of owning approximately 50 million bushels of total storage capacity by the end of 2015.and are currently evaluating opportunities for expansion in 2016.  We also intend to pursue opportunities to develop or acquire additional grain elevators, specificallyparticularly those located near our ethanol plants. We believe that owning additional grain handling and storage operations in close proximity to our ethanol plants enables us to strengthen relationships with local corn producers allowing us toand source corn more effectively and at a lower average cost. We will also consider acquisitions of additional cattle feedlot operations. We haveare a majority ownershipowner in a joint venture that is focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae which consume carbon dioxide, in commercially viable quantities.

On October 26, 2015, we acquired an ethanol production facility in Hopewell, Virginia for approximately $18.3 million. Operating at full capacity, the facility’s dry mill ethanol plant will increase our annual production capacity by approximately 60 million gallons to nearly 1.1 billion gallons per year. Production is expected to resume by the end of 2015 and corn oil processing is expected to be operational during the second quarter of 2016. We expect to offer the Hopewell plant’s transportation and storage assets to the partnership.

On October 28, 2015, we signed a definitive agreement regarding the purchase of an ethanol production facility in Hereford, Texas. Under the terms of the agreement, we will acquire Hereford Renewable Energy, LLC for approximately $93.8 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. The transaction value includes $78.5 million for the ethanol production facility with the balance for working capital. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The facility includes an ethanol plant with

27


approximately 100 million gallons per year of production capacity, a corn oil extraction system and other related assets. We expect to offer the Hereford plant’s transportation and storage assets to the partnership.

 

Initial Public Offering of Subsidiary

 

On July 1, 2015, our newly-formed Partnershipnewly formed partnership closed its initial public offering.offering, or IPO. In conjunction with the Offering,IPO, we contributed our downstream ethanol transportation and storage assets to the Partnership.partnership. A total of 11.5 million11,500,000 common units, representing limited partner interests, of the Partnership, which included 1.5 millionincluding 1,500,000 common units pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option, were sold in the Offering at a price to the public offor $15.00 per common unit. The Partnershippartnership received net proceeds of approximately $157.9$157.4 million from the Offering, after deducting the underwriting discount,discounts, structuring fees and offering expenses. The Partnershippartnership used the net proceeds (i) to make a distribution to us (ii) toof $155.3 million and pay $0.9 million in origination fees under the Partnership’sits new $100.0 million revolving credit facility and (iii)facility. The remaining $1.2 million was retained for general partnership purposes. After completion of the Offering, we, together with our subsidiaries,We now own a 62.5% limited partner interest consisting of 4,389,642 common units and 15,889,642 subordinated units, and a 2%2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership and thepartnership. The public owns the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest in the Partnership.partnership. As such, the partnership is consolidated in our financial statements. 

The partnership is a fee-based master limited partnership formed by us to provide fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. The partnership’s initial assets include (i) 27 ethanol storage facilities, located at or near our 12 ethanol production plants, which have the ability to efficiently and effectively store and load railcars and tanker trucks with all of the ethanol produced at our ethanol production plants, (ii) eight fuel terminal facilities,  located near major rail lines, which enable the partnership to receive, store and deliver fuels from and to markets that seek access to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of approximately 2,200 railcars with an aggregate capacity of 66.3 mmg as of September 30, 2015, which is contracted to transport ethanol from our ethanol production plants to refineries throughout the United States and international export terminals. The partnership expects to be our primary downstream logistics provider to support our over one billion gallons per year, or bgy, ethanol marketing and distribution business since the partnership’s assets are the principal method of storing and delivering the ethanol we produce.  

A substantial portion of the partnership’s revenue is derived from long-term, fee-based commercial agreements with our subsidiary, Green Plains Trade.  In connection with the closing ofIPO, the Offering, the Partnershippartnership (1) entered into (i) a new $100.0 million revolving credit facility, as described below under Liquidityten-year fee-based storage and Capital Resources – Initial Public Offering,throughput agreement; (ii) a six-year fee-based rail transportation services agreement; and we entered into(iii) a one-year fee-based trucking transportation agreement, and (2) assumed (i) an approximately 2.5-year terminal services agreement for the partnership’s Birmingham, Alabama-unit train terminal; and (ii) various other  terminal services agreements for their other fuel terminal facilities, each with Green Plains Trade. The partnership’s  storage and throughput agreement and certain fee-based arrangementsterminal services agreements, including the Birmingham terminal services agreement, are supported by minimum volume commitments. The rail transportation services agreement is supported by minimum take-or-pay capacity commitments. We also have agreements with the Partnership, as described inpartnership that establish fees for general and administrative services, and operational and maintenance services we provide. These transactions are eliminated when we consolidate our current report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015.

25financial results.

 


Ethanol Industry Dynamics

��

U.S. Supply and Demand

 

Since 2001, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA, U.S. fuelDomestic ethanol consumption has increased at a rate of overgreater than 15% per year, from 1.7 billion gallons in 2001 to overmore than 13.6 billion gallons in 2014.2014 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA. In addition to government regulations which mandate the use of ethanol in blending, ethanol actsis used as both an octane enhancer and fuel stock extender. The ethanol production market is fairly fragmented. According to Ethanol Producer Magazine, as of July 10, 2015, there were 214216 ethanol plants withinin the United States capable of producing 15.5 billion gallons a year. Further, the fuel ethanol production market is fairly fragmented with thebgy as of October 21, 2015. The top five producers with us being the fourth largest, accountingaccount for approximately 40% of overall production. We are the fourth largest ethanol producer in North America.

 

WithSince ethanol comprisingaccounts for approximately 10% of the U.S. gasoline market and wholesale reformulated blendstock for oxygenate blending, or RBOB, gasoline beingis the primary feedstock of finished gasoline in the United States, there is an economic relationship between the two, particularly with respectas it relates to blending gasoline. Currently, blendersblending. Blenders generally are able to charge the same amount for E10 (gasoline withgasoline that contains 10% ethanol)ethanol, or E10, as 100% gasoline,  thereby taking the difference between generally less-expensive ethanol and gasoline as a margin and allowing ethanol to be an economic source for octane and meet renewable fuel requirements.

 

28


Global Supply and Demand

 

The United States is the world’s largest producer and consumer of fuel ethanol. According to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, collectively,Collectively, the United States and Brazil account for overmore than 80% of all fuel ethanol production and fuel ethanol consumption, (based on latest publically-available data). Rather than producing ethanol using corn as itsaccording to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service. While the primary feedstock Brazil’sfor ethanol production is sugarcane-based.

Led byproduced in the United States globalis corn, the primary feedstock for ethanol produced in Brazil is sugarcane.

Global ethanol production has grown significantly overin recent years as approximatelyled by the United States. Approximately 30 countries either mandate or incentivize ethanol and bio-diesel blending forwith motor fuels. Annual reported globalGlobal production has increased from approximately 5.0 billion gallons in 2001 to approximatelyapproximately 24.6 billion gallons in 2014, accordingaccording to the EIA. We believe ethanol, as a proportionpercentage of total transportation fuels, will continue to experience increasing global demand dueas countries continue to a continuing focus on reducing their reliance on petroleum-based transportation fuels.

 

In 2010, the United States became the world'sworld’s leading supplier of ethanol, according to the EIA. In 2014, U.S. ethanol imports were approximately 75 million gallonsmmg, 400 mmg and exports were approximately 850 million gallons. In560 mmg in 2014, 2013 the United States imported approximately 400 million gallons and exported approximately 600 million gallons of ethanol.2012, respectively. U.S. ethanol exports were approximately 850 mmg, 600 mmg and 730 million gallonsmmg in 2014, 2013 and imports were approximately 560 million gallons for 2012.2012, respectively. At present, approximately 94% of the ethanol produced domestically is used and marketed to the United States, withwhile the remaining beingethanol is used and marketed worldwide, withworldwide. Canada asis the largest export market. According to Credit Suisse Securities Research and Analysis, global demand for ethanol, excluding the United States, could grow at a rate of 2% to 3% annually, which equates to demand for an additional need for 200 millionmmg to 300 million gallonsmmg of fuel grade ethanol.

 

According to the “Renewable Energy Top Markets for U.S. Exports 2014-2015” report by the U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration, as more countries mandate the blending ofwith ethanol, new export opportunities for U.S. ethanol producers are emerging. Through 2015, however,will emerge. Canada and BrazilBrazil; however, will likely remain the two largest export destinations for U.S. ethanol. However, theethanol through 2015. The industry is developing other markets such as Philippines, India, Mexico, South Korea and Peru. Additionally, Brazil, India and the Philippinescertain countries are moving forward with higher blends of ethanol in their fuel –fuel: Brazil moved to 27% from 25%, India is moving to a 10% ethanol blend from E5 and is giving consideration toconsidering a 20% fuel blend and the Philippines is evaluating steps to move to higher blends from their current E10 mandate.

 

Industry Factors Affecting our Results of Operations

 

Variability of Commodity Prices.    Our operationsindustry and our industryoperations are highly dependent on commodity prices,the price of various commodities, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. Because the market prices of these commodities are not always correlated, atthere are times when ethanol production may be unprofitable. As commodityis not profitable. Since price volatility poses a significant threat to our margin structure, we have developed a risk management strategy focused on locking in favorable operating margins when available. We continually monitor market prices ofprice for corn, natural gas and other input costsinputs relative to the pricesprice for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions by using derivative instruments, fixed-price purchases and sales contracts, or a combination of strategies within strict limits. Our primary focus isWe do not try to manage general price movements of individual commodities, for example to minimize the cost of corn consumed, but rather to lock in

26


favorable profit margins whenever possible.consumed. By using a variety of risk management tools and hedging strategies, including our internally-developedinternal real-time margin management system, we believe we are able to maintain a disciplined approach to price risks.

 

In 2014, U.S. ethanol production was 14.3 billion gallons compared with production of 13.3 billion gallons in 2013. For 2014, 14.4 billion gallons of conventional biofuels blending was mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS II. DuringII, when U.S. ethanol production was 14.3 billion gallons. In 2012, sugarcane ethanol imported from Brazil, which totaled approximately 530 million gallons,mmg, was one of the most economical means for certain parties to comply with anthe RFS II requirement to blend in the aggregate, 2.0 billion gallons of advanced biofuels in 2012.biofuels. Effective March 16, 2015, the Brazilian government increased the required percentage of ethanol in vehicle fuel sold in Brazil to 27 percent (from 25 percent)27% from 25% which, along with more competitively priced ethanol produced from corn, has significantly reducedreduced U.S. ethanol imports from Brazil. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in the first five months of 2015, U.S. had ethanol exports, net of imports, was approximately 520.9 mmg in the first eight months of approximately 355.0 million gallons.2015. Domestic inventory stocks were 820 million gallons789 mmg at JuneSeptember 30, 2015.

