Table of Contents

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 SeptemberJune 30, 20172021

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.)

1811 Aksarben Drive, Omaha, NE 68106

(402) 884-8700

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

GPRE

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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.

x Yes o 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).

x Yes o No

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

Large accelerated filer ☐     o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer ☐     (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)o

Smaller reporting company o

Emerging growth company o

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

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

o Yes x No

The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of October 27, 2017, July 29, 2021, was 41,162,204 48,187,210 shares.


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Page

Commonly Used Defined Terms

2

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

Consolidated Statements of Operations

4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8

Item 2.

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

3036

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

4253

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

4454

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

56

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

46

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

56

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

46

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

4759

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

4859

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

4859

Item 5.

Other Information

4859

Item 6.

Exhibits

4960

Signatures

5161

1

1


Commonly Used Defined Terms

The abbreviations, acronyms and industry terminology used in this quarterly report are defined as follows:

Green Plains Inc. and Subsidiaries:

Green Plains; the company

Green Plains Inc. and its subsidiaries

BioProcess Algae

BioProcess Algae LLC

Fleischmann’s VinegarFQT

Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc.Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC

Green Plains CattleCattle; GPCC

Green Plains Cattle Company LLC

Green Plains Commodity Management

Green Plains Commodity Management LLC

Green Plains Grain

Green Plains Grain Company LLC

Green Plains Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon

Green Plains Mount Vernon LLC

Green Plains Obion; Obion

Green Plains Obion LLC

Green Plains Partners; the partnership

Green Plains Partners LP

Green Plains ProcessingShenandoah; Shenandoah

Green Plains ProcessingShenandoah LLC and its subsidiaries

Green Plains Trade

Green Plains Trade Group LLC

Green Plains Wood River; Wood River

Green Plains Wood River LLC

Accounting Defined Terms:

ASC

Accounting Standards Codification

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization

EPS

Earnings per share

Exchange Act

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

GAAP

U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

R&D CreditsSEC

Research and development tax credits

LTIP

Green Plains Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

Industry and Other Defined Terms:

VIECAFE

Variable interest entity

Industry Defined Terms:

CAFE

Corporate Average Fuel Economy

E15CARB

California Air Resources Board

the CARES Act

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019

CST

Clean Sugar Technology

DOE

Department of Energy

E10

Gasoline blended with up to 10% ethanol by volume

E15

Gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol by volume

E85

Gasoline blended with up to 85% ethanol by volume

EIA

U.S. Energy Information Administration

EISAEPA

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as amended

EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

MmBTUGNS

Grain Neutral Spirits

MmBtu

Million British Thermal Units

Mmg

Million gallons

MmgyMTBE

Million gallons per yearMethyl tertiary-butyl ether

RFS IIMVC

Minimum volume commitment

RFS II

Renewable Fuels Standard II

RVORIN

Renewable volume obligationsidentification number

U.S.RVO

Renewable volume obligation

SRE

Small refinery exemption

U.S.

United States

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture


2


PART I1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial StatementsStatements.

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

June 30,
2021

December 31,
2020

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(unaudited)

ASSETS

ASSETS

ASSETS

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

261,588 

 

$

304,211 

$

496,932 

$

233,860 

Restricted cash

 

30,773 

 

 

51,979 

118,441 

40,950 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $234 and $266, respectively

 

114,978 

 

 

147,495 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $334 and $143, respectively

80,298 

55,568 

Income taxes receivable

 

14,145 

 

 

10,379 

1,087 

661 

Inventories

 

612,447 

 

 

422,181 

275,001 

269,491 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

14,895 

 

 

17,095 

16,450 

16,531 

Derivative financial instruments

 

51,563 

 

 

47,236 

41,701 

25,292 

Total current assets

 

1,100,389 

 

 

1,000,576 

1,029,910 

642,353 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$489,349 and $417,993, respectively

 

1,188,270 

 

 

1,178,706 

Goodwill

 

182,879 

 

 

183,696 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
and amortization of $535,972 and $530,194, respectively

808,221 

801,690 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

65,808 

61,883 

Other assets

 

156,999 

 

 

143,514 

89,015 

72,991 

Total assets

$

2,628,537 

 

$

2,506,492 

$

1,992,954 

$

1,578,917 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

174,788 

 

$

192,275 

$

102,404 

$

140,058 

Accrued and other liabilities

 

48,500 

 

 

67,473 

56,576 

38,471 

Derivative financial instruments

 

12,004 

 

 

8,916 

18,577 

20,265 

Operating lease current liabilities

16,686 

14,902 

Short-term notes payable and other borrowings

 

457,764 

 

 

291,223 

174,008 

140,808 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

6,486 

 

 

35,059 

2,376 

98,052 

Total current liabilities

 

699,542 

 

 

594,946 

370,627 

452,556 

Long-term debt

 

829,923 

 

 

782,610 

538,619 

287,299 

Deferred income taxes

 

48,787 

 

 

140,262 

Operating lease long-term liabilities

51,843 

49,549 

Other liabilities

 

35,892 

 

 

9,483 

26,635 

12,849 

Total liabilities

 

1,614,144 

 

 

1,527,301 

987,724 

802,253 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized;
46,430,449 and 46,079,108 shares issued, and 41,163,335
and 38,364,118 shares outstanding, respectively

 

46 

 

 

46 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized;
56,432,808 and 47,470,505 shares issued, and 48,188,352
and 35,657,344 shares outstanding, respectively

60 

47 

Additional paid-in capital

 

682,073 

 

 

659,200 

900,952 

740,889 

Retained earnings

 

283,592 

 

 

283,214 

53,991 

39,375 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(13,607)

 

 

(4,137)

Treasury stock, 5,267,114 and 7,714,990 shares, respectively

 

(54,193)

 

 

(75,816)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

694 

(2,172)

Treasury stock, 8,244,456 and 11,813,161 shares, respectively

(91,626)

(131,287)

Total Green Plains stockholders' equity

 

897,911 

 

 

862,507 

864,071 

646,852 

Noncontrolling interests

 

116,482 

 

 

116,684 

141,159 

129,812 

Total stockholders' equity

 

1,014,393 

 

 

979,191 

1,005,230 

776,664 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

2,628,537 

 

$

2,506,492 

$

1,992,954 

$

1,578,917 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

2020

2021

2020

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenues

$

899,534 

 

$

839,786 

 

$

2,670,458 

 

$

2,472,741 

$

721,786

$

386,640

$

1,273,766

$

1,018,221

Service revenues

 

1,701 

 

 

2,066 

 

 

4,724 

 

 

6,042 

2,632

1,384

4,292

2,672

Total revenues

 

901,235 

 

 

841,852 

 

 

2,675,182 

 

 

2,478,783 

724,418

388,024

1,278,058

1,020,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

815,787 

 

 

758,883 

 

 

2,457,702 

 

 

2,293,094 

Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization expenses reflected below)

639,408

360,896

1,148,641

978,124

Operations and maintenance expenses

 

8,309 

 

 

8,564 

 

 

25,107 

 

 

25,713 

6,237

6,603

11,991

12,763

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

28,589 

 

 

24,264 

 

 

77,946 

 

 

68,226 

23,383

20,518

46,901

42,156

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net

3,825

-

(33,068)

-

Goodwill impairment

-

-

-

24,091

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

27,834 

 

 

19,286 

 

 

80,105 

 

 

56,132 

20,532

19,375

41,213

37,455

Total costs and expenses

 

880,519 

 

 

810,997 

 

 

2,640,860 

 

 

2,443,165 

693,385

407,392

1,215,678

1,094,589

Operating income

 

20,716 

 

 

30,855 

 

 

34,322 

 

 

35,618 

Operating income (loss)

31,033

(19,368)

62,380

(73,696)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

383 

 

 

484 

 

 

1,061 

 

 

1,263 

441

47

471

640

Interest expense

 

(31,889)

 

 

(11,819)

 

 

(69,815)

 

 

(33,117)

(19,058)

(9,670)

(50,737)

(19,367)

Other, net

 

1,444 

 

 

(1,553)

 

 

2,811 

 

 

(2,050)

(1,250)

14

(1,240)

850

Total other expense

 

(30,062)

 

 

(12,888)

 

 

(65,943)

 

 

(33,904)

(19,867)

(9,609)

(51,506)

(17,877)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(9,346)

 

 

17,967 

 

 

(31,621)

 

 

1,714 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(48,775)

 

 

5,083 

 

 

(60,905)

 

 

(4,339)

Net income

 

39,429 

 

 

12,884 

 

 

29,284 

 

 

6,053 

Income (loss) before income taxes and income from equity method investees

11,166

(28,977)

10,874

(91,573)

Income tax benefit

4,783

11,458

2,921

55,741

Income from equity method investees, net of income taxes

168

12,045

343

20,011

Net income (loss)

16,117

(5,474)

14,138

(15,821)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

5,035 

 

 

4,956 

 

 

14,853 

 

 

14,072 

6,374

2,740

10,940

8,838

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

$

34,394 

 

$

7,928 

 

$

14,431 

 

$

(8,019)

$

9,743

$

(8,214)

$

3,198

$

(24,659)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - basic

$

0.83 

 

$

0.21 

 

$

0.36 

 

$

(0.21)

$

0.21

$

(0.24)

$

0.08

$

(0.71)

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - diluted

$

0.74 

 

$

0.20 

 

$

0.48 

 

$

(0.21)

$

0.20

$

(0.24)

$

0.07

$

(0.71)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

41,348 

 

 

38,282 

 

 

40,008 

 

 

38,301 

45,425

34,603

41,581

34,634

Diluted

 

50,647 

 

 

39,136 

 

 

50,693 

 

 

38,301 

58,171

34,603

42,675

34,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividend declared per share

$

0.12 

 

$

0.12 

 

$

0.36 

 

$

0.36 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


4

4


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,

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

39,429 

 

$

12,884 

 

$

29,284 

 

$

6,053 

Net income (loss)

$

16,117

$

(5,474)

$

14,138

$

(15,821)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period,

net of tax (expense) benefit of $4,575, $(1,331), $5,633

and $762, respectively

 

(7,660)

 

 

1,919 

 

 

(9,436)

 

 

(1,395)

Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net

of tax expense (benefit) of $(2,650), $(1,144), $21

and $(1,369), respectively

 

4,453 

 

 

2,150 

 

 

(34)

 

 

2,506 

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($1,616), $428, ($89) and ($1,019), respectively

5,131

(1,333)

282

3,199

Reclassification of realized losses (gains) on derivatives, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($1,246), $1, ($812) and $1,431, respectively

3,961

(7)

2,584

(4,492)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

9,092

(1,340)

2,866

(1,293)

Share of equity method investees other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0, $5,336, $0 and ($8,023), respectively

-

(16,759)

-

25,197

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

(3,207)

 

 

4,069 

 

 

(9,470)

 

 

1,111 

9,092

(18,099)

2,866

23,904

Comprehensive income

 

36,222 

 

 

16,953 

 

 

19,814 

 

 

7,164 

Comprehensive income (loss)

25,209

(23,573)

17,004

8,083

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

5,035 

 

 

4,956 

 

 

14,853 

 

 

14,072 

6,374

2,740

10,940

8,838

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

$

31,187 

 

$

11,997 

 

$

4,961 

 

$

(6,908)

$

18,835

$

(26,313)

$

6,064

$

(755)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


5


Table of Contents

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited and in thousands)



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

29,284 

 

$

6,053 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

80,105 

 

 

56,132 

Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount

 

11,222 

 

 

7,588 

Loss on exchange of 3.25% convertible notes due 2018

 

1,291 

 

 

 -

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(2,439)

 

 

 -

Write-off of deferred financing fees related to extinguishment of debt

 

9,460 

 

 

 -

Deferred income taxes

 

(88,565)

 

 

(16,413)

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

 

18,062 

 

 

 -

Stock-based compensation

 

8,761 

 

 

7,043 

Undistributed equity in loss of affiliates

 

120 

 

 

2,067 

Other

 

 -

 

 

57 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

32,267 

 

 

(36,431)

Inventories

 

(168,788)

 

 

46,126 

Derivative financial instruments

 

(16,430)

 

 

6,279 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

2,180 

 

 

(849)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(34,278)

 

 

(23,704)

Current income taxes

 

(1,540)

 

 

8,089 

Other

 

1,361 

 

 

1,150 

Change in restricted cash

 

(4,289)

 

 

 -

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

(122,216)

 

 

63,187 



 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment, net

 

(36,475)

 

 

(35,658)

Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired

 

(61,727)

 

 

(252,488)

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries

 

(12,033)

 

 

(1,388)

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(110,235)

 

 

(289,534)



 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

 

551,500 

 

 

337,000 

Payments of principal on long-term debt

 

(487,450)

 

 

(40,578)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

3,301,630 

 

 

2,969,034 

Payments on short-term borrowings

 

(3,135,347)

 

 

(2,967,191)

Cash payment for exchange of 3.25% convertible notes due 2018

 

(8,523)

 

 

 -

Payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(5,733)

 

 

(6,005)

Payments of cash dividends and distributions

 

(29,267)

 

 

(27,837)

Payment penalty on early extinguishment of debt

 

(2,881)

 

 

 -

Change in restricted cash

 

25,495 

 

 

(7,200)

Payments of loan fees

 

(15,541)

 

 

(7,810)

Payments related to tax withholdings for stock-based compensation

 

(4,105)

 

 

(2,206)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

50 

 

 

1,632 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

189,828 

 

 

248,839 



 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(42,623)

 

 

22,492 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

304,211 

 

 

384,867 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

261,588 

 

$

407,359 

6


Continued on the following page

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)

$

14,138

$

(15,821)

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

Depreciation and amortization

41,213

37,455

Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount

4,879

10,373

Gain on sale of assets, net

(31,757)

-

Loss on extinguishment of convertible notes

31,636

-

Goodwill impairment

-

24,091

Deferred income taxes

(2,900)

(18,132)

Stock-based compensation

1,967

3,555

Income from equity method investees, net of income taxes

(343)

(20,011)

Distribution from equity method investees, net of income taxes

-

14,326

Other

(217)

(8)

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

Accounts receivable

(22,022)

39,960

Inventories

(15,910)

79,841

Derivative financial instruments

(14,331)

4,000

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(545)

1,220

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(39,183)

(65,276)

Current income taxes

(428)

(26,610)

Other

3,591

(3,026)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

(30,212)

65,937

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment, net

(59,899)

(63,881)

Proceeds from the sale of assets

73,846

-

Other investing activities

(4,000)

(4,098)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

9,947

(67,979)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

355,000

3,000

Payments of principal on long-term debt

(135,858)

(316)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

1,682,698

1,237,064

Payments on short-term borrowings

(1,698,731)

(1,301,154)

Payments on extinguishment of convertible debt

(20,861)

-

Payments for repurchase of common stock

-

(11,479)

Payments of cash distributions

(2,790)

(6,887)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

191,134

-

Payments of loan fees

(8,614)

(3,198)

Payments related to tax withholdings for stock-based compensation

(4,480)

(1,288)

Other financing activities

3,330

-

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

360,828

(84,258)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

340,563

(86,300)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

274,810

269,896

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

615,373

$

183,596

Continued on the following page

7

6


Table of Contents

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited and in thousands)



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Continued from the previous page

 

 

 

 

 



Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

Non-cash financing activity:

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange of 3.25% convertible notes due 2018 for shares of
common stock

$

47,743 

 

$

 -

Exchange of common stock held in treasury stock for 3.25%

convertible notes due 2018

$

27,356 

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

2,062 

 

$

3,348 

Cash paid for interest

$

39,984 

 

$

24,280 



 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets acquired in acquisitions and mergers, net of cash

$

62,209 

 

$

257,942 

Less: liabilities assumed

 

(482)

 

 

(2,647)

Less: allocation of noncontrolling interest in
consolidation of BioProcess Algae

 

 -

 

 

(2,807)

Net assets acquired

$

61,727 

 

$

252,488 



 

 

 

 

 

Continued from the previous page

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

Reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

496,932

$

163,362

Restricted cash

118,441

20,234

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

615,373

$

183,596

Non-cash financing activity:

Exchange of 4.00% convertible notes due 2024

$

51,000

$

-

Exchange of common stock held in treasury stock for 4.00%
convertible notes due 2024

$

39,661

$

-

Supplemental investing activities:

Assets disposed of in sale

$

40,361

$

-

Less: liabilities relinquished

(156)

-

Net assets disposed

$

40,205

$

-

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes

$

576

$

(4,757)

Cash paid for interest

$

16,675

$

11,217

Cash premium paid for extinguishment of convertible notes

$

20,861

$

-

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


7

8


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” 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 and all significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. The company owns a 62.5%48.9% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners LP. Public investors own the remaining 35.5%49.1% limited partner interest in the partnership. The company determined that the limited partners in the partnership with equity at risk lack the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the partnership’s economic performance; therefore, the partnership is considered a VIE.variable interest entity. The company, through its ownership of the general partner interest in the partnership, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect economic performance and the obligationis obligated to absorb losses orand has the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the partnership; therefore,partnership. Therefore, the company is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates the partnership.partnership in the company’s financial statements. The assets of the partnership cannot be used by the company for general corporate purposes. The partnership’s consolidated total assets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172021 and December 31, 20162020, excluding intercompany balances, are $73.0$92.4 million and $75.0$91.2 million, respectively, and primarily consist of property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and goodwill. The partnership’s consolidated total liabilities as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172021 and December 31, 20162020, excluding intercompany balances, are $155.8$105.4 million and $156.0$151.2 million, respectively, which primarily consist of long-term debt as discussed in Note 8 – Debt.Debt and operating lease liabilities. The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating the partnership do not represent additional claims on our general assets.

The partnership is consolidatedcompany also owns a majority interest in the company’s financial statements. Effective April 1, 2016, the company increased its ownership of BioProcess Algae, a joint venture formed in 2008 to 82.8% andas well as a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC with their results being consolidated BioProcess Algae in itsour consolidated financial statements beginning on that date.statements.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Because they do not include all of the information and footnotesnotes required by GAAP, the consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021.

The unaudited financial information reflects adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are normal and recurring in nature, unless otherwise noted. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts werehave been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenues, costs and expenses or net income or stockholders’ equity.income. See Note 8 – Debt and Note 11 – Stockholders’ Equity for further details.

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

During the third quarter of 2020, the company reported an overstatement of both revenues and cost of goods sold by approximately $30.0 million within the agribusiness and energy services segment as previously reported for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. Revenues and cost of goods sold for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 have been revised to reflect these amounts.

8


Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The preparation 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 company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances and regularly evaluates the appropriateness of its estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, depreciationcarrying value of property and equipment,intangible assets, operating leases, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

9


Description of Business

Green Plains is North America’s second largest consolidated owner of ethanol plants. The company operates within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage, andcommodity marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes cattle feedlots, vinegar production and food-grade corn oil operations, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services.The food and ingredients segment had no activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Restricted Cash

The company has restricted cash, which can only be used for funding letters of credit, for payment towards a revolving credit agreement, or for capital expenditures as specified in certain credit facility agreements. Restricted cash also includes cash margins and securities pledged to commodity exchange clearinghouses and at times, funds in escrow related to acquisition and disposition activities. To the degree these segregated balances are cash and cash equivalents, they are considered restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

The company recognizes revenue when obligations under the following criteriaterms of a contract with a customer are satisfied: persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, titlesatisfied. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of productcontrol of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales, value add, and risk of lossother taxes the company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are transferred to the customer, price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.excluded from revenue.

Sales of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities by the company’s marketing business are recognized when titleobligations under the terms of product and riska contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of loss are transferred to an external customer. control of products or services. Revenues related to marketing for third parties are presented on a gross basis whenas the company controls the product prior to the sale to the end customer, takes title of the product and assumes risk of loss.has inventory risk. Unearned revenue is recorded for goods in transit when the company has received payment but the titlecontrol has not yet been transferred to the customer. Revenues for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer.

The company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. At times, the company settles these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than delivering the physical commodity. TheseEnergy trading transactions are reported net as a component of revenues.revenue. Revenues include net gains or losses from derivatives related to products sold while cost of goods sold includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to commodities purchased. 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 or loss.

Sales of products, including agricultural commodities, cattle and vinegar, are recognized when titlecontrol of the product and risk of loss areis transferred to the customer, which depends on the agreed upon terms. The sales terms provide passage of title when shipment is made or the commodity is delivered.delivery terms. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized whenover time as the services are rendered.

9


Revenues related to the design, engineering and installation of equipment are recognized over the term of the related contracts as equipment is delivered and installed and services are performed.