 

As of June 30,On October 9, 2015, the USDA has projected the U.S. corn crop for 2016 to be 13.513.6 billion bushels with a projected yield per acre of 166.8168.0 bushels on 81.180.7 million acres harvested. This corn productionharvested which is anticipatedexpected to result in corn ending stocks of 1.6 billion bushels at August 31, 2016. We believe that U.S. ethanol production levels will continue to adjust to supply and demand factors for ethanol and corn.

 

There may be periods of time, that, due to the variability of commodity prices and compressed margins, when we reduce or cease ethanol production operations at certainsome of our ethanol plants. The reduced production rates will increase our ethanol yields and optimize cash flow in lower margin environments. In 2014 we produced ethanol at approximately 95.6% of our total daily average

29


capacity. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, we reduced production volumes at several of our ethanol plants, which resulted in total production of approximately 93.2%approximately 90.0% of our total daily average capacity in direct responsedue to unfavorable ethanol operating margins.

 

Legislation.  Federal and state governments have enacted numerous policies and incentives to encourage the usageuse of domestically-produceddomestically produced alternative fuels. RFS II has been, and we expect will continue to be, a driving factordriver in the growth of ethanol usage. Due to drought conditions in 2012 and claims that blending of ethanol into the motor fuel supplymarket will be constrained by unwillingness of the marketunwilling to accept greater than ten percent10% ethanol blends, legislation aimed at reducing or eliminating the use of renewable fuel usefuels  required by RFS II has been introduced intoto Congress.

 

To further drive thepromote increased adoption of ethanol, Growth Energy, an ethanol industry trade association, and a number of ethanol producers requested a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to increase the allowable amount of ethanol blended intowith gasoline from the current ten percent10% level, or E10, to a 15% level, or E15. Through a series of decisions beginning in October 2010, the EPA has granted a waiver for the use of E15 in model year 2001 and newer passenger vehicles, including cars, sport utility vehicles and light pickup trucks. In June 2012, the EPA gave final approval forapproved the sale and use of E15 ethanol blends.E15. On June 24, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court declineddeclined to hear an appeal from the American Petroleum Institute and other organizations challenging the EPA’s decision to permit the sale of E15. According to the EPA, as of June 10,October 22, 2015, there were 129157 gas stations in 1921 states offering E15 to consumers.

 

On April 17, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, announced rail safety changes for transportation of ethanol and other liquids. Effective immediately, transportation of Class 3 flammable liquids, such as ethanol, will beare subject to new safety advisories, notices and an emergency order issued by the DOT, Federal Railroad Administration and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The emergency order limits trains to a maximum authorized operating speed limit when passing through highly-populatedhighly populated areas and carrying large amounts of ethanol or other Class 3 flammable liquids.

 

On May 1, 2015, the DOT, in coordination with Transport Canada, announced the final rule, “Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains.” The rule calls for an enhanced tank car standard known as the DOT specification 117 or DOT-117 tank car and establishes a schedule beginning in May 2017 for retrofittingto retrofit or replacingreplace older tank cars carrying crude oil and ethanol. U.S. and Canadian shippers will have until May 1, 2023, to phase out or upgrade older DOT-111 tank cars in ethanol service.servicing ethanol. Shippers will have until July 1, 2023, to retrofit or replace non-jacketed CPC-1232 tank cars, and until May 1, 2025, to retrofit or replace jacketed CPC-1232 tank cars, transporting ethanol in the U.S. and Canada. The rule also establishes new braking standards that are intended to reduce the severity of accidents and the so-called “pile-up effect.” Under prescribed circumstances, newNew operational protocols apply includingare also applicable, which include reduced speed, routing requirements and local government notifications. In addition, companies that offertransport hazardous material for transportationmaterials must develop more accurate classification protocols.

 

27On September 10, 2015, the Food & Drug Administration announced that the “Preventive Controls for Human Food” rule and “Preventive Controls for Animal Food” rules are now final. While we are still reviewing these rules, we believe the supply chain management and audit requirements contained in these rules may require many additional human resources to comply with the rules.

 


Industry Fundamentals.    The ethanol industry is supported by a number of market fundamentals that drive its long-term outlook and extend beyond the short-term margin environment. Following the EPA’s approval, the industry is working to broadly introduce E15 into the retail fuel market. The RFS II statutory mandate level for conventional biofuels for 2015 is 15.0 billion gallons and forgallons. For 2014, it was 14.4 billion gallons, which approximated 2014 domestic production levels.levels that year. Future demand will be largely dependent uponon the economic incentives to blend based upon the relative value of gasoline versus ethanol, taking into consideration the relative octane value of ethanol,octane, environmental requirements and the RFS II mandate.

 

The domestic gasoline market continues to evolve as refiners are producingproduce more conventional blendstocks for oxygenate blending, or CBOB, a sub-grade, (84 octane)84 octane gasoline, which requires ethanol or other octane sources to meet the minimum octane rating requirements for the U.S. gasoline market. The demand for ethanol is also affected by the overall demand for transportation fuel. Currently, according to the EIA, total U.S. gasoline demand is approximately 136.8139.0 billion gallons annually.annually, according to the EIA. The ethanol blend rate in 2014 was approximately 9.9% of total gasoline demand, or 13.513.9 billion gallons. Demand for transportation fuel is affected by the number of miles traveled by businesses and consumers and the fuel economy of vehicles. Consumer acceptance of E15 and E85 (85% ethanol blended) fuels and flex-fuel vehicles is one factor that may be needednecessary before ethanol can achieve any significant growth in U.S. market share. In addition, although the ethanol export markets althoughare affected by competition from other ethanol exporters, mainly from Brazil, are expectedwe expect exports to remain active in 2015. Overall, the U.S. ethanol industry is producing at levels to meet current domestic and export demand and ethanol prices have remained at a discount to gasoline,octane substitutes, providing blenders and refiners with an economic incentive to blend.

 

30


BioProcess Algae Joint Venture

 

Our BioProcess Algae joint venture is focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae, which consume carbon dioxide, in commercially viable quantities. Through multiple stages of expansion, BioProcess Algae has constructed a five-acre algae farm next to our Shenandoah, Iowa ethanol plant and has been operatingoperated its Grower Harvesters™ bioreactors since 2011. The joint venture is currently focused on verification ofverifying growth rates, energy balances, capital requirements and operating expenses of the technology, which are considered to be some of the keycritical steps totoward commercialization.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

This disclosure is based uponon our consolidated financial statements, which have beenwere prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. We regularly evaluate the appropriateness of the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including, but not limited to, those relating to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, asset retirement obligations, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. See further discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, as well as significant accounting policies, in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company will be requiredFor information related to adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606,recent accounting pronouncements, see Revenue from Contracts with CustomersNote 1 – Basis of Presentation, Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, which replaces existing revenue recognition guidance by requiring revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has approved deferral of required adoption included herein as part of the amended guidance by one year, from January 1, 2017Notes to January 1, 2018. Early application beginning January 1, 2017 is permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the updated standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amended guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented will be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance.

28


Effective January 1, 2017, the Company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The amended guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Components of Revenues and Expenses

 

Revenues.  In our ethanol production segment, our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of ethanol, and distillers grains which is a co-productand corn oil. Distillers grains and corn oil are co-products of the ethanol production process. In our corn oil production segment, our revenues are derived from the sale of corn oil, which is extracted from the whole stillage process immediately prior to the production of distillers grains. In our agribusiness segment, the sale of grain and cattle are our primary sourcesources of revenue. In our marketing and distribution segment, the salesales of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil that we market for our ethanol plants, the salesales of ethanol we market for a third-party ethanol plant and the salesales of other commodities purchased in the open market represent our primary sources of revenue. Revenues also include net gains or losses from derivatives related to products sold. In our partnership segment, our revenues consist primarily of fees charged for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels.

 

Cost of Goods Sold.    CostIn our ethanol production segment, cost of goods sold in our ethanol production and corn oil production segments includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of our ethanol plants.plant operations. Plant overhead costsconsists primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Our cost of goods sold in these segmentsCorn is mainly affected by the cost of corn, natural gas, purchased distillers grains and transportation. Within our corn oil segment, we compensate the ethanol plants for the value of distillers grains displaced during the production process. In the ethanol production segment, corn is our most significant raw material cost. We purchase naturalNatural gas is our second largest cost, which is used to power steam generation in ourthe ethanol production process and to dry our distillers grains. Natural gas represents our second largest cost in this business segment. Cost of goods sold also includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to commodities purchased.

 

GrainIn our agribusiness segment, grain acquisition costs representare the primary components of cost of goods sold in our agribusiness segment.sold. Grain inventories held for sale, and forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts are valued at market prices wherewhen available or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily in transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets, on whichwhere the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the market value of grain inventories, forward purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded futures and options contracts are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold. In the cattle-feeding operation, the costs of cattle, acquired, feed and veterinary supplies, as well as direct labor and feedlot overhead costs, are accumulated as inventory and included as a component of cost of goods sold when the cattle are sold. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of our feedlot.feedlot operations. Feedlot overhead costs primarily consist ofinclude feedlot utilities, depreciation, repairs and maintenance and yard expenses.

31


 

In our marketing and distribution segment, purchases of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil represent the largest components of cost of goods sold. Transportation expense represents an additional major component

Operations and Maintenance Expenses.  In our partnership segment, transportation expenses represent the primary components of our cost of goods sold in this segment.operations and maintenance expenses. Transportation expense includes rail car leases, freight and shipping of our ethanol and co-products, as well as costs incurred in storing ethanol at destination terminals.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses are recognized at the operating segment level, as well as at the corporate level. These expenses consist of employee salaries, incentives and benefits; office expenses; director fees; and professional fees for accounting, legal, consulting, and investor relations activities. Personnel costs, which include employee salaries, incentives and benefits, are the largest single category of expenditures in selling, general and administrative expenses. We refer to selling,expenditures. Selling, general and administrative expenses that are not allocablecannot be allocated to a segment are referred to as corporate activities.