A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue upon transfer of control of product from its storage tanks and fuel terminals, when thererailcar volumetric capacity is evidence an arrangement exists, risk of lossprovided, and title transfer to the customer, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably ensured. Revenues from base storage, terminal oras truck transportation services are performed. To the extent shortfalls associated with minimum volume commitments in the previous four quarters continue to exist, volumes in excess of the minimum volume commitment are applied to those shortfalls. Remaining excess volumes generating operating lease revenue are recognized once these services are performed, which occurs whenas incurred.

Shipping and Handling Costs

The company accounts for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as costs to fulfill its promise to transfer the product is delivered toassociated products. Accordingly, the customer.company records customer payments associated with shipping and handling costs as a component of revenue, and classifies such costs as a component of cost of goods sold.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials, shipping and plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol plant, vinegar and cattle feedlot operations.production. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, excluding labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Materials include the cost of corn feedstock, denaturant, and process chemicals, cattle and veterinary supplies.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, as well as realizedreclassifications of 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 or loss. Plant overhead consists primarily of plant and feedlot utilities, repairs and maintenance yard expenses and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred by the company, including railcar costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.

The company uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts and forward purchase and sale contracts to attempt to minimize the effect of price changes on ethanol, grain and cattle inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts.natural gas. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued at quoted market prices and settled predominantly in cash. The company is exposed to loss when counterparties default on forward purchase and sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale and forward purchase and sale contracts are valued at market prices when available or other market quotes adjusted for basis differences, primarily in transportation, between the exchange-traded market and local market where the terms of the contract is based. Changes in the fair value of grain

10


inventories held for sale, forward purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded futures and options contracts are recognized as a component of cost of goods sold.

Operations and Maintenance Expenses

In the partnership segment, transportation expenses represent the primary component of operations and maintenance expenses. Transportation expenses includesinclude railcar leases, freight and shipping of the company’s ethanol and co-products, as well as costs incurred storing ethanol at destination terminals.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts, to attempt to minimize risk and the effect of commodity price changes relatedincluding but not limited to, corn, ethanol, cattle, natural gas, soybean meal and crudesoybean oil. The company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on its operating results. The company may hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk,risk; however, there may be situations when these hedging activities themselves result in losses.

By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the company is exposed to credit and market risk. The company’s exposure to credit risk includes the counterparty’s failure to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. The company 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 their financial 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 company manages market risk by incorporating parameters to monitor exposure within its risk management strategy, which limits the types of derivative instruments and strategies the company can use and the degree of market risk it can take using derivative instruments.

10


The company evaluates its physical delivery contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale exemptions which are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the company elects, cash flow hedge accounting treatment.

Certain qualifying derivatives related to ethanol production and agribusiness and energy services and food and ingredients segments are designated as cash flow hedges. The company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness prior to entering into cash flow hedges. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealizedUnrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until the gain or loss from the underlying hedged transaction is realized.realized and the physical transaction is completed. When it becomes probable a forecasted transaction will not occur, the cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which affects earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value.

At times, the company hedges its exposure to changes in the value of inventoriesinventory values and designates qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted in the current period results for changes in fair value. Estimated fair values carried at market are based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted as appropriate for regional location basis values, which represent differences in local markets, including transportation as well as quality or grade differences. Basis values are generally determined using inputs from broker quotations or other market transactions. However, a portion of the value may be derived using unobservable inputs. Ineffectiveness of the hedges is recognized in the current period results to the extent the change in fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in fair value of the derivative.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

EffectiveOn January 1, 2017,2021, the company early adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying470-20, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options andASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity - Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Equity’s Own Equity. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $49.5 million decrease in additional paid-in capital, an $11.4 million increase in retained earnings and a $38.1 million increase in long-term debt, which included a $39.4 million increase in debt principal offset by a $1.3 million increase in debt issuance costs, resulting from amounts previously bifurcated to equity being reclassified to debt. See Note 8 – Debt and Note 11 – Stockholders’ Equity for further details.

In March 2020, the Measurement of Inventory, which requires inventory to be measured at lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices during the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance was applied prospectively.

Effective January 1, 2017, the company adopted theFASB issued amended guidance in ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements848, Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, and a subsequent update in January 2021,which provides optional expedients and exceptions to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which requires all income tax effectsU.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burden related to awardsthe expected market transition from the LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amended guidance do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The guidance is effective upon issuance and to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or settle.applied prospectively from any date beginning March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The amended guidance also allows an employeris not expected to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amended guidance requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement was applied prospectively. The amended guidance related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. The amended guidance related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows was applied retrospectively. This change resulted in a  $2.2 million increase in cash flows from operating activities and a decrease in cash flows from financing

11


activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. This change did not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2018,In December 2019, the company will adopt theFASB issued amended guidance in ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, 740, Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance will be applied retrospectively.

Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  ASC Topic 606 is designed to create improved revenue recognition and disclosure comparability in financial statements. The provisions of ASC Topic 606 include a five-step process by which an entity will determine revenue recognition, depicting the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts which reflect the payment an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. The new guidance requires the company to apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the company satisfies the performance obligation. In addition, ASC Topic 606 requires certain disclosures about contracts with customers and provides comprehensive guidance for transactions such as service revenue, contract modifications and multiple-element arrangements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and allows for early adoption.  

The company completed a comparison of the current revenue recognition policies to ASC Topic 606 requirements for each of the company’s major revenue categories. Results indicate that the amended guidance will not materially change the amount or timing of revenues recognized by the company and the majority of the company's contracts will continue to be recognized at a point in time and that the number of performance obligations andsimplifies the accounting for variable consideration are not expectedincome taxes by removing certain exceptions to be significantly different from current practice. In addition, many of the company's sales contracts are considered derivatives under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and are therefore excluded from the scope of Topic 606. ASC Topic 606 also requires disclosure of significant changes in contract asset and contract liability balances between periods and the amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting period, when applicable. ASC Topic 606 may be adopted retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The company anticipates adopting the amended guidance using the modified retrospective transition method.

Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidancegeneral principles in ASC Topic740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify U.S. GAAP for other areas of ASC 740Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory, which requires the recognition of currentby clarifying and deferred income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs.amending existing guidance. The amended guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption.

Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist companies and other reporting organizations with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

Effective January 1, 2019, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 842, Leases, which aims to make leasing activities more transparent and comparable, requiring substantially all leases to be recognized by lessees on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accounted for as operating leases. The new standard isamendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 20182021, and interim periods within thosefiscal years and allows for early adoption.beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The company has established an implementation team to evaluateis evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

2. REVENUE

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the new standard. terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales, value add, and other taxes the company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

11


Revenue by Source

The new standard will significantly increase right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the company’s consolidated balance sheet, primarily due to operating leasesfollowing tables disaggregate revenue by major source (in thousands):

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021

Ethanol Production

Agribusiness & Energy Services

Partnership

Eliminations

Total

Revenues:

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606:

Ethanol

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

Distillers grains

4,425 

-

-

-

4,425 

Corn oil

-

-

-

-

-

Service revenues

1,462 

-

1,159 

-

2,621 

Other

12,367 

2,217 

-

-

14,584 

Intersegment revenues

-

-

2,172 

(2,172)

-

Total revenues from contracts with customers

18,254 

2,217 

3,331 

(2,172)

21,630 

Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC 815 (1):

Ethanol

413,592 

138,931 

-

-

552,523 

Distillers grains

95,465 

9,015 

-

-

104,480 

Corn oil

25,349 

7,775 

-

-

33,124 

Grain

-

10,798 

-

-

10,798 

Other

2,613 

(761)

-

-

1,852 

Intersegment revenues

-

5,512 

-

(5,512)

-

Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives

537,019 

171,270 

-

(5,512)

702,777 

Leasing revenues under ASC 842 (2):

-

-

16,370 

(16,359)

11 

Total Revenues

$

555,273 

$

173,487 

$

19,701 

$

(24,043)

$

724,418 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

Ethanol Production

Agribusiness & Energy Services

Partnership

Eliminations

Total

Revenues:

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606:

Ethanol

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

Distillers grains

8,038 

-

-

-

8,038 

Corn oil

-

-

-

-

-

Service revenues

2,025 

-

2,216 

-

4,241 

Other

16,429 

3,043 

-

-

19,472 

Intersegment revenues

-

-

4,178 

(4,178)

-

Total revenues from contracts with customers

26,492 

3,043 

6,394 

(4,178)

31,751 

Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC 815 (1):

Ethanol

703,177 

214,843 

-

-

918,020 

Distillers grains

191,159 

18,254 

-

-

209,413 

Corn oil

39,889 

12,586 

-

-

52,475 

Grain

-

22,968 

-

-

22,968 

Other

18,278 

25,102 

-

-

43,380 

Intersegment revenues

-

10,635 

-

(10,635)

-

Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives

952,503 

304,388 

-

(10,635)

1,246,256 

Leasing revenues under ASC 842 (2):

-

-

33,713 

(33,662)

51 

Total Revenues

$

978,995 

$

307,431 

$

40,107 

$

(48,475)

$

1,278,058 


12


Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

Ethanol Production

Agribusiness & Energy Services

Partnership

Eliminations

Total

Revenues:

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606:

Ethanol

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

Distillers grains

4,589 

-

-

-

4,589 

Service revenues

-

-

1,267 

-

1,267 

Other

1,232 

1,870 

-

-

3,102 

Intersegment revenues

25 

-

1,838 

(1,863)

-

Total revenues from contracts with customers

5,846 

1,870 

3,105 

(1,863)

8,958 

Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC 815 (1):

Ethanol

218,816 

60,942 

-

-

279,758 

Distillers grains

55,635 

13,555 

-

-

69,190 

Corn oil

9,504 

12,146 

-

-

21,650 

Grain

-

7,724 

-

-

7,724 

Other

741 

(114)

-

-

627 

Intersegment revenues

-

4,368 

-

(4,368)

-

Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives

284,696 

98,621 

-

(4,368)

378,949 

Leasing revenues under ASC 842 (2):

-

-

17,276 

(17,159)

117 

Total Revenues

$

290,542 

$

100,491 

$

20,381 

$

(23,390)

$

388,024 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Ethanol Production

Agribusiness & Energy Services

Partnership

Eliminations

Total

Revenues:

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606:

Ethanol

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

Distillers grains

21,064 

-

-

-

21,064 

Service revenues

-

-

2,446 

-

2,446 

Other

4,191 

2,260 

-

-

6,451 

Intersegment revenues

50 

-

3,912 

(3,962)

-

Total revenues from contracts with customers

25,305 

2,260 

6,358 

(3,962)

29,961 

Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC 815 (1):

Ethanol

585,908 

187,035 

-

-

772,943 

Distillers grains

128,162 

18,264 

-

-

146,426 

Corn oil

24,188 

17,876 

-

-

42,064 

Grain

15,674 

-

-

15,680 

Other

2,698 

10,895 

-

-

13,593 

Intersegment revenues

-

11,676 

-

(11,676)

-

Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives

740,962 

261,420 

-

(11,676)

990,706 

Leasing revenues under ASC 840 (2):

-

-

34,294 

(34,068)

226 

Total Revenues

$

766,267 

$

263,680 

$

40,652 

$

(49,706)

$

1,020,893 

(1)Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives represent physically settled derivative sales that are currently not recognized onoutside the balance sheet. Thescope of ASC 606, where the company anticipates adopting the amended guidance using the modified retrospective transition method.

Effective January 1, 2019, the amended guidance in ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, becomes effective. ASC Topic 815 is designed to improve the alignment of risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedging results. The provisions of Topic 815 expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentationrecognizes revenue when control of the effectsinventory is transferred within the meaning of ASC 606 as required by ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets.

(2)Leasing revenues do not represent revenues recognized from contracts with customers under ASC 606, and are accounted for under ASC 842, Leases.

Major Customers

NaN single customer’s revenue was over 10% of total revenues for the hedging instrumentthree or six months ended June 30, 2021. Revenues from Customer A represented 13% and 17% of total revenues for the hedged itemthree and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. Revenues from this customer are reported in the financial statements. For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the dateethanol production segment.


13


3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Acquisition of a cumulative-effect adjustment related toMajority Interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC

12


eliminating the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the amendments in this update. Early adoption is permitted and the amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. Based on the company’s initial assessment, no material changes are anticipated and the company intends to implement the amended guidance in ASC Topic 815 in either the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 or the first quarter of fiscal 2018. 

Effective January 1,On December 9, 2020, the company will adoptacquired a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. During the amended guidancesecond quarter of 2021, the company identified additional information through analysis of the final FQT acquisition agreements that resulted in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwilla reassessment of certain contingent considerations related to potential earn-out payments which identified an understatement of other long term assets by $16.7 million, accrued liabilities of $2.4 million, long term other liabilities of $12.4 million and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurementnoncontrolling interests of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual goodwill impairment test will be performed by comparing the fair value$1.9 million as previously reported within ethanol production segment as of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amountMarch 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Disposition of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit, would be recognized. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.Ord Ethanol Plant

2.  ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition of Cattle Feedlots

On May 16, 2017,March 22, 2021, the company acquired two cattle-feeding operations from Cargill Cattle Feeders,completed the sale of the plant located in Ord, Nebraska and certain related assets, to GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC (the “Ord Transaction”) for $57.7a sale price of $64.0 million, including certainplus working capital adjustments. The transaction includedof $9.8 million. Correspondingly, the feed yards located in Leoti, Kansas and Yuma, Colorado, which added combined feedlot capacity of 155,000 head of cattle to the company’s operations. The transaction was financed using cash on hand. There were no material acquisition costs recorded for the acquisition.

As part of the transaction, the company also entered into a long-term cattle supplyseparate asset purchase agreement with Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. Under the cattle supply agreement, all cattle placedPartnership to acquire the storage assets and assign the rail transportation assets to be disposed of in the Leoti, Yuma andOrd Transaction for $27.5 million, which was used to pay down a portion of the partnership’s credit facility. The divested assets were reported within the company’s existing Kismet, Kansas feedlots will be sold exclusively to Cargill Meat Solutions under an agreed upon pricing arrangement.

ethanol production, agribusiness and energy services and partnership segments. The purchase price allocation is basedcompany recorded a pretax gain on the preliminary resultssale of internal valuations. the Ord plant of $35.9 million within corporate activities.

The purchase priceasset and purchase price allocationliabilities of the Ord ethanol plant at closing on March 22, 2021 were as follows: (in thousands):

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Disposed and Liabilities Relinquished

Inventory

$

10,400

Prepaid expenses and other

632

Property and equipment

24,285

Accrued and other liabilities

(156)

Total identifiable net assets disposed

$

35,161

The amounts reflected above represent working capital estimates, which are considered preliminary until contractual post-closing working capital adjustments and valuations are finalized.

The following is a summary of the preliminary purchase price ofoperating lease right-of-use assets acquired and lease liabilities assumed (in thousands):

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired
and Liabilities Assumed

Inventory

$

20,576 

Prepaid expenses and other

52 

Property and equipment, net

37,205 

Current liabilities

(180)

Total identifiable net assets

$

57,653 

13


Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company

On October 3, 2016, the company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of SCI Ingredients Holdings, Inc., the holding company of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc., for $258.3 million in cash. A portion of the purchase price was used to repay existing debt. Fleischmann’s Vinegar is one of the world’s largest producers of food-grade industrial vinegar.

The following is a summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired
and Liabilities Assumed

Cash

$

4,148 

Inventory

9,308 

Accounts receivable, net

13,919 

Prepaid expenses and other

1,054 

Property and equipment

49,175 

Intangible assets

90,500 

Current liabilities

(9,689)

Income taxes payable

(216)

Deferred tax liabilities

(41,882)

Total identifiable net assets

116,317 

Goodwill

142,002 

Purchase price

$

258,319 

The amounts above reflect the final purchase price allocation. As of September 30, 2017, based on the final valuations, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were adjusted from the prior quarter to reflect an increase in the fair value of property and equipment of $6.2 million, a decrease in accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million, a decrease in the fair value of intangible assets of $4.0 million,  a decrease in accumulated amortization of $0.3 million, a decrease in the fair value of goodwill of $0.8 million, a decrease of $0.1 million in income taxes payable and an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $1.5 million.

As of September 30, 2017, based on the final valuations, the company’s customer relationship intangible asset recognized in connection with the Fleischmann’s acquisition is $74.7 million, net of $5.3 million of accumulated amortization, and has a remaining 14-year weighted-average amortization period. As of September 30, 2017, the company also has an indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset of $10.5 million. The company recognized $1.1 million and $3.9 million of amortization expense associated with the amortizing customer relationship intangible assetrailcar operating leases, currently estimated at approximately $1.8 million, respectively, will be extinguished upon the assignment of the associated leases to GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC, which occurred in July of 2021.

Disposition of Hereford Ethanol Plant

On December 28, 2020, the company completed the sale of the plant located in Hereford, Texas, and certain related assets, to Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P. There were no material changes to the assets disposed and liabilities relinquished from the disposition of the Hereford plant during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, respectively,2021.

Disposition of Equity Interest in Green Plains Cattle Company LLC

On October 1, 2020, pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the company sold its remaining 50% joint venture interest in GPCC to AGR, TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP and expects estimated amortization expenseStepStone (the “Buyers”) for $80.5 million in cash, plus closing adjustments. The transaction resulted in a reduction in other assets of $69.7 million as a result of the next five yearsremoval of $5.6the equity method investment in GPCC, and a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $10.7 million per annum.as a result of the removal of the company’s share of equity method investees accumulated other comprehensive loss. Transaction fees related to the disposal were not material. There was no material gain or loss recorded as part of this transaction. The excess purchase price over the intangibles fair values was allocatedSecurities Purchase Agreement contains certain earn-out provisions of up to goodwill, none of which is expected$4.0 million to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill is primarily attributablepaid to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition.

Acquisition of Ethanol Plants

On September 23, 2016, theBuyers if certain EBITDA thresholds are met. The company acquired three ethanol plants located in Madison, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Indiana, and York, Nebraska from subsidiaries of Abengoa S.A. for approximately $234.9 million for the ethanol plant assets, and $19.1 million for working capital acquired and liabilities assumed. These ethanol facilities have a combined annual production capacity of approximately 230 mmgy.

14


The following is a summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired
and Liabilities Assumed

Inventory

$

16,904 

Accounts receivable, net

1,826 

Prepaid expenses and other

2,224 

Property and equipment, net

234,947 

Other assets

3,885 

Current maturities of long-term debt

(406)

Current liabilities

(2,580)

Long-term debt

(2,763)

Total identifiable net assets

$

254,037 

Thewill record any contingent amounts above reflect the final purchase price allocation, which did not change materially from the initial allocation.

Concurrentlyassociated with the company’s acquisitionearn-out provision in the consolidated financial statements when the amount is probable and reasonably determinable.

14


3.4. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used to estimatein estimating the fair value of the company’s financial instruments:

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the company 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’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, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness and energy services segment are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis.basis values, which represent differences in local markets including transportation or commodity quality or grade differences.

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

Derivative contracts include exchange-traded commodity futures and options contracts and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified in Level 1. The majority of the company’s exchange-traded futures and options contracts are cash-settled on a daily basis.

15


There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value. The company’s assets and liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017

Quoted Prices in

Active Markets for

Identical Assets

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

 

Reclassification for
Balance Sheet

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2021

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Presentation

 

Total

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

261,588 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

261,588 

$

496,932

$

-

$

496,932

Restricted cash

 

30,773 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

30,773 

118,441

-

118,441

Margin deposits

 

52,527 

 

 

 -

 

 

(52,527)

 

 

 -

Inventories carried at market

 

 -

 

 

114,410 

 

 

 -

 

 

114,410 

-

50,617

50,617

Unrealized gains on derivatives

 

14,690 

 

 

5,061 

 

 

31,812 

 

 

51,563 

-

41,377

41,377

Other assets

 

115 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

115 

111

43

154

Total assets measured at fair value

$

359,693 

 

$

119,471 

 

$

(20,715)

 

$

458,449 

$

615,484

$

92,037

$

707,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable (1)

$

 -

 

$

31,377 

 

$

 -

 

$

31,377 

$

-

$

19,488

$

19,488

Accrued and other liabilities (2)

-

2,424

2,424

Unrealized losses on derivatives

 

20,715 

 

 

12,004 

 

 

(20,715)

 

 

12,004 

-

12,579

12,579

Other

 

 -

 

 

15 

 

 

 -

 

 

15 

Other liabilities (2)

-

12,498

12,498

Total liabilities measured at fair value

$

20,715 

 

$

43,396 

 

$

(20,715)

 

$

43,396 

$

-

$

46,989

$

46,989



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016



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

$

304,211 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

304,211 

Restricted cash

 

51,979 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

51,979 

Margin deposits

 

50,601 

 

 

 -

 

 

(50,601)

 

 

 -

Inventories carried at market (2)

 

 -

 

 

154,022 

 

 

 -

 

 

154,022 

Unrealized gains on derivatives

 

8,272 

 

 

14,818 

 

 

24,146 

 

 

47,236 

Other assets

 

116 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

116 

Total assets measured at fair value

$

415,179 

 

$

168,840 

 

$

(26,455)

 

$

557,564 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable (1)

$

 -

 

$

35,288 

 

$

 -

 

$

35,288��

Unrealized losses on derivatives

 

26,455 

 

 

8,916 

 

 

(26,455)

 

 

8,916 

Other liabilities

 

 -

 

 

81 

 

 

 -

 

 

81 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

$

26,455 

 

$

44,285 

 

$

(26,455)

 

$

44,285 

15


Table of Contents

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Total

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

233,860

$

-

$

233,860

Restricted cash

40,950

-

40,950

Inventories carried at market

-

77,900

77,900

Unrealized gains on derivatives

-

21,956

21,956

Other assets

112

29

141

Total assets measured at fair value

$

274,922

$

99,885

$

374,807

Liabilities:

Accounts payable (1)

$

-

$

19,355

$

19,355

Unrealized losses on derivatives

-

10,997

10,997

Total liabilities measured at fair value

$

-

$

30,352

$

30,352

(1)

Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $31.4 million and $35.3 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,

(1)Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $19.5 million and $19.4 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, related to certain delivered inventory subject to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are hybrid financial instruments for which the company has elected the fair value option.

(2)

Inventories carried at market have been revised from previously reported results to include $77.0 million of inventories held under a fair value hedging relationship. There was no impact to the financial statements resulting from this revision.

The company believes the fair value option.

(2)As of itsJune 30, 2021, accrued and other liabilities includes $2.4 million and other liabilities includes $12.5 million of consideration related to potential earn-out payments recorded at fair value.

The fair value of the company’s debt was approximately $1.3 billion$759.8 million compared with a book value of $1.3 billion$726.2 million, excluding debt issuance costs, at SeptemberJune 30, 2017, and2021. The fair value of the company’s debt was approximately $1.1 billion$535.9 million compared with a book value of $1.1 billion$526.2 million at December 31, 2016.2020. The company estimated the fair value of its convertible notes using Level 1 inputs, and the fair value of its other outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs.inputs. The company believes the fair values of its accounts receivable approximated book value, which was $115.0$80.3 million and $147.5$55.6 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 and December 31, 2016,2020, respectively.

Although the company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial measurements, the fair values of tangible and intangible assets and goodwill acquired and the equity component of convertible debt issued represent Level 3 measurements thatwhich were

16


derived using a combination of the income approach, market approach and cost approach for the specific assets or liabilities being valued.

4.

5. SEGMENT INFORMATION

As a result of acquisitions during 2016, theThe company implemented organizational segment changes during the fourth quarter of 2016, whereby the company management now reports the financial and operating performance infor the following four operating segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage, andcommodity marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes cattle feedlots, vinegar production and food-grade corn oil operations and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform toThe food and ingredients segment, had no activity during the revised segment presentation.three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

The company has re-evaluated the profitability measure of its reportable segments’ operating performance and has determined that segment EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is primarily used by the company’s management to evaluate segment operating activities, and therefore is a more meaningful profitability measure than the previously reported segment operating income.  In addition, EBITDA is a financial measure that is widely used by analysts and investors in the company’s industries. As a result, the company is now including segment EBITDA as a performance measure.

Corporate activities include selling, general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of compensation, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment.

During the normal course of business, the operating segments conduct business with each other. For example, the agribusiness and energy services segment procures grain and natural gas and sells products, including ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil for the ethanol production segment. The partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services for the agribusiness and energy servicesethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions with origination, marketing and storage fees charged at estimated market values. Consequently, these transactions affect segment performance; however, they do not impact the company’s consolidated results since the revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated.

16


Table of Contents

The following tables set forth certain financial data for the company’s operating segments (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

2021

2020

2021

2020

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

$

620,180 

 

$

586,988 

 

$

1,857,356 

 

$

1,710,484 

$

555,273

$

290,517

$

978,995

$

766,217

Intersegment revenues

 

3,579 

 

 

 -

 

 

6,624 

 

 

 -

-

25

-

50

Total segment revenues

 

623,759 

 

 

586,988 

 

 

1,863,980 

 

 

1,710,484 

555,273

290,542

978,995

766,267

Agribusiness and energy services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

164,604 

 

 

168,143 

 

 

483,670 

 

 

531,445 

167,975

96,123

296,796

252,004

Intersegment revenues

 

14,406 

 

 

8,936 

 

 

33,679 

 

 

24,934 

5,512

4,368

10,635

11,676

Total segment revenues

 

179,010 

 

 

177,079 

 

 

517,349 

 

 

556,379 

173,487

100,491

307,431

263,680

Food and ingredients:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

114,750 

 

 

84,655 

 

 

329,432 

 

 

230,812 

Intersegment revenues

 

38 

 

 

37 

 

 

113 

 

 

112 

Total segment revenues

 

114,788 

 

 

84,692 

 

 

329,545 

 

 

230,924 

Partnership:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

1,701 

 

 

2,066 

 

 

4,724 

 

 

6,042 

1,170

1,384

2,267

2,672

Intersegment revenues

 

24,748 

 

 

24,139 

 

 

74,019 

 

 

69,445 

18,531

18,997

37,840

37,980

Total segment revenues

 

26,449 

 

 

26,205 

 

 

78,743 

 

 

75,487 

19,701

20,381

40,107

40,652

Revenues including intersegment activity

 

944,006 

 

 

874,964 

 

 

2,789,617 

 

 

2,573,274 

748,461

411,414

1,326,533

1,070,599

Intersegment eliminations

 

(42,771)

 

 

(33,112)

 

 

(114,435)

 

 

(94,491)

(24,043)

(23,390)

(48,475)

(49,706)

Revenues as reported

$

901,235 

 

$

841,852 

 

$

2,675,182 

 

$

2,478,783 

Total Revenues

$

724,418

$

388,024

$

1,278,058

$

1,020,893

Refer to Note 2 - Revenue, for further disaggregation of revenue by operating segment.

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Cost of goods sold:

Ethanol production

$

493,656

$

284,174

$

909,181

$

773,324

Agribusiness and energy services

170,181

95,803

286,255

252,305

Intersegment eliminations

(24,429)

(19,081)

(46,795)

(47,505)

$

639,408

$

360,896

$

1,148,641

$

978,124

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Operating income (loss):

Ethanol production (1)

$

33,543

$

(18,792)

$

13,223

$

(79,573)

Agribusiness and energy services

(851)

351

12,495

2,911

Partnership

11,916

12,225

24,787

24,655

Intersegment eliminations

386

(4,283)

(1,680)

(2,150)

Corporate activities (2)

(13,961)

(8,869)

13,555

(19,539)

$

31,033

$

(19,368)

$

62,380

$

(73,696)

17




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Cost of goods sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

590,904 

 

$

549,705 

 

$

1,802,688 

 

$

1,649,641 

Agribusiness and energy services

 

168,735 

 

 

163,643 

 

 

487,239 

 

 

518,135 

Food and ingredients

 

98,854 

 

 

78,792 

 

 

281,898 

 

 

219,087 

Partnership

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Intersegment eliminations

 

(42,706)

 

 

(33,257)

 

 

(114,123)

 

 

(93,769)



$

815,787 

 

$

758,883 

 

$

2,457,702 

 

$

2,293,094 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

25,570 

 

$

30,155 

 

$

38,521 

 

$

39,164 

Agribusiness and energy services

 

5,150 

 

 

6,310 

 

 

15,910 

 

 

21,246 

Food and ingredients

 

13,272 

 

 

5,465 

 

 

39,741 

 

 

10,430 

Partnership

 

17,589 

 

 

16,620 

 

 

51,549 

 

 

47,241 

Intersegment eliminations

 

 

 

(39)

 

 

(147)

 

 

(1,174)

Corporate activities

 

(11,212)

 

 

(9,439)

 

 

(27,275)

 

 

(25,944)



$

50,377 

 

$

49,072 

 

$

118,299 

 

$

90,963 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

20,959 

 

$

15,725 

 

$

61,443 

 

$

46,655 

Agribusiness and energy services

 

1,457 

 

 

628 

 

 

2,776 

 

 

1,882 

Food and ingredients

 

3,139 

 

 

257 

 

 

9,259 

 

 

802 

Partnership

 

1,280 

 

 

1,515 

 

 

3,781 

 

 

4,220 

Corporate activities

 

999 

 

 

1,161 

 

 

2,846 

 

 

2,573 



$

27,834 

 

$

19,286 

 

$

80,105 

 

$

56,132 

The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA(1)Operating loss for ethanol production includes a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million for the periods indicated (in thousands):six months ended June 30, 2020.

(2)Corporate activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 include a $3.8 million loss on sale of assets and a $33.1 million gain on sale of assets, respectively.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Net income

$

39,429 

 

$

12,884 

 

$

29,284 

 

$

6,053 

Interest expense

 

31,889 

 

 

11,819 

 

 

69,815 

 

 

33,117 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(48,775)

 

 

5,083 

 

 

(60,905)

 

 

(4,339)

Depreciation and amortization

 

27,834 

 

 

19,286 

 

 

80,105 

 

 

56,132 

EBITDA

$

50,377 

 

$

49,072 

 

$

118,299 

 

$

90,963 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Depreciation and amortization:

Ethanol production

$

18,483

$

17,184

$

37,011

$

33,082

Agribusiness and energy services

595

556

1,202

1,109

Partnership

795

966

1,682

1,927

Corporate activities

659

669

1,318

1,337

$

20,532

$

19,375

$

41,213

$

37,455


17

18


The following table sets forth third-party revenues by product line (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol

$

625,787 

 

$

550,724 

 

$

1,830,887 

 

$

1,622,168 

Distillers grains

 

97,136 

 

 

129,345 

 

 

303,527 

 

 

357,070 

Corn oil

 

33,678 

 

 

49,844 

 

 

121,166 

 

 

111,727 

Grain

 

19,338 

 

 

30,003 

 

 

73,860 

 

 

145,800 

Food and ingredients

 

112,697 

 

 

70,012 

 

 

305,211 

 

 

201,423 

Service revenues

 

1,701 

 

 

2,066 

 

 

4,724 

 

 

6,042 

Other

 

10,898 

 

 

9,858 

 

 

35,807 

 

 

34,553 



$

901,235 

 

$

841,852 

 

$

2,675,182 

 

$

2,478,783 

The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Total assets (1):

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

1,137,903 

 

$

1,206,155 

$

1,092,196

$

900,963

Agribusiness and energy services

 

467,955 

 

 

579,977 

394,139

378,720

Food and ingredients

 

691,663 

 

 

406,429 

Partnership

 

72,965 

 

 

74,999 

92,389

91,205

Corporate assets

 

272,844 

 

 

257,652 

485,648

228,074

Intersegment eliminations

 

(14,793)

 

 

(18,720)

(71,418)

(20,045)

$

2,628,537 

 

$

2,506,492 

$

1,992,954

$

1,578,917

(1)

Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany receivable balances.

5.(1)Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany balances.  

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value, except for commoditiesgrain held for sale and fair-value hedged inventories. Commodities held for sale are reported at market value. As of June 30, 2021, the company recorded a $0.7 million lower of cost or net realized value inventory adjustment reflected in cost of goods sold within the ethanol production segment. There was 0 lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustment as of December 31, 2020.

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

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Finished goods

$

117,550

$

89,223

Commodities held for sale

25,182

40,147

Raw materials

74,855

90,800

Work-in-process

21,402

13,201

Supplies and parts

36,012

36,120

$

275,001

$

269,491



 

 

 

 

 



September 30,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

Finished goods

$

123,860 

 

$

99,009 

Commodities held for sale

 

42,783 

 

 

65,926 

Raw materials

 

128,072 

 

 

135,516 

Work-in-process

 

283,936 

 

 

91,093 

Supplies and parts

 

33,796 

 

 

30,637 



$

612,447 

 

$

422,181 

6.  GOODWILL

Changes in carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each business segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, were as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ethanol Production

 

Food and Food

 

 

 

 



Production

 

Ingredients

 

Partnership

 

Total

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

30,279 

 

$

142,819 

 

$

10,598 

 

$

183,696 

Adjustment to preliminary Fleischmann's Vinegar Valuation

 

 -

 

 

(817)

 

 

 -

 

 

(817)

Balance, September 30, 2017

$

30,279 

 

$

142,002 

 

$

10,598 

 

$

182,879 

As of September 30, 2017, based on the final valuations in connection with the Fleischmann’s acquisition,  the fair value of goodwill was reduced by $0.8 million.

19


7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, the company’s consolidated balance sheet reflected unrealized lossesgains of $13.6$0.7 million, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.income (loss). The company expects these losses will be reclassified into operating income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount realized in operating income will differ as commodity prices change.


18


Table of Contents

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

The fair values of the company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated balance sheets where they are reported are as follows (in thousands):

Asset Derivatives'

Liability Derivatives'

Fair Value

Fair Value

June 30,
2021

December 31,
2020

June 30,
2021

December 31,
2020

Derivative financial instruments

$

41,377

(1)

$

21,956

(2)

$

12,579

(3)

$

10,997

(4)

Other assets

43

29

-

-

Other liabilities

-

-

36

-

Total

$

41,420

$

21,985

$

12,615

$

10,997

(1)At June 30, 2021, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized gains on exchange traded futures and options contracts of $0.3 million.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Asset Derivatives'

 

Liability Derivatives'



 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value



 

September 30,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

 

September 30,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

Derivative financial instruments (1)

 

$

5,061 

 

$

14,818 

(3)

$

 -

 

$

 -

Accrued and other liabilities

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

18,029 (2)

 

27,099 

Other liabilities

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15 

 

 

81 

Total

 

$

5,061 

 

$

14,818 

 

$

18,044 

 

$

27,180 

(1)

Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets include related margin deposit assets of $52.5 million and $50.6 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(2)

Balance at September 30, 2017 includes $15.7 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(3)

Balance at December 31, 2016 includes $17.0 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(2)At December 31, 2020, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized gains on exchange traded futures and options contracts of $3.3 million, which include $2.8 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(3)At June 30, 2021, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized losses on exchange traded futures and options contracts of $6.0 million, which included $2.6 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(4)At December 31, 2020, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized losses on exchange traded futures and options contracts of $9.3 million, 0ne of which were designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

Refer to Note 34 - Fair Value Disclosures, which contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

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

The gains or losses recognized in income and other comprehensive income (loss) related to the company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated financial statements where they are reported are as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Designated in a Hedging Relationship

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues

 

$

2,863 

 

$

(1,084)

 

$

(7,400)

 

$

6,187 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

2,036 

 

 

(39)

 

 

17,256 

 

 

(8,740)

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

4,899 

 

$

(1,123)

 

$

9,856 

 

$

(2,553)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income

Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Comprehensive Income into Income

2021

2020

2021

2020

Revenues

$

(23,692)

$

6

$

(38,880)

$

8,824

Cost of goods sold

18,485

-

35,484

(2,901)

Net gain (loss) recognized in income (loss) before income taxes

$

(5,207)

$

6

$

(3,396)

$

5,923



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

of Cash Flow Hedges

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues

 

$

(48)

 

$

34 

 

$

(229)

 

$

(5)

Cost of goods sold

 

 

(213)

 

 

96 

 

 

(213)

 

 

(65)

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

(261)

 

$

130 

 

$

(442)

 

$

(70)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Derivatives

2021

2020

2021

2020

Commodity contracts

$

6,747

$

(1,761)

$

371

$

4,218



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

into Net Income

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues

 

$

(5,242)

 

$

25,254 

 

$

1,734 

 

$

12,029 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

(1,861)

 

 

(28,548)

 

 

(1,679)

 

 

(15,904)

Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

(7,103)

 

$

(3,294)

 

$

55 

 

$

(3,875)


2019


Table of Contents

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on Derivatives

Derivatives Not Designated as

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Hedging Instruments

on Derivatives

2021

2020

2021

2020

Commodity contracts

Revenues

$

(11,101)

$

(15,598)

$

(51,895)

$

29,809

Commodity contracts

Costs of goods sold

2,991

9,173

11,554

6,494

Net gain (loss) recognized in income (loss) before income taxes

$

(8,110)

$

(6,425)

$

(40,341)

$

36,303

The following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for the fair value hedged items (in thousands):

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Line Item in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Which the Hedged Item is Included

Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets

Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets

Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets

Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets

Inventories

$

38,276

$

12,459

$

53,963

$

9,041

Effect of Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedge Accounting on the Statements of Operations

The effect of cash flow and fair value hedges and the line items on the consolidated statements of operations where they are reported are as follows (in thousands):

Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedging Relationships for the Three Months Ended June 30,

2021

2020

Revenue

Cost of
Goods Sold

Revenue

Cost of
Goods Sold

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:

Commodity contracts:

Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income

$

(23,692)

$

18,485

$

6

$

-

Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships:

Commodity contracts:

Hedged item

-

10,406

-

(335)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

-

(7,244)

-

486

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded

$

(23,692)

$

21,647

$

6

$

151




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Portion of Cash Flow

Hedges Recognized in

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Commodity Contracts

 

$

(12,235)

 

$

3,250 

 

$

(15,069)

 

$

(2,157)

20


Table of Contents

Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in

Income on Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedging

Relationships for the Six Months Ended June 30,

2021

2020

Revenue

Cost of
Goods Sold

Revenue

Cost of
Goods Sold

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:

Commodity contracts:

Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income

$

(38,880)

$

35,484

$

8,824

$

(2,901)

Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships:

Commodity contracts:

Hedged item

-

18,373

-

(7,929)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

-

(14,352)

-

8,600

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded

$

(38,880)

$

39,505

$

8,824

$

(2,230)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) from Fair Value

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Hedges of Inventory

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues (effect of change in inventory value)

 

$

61 

 

$

(40)

 

$

1,451 

 

$

1,379 

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

 

 

(1,775)

 

 

(470)

 

 

(6,229)

 

 

7,712 

Revenues (effect of fair value hedge)

 

 

(61)

 

 

40 

 

 

(1,734)

 

 

(1,379)

Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge)

 

 

3,085 

 

 

918 

 

 

8,530 

 

 

(7,648)

Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax

 

$

1,310 

 

$

448 

 

$

2,018 

 

$

64 

There were no0 gains or losses from discontinuing cash flow or fair value hedge treatment during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172021 and 2016.2020.

The open commodity derivative positions as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, are as follows (in thousands):

Exchange Traded

(1)

Non-Exchange Traded

(2)

Derivative
Instruments

Net Long &
(Short)

Long

(Short)

Unit of
Measure

Commodity

Futures

(35,475)

Bushels

Corn and Soybeans

Futures

19,750

(3)

Bushels

Corn

Futures

(3,515)

(4)

Bushels

Corn

Futures

(106,764)

Gallons

Ethanol

Futures

(57,120)

(3)

Gallons

Ethanol

Futures

14,987

MmBTU

Natural Gas

Futures

(3,688)

(4)

MmBTU

Natural Gas

Futures

45

Tons

Soybean Meal

Futures

(51,120)

Pounds

Soybean Oil

Options

57,519

Pounds

Soybean Oil

Options

102

Bushels

Corn

Options

958

Gallons

Ethanol

Options

(3,605)

MmBTU

Natural Gas

Forwards

51,884

(194)

Bushels

Corn and Soybeans

Forwards

-

(186,295)

Gallons

Ethanol

Forwards

108

(298)

Tons

Distillers Grains

Forwards

15,168

(45,562)

Pounds

Corn Oil

Forwards

9,738

(1,257)

MmBTU

Natural Gas



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2017



 

Exchange Traded

 

Non-Exchange Traded

 

 

 

 

Derivative
Instruments

 

Net Long &

(Short) (1)

 

Long (2)

 

(Short) (2)

 

Unit of
Measure

 

Commodity



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures

 

(39,030)

 

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat

Futures

 

67,775 

(3)

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn

Futures

 

(13,175)

(4)

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn

Futures

 

9,828 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Futures

 

(285,852)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Futures

 

1,745 

 

 

 

 

 

MmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Futures

 

(13,753)

(4)

 

 

 

 

MmBTU

 

Natural Gas

Futures

 

(7,200)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Livestock

Futures

 

(336,300)

(3)

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Livestock

Futures

 

40 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

Futures

 

(293)

(4)

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

Futures

 

(420)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Soybean Oil

Futures

 

5,838 

(3)

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Natural Gasoline

Options

 

(1,010)

 

 

 

 

 

Bushels

 

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat

Options

 

2,156 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Options

 

(3,456)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Livestock

Options

 

(1,032)

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds

 

Soybean Oil

Options

 

29 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrels

 

Crude Oil

Forwards

 

 

 

17,166 

 

(247)

 

Bushels

 

Corn and Soybeans

Forwards

 

 

 

53,872 

 

(336,067)

 

Gallons

 

Ethanol

Forwards

 

 

 

173 

 

(375)

 

Tons

 

Distillers Grains

Forwards

 

 

 

14,367 

 

(92,344)

 

Pounds

 

Corn Oil

Forwards

 

 

 

14,862 

 

(1,036)

 

MmBTU

 

Natural Gasoline

Forwards

 

 

 

712 

 

(412)

 

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 or non-exchange traded forwards used for fair value hedges.