 

Other Income (Expense).    Other income (expense) includes interest earned, interest expense, equity earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries and other non-operating items. 

29


Results of Operations 

 

Segment Results

 

Our operations are reported withinAs a result of the IPO,  we implemented organizational changes during the third quarter of 2015. We now review the financial and operating performance of the following four operating segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, and related distillers grains collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2)and corn oil, production, (3)(2) agribusiness, which includes grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations collectively referred to as agribusiness,(3) marketing and (4)distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading and logistics services for Company-producedcompany-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

When transferring assets between entities under common control under GAAP, the entity receiving the net assets initially recognizes the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities at the date of transfer. The transferee’s prior period financial statements are restated for all periods its operations were part of the parent’s consolidated financial statements. On July 1, 2015, Green Plains Partners received ethanol storage and railcar assets and liabilities in a transfer between entities under common control. The transferred assets and liabilities are recognized at our historical cost and reflected retroactively in the segment information of the consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q. The assets of Green Plains Partners were previously included in the ethanol production and marketing and distribution segments. Expenses related to the ethanol storage and railcar assets, such as depreciation, amortization and railcar lease expenses, are also reflected retroactively in the following segment information. There are no revenues related to the operation of fuel terminal facilities, collectively referredthese ethanol storage and railcar assets in the partnership segment prior July 1, 2015, the date the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade became effective.

In June 2014, we acquired the assets of a cattle-feeding business with the capacity to as marketingsupport approximately 70,000 head of cattle and distribution. Selling,3.8 million bushels of grain storage capacity within our agribusiness segment.

Corporate activities incudes selling, general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily consisting of employees compensation, of corporate employees, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment, are reflected in the table below as corporate activities.segment. When the Company’s management evaluateswe evaluate segment performance, theywe review the information provided below as well as segmentour earnings before interest, income taxes, noncontrolling interest, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA.

 

During the normal course of business, our operating segments enter into transactionsdo business with one another.each other. For example, our ethanol production and corn oil production segments sellsegment sells ethanol distillers grains and corn oil to our marketing and distribution segment, and our agribusiness segment sells grain to our ethanol production segment and our partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services for our marketing and distribution segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions and recorded by each segment at prices approximating market and treated as if they are third-party transactions.values. Consequently, these transactions affect segment performance; however, they do not impact segment performance. However, intersegmentour consolidated results since the revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation, and do not impact our consolidated results.eliminated.

 

In June 2014, within our agribusiness segment, we acquired the assets of a cattle-feeding business with capacity to support 70,000 head of cattle and 3.8 million bushels of grain storage capacity.

32

 


The tables below reflect selected operating segment financial information are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

$

38,856 

 

$

(71,054)

 

$

102,950 

 

$

(98,486)

Intersegment revenues

 

411,582 

 

 

603,529 

 

 

764,441 

 

 

1,169,332 

Total segment revenues

 

450,438 

 

 

532,475 

 

 

867,391 

 

 

1,070,846 

Corn oil production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

 -

 

 

(7)

 

 

(13)

 

 

 -

$

37,702 

 

$

34,593 

 

$

140,640 

 

$

(63,893)

Intersegment revenues

 

17,027 

 

 

20,381 

 

 

33,836 

 

 

36,765 

 

352,215 

 

 

568,938 

 

 

1,145,879 

 

 

1,764,734 

Total segment revenues

 

17,027 

 

 

20,374 

 

 

33,823 

 

 

36,765 

 

389,917 

 

 

603,531 

 

 

1,286,519 

 

 

1,700,841 

Agribusiness:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

78,642 

 

 

33,488 

 

 

136,976 

 

 

51,729 

 

54,519 

 

 

23,747 

 

 

191,495 

 

 

75,476 

Intersegment revenues

 

264,935 

 

 

347,116 

 

 

527,718 

 

 

651,354 

 

255,671 

 

 

290,543 

 

 

783,388 

 

 

941,897 

Total segment revenues

 

343,577 

 

 

380,604 

 

 

664,694 

 

 

703,083 

 

310,190 

 

 

314,290 

 

 

974,883 

 

 

1,017,373 

Marketing and distribution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

626,992 

 

 

875,431 

 

 

1,242,965 

 

 

1,618,504 

 

648,413 

 

 

773,439 

 

 

1,887,184 

 

 

2,387,801 

Intersegment revenues

 

31,887 

 

 

34,595 

 

 

71,262 

 

 

68,060 

 

21,914 

 

 

40,616 

 

 

93,176 

 

 

108,677 

Total segment revenues

 

658,879 

 

 

910,026 

 

 

1,314,227 

 

 

1,686,564 

 

670,327 

 

 

814,055 

 

 

1,980,360 

 

 

2,496,478 

Partnership:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers (1)

 

2,163 

 

 

2,146 

 

 

6,356 

 

 

6,288 

Intersegment revenues

 

19,247 

 

 

1,255 

 

 

21,895 

 

 

3,267 

Total segment revenues

 

21,410 

 

 

3,401 

 

 

28,251 

 

 

9,555 

Revenues including intersegment activity

 

1,469,921 

 

 

1,843,479 

 

 

2,880,135 

 

 

3,497,258 

 

1,391,844 

 

 

1,735,277 

 

 

4,270,013 

 

 

5,224,247 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(725,431)

 

 

(1,005,621)

 

 

(1,397,257)

 

 

(1,925,511)

 

(649,047)

 

 

(901,352)

 

 

(2,044,338)

 

 

(2,818,575)

Revenues as reported

$

744,490 

 

$

837,858 

 

$

1,482,878 

 

$

1,571,747 

$

742,797 

 

$

833,925 

 

$

2,225,675 

 

$

2,405,672 

 

(1)

Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

365,348 

 

$

512,621 

 

$

1,184,595 

 

$

1,448,082 

Agribusiness

 

307,995 

 

 

311,691 

 

 

962,979 

 

 

1,009,246 

Marketing and distribution

 

656,934 

 

 

800,100 

 

 

1,950,327 

 

 

2,437,813 

Partnership

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Intersegment eliminations

 

(650,929)

 

 

(908,224)

 

 

(2,049,522)

 

 

(2,823,000)

 

$

679,348 

 

$

716,188 

 

$

2,048,379 

 

$

2,072,141 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

5,528 

 

$

72,836 

 

$

43,139 

 

$

198,359 

Agribusiness

 

365 

 

 

1,136 

 

 

5,833 

 

 

3,341 

Marketing and distribution

 

9,406 

 

 

8,378 

 

 

17,446 

 

 

43,446 

Partnership

 

11,030 

 

 

(5,268)

 

 

416 

 

 

(14,054)

Intersegment eliminations

 

1,882 

 

 

6,842 

 

 

5,264 

 

 

4,270 

Corporate activities

 

(8,378)

 

 

(8,869)

 

 

(23,759)

 

 

(23,017)

 

$

19,833 

 

$

75,055 

 

$

48,339 

 

$

212,345 

3033

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

24,284 

 

$

35,171 

 

$

17,464 

 

$

106,859 

Corn oil production

 

9,625 

 

 

10,931 

 

 

20,010 

 

 

18,746 

Agribusiness

 

4,006 

 

 

2,499 

 

 

9,218 

 

 

5,475 

Marketing and distribution

 

10,714 

 

 

9,899 

 

 

22,868 

 

 

50,615 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(1,303)

 

 

19,815 

 

 

3,321 

 

 

(2,631)

 

$

47,326 

 

$

78,315 

 

$

72,881 

 

$

179,064 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

18,230 

 

$

30,111 

 

$

5,087 

 

$

96,337 

Corn oil production

 

9,567 

 

 

10,874 

 

 

19,778 

 

 

18,582 

Agribusiness

 

2,258 

 

 

1,269 

 

 

5,468 

 

 

2,205 

Marketing and distribution

 

4,564 

 

 

4,391 

 

 

10,172 

 

 

36,885 

Intersegment eliminations

 

(1,303)

 

 

19,815 

 

 

3,381 

 

 

(2,571)

Corporate activities

 

(8,914)

 

 

(7,514)

 

 

(15,380)

 

 

(14,148)

 

$

24,402 

 

$

58,946 

 

$

28,506 

 

$

137,290 

Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, Comparedcompared to the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014

 

Consolidated Results

 

Consolidated revenues decreased by $93.4$91.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Revenues from sales of ethanol and distillers grains decreased by $149.4$149.1 million and $15.2$11.0 million, respectively, while revenues from sales of cattle, natural gas and grains increased by $62.9$44.2 million, $14.1 million and $9.5$5.0 million, respectively. Ethanol and distillers grains revenues were affected by a decrease in average realized prices. Natural gas revenues were impacted by an increase in third party volumes sold. Grain revenues were impacted by an increase in volumes, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Gross profitvolumes. Operating income decreased by $31.0$55.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of decreased margins for ethanol production. Operating income decreased by $34.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 as a result of the factors discussed abovedecreased revenues, as well as a  $3.6 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.decreased margins for ethanol production. Interest expense increaseddecreased by $0.9$0.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 due to lower average borrowing costs, partially offset by higher average debt balances outstanding.outstanding during the quarter. Income tax expensebenefit was $5.2$0.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $17.8income tax expense of $24.3 million for the same period in 2014.

 

The following discussion of segment results provides greater detail on period-to-period results.about our third quarter segment performance.

 

Ethanol Production Segment

 

The table below presents keyKey operating data withinfor our ethanol production segment:segment is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of gallons)

 

238,737 

 

241,871 

 

215,561 

 

246,939 

Distillers grains sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

 

631 

 

653 

 

577 

 

682 

Corn oil sold

 

 

 

 

(thousands of pounds)

 

55,918 

 

62,989 

Corn consumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of bushels)

 

84,162 

 

86,140 

 

75,538 

 

87,732 

 

31


Revenues in the ethanol production segment decreased by $82.0$213.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to lower average ethanol and distillers grains prices realized, as well as lower volumes produced and sold. TheIn recognition of the low margin environment, the ethanol production segment produced 238.7215.6 million gallons of ethanol, which represents approximately 93.9%83.8% of daily average production capacity, during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.  