(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 on energy trading contracts of $3.1 million$24 thousand and $18.3$0.5 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, respectively, and net gainslosses on energy trading contracts of $2.7$0.1 million and $5.7net gains on energy trading contracts of $3.0 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2020, respectively.

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Table of Contents

8. DEBT

On January 1, 2021, the company early adopted the amended guidance in ASC 470-20, using the modified retrospective method of transition. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $49.5 million decrease in additional paid-in capital, an $11.4 million increase in retained earnings and a $38.1 million increase in long-term debt, which included a $39.4 million increase in debt principal offset by a $1.3 million increase in debt issuance costs, resulting from amounts previously bifurcated to equity being reclassified to debt.

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

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Corporate: (1)

2.25% convertible notes due 2027 (2)

$

230,000

$

-

4.00% convertible notes due 2024 (3)

64,000

89,125

4.125% convertible notes due 2022 (4)

34,316

156,441

Green Plains SPE LLC:

$125.0 million junior secured mezzanine notes due 2026 (5)

125,000

-

Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah:

$75.0 million delayed draw loan agreement (6)

30,000

30,000

Green Plains Partners:

$135.0 million credit facility (7)

53,166

100,000

Other

15,749

15,936

Total book value of long-term debt

552,231

391,502

Unamortized debt issuance costs

(11,236)

(6,151)

Less: current maturities of long-term debt

(2,376)

(98,052)

Total long-term debt

$

538,619

$

287,299

(1)See discussion on early adoption of the amended guidance in ASC 470-20 above.



 

 

 

 

 



September 30,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

Corporate:

 

 

 

 

 

$500.0 million term loan

$

487,440 

 

$

 -

$120.0 million convertible notes due 2018

 

60,241 

 

 

108,817 

$170.0 million convertible notes due 2022

 

131,752 

 

 

127,239 

Green Plains Partners:

 

 

 

 

 

$155.0 million revolving credit facility

 

129,000 

 

 

129,000 

Green Plains Processing:

 

 

 

 

 

$345.0 million term loan

 

 -

 

 

294,011 

Fleischmann's Vinegar:

 

 

 

 

 

$130.0 million term loan

 

 -

 

 

125,609 

$15.0 million revolving credit facility

 

 -

 

 

4,000 

Other

 

27,976 

 

 

28,993 

Total long-term debt

 

836,409 

 

 

817,669 

Less: current portion of long-term debt

 

(6,486)

 

 

(35,059)

Long-term debt

$

829,923 

 

$

782,610 

(2)Includes $7.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021.

Short-term(3)See discussion below regarding the exchange of convertible notes due in 2024. Includes $1.4 million and $2.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

(4)See discussion below regarding the repurchase of convertible notes due in 2022. Includes $0.2 million and $1.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

(5)Includes $1.0 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021.

(6)Includes $0.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

(7)Includes $1.2 million and $2.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Subsequent to June 30, 2021, the partnership refinanced its credit facility. See Note 15 – Subsequent Events for further details.

The components of short-term notes payable and other borrowings are as follows (in thousands):

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Green Plains Trade:

$300.0 million revolver

$

100,769

$

79,251

Green Plains Grain:

$100.0 million revolver

55,000

38,700

$50.0 million inventory financing

-

-

Green Plains Commodity Management:

$30.0 million hedge line

18,239

21,682

Other

-

1,175

$

174,008

$

140,808

Corporate Activities

In March 2021, the company issued an aggregate $230.0 million of 2.25% convertible senior notes due in 2027, or the 2.25% notes. The 2.25% notes bear interest at a rate of 2.25% per year, payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2021, and mature on March 15, 2027. The 2.25% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company. The 2.25% notes are convertible, at the option of the holders, into consideration consisting of, at the company’s election, cash, shares of the company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares). However, before September 15, 2026, the 2.25% notes will not be convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The initial conversion rate is 31.6206 shares of the company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2.25% notes

22


(equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $31.62 per share of the company’s common stock), representing an approximately 37.5% premium over the offering price of the company’s common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to; the event of a stock dividend or stock split; the issuance of additional rights, options and warrants; spinoffs; the event of a cash dividend or distribution; or a tender or exchange offering. In addition, the company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including the company’s calling the 2.25% notes for redemption.

On and after March 15, 2024, and prior to the maturity date, the company may redeem, for cash, all, but not less than all, of the 2.25% notes if the last reported sale price of the company’s common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price on (i) at least 20 trading days during a 30 2017, include working capital revolversconsecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date the company delivers notice of the redemption; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date of the redemption notice. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 2.25% notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the indenture for the 2.25% notes), holders of the 2.25% notes will have the right, at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Graintheir option, to require the company to repurchase their 2.25% notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2.25% notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and Green Plains Tradeunpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

During June 2019, the company issued an aggregate $115.0 million of 4.00% convertible senior notes due in 2024, or the 4.00% notes. The 4.00% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company, with outstanding balancesinterest payable on January 1 and July 1 of $246.7 million, $64.0 millioneach year, beginning January 1, 2020, at a rate of 4.00% per annum. The 4.00% notes will mature on July 1, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 4.00% notes will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into consideration consisting of, at the company’s election, cash, shares of the company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and $143.3 million, respectively. Green Plains Grain also had $3.7shares of the company’s common stock until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. However, before January 1, 2024, the 4.00% notes will not be convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The initial conversion rate is 64.1540 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $15.59 per share. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to; the event of a stock dividend or stock split; the issuance of additional rights, options and warrants; spinoffs; the event of a cash dividend or distribution; or a tender or exchange offering. In addition, the company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including the company’s calling the 4.00% notes for redemption.

On and after July 1, 2022, and prior to the maturity date, the company may redeem all, but not less than all, of the 4.00% notes for cash if the sale price of the company’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 company delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 4.00% notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders of the 4.00% notes will have the right, at their option, to require the company to repurchase the 4.00% notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 4.00% notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

During May 2021, the company entered into a privately negotiated agreement with certain noteholders of the company’s 4.00% notes. Under this agreement, 3,568,705 shares of the company’s common stock were exchanged for $51.0 million in outstanding short-term inventory financing arrangements at Septemberaggregate principal amount of the 4.00% notes. Common stock held as treasury shares were exchanged for the 4.00% notes. Pursuant to the guidance within ASC 470, Debt, the company recorded a loss of $9.5 million which was recorded as a charge to interest expense in the consolidated financial statements during the three months ended June 30, 2017. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at December 31, 2016, include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances2021, of $63.5which $1.2 million $102.0 million and $125.7 million, respectively.related to unamortized debt issuance costs.

Corporate Activities

In August 2016, the company issued $170.0 million of 4.125% convertible senior notes due 2022.in 2022, or the 4.125% notes. The 4.125% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company, with interest payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The company may settle the 4.125% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock.

Prior to March 1, 2022, the 4.125% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including when the quarterly cash dividend exceeds $0.12 per share and upon redemption of the 4.125% notes. The initial conversion rate is 35.7143 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $28.00 per share. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to; the event of a stock dividend or stock split; the issuance of additional rights, options and warrants; spinoffs; the event of a cash dividend or distribution; or a tender or exchange offering.

The company may redeem all, but not less than all, of the 4.125% notes at any time on or after September 1, 2020, if the company’s common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on

23


the trading day immediately prior to the date the company delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the 4.125% notes have the option to require the company to repurchase the 4.125% notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest when there is a fundamental change, such as change in control. If an event of default occurs, it could result in the 4.125% notes being declared due and payable.

In September 2013,March 2021, concurrent with the issuance of the 2.25% notes, the company issued $120.0used approximately $156.5 million of 3.25% convertible senior notes due October 1, 2018. The 3.25% notes are senior, unsecured obligationsthe net proceeds of the company, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The company may settle the 3.25%2.25% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock.

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 49.9981 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $20.00 per share. The company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate in certain events, including redemption of the 3.25% notes.

22


The company may redeem all of the 3.25% notes at any time, if the company’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 company delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the 3.25% notes have the option to require the company to repurchase the 3.25% notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest when there is a fundamental change, such as change in control. If an event of default occurs, it could result in the 3.25% notes being declared due and payable.

During the second quarter of 2017, the company entered into several privately negotiated agreements with holders, on behalf of certain beneficial owners of the company’s 3.25% notes. Under these agreements, 2,783,725 shares of the company’s common stock and approximately $8.5 million in cash plus accrued but unpaid interest on the 3.25% notes, were exchanged for approximately $56.3 million in aggregate principal amount of the 3.25% notes. Common stock held as treasury shares were exchanged for the 3.25% notes. Following the closings of the agreements, $63.7$135.7 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.25%4.125% notes, remain outstanding.

At issuance, the company separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the convertible notes by bifurcating the gross proceeds between the indebtedness, or liability component, and the embedded conversion option, or equity component. This bifurcation was done by estimating an effective interest rate on the date of issuance for similar notes. The embedded conversion option was recorded in stockholders’ equity. Since the company did not exercise the embedded conversion option associated with the notes, pursuantprivately negotiated transactions. Pursuant to the guidance within ASC Topic 470, Debt, the company recorded a loss upon extinguishment measured by the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the liability portion of the notes. As a result, the company recorded a charge to interest expense in the consolidated financial statements of approximately $1.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017.$22.1 million. This charge included $0.6$1.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the principal balance extinguished. The remaining settlement consideration transferred was allocated to the reacquisition of the embedded conversion option and recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

On August 29, 2017, the company entered into a $500.0 million term loan agreement, which matures on August 29, 2023, to refinance approximately $405.0 million of total debt outstanding issued by Green Plains Processing and Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, pay associated fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes.  The term loan is guaranteed by the company and substantially all of its subsidiaries, but not Green Plains Partners and certain other entities, and secured by substantially all of the assets of the company, including 17 ethanol production facilities, vinegar production facilities and a second priority lien on the assets secured under the revolving credit facilities at Green Plains Trade, Green Plains Cattle and Green Plains Grain. 

The credit agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default. The negative covenants include restrictions on the ability to incur additional indebtedness, acquire and sell assets, create liens, make investments, make distributions and enter into transactions with affiliates. At the end of each fiscal quarter, the covenants of the credit agreement require the company to maintain a maximum term debt to total term capitalization of not more than 55% and a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.25x, as defined in the credit agreement. Beginning in 2018, the credit facility also has a provision requiring the company to make special annual payments of 50% or 75% of its available free cash flow, subject to certain limitations. Voluntary term loan prepayments are subject to prepayment fees of 1.0% if prepaid before the eighteen month anniversary of the credit agreement. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017, scheduled principal payments are $1.25 million until maturity. The term loan bears interest at a floating rate of a base rate plus a margin of 4.50% or LIBOR plus a margin of 5.50%.

Ethanol Production Segment

Green Plains Processing had a $345.0 million senior secured credit facility, which was guaranteed by the company and certain subsidiaries of Green Plains Processing and secured by the stock and substantially all of the assets of Green Plains Processing. The interest rate was LIBOR, subject to a 1.00% floor, plus 5.50% and was scheduled to mature on June 30, 2020. The terms of the credit facility required the borrower to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio of 4.00x at the end of each quarter, decreasing to 3.25x over the life of the credit facility, and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x.  This senior secured credit facility was extinguished in full on August 29, 2017 with the proceeds from the new $500.0 million secured term loan facility. In connection with the extinguishment of the senior secured credit facility, the company wrote off deferred financing fees of $5.9 million which were recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

23


Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Green Plains GrainTrade has a $125.0$300.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital for marketing and distribution activities based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. The credit facility matures on July 28, 2022 and consists of a $285 million credit facility and a $15 million first-in-last-out (FILO) credit facility, and includes an accordion feature that enables the credit facility to be increased by up to $70.0 million with agent approval. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to daily LIBOR plus 2.25% on the credit facility and daily LIBOR plus 3.25% on the FILO credit facility. The total unused portion of the revolving credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum.

The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants for Green Plains Trade, including maintaining a minimum 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 also restricts distributions related to capital stock, with an exception for distributions up to 50% of net income if, on a pro forma basis, (a) availability has been greater than $10.0 million for the last 30 days and (b) the borrower would be in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on the distribution date.

Green Plains Grain has a $100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, which matures on June 28, 2022. The credit facility finances working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible cash, receivables and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. The credit facility matures on July 26, 2019. Advances are subject to an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.00% or the lenders’ base rate plus 2.00%. The credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the facility to be increased by up to $75.0 million with agent approval. The credit facility can also be increased by up to $50.0 million for seasonal borrowings. Total commitments outstanding cannot exceed $250.0$225.0 million. Depending on utilization, the total unused portion of the $100.0 million revolving credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.50%.

Lenders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable and other assets owned by Green Plains Grain as security on the credit facility.Grain. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants for Green Plains Grain, including maintaining minimum working capital to be the greater of $20.0 million (i) $18,000,000 and (ii) 18% of the sum of the then total commitment plus the aggregate seasonal line commitments. Minimum tangible net worth is required to be greater than 21% of $26.3 million for 2017.the sum of the then total commitment plus the aggregate seasonal line commitments. The credit facility also requires the company to maintain a maximum annual leverage of 6.00 to 1.00. Capital expenditures are limited to $8.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus equity contributions from the company and unused amounts of up to $8.0 million from the previous year. In addition, if the company has long-term indebtedness on the date of calculation of greater than $10.0 million, the credit facility requires the company to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00 and a maximum annual leverage ratiolong term debt capitalization of 6.00 to 1.00 at the end of each quarter. The fixed charge coverage ratio and long-term capitalization ratio apply only if 40%.  

Green Plains Grain has long-term indebtedness onentered into a $50.0 million short-term inventory financing agreements with a financial institution. The company has accounted for the dateagreements as short-term notes, rather than sales, and has elected the fair value option to offset fluctuations in market prices of calculation. Asthe inventory. The company had 0 short-term notes payable related to these inventory financing agreements as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, 2021.

Green Plains Grain had no long-term indebtedness. The credit facility also contains restrictions on distributions related to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions up to 50% of net profit before tax, subject to certain conditions.    

Green Plains TradeCommodity Management has a senior secured asset-basedan uncommitted $30.0 million revolving credit facility which was amended on July 28, 2017,matures April 30, 2023 to increase the maximum commitment from $150 million to $300 million and extend the maturity date to July 28, 2022. The revolving credit facility finances working capital for marketing and distribution activities based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. The amended $300 million maximum commitment consists of a $285 million credit facility and a $15 million first-in-last-out (FILO) credit facility. The amended credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the credit facility to be increased by up to $70.0 million with agent approval. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to daily LIBOR plus 2.25% on the credit facility and daily LIBOR plus 3.25% on the FILO credit facility. The total unused portion of the $300 million revolving credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum.

The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15x. Capital expenditures are limited to $1.5 million per year under the credit facility. The credit facility also restricts distributionsfinance margins related to capital stock, with an exception for distributions up to 50% of net income if, on a pro forma basis, (a) availability has been greater than $10.0 million for the last 30 days and (b) the borrower would be in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on the distribution date.

At September 30, 2017, Green Plains Trade had restricted cash of $9.5 million on the consolidated balance sheet, the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance. 

Food and Ingredients Segment

Green Plains Cattle has a $300.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, which matures on April 30, 2020, to finance working capital for the cattle feedlot operations up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables, inventories and other current assets, less miscellaneous adjustments.its hedging programs. Advances as amended, are subject to variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.00%1.75%.

24


Ethanol Production Segment

On February 9, 2021, Green Plains SPE LLC, a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary and parent of Green Plains Obion and Green Plains Mount Vernon, issued $125.0 million of junior secured mezzanine notes due 2026 (the “Junior Notes”) with four funds and accounts managed by BlackRock for the purchase of all notes issued.

The Junior Notes will mature on February 9, 2026 and are secured by a pledge of the membership interests in and the real property owned by Green Plains Obion and Green Plains Mount Vernon. The proceeds of the Junior Notes will be used to 3.00%construct high protein processing systems at the Green Plains Obion and Green Plains Mount Vernon facilities. The Junior Notes accrue interest at an annual rate of 11.75%. However, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the Green Plains SPE LLC may elect to pay an amount in cash equal to interest accruing at a rate of 6.00% per annum plus an amount equal to interest accruing at a rate of 6.75% per annum to be paid in kind. The entire outstanding principal balance, plus any accrued and unpaid interest is due upon maturity. Green Plains SPE LLC is required to comply with certain financial covenants regarding minimum liquidity at Green Plains and a maximum aggregate loan to value. The Junior Notes can be retired or refinanced after 42 months with no prepayment premium. The Junior Notes have an unsecured parent guarantee from the company and have certain limitations on distributions, dividends or loans to the company unless there will not exist any event of default. Funds associated with the Junior Notes are administered by a trustee and are included in the balance of restricted cash as of June 30, 2021.

On September 3, 2020, Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company, entered into a delayed draw loan agreement with MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC. The $75.0 million delayed draw loan matures on September 1, 2035 and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Wood River and Shenandoah facilities. The proceeds from the loan will be used to add high protein processing systems at the Wood River and Shenandoah facilities as well as other capital expenditures.

The delayed draw loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.02%, plus an interest rate premium of 1.5% until the loan is fully drawn, which must occur within the 18 month draw period. After the earlier of the 18 month draw period or the baseloan being fully drawn, the interest rate premium may be adjusted quarterly from 0.00% to 1.50% based on the leverage ratio of total funded debt to EBITDA of Wood River and Shenandoah. Principal payments of $1.5 million per year begin 24 months from the closing date. Prepayments are prohibited until September 2024. Financial covenants of the delayed draw loan agreement include a minimum loan to value ratio of 50%, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x commencing on June 30, 2021, a total debt service reserve of six months of future principal and interest payments and a minimum working capital requirement at Green Plains of not less than $0.10 per gallon of nameplate capacity or $95.8 million. The loan is guaranteed by the company and has certain limitations on distributions, dividends or loans to Green Plains by Wood River and Shenandoah unless immediately after giving effect to such action, there will not exist any event of default.

The company also has small equipment financing loans, finance leases on equipment or facilities, and other forms of debt financing.

Partnership Segment

Green Plains Partners has a $135.0 million credit facility to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. The credit facility includes a $130.0 million term loan and a $5.0 million revolver, and matures on December 31, 2021. The partnership made $46.8 million in principal payments on the term loan during the six months ended June 30, 2021, including $16.3 million of scheduled repayments, $27.5 million related to the sale of the storage assets located adjacent to the Ord, Nebraska ethanol plant and a $3.0 million prepayment made with excess cash. As of June 30, 2021, 0 additional prepayments on the term loan were required. Monthly principal payments of $2.5 million were required through April 15, 2021, with a step up to monthly payments of $3.2 million beginning May 15, 2021 through maturity. In addition, if at any time subsequent to July 15, 2020, the partnership’s cash balance exceeds $2.5 million for more than 5 consecutive business days, prepayments of outstanding principal are required in an amount equal to the excess cash. The partnership is also required to prepay outstanding principal on the credit facility with 100% of net cash proceeds from any asset disposition or recovery event. Any prepayments on the term loan are applied to the remaining principal balance in inverse order of maturity, including the final payment.

The term loan balance, and any advances on the revolver, are subject to a floating interest rate based on a 1.0% LIBOR floor plus 1.00%4.50% to 2.00%, depending5.25% dependent upon the preceding three months’fiscal quarter’s consolidated leverage ratio. Prepayments of $40.0 million in excess borrowing availability. The amended credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enablesof the credit facilityscheduled monthly payments were made prior to beApril 1, 2021, and as such, the interest rate associated with the term loan balance was not increased by up to $100.0 million with agent approval. a floating rate based on a 1.00% LIBOR floor plus 5.00% to 5.75%. The unused portion of the credit facilityrevolver is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.30% per annum, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability.

Lenders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable, property and equipment and other assets owned by Green Plains Cattle as security on the credit facility.0.50%. The amended terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining working capital of 15% of the commitment amount, tangible net worth of 20% of the commitment amount, plus 50% of net profit from the previous year, and a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50x. Capital expenditures are limited to $10.0 million per year under the credit facility plus $10.0 million per year if funded by a contribution from parent, plus any unused amounts from the previous year.also allows for

25

Fleischmann’s Vinegar had a $130.0 million senior secured term loan and a $15.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which was used to finance the purchase of Fleischmann’s Vinegar and to fund working capital for its vinegar

24


manufacturing operations, and were scheduled to mature on October 3, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2017, the term loan wasswing line loans subject to mandatory prepayments based on the preceding fiscal year’s excess cash flow. Term loan prepayments were generally subject to prepayment fees of 1.0% to 2.0% if prepaid before the second anniversary of the credit agreement. The term loan andrevolver availability. Swing line loans under the revolving credit facility each bore interest at a floating rate based on the consolidated total net leverage ratio, adjusted quarterly beginning September 30, 2017, to either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 5.0% to 6.0% or to LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 6.0% to 7.0%. The unused portion of the revolving credit facility was also subject to a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum.

This senior secured credit term loan and senior secured revolving credit facility were extinguished in full on August 29, 2017 with the proceeds from the new $500.0 million secured term loan facility.  In connection with the extinguishment of the senior secured credit facility, the company wrote off deferred financing fees of $3.5 million and paid a prepayment penalty of $2.9 million. These expenses are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Partnership Segment

Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has a $155.0 million revolving credit facility, as amended, which matures on July 1, 2020, to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. Advances under the credit facility are subject to a floating interest rate based on the preceding fiscal quarter’s consolidated leverage ratio at a base ratePrime Rate plus 1.25%3.5% to 2.00% or LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.00%. The credit facility may be increased up to $100.0 million without the consent of the lenders. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.35% to 0.50%, depending on4.25% dependent upon the preceding fiscal quarter’s consolidated leverage ratio. Under the terms of the credit facility, swing line loans must be repaid within 10 days of the date of the advance. As of June 30, 2021, the term loan had a balance of $53.2 million and an interest rate of 5.50%, and there were no outstanding swing line loans.

The partnership’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the capital stockequity interests 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 any 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 and (iv) substantially all of the partnership’s real property and material leases of real property. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictingrestrictions on 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 also requires the partnership to maintain a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio of no more than 3.50x, and a minimum consolidated interestdebt service coverage ratio of no less than 2.75x,, each of which is calculated on a pro forma basis with respect to acquisitions and divestitures occurring during the applicable period. The maximum consolidated leverage ratio required, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, is no more than 3.00x and decreases 0.25x each quarter to 1.50x by December 31, 2021. The minimum consolidated debt service coverage ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was set to 1.05x due to the partnership having completed prepayment of at least $40 million of the outstanding principal balance on the credit facility as specified in the loan agreement. The minimum debt service coverage ratio resumed being set to 1.10x for subsequent quarters. The consolidated leverage ratio is calculated by dividing total funded indebtedness by the sum of the four preceding fiscal quarters’ consolidated EBITDA. The consolidated debt service coverage ratio is calculated by taking the sum of the four preceding fiscal quarters’ consolidated EBITDA minus income taxes and consolidated capital expenditures for such period divided by the sum of the four preceding fiscal quarters’ consolidated interest charges plus consolidated scheduled funded debt payments for such period.

Under the amended terms of the credit facility, the partnership may make quarterly distribution payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $0.12 per outstanding unit, so long as (i) no default has occurred and is continuing, or would result from payment of the distribution, and (ii) the partnership and its subsidiaries are in compliance with its financial covenants and remain in compliance after payment of the distribution. The credit facility is not guaranteed by the company.

Subsequent to June 30, 2021, the partnership amended its credit facility. Please refer to Note 15 – Subsequent Events for further details.

Covenant Compliance

The company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2021.

Capitalized Interest

The company had $16 thousand and $39 thousand of capitalized interest during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $483 thousand and $1.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

Restricted Net Assets

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, there were approximately $124.5$169.4 million of net assets at the company’s subsidiaries that could not 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.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The company has an equity incentive plan that reserves 4,110,000which reserved a total of 5.7 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its directors and employees.the plan. The plan provides for shares, 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 grantedand performance share awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The company measures stock-based compensation at fair value on the grant date.date, with no adjustments for estimated forfeitures. The company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite period on a straight-line basis. Substantially all


26


25Restricted Stock Awards and Deferred Stock Units


The activity related to the exercisable stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Shares

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted-Average

Remaining

Contractual Term

(in years)

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

148,750 

 

$

12.36 

 

2.8

 

$

2,305 

Granted

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Exercised

(5,000)

 

 

10.00 

 

-

 

 

78 

Forfeited

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Expired

 -

 

 

 -

 

-

 

 

 -

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

143,750 

 

$

12.44 

 

2.1

 

$

1,109 

Exercisable at September 30, 2017 (1)

143,750 

 

$

12.44 

 

2.1

 

$

1,109 

(1)

Includes in-the-money options totaling 143,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $12.44.

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 options in the open market. The company uses newly issued shares of common stock to satisfy its stock-based payment obligations. 

The non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Vested

Shares and

Deferred Stock

Units

 

Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value

 

Weighted-Average

Remaining

Vesting Term

(in years)

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, 2016

1,139,560 

 

$

17.65 

 

 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2020

1,028,739

$

9.15

Granted

566,165 

 

 

24.03 

 

 

344,689

27.07

Forfeited

(42,430)

 

 

19.08 

 

 

(53,958)

13.82

Vested

(542,764)

 

 

18.37 

 

 

(456,412)

11.45

Non-Vested at September 30, 2017

1,120,531 

 

$

20.47 

 

2.0

Non-Vested at June 30, 2021

863,058

$

14.80

2.1

Performance Shares

On February 18, 2021 and March 18, 2020, the board of directors granted performance shares to be awarded in the form of common stock to certain participants of the plan. These performance shares vest based on the level of achievement of certain performance goals, including the incremental value achieved from the company’s high-protein initiatives, annual production levels and return on investment (ROI). Performance shares granted in 2021 and 2020 do not contain market based factors requiring a Monte Carlo valuation model. The performance shares were granted at a target of 100%, but each performance share will reduce or increase depending on results for the performance period. If the company achieves the maximum performance goals, the maximum amount of shares available to be issued pursuant to the 2021 and 2020 awards are 1,094,205 performance shares which represents approximately 275% of the 398,102 performance shares which remain outstanding. The actual number of performance shares that will ultimately vest is based on the actual performance targets achieved at the end of the performance period.

On February 19, 2019 and March 19, 2018, the board of directors granted performance shares to be awarded in the form of common stock to certain participants of the plan. These performance shares vest based on the company’s average return on net assets (RONA) and the company’s total shareholder return (TSR), as further described herein. The performance shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, if the RONA and TSR criteria are achieved and the participant is then employed by the company. NaN percent of the performance shares vest based upon the company’s ability to achieve a predetermined RONA during the three year performance period. The remaining 50 percent of the performance shares vest based upon the company’s total TSR during the three year performance period relative to that of the company’s performance peer group.

The performance shares were granted at a target of 100%, but each performance share will reduce or increase depending on results for the performance period for the company's RONA, and the company’s TSR relative to that of the performance peer group. On March 19, 2021, based on criteria discussed above, the 2018 performance shares vested at a target of 75%. If the company’s RONA and TSR achieve the maximum goals, the maximum amount of shares available to be issued pursuant to the 2019 awards are 242,501 performance shares or 150% of the 161,667 performance shares which remain outstanding. The actual number of performance shares that will ultimately vest is based on the actual percentile ranking of the company’s RONA, and the company’s TSR compared to the peer performance at the end of the performance period.

For performance shares which include market based factors, the company uses the Monte Carlo valuation model to estimate the fair value of the performance shares on the date of the grant.The weighted average assumptions used by the company in applying the Monte Carlo valuation model for performance share grants and related valuation are illustrated in the following table:

FY 2019 Performance Awards

Risk-free interest rate

2.45

%

Dividend yield

3.13

%

Expected volatility

41.69

%

Monte Carlo valuation

99.62

%

Closing stock price on the date of grant

$

15.34


27


Table of Contents

The non-vested performance share award activity for the six months ended June 30, 2021, is as follows:

Performance
Shares

Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value

Weighted-Average
Remaining
Vesting Term
(in years)

Non-Vested at December 31, 2020

517,969

$

10.82

Granted

183,316

26.41

Forfeited

(53,601)

20.91

Vested

(87,915)

17.68

Non-Vested at June 30, 2021

559,769

$

14.29

2.5

Green Plains Partners

Green Plains Partners has adopted the LTIP, ana long-term incentive plan (LTIP) intended to promote the interests of the partnership, its general partner and affiliates by providing unit-based incentive compensation based on unitsawards to employees, consultants and directors to encourage superior performance. The incentive planLTIP reserves 2,500,000 common limited partner units for issuance in the form ofoptions, restricted units, phantom units, distributabledistribution equivalent rights, substitute awards, unit appreciation rights, unit awards, profitsprofit interest units or other unit-based awards. The partnership measures unit-based compensation at fair value on the grant date, with no adjustments for estimated forfeitures. The partnership records noncash compensation expense related to equitythe awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

The non-vested unit-based awards activity for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, is 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, 2016

15,009 

 

$

15.99 

 

 

Granted

12,834 

 

 

18.70 

 

 

Forfeited

(4,278)

 

 

18.70 

 

 

Vested

(15,009)

 

 

15.99 

 

 

Non-Vested at September 30, 2017

8,556 

 

$

18.70 

 

0.8

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, 2020

47,620

$

6.72

Vested

(47,620)

6.72

Non-Vested at June 30, 2021

-

$

-

0.0

Stock-Based and Unit Based Compensation Expense

Compensation costs for stock-basedstock-based and unit-based payment plans duringwere $1.1 million and $2.0 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,  were approximately $3.32021, respectively, and $2.3 million and $8.8$3.6 million respectively, and $2.4 million and $7.0 million duringfor the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2020, respectively. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, there was $16.2$14.8 million of

26


unrecognized compensation costs from stock-based and unit-based compensation related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.02.2 years. The potential tax benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 37.7% 23.9% of these expenses.expenses.

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.

During 2016, diluted EPS was computed using the treasury stock method for the convertible debt instruments, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of the convertible debt instruments and any other outstanding dilutive securities. During the first quarter of 2017, the company changed its method for calculating dilutive EPS related to its convertible debt instruments from the treasury stock method to the if-converted method, as the company changed its financial strategy with respect to cash settlement of these instruments. As such, theThe company computed diluted EPS for 2017 by dividing net income on an if-converted basis, adjusted to add back net interest expense related to the convertible debt instruments, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted to include the shares that would be issued if the convertible debt instruments were converted to common shares and the effect of any outstanding dilutive securities.


28


Table of Contents

The basic and diluted EPS are calculated as follows (in thousands)thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

2021

2020

2021

2020

Basic EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

$

34,394 

 

$

7,928 

 

$

14,431 

 

$

(8,019)

$

9,743

$

(8,214)

$

3,198

$

(24,659)

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

41,348 

 

 

38,282 

 

 

40,008 

 

 

38,301 

45,425

34,603

41,581

34,634

EPS - basic

$

0.83 

 

$

0.21 

 

$

0.36 

 

$

(0.21)

$

0.21

$

(0.24)

$

0.08

$

(0.71)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

$

34,394 

 

$

7,928 

 

$

14,431 

 

$

(8,019)

$

9,743

$

(8,214)

$

3,198

$

(24,659)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.25% notes

 

840 

 

 

 -

 

3,582 

 

 -

4.125% notes

 

2,050 

 

 -

 

6,089 

 

 -

4.125% convertible notes due 2022

-

-

-

-

4.00% convertible notes due 2024

577

-

-

-

2.25% convertible notes due 2027

1,216

-

-

-

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - diluted

$

37,284 

 

$

7,928 

 

$

24,102 

 

$

(8,019)

$

11,536

$

(8,214)

$

3,198

$

(24,659)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

41,348 

 

 

38,282 

 

40,008 

 

38,301 

45,425

34,603

41,581

34,634

Effect of dilutive convertible debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.25% notes

 

3,178 

 

 

760 

 

4,551 

 

 -

4.125% notes

 

6,071 

 

 

 -

 

6,071 

 

 -

4.125% convertible notes due 2022

-

-

-

-

4.00% convertible notes due 2024

4,106

-

-

-

2.25% convertible notes due 2027

7,273

-

-

-

Effect of dilutive warrants

669

-

345

-

Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards

 

50 

 

 

94 

 

 

63 

 

 

 -

698

-

749

-

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

 

50,647 

 

 

39,136 

 

 

50,693 

 

 

38,301 

58,171

34,603

42,675

34,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS - diluted

$

0.74 

 

$

0.20 

 

$

0.48 

 

$

(0.21)

$

0.20

$

(0.24)

$

0.07

$

(0.71)

Anti-dilutive weighted-average convertible debt and stock-based compensation (1)

1,226

14,074

10,233

13,994

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 108 thousand shares(1)Anti-dilutive effects related to the company’s convertible debt and stock-based compensation awards are excluded from diluted EPS for certain periods presented. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the company excluded the impact of the 4.125% convertible notes due in 2022, and associated interest and amortization, as inclusion would be anti-dilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the company excluded the impact of the 4.125% convertible notes due in 2022, 4.00% convertible notes due in 2024 and the 2.25% convertible notes due in 2027, and associated interest and amortization, as inclusion would be anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, all convertible debt and stock-based compensation awards were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive. be anti-dilutive.

27


11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Early Adoption of ASC 470-20

On January 1, 2021, the company early adopted the amended guidance in ASC 470-20, using the modified retrospective method of transition. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $49.5 million decrease in additional paid-in capital, an $11.4 million increase in retained earnings and a $38.1 million increase in long-term debt, which included a $39.4 million increase in debt principal offset by a $1.3 million increase in debt issuance costs, resulting from amounts previously bifurcated to equity being reclassified to debt.

Upon adoption of amended guidance in ASC 470-20, the company reversed the remaining deferred tax liability of $9.2 million associated to the equity portion of previously issued convertible debt. As the company had recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, the reversal of the $9.2 million deferred tax liability would require an increase to the existing valuation allowance by the same amount, which would normally be recorded through current income tax expense. However, because the change in the deferred tax liability is directly linked to the adoption of ASC 470-20, which is accounted for as a cumulative effect adjustment, the required increase to the valuation allowance is recorded as part of the cumulative adjustment to stockholders’ equity and has no effect on the income statement.


29


Table of Contents

Public Offering of Common Stock

On March 1, 2021, the company completed an offering of 8,751,500 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, in a public offering at a price of $23.00 per share (the “Common Stock Offering”). The Common Stock Offering resulted in net proceeds of $191.1 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions as well as the company’s offering expenses.

Warrants

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, in connection with certain arrangements, the company issued warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The company measures the fair value of the warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the issuance date. Exercisable warrants are equity based and recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital.

The company has reserved 2,550,000 shares of common stock for the exercise of warrants to non-employees, of which 2,275,000 are exercisable. The remaining 275,000 warrants are contingent upon certain earn-out provisions, treated as liability based awards, and valued quarterly using the company’s stock price. These warrants could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future periods. The exercise price of the warrants is $22.00 and expiration dates are December 8, 2025 for 275,000 warrants, February 9, 2026 for 275,000 warrants and April 28, 2026 for 2,000,000 warrants.

Convertible Note Exchange

On May 18, 2021, the company closed on a privately negotiated exchange agreement with certain noteholders of the company’s 4.00% notes, pursuant to which the noteholders agreed to exchange $51.0 million in aggregate principal for 3,568,705 shares of the company’s common stock at an implied price of $26.80.


30


Table of Contents

Components of stockholders’ equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Accum.

 

Total

 

 



 

Additional

 

 

Other

 

Green Plains

Non-

Total



Common Stock

Paid-in

Retained

Comp.

Treasury Stock

Stockholders'

Controlling

Stockholders'



Shares

Amount

Capital

Earnings

Loss

Shares

Amount

Equity

Interests

Equity



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2016

46,079 

$

46 

$

659,200 

$

283,214 

$

(4,137)7,715 

$

(75,816)

$

862,507 

$

116,684 

$

979,191 

Net income

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

14,431 

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

14,431 

 

14,853 

 

29,284 

Cash dividends and
distributions declared

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

(14,053)

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

(14,053)

 

(15,214)

 

(29,267)

Other comprehensive loss
before reclassification

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

(9,436)

 -

 

 -

 

(9,436)

 

 -

 

(9,436)

Amounts reclassified from

accumulated other

comprehensive loss

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

(34)

 -

 

 -

 

(34)

 

 -

 

(34)

Other comprehensive loss,
net of tax

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

(9,470)

 -

 

 -

 

(9,470)

 

 -

 

(9,470)

Repurchase of common stock

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

336 

 

(5,733)

 

(5,733)

 

 -

 

(5,733)

Exchange of 3.25%

convertible notes due

2018

 -

 

 -

 

18,326 

 

 -

 

 -

(2,784)

 

27,356 

 

45,682 

 

 -

 

45,682 

Stock-based compensation

346 

 

 -

 

4,497 

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

4,497 

 

159 

 

4,656 

Stock options exercised

 

 -

 

50 

 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 

50 

 

 -

 

50 

Balance, September 30, 2017

46,430 

$

46 

$

682,073 

$

283,592 

$

(13,607)5,267 

$

(54,193)

$

897,911 

$

116,482 

$

1,014,393 

Accum.

Total

Additional

Other

Green Plains

Non-

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

Retained

Comp.

Treasury Stock

Stockholders'

Controlling

Stockholders'

Shares

Amount

Capital

Earnings

Income

Shares

Amount

Equity

Interests

Equity

Balance, December 31, 2020

47,471 

$

47 

$

740,889 

$

39,375 

$

(2,172)

11,813 

$

(131,287)

$

646,852 

$

129,812 

$

776,664 

Impact of ASC 470-20 adoption (1)

-

-

(49,496)

11,418 

-

-

-

(38,078)

-

(38,078)

Balance, January 1, 2021

47,471 

47 

691,393 

50,793 

(2,172)

11,813 

(131,287)

608,774 

129,812 

738,586 

Net income (loss)

-

-

-

(6,545)

-

-

-

(6,545)

4,566 

(1,979)

Cash distributions declared

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,395)

(1,395)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

-

-

-

-

(4,849)

-

-

(4,849)

-

(4,849)

Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)

-

-

-

-

(1,377)

-

-

(1,377)

-

(1,377)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

-

-

-

-

(6,226)

-

-

(6,226)

-

(6,226)

Investment in subsidiary

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,330 

3,330 

Issuance of warrants

-

-

3,431 

-

-

-

-

3,431 

(3,431)

-

Issuance of common stock for cash at $23.00 per share, net of fees

8,752 

191,125 

-

-

-

-

191,134 

-

191,134 

Stock-based compensation

230 

-

(3,000)

-

-

-

-

(3,000)

79 

(2,921)

Balance, March 31, 2021

56,453 

56 

882,949 

44,248 

(8,398)

11,813 

(131,287)

787,568 

132,961 

920,529 

Net income (loss)

-

-

-

9,743 

-

-

-

9,743 

6,374 

16,117 

Cash dividends and
distributions declared

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,395)

(1,395)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

-

-

-

-

5,131 

-

-

5,131 

-

5,131 

Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)

-

-

-

-

3,961 

-

-

3,961 

-

3,961 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

-

-

-

-

9,092 

-

-

9,092 

-

9,092 

Exchange of 4.00% convertible
notes due 2024

-

-

17,679 

-

-

(3,569)

39,661 

57,340 

-

57,340 

Acquisition of FQT

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,861 

1,861 

Warrant liability

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,278 

1,278 

Stock-based compensation

(20)

324 

-

-

-

-

328 

80 

408 

Balance, June 30, 2021

56,433 

$

60 

$

900,952 

$

53,991 

$

694 

8,244 

$

(91,626)

$

864,071 

$

141,159 

$

1,005,230 

(1)See Note 1 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Note 8 – Debt for discussion on adoption of ASC 470-20.


31


Table of Contents

Accum.

Total

Additional

Other

Green Plains

Non-

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

Retained

Comp.