CostWe sold 55.9 million pounds of goods sold in the ethanol production segment decreased by $71.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Corn costs decreased due to a 22% decrease in average cost per bushel and reduced corn consumption resulting from an improvement in ethanol yieldoil during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. As a result of the factors identified above, gross profit and operating income for the ethanol production segment decreased by $10.9 million and $11.9 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $13.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $12.8 million during the same period in 2014.

Corn Oil Production Segment

Revenues in the corn oil production segment decreased by $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we sold 62.4 million pounds of corn oil compared to 58.063.0 million pounds in the same period of 2014. The average price realized for corn oil was approximately 22% lower for the secondthird quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Gross profit and operating incomeCost of goods sold in the corn oilethanol production segment decreased by $1.3$147.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease wasCorn costs decreased due to thea 2% decrease in revenuesaverage cost per bushel and decreasereduced corn consumption resulting from an improvement in cost of goods sold of $2.0 million related toethanol yield, as well as lower input and processing costsproduction during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. As a result of the factors identified above, operating income for the ethanol production segment decreased by $67.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $13.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $13.2 million during the same period in 2014.

 

Agribusiness Segment

 

Revenues in the agribusiness segment decreased by $37.0$4.1 million, and gross profit and operating income increaseddecreased by $1.5 million and $1.0$0.8 million, respectively, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. We sold 73.063.2 million bushels of grain, including 70.562.4 million bushels to our ethanol production segment, during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to sales of 77.475.5 million bushels of grain, including 72.473.8 million bushels to our ethanol production segment during the same period in 2014. Revenues were impacted by a decrease in average realized prices and volumes sold, partially offset by an increase in revenues of $62.9$44.2 million due to the cattle-feeding operation that was acquired during the

34


second quarter of 2014. Gross profit and operatingOperating income increased decreasedas a result of higher volumes of grain storage.  decreased revenues.

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Revenues in our marketing and distribution segment decreased by $251.1$143.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a combined $274.7 million decrease in ethanol and distillers grains revenues of $165.7 million resulting from lower average realized prices. The decrease in ethanol and distillers grains revenues was partially offset by an increase in other grain and natural gas revenues of $27.4$12.7 million due toand $14.1 million, respectively. Grain revenues were impacted by increased volume activity, partially offsetactivity. Natural gas revenues were impacted by lower average realized prices.an increase in third party volumes sold. The marketing and distribution segment sold 299.7294.3 million and 303.5291.3 million gallons of ethanol during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Gross profit and operatingOperating income  for the marketing and distribution segment increased by $0.8$1.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses.

Partnership Segment

As a result of the IPO, the partnership segment received downstream ethanol transportation and storage assets. Expenses related to these contributed assets, such as depreciation, amortization and railcar lease expenses, are reflected in the partnership segment. No revenues related to the operation of the ethanol storage and railcar contributed assets are reflected in this segment for periods prior July 1, 2015, the date the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade became effective, which impacts the comparability between periods. Revenues generated by the partnership segment from the new storage and railcar commercial agreements were approximately $17.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. 

Operating income for the partnership segment increased by approximately $16.3 million due to the increase in revenues above, partially offset by an increase in profitsoperations and maintenance expenses of $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period for 2014. The increase was primarily due to increased wages and fuel costs associated with our trucking company, resulting from merchant trading activity.an increase in the number of trucks in service and number of locations in which our trucking company does business. This was partially offset by a decrease in throughput unloading fees. General and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period for 2014, primarily due to transaction costs related to the formation of the partnership, unit-based compensation and board fees.

 

Intersegment Eliminations

 

Intersegment eliminations of revenues decreased by $280.2$252.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 due to the following factors: decreased corn sales of ethanol from the agribusiness segment to the ethanol production segment to the marketing and distribution segment of $82.0$195.6 million, decreased sales of distillers grains from the ethanol production segment to the marketing and distribution segment of $9.5$19.0 million and decreased corn sales of ethanol from the agribusiness segment to the ethanol production segment of $40.4 million, partially offset by increased transportation and storage fees from the partnership segment to the marketing and distribution segment of $182.8$17.8 million.

 

32


Intersegment eliminations of gross profit and operating income increased by $21.1$5.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to decreased average margins realized during the secondthird quarter of 2015, compared to 2014. Ethanol is sold from the ethanol production segment to the marketing and distribution segment as it is produced and transferred into storage tanks located at each respective plant. The finished product is then sold by the marketing and distribution segment to external customers. Profit is recognized by the ethanol production segment upon sale to the marketing and distribution segment, but is eliminated from consolidated results until title to the product has been transferred to a third party.

 

Corporate Activities

 

Operating income was impacted by an increasea decrease in operating expenses for corporate activities of $1.4$0.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

 

35


Income Taxes

 

We recorded income tax expensebenefit of $5.2$0.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to income tax expense of $17.8$24.3 million for the same period in 2014. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 40.1%(6.4)% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to 35.5%36.7% for the same period in 2014. The increasedecrease in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the impact of the noncontrolling interest in Green Plains Partners on the consolidated financial results. This was partially offset by a change in estimate related to our filing position in various jurisdictions as well as comparable permanent differences on lower amounts of income before taxes for the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

As a result of the IPO, we, together with our subsidiaries, own a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in the partnership and own all of the partnership’s incentive distribution rights, with the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest owned by public common unitholders for the three months ended September 30, 2015. We consolidate the financial results of the partnership, and record a noncontrolling interest for the economic interest in the partnership held by the public common unitholders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations includes the portion of net income attributable to the economic interest in the partnership held by the public common unitholders of the partnership. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets includes the portion of net assets of the partnership attributable to the public common unitholders of the partnership. 

SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  Comparedcompared to the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014

 

Consolidated Results

 

Consolidated revenues decreased by $88.9$180.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Revenues from sales of ethanol and distillers grains decreased by $235.1$384.4 million and $42.8$53.8 million, respectively, while revenues from sales of cattle, natural gas and grains increased by $108.0$152.2 million, $20.2 million and $79.4$84.5 million, respectively. Ethanol and distillers grains revenues were affected by a decrease in average realized prices, partially offset by an increase in volumes sold. Natural gas revenues were impacted by an increase in third party volumes sold. Grain revenues were impacted by an increase in volumes, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Gross profit decreased by $106.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of decreased margins for ethanol production. Operating income decreased by $108.8$164.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 as a result of the factors discussed abovedecreased revenues, decreased margins for ethanol production as well as a $2.6$7.8 million increase in operations and maintenance expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses. Interest expense increased by $0.3$0.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014 due to slightly higher average borrowing costs, partially offset by lower average debt balances outstanding. Income tax expense was $2.8$2.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $44.3$68.6 million for the same period in 2014.

 

The following discussion of segment results provides greater detail on period-to-period results.about our year-to-date segment performance.

 

Ethanol Production Segment

 

The table below presents keyKey operating data withinfor our ethanol production segment:segment is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of gallons)

 

471,230 

 

472,643 

 

686,791 

 

719,582 

Distillers grains sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

 

1,260 

 

1,290 

 

1,837 

 

1,972 

Corn oil sold

 

 

 

 

(thousands of pounds)

 

175,975 

 

171,534 

Corn consumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of bushels)

 

166,209 

 

168,198 

 

241,747 

 

255,930 

 

33


Revenues in the ethanol production segment decreased by $203.5$414.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to lower average ethanol and distillers grains prices realized.realized, as well as

36


lower volumes produced and sold. The ethanol production segment produced 471.2686.8 million gallons of ethanol, which represents approximately 93.2%90.0% of daily average production capacity, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold 176.0 million pounds of corn oil compared to 171.5 million pounds in the same period of 2014. The average price realized for corn oil was approximately 19% lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Cost of goods sold in the ethanol production segment decreased by $114.1$263.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014. Corn costs decreased due to a 19%14% decrease in average cost per bushel and reduced corn consumption resulting from an improvement in ethanol yield, as well as lower production, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. As a result of the factors identified above, gross profit and operating income for the ethanol production segment decreased by $89.4$155.2 million, and $91.3 million, respectively, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $26.9$41.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to $25.8$39.2 million during the same period in 2014.

Corn Oil Production Segment

Revenues in the corn oil production segment decreased by $2.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we sold 120.1 million pounds of corn oil compared to 108.5 million pounds in the same period of 2014. The average price realized for corn oil was approximately 17% lower for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

Gross profit and operating income in the corn oil production segment increased by $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was due to a  decrease in cost of goods sold of $4.2 million related to lower input and processing costs, partially offset by the decrease in revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Agribusiness Segment

 

Revenues in the agribusiness segment decreased by $38.4$42.5 million, and gross profit and operating income increased by $3.7 million and $3.3$2.5 million, respectively, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. We sold 143.4206.6 million bushels of grain,  including 139.0201.3 million bushels to our ethanol production segment during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to sales of 146.7223.7 million bushels of grain, including 139.6214.9 million bushels to our ethanol production segment during the same period in 2014. Revenues were impacted by a decrease in average realized prices and volumes sold, partially offset by an increase in revenues of $108.0$152.2 million due to the cattle-feeding operation that was acquired during the second quarter of 2014. Gross profit and operatingOperating income increased as a result of higher volumes of grain storage and cattle-feeding operations.

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Revenues in our marketing and distribution segment decreased by $372.3$516.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a combined $483.8$648.6 million decrease in ethanol and distillers grains revenues resulting from lower average realized prices, partially offset by an increase in volumes sold. The decrease in ethanol and distillers grains revenues was partially offset by an increase in other grainsgrain and natural gas revenues of $103.0$115.8 million due toand $20.2 million, respectively. Grain revenues were impacted by increased volume activity, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Natural gas revenues were impacted by an increase in third party volumes sold. The marketing and distribution segment sold 575.6870.0 million and 562.7854.0 million gallons of ethanol during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Gross profit and operatingOperating income for the marketing and distribution segment decreased by $27.7$26.0 million, and $26.7 million, respectively, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to the decrease in average realized prices and margins for ethanol activity.

 

Partnership Segment

As a result of the IPO, the partnership segment received downstream ethanol transportation and storage assets. Expenses related to these contributed assets, such as depreciation, amortization and railcar lease expenses, are reflected in the partnership segment. No revenues related to the operation of the ethanol storage and railcar contributed assets are reflected in this segment for periods prior July 1, 2015, the date the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade became effective, which impacts the comparability between periods. Revenues generated by the partnership segment from the new storage and railcar commercial agreements were approximately $17.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. 