Treasury Stock

Stockholders'

Controlling

Stockholders'

Shares

Amount

Capital

Earnings

Income

Shares

Amount

Equity

Interests

Equity

Balance, January 1, 2020

46,964 

$

47 

$

734,580 

$

148,150 

$

(11,064)

10,932 

$

(119,808)

$

751,905 

$

113,381 

$

865,286 

Net income (loss)

-

-

-

(16,445)

-

-

-

(16,445)

6,098 

(10,347)

Distributions declared

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(5,498)

(5,498)

Other comprehensive loss
before reclassification

-

-

-

-

4,532 

-

-

4,532 

-

4,532 

Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive loss

-

-

-

-

(4,485)

-

-

(4,485)

-

(4,485)

Other comprehensive income,
net of tax

-

-

-

-

47 

-

-

47 

-

47 

Share of equity method investees other comprehensive loss arising during the period, net of tax

-

-

-

-

41,956 

-

-

41,956 

-

41,956 

Repurchase of common stock

-

-

-

-

-

881 

(11,479)

(11,479)

-

(11,479)

Stock-based compensation

343 

-

36 

-

-

-

-

36 

79 

115 

Balance, March 31, 2020

47,307 

47 

734,616 

131,705 

30,939 

11,813 

(131,287)

766,020 

114,060 

880,080 

Net income (loss)

-

-

-

(8,214)

-

-

-

(8,214)

2,740 

(5,474)

Distributions declared

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,389)

(1,389)

Other comprehensive loss
before reclassification

-

-

-

-

(1,333)

-

-

(1,333)

-

(1,333)

Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive loss

-

-

-

-

(7)

-

-

(7)

-

(7)

Other comprehensive income,
net of tax

-

-

-

-

(1,340)

-

-

(1,340)

-

(1,340)

Share of equity method investees other comprehensive loss arising during the period, net of tax

-

-

-

-

(16,759)

-

-

(16,759)

-

(16,759)

Stock-based compensation

160 

-

2,072 

-

-

-

-

2,072 

80 

2,152 

Balance, June 30, 2020

47,467 

$

47 

$

736,688 

$

123,491 

$

12,840 

11,813 

$

(131,287)

$

741,779 

$

115,491 

$

857,270 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Statements of
Operations



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Classification

Gains on cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives

$

(5,242)

 

$

25,254 

 

$

1,734 

 

$

12,029 

 

Revenues

Commodity derivatives

 

(1,861)

 

 

(28,548)

 

 

(1,679)

 

 

(15,904)

 

Cost of goods sold

Total

 

(7,103)

 

 

(3,294)

 

 

55 

 

 

(3,875)

 

Income (loss) before
income  taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(2,650)

 

 

(1,144)

 

 

21 

 

 

(1,369)

 

Income tax
expense (benefit)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(4,453)

 

$

(2,150)

 

$

34 

 

$

(2,506)

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Statements of
Operations

2021

2020

2021

2020

Classification

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:

Commodity derivatives

$

(23,692)

$

6

$

(38,880)

$

8,824

(1)

Commodity derivatives

18,485

-

35,484

(2,901)

(2)

Total gains on cash flow hedges

(5,207)

6

(3,396)

5,923

(3)

Income tax benefit (expense)

1,246

1

812

(1,431)

(4)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(3,961)

$

7

$

(2,584)

$

4,492

(1)Revenues

(2)Costs of goods sold

(3)Income (loss) before income taxes and income from equity method investees

(4)Income tax benefit 

12. INCOME TAXES

The company records actual income tax expense or benefit during interim periods rather than on an annual effective tax rate method. Certain items are given discrete period treatment and the tax effect of those items are reported in full in the relevant interim period. Green Plains Partners is a limited partnership, which is treated as a flow-through entity for federal income tax purposes and is not subject to federal income taxes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements do not reflect such income taxes on pre-tax income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the partnership.

The 2017CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act includes several significant business tax provisions including elimination of the taxable limit for certain net operating losses (“NOL”), allowing businesses to carry back NOLs arising in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to the five prior tax years, accelerating refunds of previously generated corporate AMT credits, and loosening the business interest limitation under §163(j) from 30% to 50%. The CARES Act also contains

32


Table of Contents

an employee retention credit to encourage employers to maintain headcounts even if employees cannot report to work because of issues related to the COVID-19. In the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an income tax benefit related to the expected NOL carry back claim of $28.4 million, which was an estimate based on the amount of NOL rated to the 2019 year-end tax provision. NaN additional tax benefit was recorded related to the CARES Act during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The company recorded income tax benefit of $4.8 million and $2.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with income tax benefit of $11.5 million and $55.7 million for the same periods in 2020.The decrease in income tax benefit recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in pretax book income for the period offset by the tax benefit for the utilization of previously recorded NOLs. The decrease in the amount of tax benefit recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily due to the tax benefit recognized in 2020 associated with the carry back of the tax NOL generated in 2019 to the 2014 tax year under the newly enacted CARES Act. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $51.4 million as of June 30, 2021 and $51.6 million as of June 30, 2020.

The effective tax rate can be affected by variances amongin the estimates and amounts of taxable income among the various states, entities and activity types, realization of tax credits, adjustments from resolution of tax matters under review, valuation allowances and the company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

IncomeUpon adoption of amended guidance in ASC 470-20, during the first quarter of 2021, the company reversed the remaining deferred tax benefit was $48.8liability of $9.2 million and $60.9associated to the equity portion of previously issued convertible debt.  As the company had recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, the reversal of the $9.2 million fordeferred tax liability would require an increase to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared withexisting valuation allowance by the same amount which would normally be recorded through current income tax expense of $5.1 million and incomeexpense. However, as the change in the deferred tax benefit of $4.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The variation in tax expense was due primarilyliability is directly linked to the company’s recognitionadoption of tax benefits relatedASC 470-20, which is accounted for as a cumulative effect adjustment, the required increase to R&D Credits. 

A study was conducted to determine whether certain activities the company performs qualify for the R&D credit allowed 

28


by the Internal Revenue Code Section 41. As a result of this study, the company concluded these activities  do qualify for the credit and determined it was appropriate to claim the benefit of these credits for all open tax years.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the company recognized a net tax benefit of $49.5 million for federal and state R&D Credits relating to tax years 2013 to 2016 as well as an estimated year-to-date tax benefit for federal and state R&D Credits for the 2017 tax year.  Of this amount, $9.0 million ($5.9 million net) in refundable credits not dependent upon taxable income wasvaluation allowance is recorded as a reductionpart of cost of goods soldthe cumulative adjustment to stockholders’ equity and $43.6 million was recorded as an income tax benefit.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $27.3 million as of September 30, 2017, and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2016. Recognition of these benefits would have a favorable impacthas no effect on the company’s effective tax rate.consolidated statements of operations.

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating LeasesLease Expense

The company leases certain facilities, equipment and parcels of land, under agreements that expire at various dates. For accounting purposes, rent expense is basedand equipment, with remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 16.4 years. The land and facility leases include renewal options. The renewal options are included in the lease term only for those sites or locations in which they are reasonably certain to be renewed. Equipment renewals are not considered reasonably certain to be exercised as they typically renew with significantly different underlying terms.

The company may sublease certain of its railcars to third parties on a short-term basis. The subleases are classified as operating leases, with the associated sublease income being recognized on a straight-line amortizationbasis over the lease term.

The components of lease expense are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Lease expense

Operating lease expense

$

4,908

$

5,255

$

9,842

$

10,200

Variable lease expense (1)

522

630

591

899

Total lease expense

$

5,430

$

5,885

$

10,433

$

11,099

(1)Represents amounts incurred in excess of the totalminimum payments required overfor a certain building lease and for the lease. The company incurredhandling and unloading of railcars for a certain land lease, expenses offset by railcar lease abatements provided by the lessor when railcars are out of $11.2 million and $33.4 million service during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $9.1 million and $27.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.periods of maintenance or upgrade.


33


Table of Contents

Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases is as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

4,814

$

5,019

$

9,646

$

9,868

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

Operating leases

4,308

1,204

10,772

6,879

Right-of-use assets and lease obligations derecognized due to lease modifications:

Operating leases

-

-

51

-

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases is as follows:

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Weighted average remaining lease term

5.8 years

6.2 years

Weighted average discount rate

4.27%

4.55%

Aggregate minimum lease payments under thesethe operating lease agreements for the remainder of 20172021 and in future years are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Year Ending December 31,

 

Amount

Amount

2017

 

$

10,168 

2018

 

 

28,976 

2019

 

 

19,544 

2020

 

 

13,160 

2021

 

 

6,444 

$

10,257

2022

18,883

2023

15,240

2024

12,585

2025

8,286

Thereafter

 

 

22,105 

15,672

Total

 

$

100,397 

80,923

Less: Present value discount

(12,394)

Lease liabilities

$

68,529

CommoditiesThe company has additional railcar operating leases that will commence in the third quarter of 2021, with estimated future minimum lease commitments of approximately $4.0 million and lease terms of three to five years. The undiscounted amounts are not included in the tables above.

Lease Revenue

As described in Note 2 – Revenue, the majority of the partnership’s segment revenue is generated through their storage and throughput services and rail transportation services agreements with Green Plains Trade and are accounted for as lease revenue. Leasing revenues do not represent revenues recognized from contracts with customers under ASC 606, and are accounted for under ASC 842, Leases. Lease revenue associated with agreements with Green Plains Trade is eliminated upon consolidation. The remaining lease revenue is not material to the company. Refer to Note 2 – Revenue for further discussion on lease revenue.

Commodities

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, the company had contracted future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol and distillers grains, and cattle, valuedvalued at approximately $454.4$379.4 million.

Legal

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Table of Contents

In November 2013, the company acquired two ethanol plants located in Fairmont, Minnesota and Wood River, Nebraska. There is ongoing litigation related to the consideration for this acquisition. On August 19, 2016, the Delaware Superior Court granted Green Plains’ motion for summary judgment in part and held that the seller’s attempt to disclaim liability for certain shortfall amounts through the use of a disclaimer provision was ineffective. Based on the court order, the company determined that previously accrued contingent liabilities of approximately $6.3 million no longer represented probable losses. These accruals were reversed as a reduction of cost of goods sold during the year ended December 31, 2016, because the adjustment relates to a reduction in the cost of inventory purchased in the acquisitions. The court has directed the company and the seller to work together to determine the precise shortfall amount due to Green Plains. The company believes the remaining amount due to Green Plains is approximately $5.5 million; however, the seller has the right to dispute the details of the calculation and appeal the underlying Superior Court order. Accordingly, the total amount Green Plains may receive is yet to be determined. The remaining amount due to the company represents a gain contingency which will not be recorded until all contingencies are resolved.

Legal

In addition to the above-described proceeding, the

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

29


14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Commercial Contracts

Three subsidiaries of the company have executed separate financing agreements for equipment with Amur Equipment Finance. Gordon Glade, a  member of the company’s board of directors, is a shareholder of Amur Equipment Finance.  Balances of approximately $638 thousand and $808 thousand related to these financing arrangements were included in debt at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $69 thousand and $207 thousand during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the financing agreements with Amur Equipment Finance was 6.8%.

Aircraft Leases

Effective August 1, 2017, theThe company entered into two2 agreements with an entity controlled by Wayne Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts, replacing the prior agreements.2 aircraft. Mr. Hoovestol is chairman of the company’s board of directors. TheGiven the limited amount of travel during fiscal year 2020, the companies have agreed to defer the monthly payment until excess carryover hours are used. As of June 30, 2021, the company has approximately 44 hours of flight time available to be used. Once used, the company agreed to pay $11,589$11,588 per month for the combined use of up to 125 hours per year offor the aircrafts.aircraft. Flight time in excess of 125 hours per year will incur additional hourly charges.  charges. Payments related to these leases totaled $39$14 thousand and $141$35 thousand during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, respectively,2021 and $49 thousand$0 and $137$24 thousand during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2020, respectively. The company had $2 thousand in outstanding payables related to these agreements at September 30, 2017, and no0 outstanding payables related to these agreements atas of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2016.2020.

Green Plains Cattle Company LLC

The company engaged in certain related party transactions with GPCC, which was considered a related party until the fourth quarter of 2020 at which time the company’s remaining 50% interest was sold. The company provided a variety of shared services to GPCC, including accounting and finance, payroll and human resources, information technology, legal, communications and treasury activities. The company reduced selling, general and administrative expenses by $0.4 million and $0.8 million related to shared services provided for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

Green Plains Trade Group, a subsidiary of the company, enters into certain sale contracts with GPCC during the normal course of business. Revenues were $3.1 million and $6.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

Mr. Ejnar Knudsen, a member of the company’s board of directors, has an indirect ownership interest in GPCC of 0.0736% by reason of his ownership in TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP.  Based on the purchase price, the value of that ownership interest is approximately $0.1 million. Mr. Knudsen also is the CEO and partial owner of AGR Partners LLC, which provides investment advisory services to TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between AGR Partners LLC and Nuveen Alternative Advisors LLC, which is the investment manager for TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP and receives usual and customary advisory fees.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 27, 2017,July 20, 2021, the partnership upsizedentered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Facility”) to its revolvingexisting credit facility with funds and account managed by $40 million, from $155 million to $195 million, by accessing a portionBlackRock (“BlackRock”) and TMI Trust Company as administrative agent.

Under the terms of the $100agreement, BlackRock purchased the outstanding balance of the existing notes from Bank of America N.A., as previous administrative agent, and certain other commercial lending institutions. The Amended Credit Facility will mature on July 20, 2026 and the principal amount available is $60.0 million. As a result of the new maturity date, $50.0 million incremental commitment in placehas been reclassified from current maturities of long-term debt to long-term debt as of June 30, 2021. Interest on the facility.Amended Credit Facility is based on 3-month LIBOR plus 8.00%, with a 0% LIBOR floor. Interest is payable on the 15th day of each March, June, September and December during the term with the first interest payment being September 15, 2021. The Amended Credit Facility does not require any principal payments; however, the partnership has the option to prepay $1.5 million per quarter beginning twelve months following closing. Financial covenants of the agreement will include a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 2.5x and a minimum consolidated debt service coverage ratio of 1.1x. The Amended Credit Facility continues to be secured by substantially all of the assets of the partnership. The Amended Credit Facility removes the prior quarterly distribution restriction of $0.12 per outstanding unit and allows for the distribution of all distributable cash flow and cash on hand subject to covenant compliance.


35

30


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

General

The following discussion and analysis provides information we believe is relevant to understand our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this report together with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020.

Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements are made in accordance with safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, but rather to plans and objectives for future operations. These statements may be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “outlook,” “plan,” “predict,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will” and similar expressions, as well as statements regarding future operating or financial performance or guidance, business strategy, environment, key trends and benefits of actual or planned acquisitions.

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, 2016,2020, Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors in this report, or incorporated by reference. Specifically, we may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic conditions, including: disruption caused by health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 outbreak; competition in the ethanol industry and other industries in which we operate; commodity market risks, including those that may result from weather conditions; financial market risks; counterparty risks; risks associated with changes to government policy or regulation, including changes to tax laws; risks related to acquisitionsacquisition and disposition activities and achieving anticipated results; risks associated with merchant trading, cattle feeding operations, vinegar productiontrading; risks related to our equity method investees and other risk factors detailed in reports filed with the SEC. Additional risks related to Green Plains Partners LP include compliance with commercial contractual obligations, potential tax consequences related to our investment in the partnership and risks disclosed in the partnership’s SEC filings associated with the operation of the partnership as a separate, publicly traded entity.

We believe our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions; however, these assumptions may not be accurate or account for all risks and uncertainties. Consequently, forward-looking statements are not guaranteed. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. In addition, we are not obligated norand do wenot intend to update our forward-looking statements as a result of new information unless it is required by applicable securities laws. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which represent management’s views as of the date of this report or documents incorporated by reference.

Overview

Green Plains is an Iowa corporation, founded in June 2004 as a diversifiedproducer of low carbon fuels and has grown to be one of the leading corn processors in the world. We continue the transition from a commodity-processing business to a value-add agricultural technology company focusing on creating diverse, non-cyclical, higher margin products. In addition, we are currently undergoing a number of project initiatives to improve margins. Through our Project 24 initiative, we anticipate reductions in operating expense per gallon across our non-ICM plants and with operations relatedour high-protein initiative, we expect to ethanol production, grain handling and storage, cattle feedlots, foodproduce various Ultra-High Protein feed ingredients and commodity marketinggreater amounts of corn oil further increasing margins per gallon.

Our first Ultra-High Protein installation was completed at our Shenandoah plant during the first quarter of 2020 with shipments of dried product beginning in April 2020. Installation at our Wood River plant began during the third quarter 2020 with shipments expected to begin in October 2021. Installation at our Central City plant began during the second quarter 2021 with shipments expected to begin in the second quarter of 2022. We anticipate that additional locations will be completed over the course of the next several years beginning with the Mount Vernon and logistics services.Obion locations. Through our Ultra-High Protein initiative we expect to produce feed ingredients with protein concentration of 50% or greater, increase production of corn oil as well produce other higher value products, such as post-MSC distillers grains. During the second quarter of 2021, we announced Fagen, Inc. as the general contractor to construct and install Ultra-High Protein systems across our biorefining platform.

We have upgraded our York facility to include USP grade alcohol capabilities and continue to review the timing of upgrading to GNS grade alcohol at York and USP grade alcohol at Wood River by adding additional distillation and

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processing capabilities to serve other high-value markets. The CST production facility at the Innovation Center at York came online in the second quarter of 2021, which now allows for the production of industrial grade dextrose with the addition of food grade production near-term. We are working with a number of prospective customers on product validation and anticipate modifying one or more biorefineries with CST production capabilities to meet anticipated future demand.

In December 2020, we completed the purchase of a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. The acquisition capitalizes on the core strengths of each company to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial biotechnology systems and rapidly expand installation and production of Ultra-High Protein across Green Plains facilities, as well as offer these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. Through developmental efforts with Fluid Quip and other innovation partners, the company continues to develop capabilities to produce higher protein concentration and purity levels on a full commercial scale.

In February 2021, we announced a carbon sequestration partnership with Summit Carbon Solutions. Eight of our biorefineries have entered into long term carbon offtake agreements, which will lower greenhouse gas emissions at each of the biorefineries through the capturing and storing of carbon dioxide, significantly lowering their carbon footprint. The project is anticipated to begin operation in late 2024.

Additionally, we have taken advantage of opportunities to divest certain assets in recent years. We are focused on generating stable operating margins through our diversified business segments and risk management strategy. We own and operate assets throughout the ethanol value chain: upstream, with grain handling and storage; through our ethanol production facilities; and downstream, with marketing and distribution services to mitigate commodity price volatility. Our other businesses leverage our supply chain, production platform and expertise.

Our profitability is highly dependent on commodity prices, particularly for ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, corn, and natural gas. Since market price fluctuations of these commodities are not always correlated, our operations may be unprofitable at times. We use a variety of risk management tools and hedging strategies to monitor price risk exposure at our ethanol plants and lock in favorable margins or reduce production when margins are compressed.

Green Plains Partners LP is our primary downstream logistics provider, storing and delivering the ethanol we produce. We own a 62.5%48.9% limited partner interest, a 2.0% general partner interest and all of the partnership’s incentive distribution rights. The public owns the remaining 35.5%49.1% limited partner interest. The partnership is consolidated in our financial statements.

Recent Developments

Amendment to Partnership Credit Agreement

On July 28, 2017, we amended our Green Plains Trade senior secured asset-based revolving20, 2021, the partnership entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to its existing credit facility to increasewith funds and account managed by BlackRock and TMI Trust Company as administrative agent.

Under the maximum commitment from $150.0 million to $300.0 million and extend the maturity date to July 28, 2022. The amended credit facility increases advance rates and modifies the eligible inventory definitions to include additional commodities and locations. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to a daily LIBOR rate plus 2.25% or the base rate plus 1.25%. The unused portionterms of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment feeagreement, BlackRock purchased the outstanding balance of 0.375% per annum.

On August 29, 2017, the company entered into a $500.0 million term loan agreement which matures on August 29, 2023, to refinance approximately $405.0 millionexisting notes from Bank of total debt outstanding issued by Green Plains Processing and Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, pay associated fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes. The term loan is guaranteed by the company and substantially all of its subsidiaries, but not Green Plains Partners America N.A., as previous administrative agent, and certain other entities,commercial lending institutions. The Amended Credit Facility will mature on July 20, 2026 and the principal amount available is $60.0 million. Interest on the Amended Credit Facility is based on 3-month LIBOR plus 8.00%, with a 0% LIBOR floor. Interest is payable on the 15th day of each March, June, September and December during the term with the first interest payment being September 15, 2021. The Amended Credit Facility does not require any principal payments however the partnership has the option to prepay $1.5 million per quarter beginning twelve months following closing. Financial covenants include a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 2.5x and a minimum consolidated debt service coverage ratio of 1.1x. The Amended Credit Facility continues to be secured by substantially all of the assets of the company, including 17 ethanol production facilities, vinegar production facilities and apartnership.

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second priority lien onConcurrent with the assets secured under the revolving credit facilities at Green Plains Trade, Green Plains Cattle and Green Plains Grain.

In November of 2017, we anticipate completionclosing of the Phase I developmentAmended Credit Facility, the board of intermodal export and import fuels terminal at Jefferson Gulf Coast Energy Partner’s existing Beaumont, Texas terminal. We anticipate offeringdirectors of the partnership announced its intention to return to its prior strategy of maintaining a 1.10x coverage ratio on normalized trailing 12-month distributable cash flow. As the Amended Credit Facility does not have a revolving line of credit, it believes the distribution strategy provides adequate liquidity to cover the partnership’s working capital needs.


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4.00% Note Exchange

On May 18, 2021, we entered into a privately negotiated agreement with certain noteholders of our 4.00% notes. Under this agreement, 3,568,705 shares of our common stock were exchanged for $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.00% notes. Pursuant to the guidance within ASC 470, Debt, we recorded a loss of $9.5 million which was recorded as a charge to interest expense in the joint ventureconsolidated financial statements during the three months ended June 30, 2021, of which $1.2 million related to the partnership once all phases of commercial development are completed.unamortized debt issuance costs.

Results of Operations

During the thirdsecond quarter of 2017,2021, we resumedexperienced a stronger ethanol margin environment. We maintained an average utilization rates aligned with historic levels following idled capacity at several plants in response to the weak margin environment during the previous quarter. We operated our ethanol production facilities atrate of approximately 83.7%79.9% of capacity, resulting in ethanol production of 313.6190.9 mmg for the thirdsecond quarter of 2017,2021, compared with 292.2149.9 mmg, or 92.5%53.5% of capacity, for the same quarter last year. Ethanol productionThe increase in the average utilization rate was primarily due to capacity was increased with our acquisitionsoffline in the prior year due to poor margins driven in part by a significant reduction in motor fuel demand as a result of the Madison, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Indiana,COVID-19 pandemic. Our operating strategy is to reduce operating expenses, energy usage and York, Nebraska plants, acquiredwater consumption through our Project 24 initiative while running at higher utilization rates in order to achieve improved margins. However, in the current environment, we may continue to exercise operational discretion that results in reductions in production. Additionally, we may experience lower run rates due to the construction of various projects. It is possible that production could be below minimum volume commitments in the future, depending on September 23, 2016.various factors that drive each biorefineries variable contribution margin, including future driving and gasoline demand for the industry. 

Industry TrendsU.S. Ethanol Supply and Factors Affecting our Results of OperationsDemand

Seasonal summer driving demand was met by increased ethanol production during the third quarter of 2017. According to the EIA, average daily domestic ethanol production was 1.03 million barrels per day during the third quarter of 2017, up slightly from 1.00averaged 1.0 million barrels per day during the second quarter of 2017. Average daily production increased 4% year-to-date compared with2021, which was 42% higher than the 0.71 million barrels per day for the same periodquarter last year due to incremental expansion by existing facilities to optimize production. Weekly refineryear. Refiner and blender input volume which is linkedincreased 35% to consumer903 thousand barrels per day for the second quarter of 2021, compared with 669 thousand barrels per day for the same quarter last year. Gasoline demand also increased 1% year-to-date2.1 million barrels per day, or 31% during the second quarter of 2021 compared withto the prior year. U.S. domestic ethanol ending stocks increased by approximately 1.4 million barrels compared to the prior year, or 7%, to 21.6 million barrels during the second quarter of 2021. As of June 30, 2021, according to Prime the Pump, there were approximately 2,460 retail stations selling E15 in 30 states, up from 2,300 at the beginning of the year, and approximately 245 pipeline terminal locations now offering E15 to wholesale customers.

Global Ethanol Supply and Demand

According to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, domestic ethanol exports through May 31, 2021 were approximately 582 mmg, down 10.7% from 652 mmg for the same period last year, helped byof 2020. Canada was the growing numberlargest export destination for U.S. ethanol accounting for 22% of retail gasoline stations offering higher ethanol blends to consumers. According to Growth Energy, 1,043 retail stations were selling E15 at October 5, 2017, up from 431 stations at December 31, 2016. Average daily gasoline demand was flat during the third quarter of 2017, slowing by 1.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016. Ethanol futures traded at an average discount of $0.11 to RBOB during the third quarter. At September 30, 2017, domestic ethanol inventoryexport volume. India, China, South Korea, and Brazil accounted for 18%, 17%, 12% and 5%, respectively, of 21.5 million barrels was 1.4 million barrels higher than the ending stocks at the same time last year. Increased export volumes have partially offset the difference between increased production and blending volumes year over year.

U.S. ethanol exports. We currently estimate that net ethanol exports will reach between 1.1 billion gallons and 1.3range from 1.2 to 1.4 billion gallons in 2017. Year-to-date2021, based on historical demand from a variety of countries and certain countries who seek to improve their air quality and eliminate MTBE from their own fuel supplies.

In January 2020, China and the United States struck a “Phase I” trade agreement, which included commitments on agricultural commodity purchases. Ethanol, corn and distillers grains were included as potential purchases in the agreement. China has been purchasing large quantities of corn, which has raised domestic prices of this feedstock for our ethanol production process. In addition, in October 2020 it was announced that China had purchased a shipment of U.S. ethanol for the first time since March 2018. Total ethanol exports to China in 2020 were 21.3 million gallons, and through May 2021 were 100.1 million gallons, according to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service.

Year-to-date U.S. distillers grains exports through May 31, 2021, were 4.5 million metric tons, or 9.5% higher than the same period last year, according to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service. Mexico, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey and Japan accounted for approximately 62.2% of total U.S. distillers export volumes.

Legislation and Regulation

We are sensitive to government programs and policies that affect the supply and demand for ethanol and other fuels, which in turn may impact the volume of ethanol and other fuels we handle. Over the past few years, various bills and amendments have been proposed in the House and Senate, which would eliminate the RFS II entirely, eliminate the corn based ethanol portion of the mandate, and make it more difficult to sell fuel blends with higher levels of ethanol. We believe it is unlikely that any of these bills will become law in the current Congress. In addition, the manner in which the EPA

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administers the RFS II and related regulations can have a significant impact on the actual amount of ethanol blended into the domestic fuel supply.

Federal mandates and state-level clean fuel programs supporting the use of renewable fuels are a significant driver of ethanol demand in the U.S. Ethanol policies are influenced by concerns for the environment, diversifying our fuel supply, and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Consumer acceptance of flex-fuel vehicles and higher ethanol blends of ethanol in non-flex-fuel vehicles may be necessary before ethanol can achieve further growth in U.S. market share. In addition, expansion of clean fuel programs in other states, or a national low carbon fuel standard could increase the demand for ethanol, depending on how it is structured.

Congress first enacted CAFE standards in 1975 to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are designed to run on a mixture of fuels, including higher blends of ethanol such as E85, used to receive preferential treatment in the form of CAFE credits. There are approximately 21 million FFVs on the road in the U.S. today, 16 million of which are light duty trucks. FFV credits have been decreasing since 2014 and were completely phased out in 2020. Absent CAFE preferences, auto manufacturers may not be willing to build flexible-fuel vehicles, which has the potential to slow the growth of E85 markets. However, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program (LCFS) has driven growth in E85 usage, and other state/regional LCFS programs have the potential to do the same.

The RFS II sets a floor for biofuels use in the United States. When the RFS II was established in 2010, the required volume of “conventional” or corn-based ethanol to be blended with gasoline was to increase each year until it reached 15.0 billion gallons in 2015, which left the EPA to address existing limitations in both supply and demand. The EPA has not yet released a draft RVO rule for the 2021 or 2022 volumes, even though they typically release a draft mid-year and finalize the rule by November 30 of the preceding year. As of this filing, the EPA has not released the RVO for 2021 and 2022, although they are expected to propose a joint rule in August or September of 2021 and finalize by the end of the calendar year.

According to the RFS II, if mandatory renewable fuel volumes are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years, the EPA is required to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022 – the year through which the statutorily prescribed volumes run. While conventional ethanol maintained 15 billion gallons, 2019 was the second consecutive year that the total RVO was more than 20% below the statutory volumes levels. Thus, the EPA was expected to initiate a reset rulemaking, and modify statutory volumes through 2022, and do so based on the same factors they are to use in setting the RVOs post-2022. These factors include environmental impact, domestic energy security, expected production, infrastructure impact, consumer costs, job creation, price of agricultural commodities, food prices, and rural economic development. However, in late 2019, the EPA announced it would not be moving forward with a reset rulemaking in 2020. It is unclear when or if the current EPA will propose a reset rulemaking, though they have stated an intention to propose a post-2022 set rulemaking by the end of 2021.

Under the RFS, RINs and SREs are important tools impacting supply and demand. The EPA assigns individual refiners, blenders, and importers the volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to use in each annual RVO based on their percentage of total domestic transportation fuel sales. Obligated parties use RINs to show compliance with the RFS II mandated volumes. Ethanol producers assign RINs to renewable fuels and the RINs are detached when the renewable fuel is blended with transportation fuel domestically. Market participants can trade the detached RINs in the open market. The market price of detached RINs affects the price of ethanol in certain markets and can influence purchasing decisions by obligated parties. As it relates to SREs, a small refinery is defined as one that processes fewer than 75,000 barrels of petroleum per day. Small refineries can petition the EPA for a SRE which, if approved, waives their portion of the annual RVO requirements. The EPA, through consultation with the DOE and the USDA, can grant them a full or partial waiver, or deny it outright within 90 days of submittal. The EPA granted significantly more of these waivers for 2016, 2017 and 2018 than they had in the past, totaling 790 mmg of waived requirements for the 2016 compliance year, 1.82 billion gallons for 2017 and 1.43 billion gallons for 2018. In doing so, the EPA effectively reduced the RFS II mandated volumes for those compliance years by those amounts respectively, and as a result, RIN values declined significantly. In the waning days of the Trump administration, the EPA approved three additional SREs, reversing one denial from 2018 and granting two from 2019. A total of 88 SREs were granted under the Trump Administration, totaling 4.3 billion gallons of potential blending demand erased. The EPA, under the current administration, reversed the three SREs issued in the final weeks of the previous administration.

The One-Pound Waiver that was extended in May 2019 to allow E15 to be sold year-round to all vehicles model year 2001 and newer was challenged in an action filed in Federal District Court for the D.C. Circuit. On July 2, 2021, the Circuit Court vacated the EPA’s rule so the future of summertime sales of E15 to non-FFVs is uncertain. However, as of this filing, the One-Pound Waiver remains in effect, and E15 is sold year-round in approximately 30 states. In January 2021, the EPA announced it intended to begin a rulemaking regarding E15 labels and underground storage tank compatibility.

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Biofuels groups have filed a lawsuit in the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, challenging the 2019 RVO rule over the EPA’s failure to address small refinery exemptions in the rulemaking. This was the first RFS II rulemaking since the expanded use of the exemptions came to light; however, the EPA had declined to cap the number of waivers it grants, and until late 2019, had declined to alter how it accounts for the retroactive waivers in its annual volume calculations. The EPA has a statutory mandate to ensure the volume requirements are met, which is achieved by setting the percentage standards for obligated parties. The EPA’s recent approach accomplished the opposite. Even if all the obligated parties complied with their respective percentage obligations for 2019, the nation’s overall supply of renewable fuel would not meet the total volume requirements set by the EPA. This undermines Congressional intent to increase the consumption of renewable fuels in the domestic transportation fuel supply. Biofuels groups have argued the EPA must therefore adjust its percentage standard calculations to make up for past retroactive waivers and adjust the standards to account for any waivers it reasonably expects to grant in the future.

In 2017, were 906.5while citing inadequate domestic supply, the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of biofuel groups against the EPA related to its decision to lower the 2016 volume requirements by 500 mmg. As a result, the Court remanded to the EPA to make up for the 500 mmg. Despite this, in the proposed 2020 RVO rulemaking released in July 2019, the EPA stated it does not intend to make up the 500 mmg up 53%as the court directed, citing potential burden on obligated parties. The EPA had, at one point, indicated that it planned to address this court ordered remand in conjunction with the 2021 RVO rulemaking; however that rulemaking has been delayed indefinitely, and whether these gallons will be accounted for is unclear.

In 2019, in a supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 RVO rule, the EPA changed their approach, and for the first time accounted for the gallons that they anticipate will be waived from the comparable periodblending requirements due to small refinery exemptions. To accomplish this, they added in 2016. Brazil accountedthe trailing three year average of gallons the DOE recommended be waived, in effect raising the blending volumes across the board in anticipation of waiving the obligations in whole or in part for 37%certain refineries that qualify for the exemptions. Though the EPA has often disregarded the recommendations of the domesticDOE in years past, they stated in the rule their intent to adhere to these recommendations going forward, including granting partial waivers rather than an all or nothing approach.

In January 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled on RFA et. al. vs. EPA in favor of biofuels interests, overturning EPA’s granting of refinery exemptions to three refineries on two separate grounds. The Court agreed that, under the Clean Air Act, refineries are eligible for SREs for a given RVO year only if such exemptions are extensions of exemptions granted in previous RVO years. In this case, the three refineries at issue did not qualify for SREs in the year prior to the year that EPA granted them. They were thus ineligible for additional SRE relief because there were no immediately prior SREs to extend. In addition, the Court agreed that the disproportionate economic hardship prong of SRE eligibility should be determined solely by reference to whether compliance with the RFS II creates such hardship, not whether compliance plus other issues create disproportionate economic hardship. The Court thus vacated EPA's grant of SREs for certain years and remanded the grants back to EPA. The refiners appealed for a rehearing which was denied. Two of the refiners appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and in January 2021, the Supreme Court announced they would hear the case, and oral arguments were held in late April 2021. In February 2021, the EPA indicated that it intends to adhere to the 10th Circuit ruling. On June 25, 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that the 10th Circuit’s interpretation of “extension” was too narrow, and vacated that portion of the ruling. As of this filing, it is unclear how this Supreme Court decision may impact the EPA’s handling of SREs.

In light of the 10th Circuit ruling, a number of refineries applied for “gap year” SREs in an effort to establish a continuous string of relief and to ensure they are able to qualify for SREs going forward. A total of 64 gap year requests were filed with the EPA and reviewed by the DOE. In September 2020, the EPA announced that they were denying 54 of the gap year requests that had been scored and returned by DOE, regardless of how they had been scored.

In October 2019, the White House directed the USDA and EPA to move forward with rulemaking to expand access to higher blends of biofuels. This includes funding for infrastructure, labeling changes and allowing E15 to be sold through E10 infrastructure. The USDA rolled out the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program in the summer of 2020, providing competitive grants to fuel terminals and retailers for installing equipment for dispensing higher blends of ethanol export volumes, while Canada, India,and biodiesel. In 2020, five Governors and 15 Republican Senators sent letters to the PhilippinesEPA requesting a general waiver from the RFS due to the drop in demand caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. Since then there have been additional petitions for waivers from the RFS requirements. As of this filing the EPA had indicated only that they are watching the situation closely and United Arab Emirates accountedreviewing the various requests.

To respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and attempt to offset the subsequent economic damage, Congress passed multiple relief measures, most notably the CARES Act in March 2020, which created and funded multiple programs that

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have impacted our industry. The USDA was given additional resources for 24%, 11%, 5%the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and 4%, respectively.they are using those funds to provide direct payments to farmers, including corn farmers from whom we purchase most of our feedstock for ethanol production. Similar to the trade aid payments made by the USDA over the past two years, this cash injection for farmers could cause them to delay marketing decisions and increase the price we have to pay to purchase corn. The CARES Act also allowed for certain net operating loss carrybacks, which has allowed us to receive certain tax refunds. In December 2020, Congress passed and the President signed into law an annual spending package coupled with another COVID relief bill which included additional funds for the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute to those impacted by the pandemic. The language of the bill specifically includes biofuels producers as eligible for some of this aid, and in March of 2021, the USDA indicated that biofuels would be able to apply for a portion of these funds in a forthcoming rulemaking. On June 15, 2021, the USDA indicated that $700 million would be made available to biofuels producers, and that details for the program would be released within 60 days.

The CARES Act provided a tax exclusion on the shipment of undenatured ethanol for use in manufacturing hand sanitizer, a key ingredient of which is undenatured ethanol of specific grades. The FDA has also provided expanded guidance to allow for more denaturants to be used in ethanol intended for hand sanitizer production, and has expanded the grades of ethanol allowed for the duration of the public health crisis.

The current administration has indicated a desire to dramatically expand electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and initially proposed $174 billion for EV charging infrastructure, purchase rebates, and other incentives. The bipartisan infrastructure package being considered by Congress includes $15 billion for EV charging infrastructure, and $5 billion for electric busses and ferries. Additionally, Congress is considering expanded EV incentives in a potential partisan budget reconciliation package, with the goal of installing 500,000 EV charging stations and providing incentives to middle and lower income Americans to purchase EVs.

Government actions abroad can significantly impact the demand for U.S. ethanol. In September 13, 2017, China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy BoardAgency and 15 other state departments issued a joint plan to expand the use and production of biofuels containing up to 10% ethanol by 2020. China, the number three importer of U.S. ethanol in 2016, has imported negligible volumes year-to-dateduring 2018 and 2019 due to a 30% tariff imposed on U.S. and Brazil fuel ethanol, which took effect on January 1, 2017, and thereincreased to 70% in early 2018. There is no assurance the recently issuedthat China’s joint plan to expand blending to 10% will be carried to fruition, nor that it will lead to increased imports of U.S. ethanol. On September 1, 2017, Brazil’s Chamberethanol in the near term. Ethanol is included as an agricultural commodity under the “Phase I” agreement with China, wherein they are to purchase upwards of $40 billion in agricultural commodities from the U.S. in both 2020 and 2021.

In Brazil, the Secretary of Foreign Trade or CAMEX,had issued an official written resolution, imposinga tariff rate quota which expired in December of 2020. All U.S. ethanol gallons now face a 20% tariff into Brazil. Exports to Brazil were 200 mmg in 2020. Our exports also face tariffs, rate quotas, countervailing duties, and other hurdles in the European Union, India, Peru, Colombia and elsewhere, which limits the ability to compete in some markets. We believe some countries are using the COVID-19 crisis as justification for raising duties on imports of U.S. ethanol, or blocking our imports in excess of 150 million liters, or 39.6 million gallons per quarter. The ruling is valid for two years. entirely.

In Mexico, four lawsuits challenging the June 2017, decision by the Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRE) to approveapproved the use of 10% ethanol blends, which was challenged by multiple lawsuits, of which several were dismissed. A fifth lawsuitThe remaining four cases follow one of two tracks: 1) to determine the constitutionality of the CRE regulation, or 2) to determine the benefits, or lack thereof, of introducing E10 to Mexico. An injunction was allowedgranted in October 2017, preventing the blending and selling of E10, but was overturned by a higher court in June 2018 making it legal to proceedblend and sell E10 by PEMEX throughout Mexico except for judicial review, despite precedent set byits three largest metropolitan areas. On January 15, 2020, the MexicoMexican Supreme Court ruled that the expedited process for dismissal.the CRE regulation was unconstitutional, and that after a 180 day period the maximum ethanol blend allowed in the country would revert to 5.8%. There was an effort to go through the full regulatory process to allow for 10% blends countrywide, including in the three major metropolitan areas. The CRE is expected180 day window was extended multiple times due to defend its position beforeCOVID-19, but eventually lapsed in June 2021, decreasing the judge makes a final decision. Shouldmaximum ethanol blend back to 5.8%.

In January 2020, the judge rule in favorupdated North American Free Trade Agreement, known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement or USMCA was signed. The USMCA went into effect on July 1, 2020, and maintains the duty free access of the plaintiff, the case will goU.S. agricultural commodities, including ethanol, into Canada and Mexico. According to the Supreme Court. U.S. ethanolDepartment of Commerce, exports to Canada were 326 mmg and exports to Mexico totaled 29were 64 mmg in 2016.2020.

On July 5, 2017,

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Impact of COVID-19 and Decline in Oil Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions have created significant volatility, uncertainty, and turmoil in the EPA proposed maintaining the RVOs for conventional ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons while lowering the volume obligations for advanced alternatives, reducing the overall biofuel targetenergy industry. The situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to 19.24 billion gallons for 2018. On September 26, 2017, the EPA issued a Notice of Data Availability for comment, proposing to further reduce the 2018 advanced biofuel volume requirement by 315 mmg, to 3.77 billion gallons,evolve rapidly and the total renewable fuel requirementultimate duration and impact of the outbreak as well as the continued decline in oil demand remains highly uncertain and subject to 18.77 billion gallons, leaving conventional ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons. Accordingchange.

We continue to RFS II, if mandatory renewable fuel volumesclosely monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business, including how it will impact our employees, customers, vendors, and business partners. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, there has been no adverse effect due to COVID-19 on our ability to maintain operations, including our financial reporting systems, our internal controls over financial reporting or our disclosure controls and procedures. Although we did not incur significant disruptions during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 from COVID-19, we are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years,unable to predict the EPA is requiredimpact that COVID-19 will have on our future financial position and operating results due to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022. Since 2018 isnumerous uncertainties.