Operating income for the partnership segment increased by approximately $14.5 million due to the increase in revenues above, partially offset by an increase in operations and maintenance expenses of $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period for 2014. The increase is primarily due to increased railcar lease expenses as well as increased wages and fuel costs associated with our trucking company, resulting from an increase in the number of trucks in service and number of locations in which it does business. General and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period for 2014, due to transaction costs related to the formation of the partnership, unit-based compensation and board fees. 

37


Intersegment Eliminations

 

Intersegment eliminations of revenues decreased by $528.3$774.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 due to the following factors: decreased corn sales of ethanol from the agribusiness segment to the ethanol production segment to the marketing and distribution segment of $122.9$573.8 million, decreased sales of distillers grains from the ethanol production segment to the marketing and distribution segment of $30.8$49.8 million and decreased corn sales of ethanol from the agribusiness segment to the ethanol production segment of $163.4 million, partially offset by increased transportation and storage fees from the partnership segment to the marketing and distribution segment of $378.3$17.8 million.

 

34


Intersegment eliminations of gross profit and operating income decreased by $6.0$1.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to decreased average margins eliminated during the first and secondthree quarters of 2015 compared to 2014. Ethanol is sold from the ethanol production segment to the marketing and distribution segment as it is produced and transferred into storage tanks located at each respective plant. The finished product is then sold by the marketing and distribution segment to external customers. Profit is recognized by the ethanol production segment upon sale to the marketing and distribution segment, but is eliminated from consolidated results until title to the product has been transferred to a third party.

 

Corporate Activities

 

Operating income was impacted by an increase in operating expenses for corporate activities of $1.2$0.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Income Taxes

 

We recorded income tax expense of $2.8$2.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to income tax expense of $44.3$68.6 million for the same period in 2014. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 38.3%13.0% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to 37.0%36.9% for the same period in 2014. The increasedecrease in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the impact of the noncontrolling interest in Green Plains Partners on the consolidated financial results. This was partially offset by a change in estimate related to our filing position in various jurisdictions as well as comparable permanent differences on lower amounts of income before taxes for the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

As a result of the IPO, we, together with our subsidiaries, own a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in the partnership and own all of the partnership’s incentive distribution rights, with the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest owned by public common unitholders for the three months ended September 30, 2015. We consolidate the financial results of the partnership, and record a noncontrolling interest for the economic interest in the partnership held by the public common unitholders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations includes the portion of net income attributable to the economic interest in the partnership held by the public common unitholders of the partnership. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets includes the portion of net assets of the partnership attributable to the public common unitholders of the partnership. 

EBITDA

 

Management usesWe use EBITDA to compare the financial performance of our business segments and to internally manage those segments. Management believes thatWe believe EBITDA provides useful informationallows investors to investors as a measure of comparisoncompare our results with peerour peers and other companies. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow, as determinedwhich are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Since EBITDA calculations may vary from company to company. Accordingly,company, our computation of EBITDA may not be comparable with a similarly-titled measure of another company. similarly titled measure.

38


The following sets forth the reconciliation of net income to EBITDA is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

7,792 

 

$

32,314 

 

$

4,474 

 

$

75,517 

$

10,041 

 

$

41,749 

 

$

14,515 

 

$

117,266 

Interest expense

 

10,564 

 

 

9,704 

 

19,722 

 

 

19,463 

 

10,196 

 

 

10,288 

 

29,918 

 

 

29,751 

Income tax expense

 

5,222 

 

 

17,775 

 

2,775 

 

 

44,299 

 

(604)

 

 

24,250 

 

2,171 

 

 

68,550 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,700 

 

 

14,735 

 

 

31,081 

 

 

29,362 

 

16,621 

 

 

15,570 

 

 

48,634 

 

 

45,779 

EBITDA

$

39,278 

 

$

74,528 

 

$

58,052 

 

$

168,641 

$

36,254 

 

$

91,857 

 

$

95,238 

 

$

261,346 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On JuneSeptember 30, 2015, we had $399.5$495.9 million in cash and equivalents, excluding restricted cash, comprisedconsisting of $289.6$407.0 million held at our parent company and the remainder held at our subsidiaries. We also had up to an additional $175.4$275.3 million available under revolving credit agreements, which includes the partnership’s revolving credit facility, at our subsidiaries at JuneSeptember 30, 2015, some of which wwere as subject to borrowing base restrictions or other specified lending conditions. Funds held at our subsidiaries are generally required for their ongoing operational needs, and distributions from our subsidiaries are restricted pursuant to their credit agreements. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, there were approximately $701.5approximately $711.0 million of net assets at our subsidiaries that were not available to be transferredfor transfer to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in theour subsidiaries’ credit facilities of these subsidiaries.facilities.

 

In conjunction with the closing of the OfferingIPO on July 1, 2015, the Partnershippartnership received net proceeds of $157.9$157.4 million, of which $155.3 million was paid to us as a distribution.  The Companycompany entered into certain fee-based arrangements with the Partnership, as described in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015.partnership. In addition, the Partnershippartnership entered into a new $100.0 million revolving credit facility as described below, to provide available funds forfund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general Partnershippartnership purposes. The company also recognized an income tax gain on assets contributed to the partnership which resulted in higher cash outflows for estimated tax payments during the third quarter of 2015.

 

We incurred capital expenditures of $28.4$44.7 million in the first sixnine months of 2015 for various projects, including expansion projects of approximately $13.0$18.9 million for ethanol production capacity and $5.3$9.2 million for grain storage capacity. Capital spending for the remainder of 2015 is expected to be approximately $45.6$29.5 million, which includes

35


additional expansion projects for ethanol production capacity of $31.2 million and grain storage capacity of $1.9$10.4 million, as well as expenditures for various other projects, and is expected to be financed with available borrowings under our credit facilities and cash provided by operating activities.

 

Net cashcash used by operating activities was $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015,  compared with net cash provided by operating activities was $23.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $151.0of $225.6 million for the same period in 2014. Operating activities were affected by decreased operating profits and an increase in working capital for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, primarily consisting of a decrease in  accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Cash provided by operating activities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 reflectedwas affected by higher operating profits and a decrease in working capital, primarily consisting of a decrease in finished goods inventory and an increase in accrued and other liabilities. Net cash used by investing activities was $32.0$47.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, due primarily to capital expenditures at our ethanol plants. Net cash usedprovided by financing activities was $17.2$125.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.2015 primarily due to the proceeds received from the IPO of the partnership. Additionally, Green Plains Trade, Green Plains Cattle and Green Plains Grain utilizeuse revolving credit facilities to finance working capital requirements. TheseWe frequently draw from and repay these facilities are frequently drawn upon and repaid, resultingwhich results in significant cash movements that are reflected on a gross basis within financing activities as proceeds from and payments on short-term borrowings.

 

Our business is highly impacted by commodity prices, including pricessensitive to the price of commodities, particularly for corn, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. We attemptuse derivative financial instruments to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices through the use of derivative financial instruments.prices. Sudden changes in commodity prices may require cash deposits with brokers orfor margin calls. Depending on our open derivative positions, we may requirecalls or significant liquidity with little advanced notice to meet margin calls.calls, depending on our open derivative positions. On JuneSeptember 30, 2015, we had $15.0$13.8 million in margin deposits for broker margin requirements. We continuously monitor our exposure to margin calls and believe that we will continue to maintain adequate liquidity to cover such margin calls from our operating results and borrowings. Increases in grain prices and hedging activity have led to more frequent and larger margin calls.

 

39


We were in compliance with our debt covenants at JuneSeptember 30, 2015. Based uponon our forecasts and the current margin environment, we believe we will maintain compliance at each of our subsidiaries for the upcomingnext twelve months or if necessary have sufficient liquidity available on a consolidated basis to resolve a subsidiary’s noncompliance. NoWe cannot provide assurance can be provided that actual operating results will approximate our forecasts or that we will inject the necessary capital into a subsidiary to maintain compliance with its respective covenants. In the event actual results differ significantly from our forecasts and a subsidiary is unable to comply with its respective debt covenants, the subsidiary’s lenders may determine that an event of default has occurred. Upon the occurrence of an event of default,occurred, and following notice, the lenders may terminate anythe commitment and declare the entire unpaid balance due and payable.

 

In August 2013, our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors initiated a quarterly cash dividend. We have paid a quarterly cash dividend since this initial authorization and anticipate declaring a cash dividend in future quarters on a regular basis; however, futurebasis. In August 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share. The cash dividend represents a 50% increase from the previous dividend and the second annual increase in the cash dividend paid to shareholders. Future declarations of dividends, however, are subject to Boardboard approval and may be adjusted as our cash position, business needs or market conditions change.

 

For each calendar quarter commencing with the quarterly period ending September 30, 2015, the partnership intends to pay a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.40 per unit per quarter, or $1.60 per unit on an annualized basis.  The partnership does not have a legal or contractual obligation to pay these distributions. On October 22, 2015, the board of directors of the general partner of the partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.40 per unit on outstanding common and subordinated units of the partnership, or $13.0 million total, for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The distribution is payable on November 13, 2015 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 6, 2015.

In August 2014, we announced a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock. Under the program, we may repurchase shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share buyback programs, tender offers or by other means. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions are determined by our management based on market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice.  We repurchased 191,700 shares of common stock for approximately $4.0 million during the third quarter of 2015.

We believe that we have sufficient working capital for our existing operations. However, aA sustained period of unprofitable operations, however, may strain our liquidity and makemaking it difficult to maintain compliance with our financing arrangements. While weWe may seeksell additional sources of workingequity or borrow capital in response, we canto improve or preserve our liquidity, expand our business or build additional or acquire existing businesses. We cannot provide no assurance that we will be able to secure this funding if necessary. We may sell additional equity or borrow additional amounts to improve or preserve our liquidity, expand our existing businesses, or build additional or acquire existing businesses. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure the funding necessary for these additional projects or for additional working capital needsor these projects at reasonable terms, if at all.

 

Debt

 

For additional information related to our debt, see Note 78 – Debt included herein as part of the Notesnotes to Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements and Note 10 – Debt included as part of the Notesnotes to Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

36


Ethanol Production Segment

 

During the second quarter of 2015, Green Plains Processing LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, amended itsor Green Plains Processing, has a $345.0 million senior secured credit facility, to increasewhich is guaranteed by the outstanding borrowings by $120 million, bringingcompany and each of the total commitment to $345 million. The proceeds were used to repay existing term loanssubsidiaries of Green Plains Processing and revolving term loans with a combined total outstanding balance of $117.3 million at the end of first quarter of 2015, as follows:

·

Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River debt included a $62.5 million term loan that was scheduled to mature on November 27, 2015.

·

Green Plains Holdings II debt included three individual amortizing term loans totaling $46.8 million and a $20.0 million revolving term loan that were all scheduled to mature July 1, 2019.

·

Green Plains Obion debt included a revolving term loan of $37.4 million that was scheduled to mature on May 20, 2020.

·

Green Plains Superior debt included a $15.6 million revolving term loan that was scheduled to mature on October 20, 2019.

The $345 million Term Loan B facility is secured by the twelve ethanol production facilities, including their corn oil productionstock and substantially all of the assets of Green Plains Processing and matures on June 30, 2020. Theits subsidiaries. This credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to 5.5% plus LIBOR, subject to a 1.0% floor. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the interest rate on this term debt was 6.5% and $321.8$316.2 million was outstanding. Commencing in the third quarter of 2015, scheduled principal payments are $0.9 million each quarter. The terms of this credit facility require the Green Plains Processing to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter of not more than 4.00 to 1.00, initially, decreasing to 3.25 to 1.00 over the life of the credit facility. The terms of this credit facility also require a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00. This credit facility has a provision that requires Green Plains Processing to make quarterly special payments of 50% to 75% of the available free cash flow from the entity’s operations subject to certain limitations. Available free cash flow may be distributed to us after a  quarterly free cash flow payment is made to the lenders, subject to certain limitations, as defined in the loan agreement.

 

Additionally, certain subsidiaries have small equipment financing loans, capital leases on equipment or facilities, or other forms of debt financing.

 

40


Agribusiness Segment

 

Green Plains Grain has a $125.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, to provide the agribusiness segment with working capital funding subject to a borrowing base as defined in the facility. The revolving credit facilitywhich matures on August 26, 2016. The revolving2016, to finance working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. This credit facility includes total revolving credit commitments of $125.0 million and an accordion feature whereby amounts available underthat enables the facility mayto be increased by up to $75.0 million of new lender commitments uponwith agent approval. TheThis credit facility can also allows for additional seasonal borrowingsbe increased by up to $50.0 million.million for seasonal borrowings. The total commitments outstanding under the facility cannot exceed $250.0 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  $47.0$60.0 million was outstanding on the revolving this credit facility was outstanding.facility.

 

Green Plains Cattle has a $100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, which matures on October 31, 2017, to provide forfinance working capital financing. The lender will make loans up to $100.0 millionthe maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The revolving credit facility matures on October 31, 2017. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  $81.4$58.0 million was outstanding on the revolvingthis credit facility was outstanding.facility.

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Green Plains Trade has a $150.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, of up to $150.0 million, subject to a borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. The revolving credit facilitywhich matures on November 26, 2019. 2019, to finance working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2015,  $71.2$81.7 million was outstanding on the revolvingthis credit facility was outstanding.facility.

 

Corporate Activities

We  have issued $120.0 million of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, or the 3.25% Notes, which represent senior, unsecured obligations, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Prior to April 1, 2018, the 3.25% Notes will not be convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including the payment of a quarterly cash dividend that exceeds $0.04 per share. As a result, the conversion rate was recently adjusted to 48.1992 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 3.25% Notes, which is equal to a current conversion price of approximately $20.75 per share. In addition, we may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including calling the 3.25% Notes for redemption. We intend to satisfy conversion of the 3.25% Notes with cash for the principal amount of the debt and cash or shares of common stock for any related conversion premium.

37


Initial Public OfferingPartnership Segment

 

On July 1, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering,partnership’s primary operating subsidiary, Green Plains Operating Company, LLC, a subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into an agreement for a 5-year,five-year $100.0 million revolving credit facility to provide available funds forfund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general Partnershippartnership purposes. This credit facility may be increased by up to an aggregate of $50.0 million without the consent of the lenders andlenders. This credit facility is available for revolving loans including a sublimitwith sublimits of $15.0 million for swing line loans and a sublimit of $15.0 million for letters of credit.

 

The obligations under this credit facility are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the capital stock of the Partnership’spartnership’s present and future subsidiaries, (ii) all of the Partnership’spartnership’s present and future personal property, including, but not limited to,such as investment property, general intangibles and contract rights, including rights under any agreements with Green Plains Trade, and (iii) all proceeds and products of the equity interests of the Partnership’spartnership’s present and future subsidiaries and the Partnership’sits personal property. The Company andcompany, the Partnership,partnership and each of the Partnership’spartnership’s existing subsidiaries and future domestic subsidiaries, also guarantee this credit facility.

 

Loans under this credit facility will bear interest atare subject to a floating interest rate based upon our maximum consolidated net leverage ratio equal to either (a) a base rate plus a range from 75 to 175 basis points per annumyear or (b) a LIBOR rate plus a range of 175 to 275 basis points. The base rate is established as the highest of (i) the rate whichthat Bank of America, N.A. announces from time to time, as its prime lending rate, (ii) daily one-month LIBOR plus 100 basis points per annumyear and (iii) the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points per annum.year. We had no outstanding balance on this credit facility at September 30, 2015. 

 

Corporate Activities

In September 2013, we  issued $120.0 million of 3.25% convertible senior notes due in 2018, or the 3.25% notes, which are senior, unsecured obligations, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Prior to April 1, 2018, the 3.25% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment when the quarterly cash dividend exceeds $0.04 per share. The conversion rate was recently adjusted to 48.4199 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately  $20.65 per share. We may be obligated to increase the conversion rate in certain events, including redemption. We intend to convert the 3.25% notes with cash for the principal and cash or common stock for the conversion premium.

41


Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractualContractual obligations as of JuneSeptember 30, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due By Period

Payments Due By Period

Contractual Obligations

Total

 

Less Than
1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

3-5 Years

 

More Than
5 Years

Total

 

Less Than
1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

3-5 Years

 

More Than
5 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term and short-term debt obligations (1)

$      669,362

 

$     208,880

 

$        9,088

 

$     428,985

 

$        22,409

$      663,404

 

$     204,231

 

$        8,748

 

$     428,266

 

$        22,159

Interest and fees on debt obligations (2)

139,949 

 

32,838 

 

52,025 

 

43,070 

 

12,016 
132,001 

 

32,666 

 

51,255 

 

36,357 

 

11,723 

Operating lease obligations (3)

92,191 

 

29,759 

 

36,718 

 

20,649 

 

5,065 
84,732 

 

29,475 

 

33,099 

 

19,081 

 

3,077 

Purchase obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward grain purchase contracts (4)

263,039 

 

252,453 

 

4,021 

 

3,170 

 

3,395 
178,167 

 

167,472 

 

4,695 

 

2,917 

 

3,083 

Other commodity purchase contracts (5)

73,356 

 

73,356 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

119,680 

 

119,680 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

Other

117 

 

37 

 

52 

 

28 

 

 -

523 

 

445 

 

52 

 

26 

 

 -

Total contractual obligations

$   1,238,014

 

$     597,323

 

$    101,904

 

$     495,902

 

$        42,885

$   1,178,507

 

$     553,969

 

$      97,849

 

$     486,647

 

$        40,042

(1) Includes the current portion of long-term debt and excludes the effect of any debt discounts.

(1) Includes the current portion of long-term debt and excludes the effect of any debt discounts.

(1) Includes the current portion of long-term debt and excludes the effect of any debt discounts.

(2) Interest amounts are calculated over the terms of the loans using current interest rates, assuming scheduled principal and interest amounts are

(2) Interest amounts are calculated over the terms of the loans using current interest rates, assuming scheduled principal and interest amounts are

(2) Interest amounts are calculated over the terms of the loans using current interest rates, assuming scheduled principal and interest amounts are

paid pursuant to the debt agreements. Includes administrative and/or commitment fees on debt obligations.

paid pursuant to the debt agreements. Includes administrative and/or commitment fees on debt obligations.

paid pursuant to the debt agreements. Includes administrative and/or commitment fees on debt obligations.

(3) Operating lease costs are primarily for railcars and office space.

(3) Operating lease costs are primarily for railcars and office space.

(3) Operating lease costs are primarily for railcars and office space.

(4) Purchase contracts represent index-priced and fixed-price contracts. Index purchase contracts are valued at current quarter-end prices.

(4) Purchase contracts represent index-priced and fixed-price contracts. Index purchase contracts are valued at current quarter-end prices.

(4) Purchase contracts represent index-priced and fixed-price contracts. Index purchase contracts are valued at current quarter-end prices.

(5) Includes fixed-price ethanol, dried distillers grains and natural gas purchase contracts.

(5) Includes fixed-price ethanol, dried distillers grains and natural gas purchase contracts.

(5) Includes fixed-price ethanol, dried distillers grains and natural gas purchase contracts.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in commodity prices and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various types of transactions involving financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in commodity prices and interest rates. At this time, we do not expect to have exposure to foreign currency risk as we expect to conduct all of our business in U.S. dollars.dollars and do not expect to have any exposure to foreign currency risk.

 

38


Interest Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk fromthrough changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from holding term and revolving loans that bearwhich have variable interest rates. Specifically,At September 30, 2015, we had $652.4$647.6 million outstanding in debt, as of June 30, 2015, $521.4$515.9 million of which is variable-rate in nature.had variable interest rates. Interest rates on our variable-rate debt are determinedis based uponon the market interest rate of eitherfor the lender’s prime rate or LIBOR, as applicable.LIBOR. A 10% change in interest rates would affect our interest cost on such debtin aggregate by approximately $2.8$2.7 million per year in the aggregate.year. Other details ofabout our outstanding debt are discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included as a part of this report.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We produce ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil from corn andcorn; therefore, our business is highly sensitive to changes in the prices of each of these commodities. The price of corn is subject to fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather;weather, corn planted and harvested acreage;acreage, changes in national and global supply and demand;demand, and government programs and policies. We use natural gas in the ethanol production process, and, as a result,which makes our business is also sensitive to changes in the price of natural gas. The price of naturalNatural gas isprices are influenced by such weather, factors asincluding extreme heat or cold in the summer and winter or other natural events like hurricanes in the spring, summer and fall. Other natural gas price factors include North American exploration and production and the amount of natural gas in underground storage during both the injection and withdrawal seasons. Ethanol prices are sensitive to world crude-oilcrude oil supply and demand; crude-oildemand, refining capacity and utilization;utilization, government regulation;regulation and consumer demand for alternative fuels. Distillers grains prices are sensitive to various demand factors, such as livestock numbers of livestock on feed, prices for feed alternatives, and supply, factors,which is primarily production byrelated to ethanol plants and other sources.plant production.

 

We attemptemploy a variety of risk management and economic hedging strategies to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of corn, natural gas, ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil by employing a variety of risk management and economic hedging strategies.oil. Strategies include the use of forward fixed-price physical contracts and derivative financial instruments, such as futures and options executed on the Chicago Board of Trade and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 

42


We focus on locking in favorable operating margins based on a model that continually monitors market prices offor corn, natural gas and other input costs against pricesinputs relative to the price for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions by using a combination of forward fixed-price physical purchases and sales contracts and derivative financial instruments. As a result, of this approach, we frequently have gains on derivative financial instruments that are conversely offset by losses on forward fixed-price physical contracts or inventories and vice versa. In our ethanol production segment, gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are recognized each period in operating results while corresponding gains and losses on physical contracts are generally designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts and are not recognized until quantities are delivered or utilizedused in production. For cash flow hedges, any ineffectiveness is recognized in the current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until gains and losses from the underlying hedged transaction are realized. In the event thatWhen it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, we would discontinuethe cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which would affectaffects earnings. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, revenues included net losses of $4.6$8.5 million and net gains of $3.5$5.0 million, respectively, and cost of goods sold included net lossesgains of $17.8$22.3 million and $20.6$1.8 million, respectively, from derivative financial instruments. To the extent netNet gains or losses from settled derivative instruments are related to hedging current period production theyhedges are generally offset by physical commodity purchases or sales resulting in the realization ofto achieve the intended operating margins. However, ourOur results of operations are impacted when there is a mismatch of gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of derivative instruments at theduring a reporting period when the physical commodity purchase or sale has not yet occurred since they are designated as a normal purchase or normal sale.occurred. 

 

In our agribusiness segment, inventory positions, physical purchase and sale contracts and financial derivatives are marked to market with gains and losses included in results of operations. The market value of derivative financial instruments, such as exchange-traded futures and options, has a high, but not perfect, correlation toare highly correlated with the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts.

 

39


Ethanol Production Segment

 

A sensitivity analysis has been preparedis used to estimate our ethanol production segment exposure to ethanol, corn, distillers grains, corn oil and natural gas price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated asto be the potential change in net income resulting from a hypothetical 10% changeschange in prices ofprice from our expected corn and natural gas requirements, and ethanol and distillers grains output for a one-year periodthe next 12 months starting from JuneSeptember 30, 2015. This analysis includes the impact of risk management activities that result from our use of fixed-price purchase and sale contracts and derivatives. The results of thisour analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity

 

Estimated Total Volume Requirements for the Next 12 Months (1)

 

Unit of Measure

 

Net Income Effect of Approximate 10% Change in Price

 

Estimated Total Volume Requirements for the Next 12 Months (1)

 

Unit of Measure

 

Net Income Effect of Approximate 10% Change in Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol

 

1,076,000

 

Gallons

 

$

98,840

 

1,082,000

 

Gallons

 

$

140,216

Corn

 

380,000

 

Bushels

 

$

97,049

 

382,000

 

Bushels

 

$

133,706

Distillers grains

 

3,040

 

Tons (2)

 

$

20,953

 

3,056

 

Tons (2)

 

$

24,890

Corn Oil

 

266,000

 

Pounds

 

$

5,039

Natural gas

 

30,174

 

mmBTU (3)

 

$

4,855

 

30,358

 

mmBTU (3)

 

$

6,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Estimated volumes reflect anticipated expansion of production capacity at our ethanol plants and assumes production at full capacity.

(2) Distillers grains quantities are stated on an equivalent dried ton basis.

(3) Millions of British Thermal Units.

Corn Oil Production Segment

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our corn oil production segment exposure to corn oil price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated as the potential change in net income resulting from hypothetical 10% changes in prices of our expected corn oil output for a one-year period from June 30, 2015. This analysis includes the impact of risk management activities that result from our use of fixed-price sale contracts. Market risk at June 30, 2015, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in such prices, was approximately $3.5 million.

 

Agribusiness Segment

 

The availability and price of agricultural commodities are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, plantings, foreign and domestic government farm programs and policies, changes in global demand created by population changes and changes in standards of living and global production of similar and competitive crops. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations infor purchase and sale commitments forof grain and cattle, as well as grain held in inventory, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that functionserve as economic hedges. The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for hedging has a high, but not perfect correlation, toare highly correlated with the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts for grain and cattle. The less correlated portion of inventory and purchase and sale contract market value, known as basis, is much less volatile than the overall market value of exchange-traded futures and tends to follow historical patterns. We manage this less volatile risk by constantly monitoring our position relative to the price changes in the market. In addition, inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread relationships in the regulated futures markets assince we carry inventories over time. These spread relationships are also less volatile than the overall market value and tend to follow historical patterns, but also represent a risk that cannot be directly mitigated.mitigated directly. Our accounting policy for our futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory held for sale and purchase and sale contracts, is to mark them to the market and include the gains and losses in the consolidated statement of operations.

43


 

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate agribusiness segment exposure to market risk of our commodity position (exclusiveexclusive of basis risk).risk. Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts. The fair value of our position, which is a summationthe sum of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing each net position at quoted futures market prices, is approximately $5.9$0.6 million and $34.2$16.4 million for grain and cattle, respectively, at JuneSeptember 30, 2015. Market risk at that date, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change, in such prices, was approximately $0.4 million$52 thousand and $2.1$1.4 million for grain and cattle, respectively.

40


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure information that information required tomust be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer and Chief Financial Officer,chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer and Chief Financial Officer,chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, (asas defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.Act. Based uponon that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer and the Chief Financial Officer,chief financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. There were no materialGAAP. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the partnership completed its IPO, resulting in significant process changes and, therefore, changes in internal control over financial reporting. As discussed in Note 2 – Green Plains Partners LP to the consolidated financial statements, the partnership has implemented various commercial agreements resulting in new revenue streams and complied with various provisions of the partnership agreement, including, but not limited to, distributions of available cash, operating and capital surplus, capital expenditures and subordinated unit terms. Additionally, completion of the IPO resulted in changes to internal control over financial reporting related to computation of amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests. We have not identified any other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

4144

 


 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

We are currently involved in litigation that has arisen induring the ordinary course of business; however, webusiness. We do not believe that any of this litigation will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

Investors should carefully consider the discussion of risks and the other information in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors discussion in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and the discussion of risks and other information in this report, including “Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” which is included in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Investors should also carefully consider the discussion of risks with the Partnershippartnership under the heading “Risk Factors” and other information in the Prospectus of the Partnershippartnership dated June 25, 2015. Although we have attempted to discuss key factors, our investors need to be aware that other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance. The following risk factors supplement and/or update risk factors previously disclosed and should be considered in conjunction with the other information included in, or incorporated by reference in, this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

Railcars used to transport ethanol and other fuels may need to be retrofitted or replaced to meet new rail safety standards.

 

The U.S. ethanol industry has long relied on railroads to deliver its product to market. The PartnershipGreen Plains Partners has approximately 2,200 leased tanker railcars. On May 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, through its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Federal Railroad Administration, and in coordination with Transport Canada, announced the final rule, “Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains.” The rule calls for an enhanced tank car standard known as the DOT specification 117, or DOT-117 tank car, and establishes a schedule for retrofittingto retrofit or replacingreplace older tank cars carrying crude oil and ethanol. The rule also establishes new braking standards that are intended to reduce the severity of accidents and the so-called “pile-up effect.” Under prescribed circumstances, newNew operational protocols apply includingare also applicable, which include reduced speed, routing requirements and local government notifications. In addition, companies that offertransport hazardous material for transportationmaterials must develop more accurate classification protocols. These regulations will result in upgrades or replacements of our railcars and may have an adverse effect on our operations as lease costs for railcars may increase and we agreed under the rail transportation services agreement with the Partnershippartnership to reimburse the Partnershippartnership for any such costs of retrofit.costs. Additionally, existing railcars could be out of service for a period of time while suchthese upgrades are made, tightening the supply in an industry that is highly dependent on such railcars to transport its product.

 

Risks Related to Our Ownership of the Partnership

 

We depend upon the Partnershippartnership for a substantial portion of our ethanol and fuel storage terminal and transportation service needs and have obligations for minimum volume commitments in our commercial agreements with the Partnership.partnership.

 

We depend upon the Partnershippartnership for a substantial portion of our ethanol and fuel storage terminal and transportation service needs and have obligations for minimum volume commitments in long-term, fee-based commercial agreements with our subsidiaries. These commercial agreements have an initial term ranging from one year to ten years and our storage and throughput agreement and certain of our terminalingterminal services agreements with the Partnershippartnership include minimum quarterly volume commitments and inflation escalators. If we fail to meet the minimum volume commitment during any calendar quarter, we will beare required to make a shortfallshortfall payment quarterly to the Partnershippartnership equal to the volume of the shortfall, multiplied by the applicable fee.

 

42


The Partnership’spartnership’s operations are subject to all of the risks and operational hazards inherent in the operation of ethanolfuel storage and transportation assets, and ethanol transportation, including: damages to its storage facilities, fuel terminal facilities and  railcars and surrounding properties caused by floods, fires, severe weather, explosions, and  other natural disasters and acts of terrorism; mechanical or structural failures at the Partnership’spartnership’s facilities or at third-party facilities onat which its operations are dependent; curtailments of operations relative to severe seasonal weather; inadvertent damage to our facilities from construction, farm and utility equipment; and other hazards. Any of these events or factors could result in severe damage or destruction to the Partnership’spartnership’s assets or the temporary or permanent shut-down of the Partnership’spartnership’s facilities. If the Partnershippartnership is unable to serve our storage and transportation needs, our ability to operate our business could be adversely impacted, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

45


In addition, we own 4,389,642 common units and 15,889,642 subordinated units, representing an aggregate 62.5% limited partner interest, and a 2%2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership.partnership. The inability of the Partnershippartnership to continue operations, perform under its commercial arrangements with our subsidiaries or the occurrence of any of these risks or operational hazards, could also adversely impact the value of our investment in the Partnershippartnership and, because the Partnershippartnership is a consolidated entity, our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Partnershippartnership may not have sufficient available cash to pay any quarterly distribution on its units.

 

The Partnershippartnership may not have sufficient available cash from operating surplus each quarter to enable it to pay the minimum quarterly distribution. The amount of cash it can distribute on its units principally depends upon the amount of cash generated from its operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things: the volume of ethanol and other fuels the Partnershippartnership handles; the fees with respect to the volumes and capacity that the Partnershippartnership handles; the Partnership’spartnership’s entitlement to payments associated with the minimum commitments under the Partnership’spartnership’s commercial agreements with our subsidiaries; timely payments under the commercial agreement by our subsidiaries and other third parties; and prevailing economic conditions. In addition, the actual amount of cash the Partnershippartnership will have available for distribution will depend on other factors, some of which are beyond its control, including: the amount of the Partnership’spartnership’s operating expenses and general and administrative expenses, including reimbursements to us in respect offor those expenses; the level of capital expenditures the Partnershippartnership makes; the cost of acquisitions and organic growth projects, if any; the Partnership’spartnership’s debt service requirements and other liabilities; fluctuations in the Partnership’spartnership’s working capital needs; the Partnership’spartnership’s ability to borrow funds and access capital markets; restrictions in the Partnership’spartnership’s new revolving credit facility and other debt service requirements; the amount of cash reserves established by us; and other business risks affecting our cash levels.

 

In addition, if the Partnershippartnership issues additional units in connection with any acquisitions or expansion capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that the Partnershippartnership will be unable to maintain or increase its per unit distribution level. There are no limitations in the partnership agreement of the Partnershippartnership on its ability to issue additional units, including units ranking senior to the outstanding units. The incurrence of additional borrowings or other debt to finance the Partnership’spartnership’s growth strategy would result in increased interest expense, which, in turn, may impact the cash that it has available to distribute to its unitholders, including us.

 

Increases in interest rates could adversely impact the price of the units, the Partnership’spartnership’s ability to issue equity or incur debt to expand or other purposes and its ability to make cash distributions at its intended levels.

 

The  Partnershippartnership has exposure to increases in interest rates. Borrowings under the Partnership’spartnership’s new revolving credit facility bearbears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin. As a result, if the Partnershippartnership makes any borrowings in the future, its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us, could be adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates.

 

As with other yield-oriented securities, the Partnership’spartnership’s unit price is impacted by the level of its cash distributions and implied distribution yield. The distribution yield is often used by investors to compare and rank yield-oriented securities for investment decision-making purposes. Therefore, changes in interest rates, either positive or negative, may affect the yield requirements of investors who invest in the Partnership,partnership, and a rising interest rate environment could have an adverse impact on the price of the units, the Partnership’spartnership’s ability to issue equity or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes and its ability to make cash distributions at intended levels, which could adversely impact the value of our investment in the Partnership.partnership.

 

43


We will be required to pay taxes on our share of taxable income from the  Partnership,partnership, regardless of the amount of cash distributions we receive from the Partnership.partnership.

 

The unitholders of the Partnership,partnership, including us, generally have to include, for purposes of calculating their U.S. federal, state and local income taxes, their share of any taxable income of the Partnership,partnership, regardless of whether such unitholders receive cash distributions from the Partnership.partnership. We ultimately may not receive cash distributions from the Partnershippartnership equal to our share of the taxable income of the Partnershippartnership or even equal to the actual tax due with respect to that income.

 

We will incur increased costs as a result of owning and operating a publicly-tradedpublicly traded partnership.

 

As a result of owning and operating the Partnership,partnership, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses, in addition to those we already separately incur as a publicly-tradedpublicly traded company. We expect to have increased legal and financial compliance costs as a result of complying with SEC and NASDAQ requirements. For example, within one year of its initial listing on NASDAQ, the Partnershippartnership is required to have at least three independent directors, create an audit committee and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, including the preparation of reports on

46


internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with officer liability insurance under a separate policy from our corporate director and officer insurance. We have estimated $2.0 million of annual incremental costs associated with the Partnershippartnership being a publicly-tradedpublicly traded partnership. However, it is possible that the actual incremental costs of being a publicly-tradedpublicly traded partnership will be higher than currently estimated.

 

All of the executive officers and a majority of the initial directors of the Partnershippartnership are also officers of Green Plains Inc. Conflicts of interest could arise as a result of this arrangement.

 

We indirectly own and control the Partnership,partnership, and appoint all of its officers and directors. All of the executive officers and a majority of the initial directors of the Partnershippartnership are also our officers or a director. These individuals will devote significant time to the business of the Partnership.partnership. Although our directors and officers have a fiduciary duty to manage us in a manner that is beneficial to us, as directors and officers of the Partnership,partnership, they also have certain duties to the Partnershippartnership and its unitholders. Conflicts of interest may arise between us and our affiliates, on the one hand, and the Partnershippartnership and its unitholders, on the other hand. In resolving these conflicts of interest, the Partnershippartnership may favor its own interests over our interests. In certain circumstances, the Partnershippartnership may refer any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest between itself, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, to its conflicts committee (which must consist entirely of independent directors) for resolution, which conflicts committee must act in the best interests of the public unitholders of the Partnership.partnership. As a result, the Partnershippartnership may manage its business in a way that may differ from the best interests of us or our stockholders.

 

If the Partnershippartnership was to be treated as a corporation rather than as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if the Partnershippartnership was otherwise subject to entity-level taxation, the Partnership’spartnership’s cash available for distribution to its unitholders, including us, would be reduced, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of units, including the units held by us.

 

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of publicly-tradedpublicly traded partnerships, including the Partnership,partnership, or an investment in its units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial changes or differing interpretations at any time. For example, from time to time, members of Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws that affect publicly-tradedpublicly traded partnerships. One such legislative proposal would have eliminated the qualifying income exception to the treatment of all publicly-tradedpublicly traded partnerships upon which the Partnershippartnership relies for its treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If such exemption were eliminated, the Partnershippartnership would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it would pay U.S. federal income tax on all of its taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35%, it would likely pay additional state and local income taxes at varying rates, and distributions to its unitholders, including us, would generally be taxed as corporate distributions.

If the Partnership was to be treated as a corporation rather than as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if it was otherwise subject to entity-level taxation, In addition, its cash available for distribution to unitholders, including us, and the value of the units, including the units held by us, could be substantially reduced.

 

4447

 


 

 

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

 

Employees surrender shares upon the vesting ofwhen restricted stock grants are vested to satisfy statutory minimum required payroll tax withholding obligations.

The following table sets forthlists the shares that were surrendered by month during the secondthird quarter of 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month

 

Total Number of Shares Withheld

 

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

April

 

283 

 

$

31.14 

May

 

5,921 

 

 

30.81 

June

 

 -

 

 

 -

Total

 

6,204 

 

$

30.83 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month

 

Total Number of Shares Withheld for Employee Awards

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1 - July 31

 

51 

 

$

25.03 

August 1 - August 31

 

14,875 

 

 

23.42 

September 1 - September 30

 

486 

 

 

20.49 

Total

 

15,412 

 

$

23.33 

 

In August 2014, we announced a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock. Under the share repurchase program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share buyback programs, tender offers or by other means. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions will beare determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice.  No

The following table lists the shares have been repurchased pursuant to thisunder the share repurchase program.program during the third quarter of 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month

 

Number of Shares Repurchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Repurchase Program

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Repurchased under the Program (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1 - July 31

 

 -

 

$

 -

 

 -

 

$

100,000 

August 1 - August 31

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 -

 

 

100,000 

September 1 - September 30

 

191,700 

 

 

20.86 

 

191,700 

 

 

95,997 

Total

 

191,700 

 

$

20.86 

 

191,700 

 

$

95,997 

 

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.  Other Information.

 

None. 

48


Item 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit Index 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

10.1(a)

First Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2015, among Green Plains Processing as Borrower, the Lenders Party Hereto, BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, and BMO Capital Markets and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(b)

Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2015, by and between Green Plains Processing, BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and as a Lender (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(c)

Joinder Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(d)

Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by Green Plains Fairmont LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(e)

Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by Green Plains Holdings II LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(f)

Mortgage by and from Green Plains Holdings II LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

45


10.1(g)

Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing by and from Green Plains Obion LLC, as trustor, to the trustee named therein for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(h)

Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by Green Plains Superior LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(i)

Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by and from Green Plains Wood River LLC, as trustor, to the trustee named therein for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(j)

Amendment to Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by Green Plains Otter Tail LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(k)

Amendment to Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by Green Plains Bluffton LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(l)

Amendment to Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by and from Green Plains Atkinson LLC, as trustor, to the trustee named therein for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(m)

Amendment to Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by and from Green Plains Central City LLC, as trustor, to the trustee named therein for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(n)

Amendment to Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by and from Green Plains Ord LLC, as trustor, to the trustee named therein for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.1(o)

Amendment to Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement by Green Plains Shenandoah LLC, as mortgagor, to and for the benefit of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015)

10.2

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains Inc., Green Plains Obion LLC, Green Plains Trucking LLC, Green Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains Partners LP and Green Plains Operating Company LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’scompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015)

10.310.2

Omnibus Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains Inc., Green Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains Partners LP and Green Plains Operating Company LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’scompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015)

10.410.3

Operational Services and Secondment Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and between Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Holdings LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’scompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015)

10.510.4

Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and between Green Plains Logistics LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’scompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015)

10.610.5

Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and between Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’scompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015)

10.710.6

Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains Operating Company LLC, as the Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower identified therein, Bank of America, N.A., and the other lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’scompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015)

46


31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

The following information from Green Plains Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

4749

 


 

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 





Date: July  31,November 5, 2015

GREEN PLAINS INC.

(Registrant)

 

 

By:   /s/ Todd A. Becker                                 _    

Todd A. Becker
President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 




Date: July 31,November 5, 2015

 

 

 

By:   /s/ Jerry L. Peters                                   _

Jerry L. Peters
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4850