For further information regarding the first year the total proposed RVOs are more than 20% below statutory levels, the EPA Administrator directed his staff to initiate the required technical analysis to perform any future reset consistent with the reset rules. If 2019 RVOs are also more than 20% below statutory levels, the RVO reset will be triggered under RFS IIimpact of COVID-19 and the EPA will be required to modify statutory volumes through 2022 within one year of the trigger event, baseddecline in oil demand on the same factors used to set the RVOs post-2022.company, please see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our 2020 annual report.

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The U.S. Federal District Court for the D.C. Circuit ruled on July 28, 2017, in favor of the Americans for Clean Energy and its petitioners against the EPA related to its decision to lower the 2016 volume requirements. The Court concluded the EPA erred in how it interpreted the “inadequate domestic supply” waiver provision of RFS II, which authorizes the EPA to consider supply-side factors affecting the volume of renewable fuel available to refiners, blenders, and importers to meet the statutory volume requirements. The waiver provision does not allow the EPA to consider the volume of renewable fuel available to consumers or the demand-side constraints that affect the consumption of renewable fuel by consumers. As a result, the Court vacated the EPA’s decision to reduce the total renewable fuel volume requirements for 2016 through its waiver authority, which the EPA is expected to address. We believe this decision will benefit the industry overall, with the EPA’s waiver analysis now limited to supply considerations only, and expect the primary impact will be on the RINs market.

Year-to-date U.S. distillers grains exports through August 30, 2017, were 7.3 million metric tons, approximately 4% lower than year-to-date distillers grains exports for the same period last year. Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, Canada, Thailand and Indonesia accounted for 62% of total U.S. distillers export volumes, according to the EIA. On September 1, 2017, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam lifted the suspension which blocked imports of U.S. dried distillers grains since January 2017.

On October 19, 2017, the EPA Administrator reiterated his commitment to the text and spirit of the RFS II. In a letter to seven Senators from the Midwestern states, he stated the EPA will meet the November 30, 2017, deadline for issuing RVOs and the EPA’s preliminary analysis suggests that final RVOs should be set at amounts at or greater than those provided on July 5, 2017. Moreover, the EPA is actively exploring its authority to issue an RVP waiver and will be pursuing action on RINs involving ethanol exports. 

On October 25, 2017, the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act was introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives (H.R. 4118), proposing to expand the definition of qualified sources of income to include clean energy resources, such as ethanol production, and infrastructure projects by publicly traded partnerships. Currently, qualifying income includes the transportation and storage of ethanol and certain specific alternative fuels.

World demand for U.S. beef has risen as diets continue to improve worldwide to include increased animal protein. In June of 2017, the U.S. resumed exporting beef to China, following a 13-year ban the Trump Administration lifted as part of a new bilateral agreement between the countries.

Comparability of our Financial Results

AsThere are various events that affect comparability of our operating results from 2021 to 2020, including the sale of our 50% interest of GPCC in October 2020, the sale of our Hereford, Texas plant in December 2020, the acquisition of a resultmajority interest in FQT in December 2020 and the disposition of acquisitions during 2016, we implemented segment organizational changes during the fourth quarter of 2016, whereby we nowour Ord, Nebraska plant in March 2021.

We report the financial and operating performance infor the following four operating segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage, andcommodity marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes cattle feedlots, vinegar production and food-grade corn oil operations and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform toThe food and ingredients segment had no activity during the revised segment presentation.three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

We have re-evaluated the profitability measure of our reportable segments’ operating performance and have determined that segment EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is primarily used by our management to evaluate segment operating activities, and therefore is a more meaningful profitability measure than the previously reported segment operating income.  In addition, EBITDA is a financial measure that is widely used by analysts and investors in our industries. As a result, we are now including segment EBITDA as a performance measure.

Effective April 1, 2016, we increased our ownership of BioProcess Algae, a joint venture formed in 2008, to 82.8% and currently own approximately 90.0%. Beginning April 1, 2016, we consolidate the financial results of BioProcess Algae, and record a noncontrolling interest for the economic interest in the joint venture held by others.

On September 23, 2016, we acquired three ethanol production facilities located in Madison, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Indiana, and York, Nebraska, with combined annual production capacity of approximately 230 mmgy.

On October 3, 2016, we acquired Fleischmann’s Vinegar, one of the world’s largest producers of food-grade industrial vinegar which includes seven production facilities and four distribution warehouses.

On March 16, 2017, we acquired the assets of a cattle-feeding operation located in Hereford, Texas, which added a feedlot capacity of 30,000 head of cattle to our operations.

33


On May 16, 2017, we acquired the assets of two cattle-feeding operations located in Leoti, Kansas and Yuma, Colorado, which added a combined feedlot capacity of 155,000 head of cattle to our operations.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the company recognized a net tax benefit of $49.5 million for federal and state R&D Credits relating to tax years 2013 to 2016 as well as an estimated year-to-date tax benefit for federal and state R&D Credits for the 2017 tax year.  Of this amount, $9.0 million ($5.9 million net) in refundable credits not dependent upon taxable income was recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold and $43.6 million was recorded as an income tax benefit.

Corporate activities include selling, general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of compensation, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment.

During the normal course of business, our operating segments do business with each other. For example, our agribusiness and energy services segment procures grain and natural gas and sells products, including ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil of our ethanol production segment. Our partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services for our agribusiness and energy services segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions with origination, marketing and storage fees charged at estimated market values. Consequently, these transactions affect segment performance; however, they do not impact our consolidated results since the revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated.

We,Corporate activities include selling, general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of compensation, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment. When we evaluate segment performance, we review the following segment information as well as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, excluding amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and amortization of debt issuance costs, or EBITDA.

As of June 30, 2021, we, together with our subsidiaries, own a 62.5%48.9% 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%49.1% limited partner interest owned by public common unitholders. 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.


42


Segment Results

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

%

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

%

Three Months Ended
June 30,

%

Six Months Ended
June 30,

%

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

 

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

$

620,180 

 

$

586,988 

 

5.7%

 

$

1,857,356 

 

$

1,710,484 

 

8.6%

$

555,273

$

290,517

91.1%

$

978,995

$

766,217

27.8%

Intersegment revenues

 

3,579 

 

 

 -

 

*

 

 

6,624 

 

 

 -

 

*

-

25

*

-

50

*

Total segment revenues

 

623,759 

 

 

586,988 

 

6.3

 

 

1,863,980 

 

 

1,710,484 

 

9.0

555,273

290,542

91.1

978,995

766,267

27.8

Agribusiness and energy services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

164,604 

 

 

168,143 

 

(2.1)

 

 

483,670 

 

 

531,445 

 

(9.0)

167,975

96,123

74.8

296,796

252,004

17.8

Intersegment revenues

 

14,406 

 

 

8,936 

 

61.2

 

 

33,679 

 

 

24,934 

 

35.1

5,512

4,368

26.2

10,635

11,676

(8.9)

Total segment revenues

 

179,010 

 

 

177,079 

 

1.1

 

 

517,349 

 

 

556,379 

 

(7.0)

173,487

100,491

72.6

307,431

263,680

16.6

Food and ingredients:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

114,750 

 

 

84,655 

 

35.6

 

 

329,432 

 

 

230,812 

 

42.7

Intersegment revenues

 

38 

 

 

37 

 

2.7

 

 

113 

 

 

112 

 

0.9

Total segment revenues

 

114,788 

 

 

84,692 

 

35.5

 

 

329,545 

 

 

230,924 

 

42.7

Partnership:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

1,701 

 

 

2,066 

 

(17.7)

 

 

4,724 

 

 

6,042 

 

(21.8)

1,170

1,384

(15.5)

2,267

2,672

(15.2)

Intersegment revenues

 

24,748 

 

 

24,139 

 

2.5

 

 

74,019 

 

 

69,445 

 

6.6

18,531

18,997

(2.5)

37,840

37,980

(0.4)

Total segment revenues

 

26,449 

 

 

26,205 

 

0.9

 

 

78,743 

 

 

75,487 

 

4.3

19,701

20,381

(3.3)

40,107

40,652

(1.3)

Revenues including intersegment activity

 

944,006 

 

 

874,964 

 

7.9

 

 

2,789,617 

 

 

2,573,274 

 

8.4

748,461

411,414

81.9

1,326,533

1,070,599

23.9

Intersegment eliminations

 

(42,771)

 

 

(33,112)

 

29.2

 

 

(114,435)

 

 

(94,491)

 

21.1

(24,043)

(23,390)

2.8

(48,475)

(49,706)

(2.5)

Revenues as reported

$

901,235 

 

$

841,852 

 

7.1%

 

$

2,675,182 

 

$

2,478,783 

 

7.9%

$

724,418

$

388,024

86.7%

$

1,278,058

$

1,020,893

25.2%

Three Months Ended
June 30,

%

Six Months Ended
June 30,

%

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

Cost of goods sold:

Ethanol production

$

493,656

$

284,174

73.7%

$

909,181

$

773,324

17.6%

Agribusiness and energy services

170,181

95,803

77.6

286,255

252,305

13.5

Intersegment eliminations

(24,429)

(19,081)

28.0

(46,795)

(47,505)

(1.5)

$

639,408

$

360,896

77.2%

$

1,148,641

$

978,124

17.4%

34


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

%

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

%

Three Months Ended
June 30,

%

Six Months Ended
June 30,

%

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

 

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

Cost of goods sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

Ethanol production(1)

$

590,904 

 

$

549,705 

 

7.5%

 

$

1,802,688 

 

$

1,649,641 

 

9.3%

$

33,543

$

(18,792)

278.5%

$

13,223

$

(79,573)

116.6%

Agribusiness and energy services

 

168,735 

 

 

163,643 

 

3.1

 

 

487,239 

 

 

518,135 

 

(6.0)

(851)

351

(342.5%)

12,495

2,911

329.2

Food and ingredients

 

98,854 

 

 

78,792 

 

25.5

 

 

281,898 

 

 

219,087 

 

28.7

Partnership

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

*

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

*

11,916

12,225

(2.5)

24,787

24,655

0.5

Intersegment eliminations

 

(42,706)

 

 

(33,257)

 

28.4

 

 

(114,123)

 

 

(93,769)

 

21.7

386

(4,283)

109.0

(1,680)

(2,150)

(21.9)

Corporate activities (2)

(13,961)

(8,869)

57.4

13,555

(19,539)

169.4

$

815,787 

 

$

758,883 

 

7.5%

 

$

2,457,702 

 

$

2,293,094 

 

7.2%

$

31,033

$

(19,368)

260.2%

$

62,380

$

(73,696)

184.6%

(1)Operating loss for ethanol production includes a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

(2)Corporate activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 includes a $3.8 million loss on sale of assets and a $33.1 million gain on sale of assets, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

%

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

%

Three Months Ended
June 30,

%

Six Months Ended
June 30,

%

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

 

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

Ethanol production

$

3,107 

 

$

14,334 

 

(78.3%)

 

$

(25,950)

 

$

(7,673)

 

(238.2%)

$

18,483

$

17,184

7.6%

$

37,011

$

33,082

11.9%

Agribusiness and energy services

 

3,686 

 

 

7,241 

 

(49.1)

 

13,138 

 

20,744 

 

(36.7)

595

556

7.0

1,202

1,109

8.4

Food and ingredients

 

10,132 

 

 

5,199 

 

94.9

 

30,472 

 

9,594 

 

217.6

Partnership

 

16,290 

 

 

15,084 

 

8.0

 

47,707 

 

42,958 

 

11.1

795

966

(17.7)

1,682

1,927

(12.7)

Intersegment eliminations

 

 

 

181 

 

(95.6)

 

(147)

 

(612)

 

(76.0)

Corporate activities

 

(12,507)

 

 

(11,184)

 

11.8

 

 

(30,898)

 

 

(29,393)

 

5.1

659

669

(1.5)

1,318

1,337

(1.4)

$

20,716 

 

$

30,855 

 

(32.9%)

 

$

34,322 

 

$

35,618 

 

(3.6%)

$

20,532

$

19,375

6.0%

$

41,213

$

37,455

10.0%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

%

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

%



2017

 

2016

 

Variance

 

2017

 

2016

 

Variance

EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol production

$

25,570 

 

$

30,155 

 

(15.2%)

 

$

38,521 

 

$

39,164 

 

(1.6%)

Agribusiness and energy services

 

5,150 

 

 

6,310 

 

(18.4)

 

 

15,910 

 

 

21,246 

 

(25.1)

Food and ingredients

 

13,272 

 

 

5,465 

 

142.9

 

 

39,741 

 

 

10,430 

 

281.0

Partnership

 

17,589 

 

 

16,620 

 

5.8

 

 

51,549 

 

 

47,241 

 

9.1

Intersegment eliminations

 

 

 

(39)

 

120.5

 

 

(147)

 

 

(1,174)

 

87.5

Corporate activities

 

(11,212)

 

 

(9,439)

 

18.8

 

 

(27,275)

 

 

(25,944)

 

5.1



$

50,377 

 

$

49,072 

 

2.7%

 

$

118,299 

 

$

90,963 

 

30.1%

* Percentage variance not considered meaningful.

43


Table of Contents

We use EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as a segment measuremeasures of profitability to compare the financial performance of our reportable segments and manage those segments. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, including related tax expense of equity method investments, depreciation and amortization excluding the amortization of right-of-use assets and debt issuance costs. Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments related to gains or losses on sale of assets, our proportional share of EBITDA adjustments of our equity method investees and noncash goodwill impairment. We believe EBITDA is aand adjusted EBITDA are useful measuremeasures to compare our performance against other companies. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, which is prepared in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA calculations may vary from company to company. Accordingly, our computation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable with a similarly titled measure of other companies.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest to adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Net income (loss)

$

16,117

$

(5,474)

$

14,138

$

(15,821)

Interest expense (1)

19,058

9,670

50,737

19,367

Income tax benefit, net of equity method income tax expense

(4,783)

(7,677)

(2,921)

(49,475)

Depreciation and amortization (2)

20,532

19,375

41,213

37,455

EBITDA

50,924

15,894

103,167

(8,474)

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net

3,825

-

(33,068)

-

Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments to equity method investees

50

2,041

94

4,978

Noncash goodwill impairment

-

-

-

24,091

Adjusted EBITDA

$

54,799

$

17,935

$

70,193

$

20,595

(1)Interest expense for the periods indicatedthree and six months ended June 30, 2021 includes a loss on settlement of convertible notes of $9.5 million. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 also includes a loss upon extinguishment of convertible notes of $22.1 million.

(2)Excludes the change in operating lease right-of-use assets and amortization of debt issuance costs.

The following table reconciles segment EBITDA to consolidated adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Net income

$

39,429 

 

$

12,884 

 

$

29,284 

 

$

6,053 

Interest expense

 

31,889 

 

 

11,819 

 

 

69,815 

 

 

33,117 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(48,775)

 

 

5,083 

 

 

(60,905)

 

 

(4,339)

Depreciation and amortization

 

27,834 

 

 

19,286 

 

 

80,105 

 

 

56,132 

EBITDA

$

50,377 

 

$

49,072 

 

$

118,299 

 

$

90,963 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

%

Six Months Ended
June 30,

%

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

Adjusted EBITDA:

Ethanol production

$

52,052

$

(1,607)

*

$

50,263

$

(45,732)

209.9%

Agribusiness and energy services

(254)

1,037

(124.5)

13,697

4,165

228.9

Partnership

12,880

13,366

(3.6)

26,813

26,914

(0.4)

Intersegment eliminations

386

(4,283)

109.0

(1,680)

(2,150)

(21.9)

Corporate activities (1)

(14,140)

7,381

*

14,074

8,329

69.0

EBITDA

50,924

15,894

220.4%

103,167

(8,474)

*

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net

3,825

-

*

(33,068)

-

Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments to equity method investees

50

2,041

(97.6)

94

4,978

(98.1)

Noncash goodwill impairment

-

-

*

-

24,091

*

Adjusted EBITDA

$

54,799

$

17,935

205.5%

$

70,193

$

20,595

240.8%

(1)Includes corporate expenses, offset by the loss on sale of assets of $3.8 million and the gain on sale of assets of $33.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and earnings from equity method investments of $12.0 million and $19.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

* Percentage variance not considered meaningful.


3544


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, compared2021 Compared with the Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162020

Consolidated Results

Consolidated revenues increased $59.4$336.4 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period in 2016. Revenues were impacted by an increase in2020 primarily due to higher prices and production volumes of ethanol, volumes sold, plus the additions of Fleischmann’s Vinegar during the fourth quarter of 2016distillers grains and the cattle feedlots during the firstcorn oil and second quarters of 2017.increased trading revenues within our agribusiness and energy services segment.

Operating income decreased $10.1increased $50.4 million and adjusted EBITDA increased $36.9 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period last year primarily due to decreasedincreased margins on ethanol production, partiallyproduction. Interest expense increased $9.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020 due to the $9.5 million loss upon settlement of convertible notes recorded during the quarter. Income tax benefit was $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with income tax benefit of $11.5 million for the same period in 2020 primarily due to an increase in pretax book income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 offset by the Fleischmann’s Vinegartax benefit for utilization of previously recorded NOLs.

The following discussion provides greater detail about our second quarter segment performance.

Ethanol Production Segment

Key operating data for our ethanol production segment is as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30,

2021

2020

% Variance

Ethanol sold

(thousands of gallons)

190,913

149,872

27.4

Distillers grains sold

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

494

383

29.0

Corn oil sold

(thousands of pounds)

54,875

39,496

38.9

Corn consumed

(thousands of bushels)

65,424

51,908

26.0

Revenues in our ethanol production segment increased $264.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020 primarily due to higher prices and higher production volumes of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil.

Cost of goods sold for our ethanol production segment increased $209.5 million for the cattle feedlot acquisitions.three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period last year primarily due to higher production volumes. Operating income increased $52.3 million and EBITDA increased $53.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020 primarily due to increased margins on ethanol production. Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $18.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with $17.2 million for the same period last year.

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Revenues in our agribusiness and energy services segment increased $73.0 million while operating loss increased $1.2 million and EBITDA decreased $1.3 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period in 2020. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in ethanol, distillers grain and corn oil trading activity driven by higher production volumes. Operating loss increased and EBITDA decreased primarily as a result of lower trading margins.

Food and Ingredients Segment

The food and ingredients segment, which now represents food-grade corn oil production had no activity during the three months ended June 30, 2021.


45


Table of Contents

Partnership Segment

Revenues generated by our partnership segment decreased $0.7 million for the three months ended June, 2021, compared with the same period for 2020. Railcar transportation services revenue decreased $0.6 million primarily due to a reduction in average volumetric capacity provided, and storage and throughput services revenue decreased $0.2 million due to a decrease in throughput volumes, both of which were a result of our parent’s sale of the Hereford ethanol plant in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the Ord ethanol plant in the first quarter of 2021. Operating income decreased $0.3 million and EBITDA decreased $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020.

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased by $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020 primarily due to increased intersegment marketing and service fees within the agribusiness and energy services segment as a result of higher production volumes.

Corporate Activities

Operating income was impacted by a decrease in corporate activities of $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 primarily due to the loss on sale of assets recorded during the current quarter.

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax benefit of $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared with income tax benefit of $11.5 million for the same period in 2020. The decrease in the amount of tax benefit recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in pretax book income offset by the utilization of previously recorded NOLs compared to the same period in 2020 in which the company recorded a tax benefit associated with the carryback of the 2019 tax NOL to the 2014 tax year under the newly enacted CARES Act of 2020.

Income from Equity Method Investees

Income from equity method investees decreased $11.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period last year due primarily to the disposition of our GPCC joint venture during the fourth quarter of 2020.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Consolidated Results

Consolidated revenues increased $257.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020 primarily due to higher prices on ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil and increased trading revenues within our agribusiness and energy services segment.

Operating income increased $136.1 million and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period last year primarily due to the Fleischmann’s Vinegar acquisition$33.1 million gain on sale of assets and additional cattleimproved margins partially offset by decreasedon ethanol production during the period, as well as the goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million during the prior period. Adjusted EBITDA increased $49.6 million due to improved margins inon ethanol production. Interest expense increased $20.1$31.4 million for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily2020 due to $12.3the loss upon settlement of convertible notes of $22.1 million, recorded in expense associated with the terminationfirst quarter and the $9.5 million loss upon settlement of previous credit facilities and higher average debt outstanding and borrowing costs.convertible notes recorded during the second quarter. Income tax benefit was $48.8$2.9 million for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with income tax expensebenefit of $5.1$55.7 million for the same period in 20162020, primarily due to the company’s recognition of tax benefits recorded related to R&D Credits.the CARES Act during the six months ended June 30, 2020.


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Table of Contents

The following discussion provides greater detail about our third quarteryear-to-date segment performance.

Ethanol Production Segment

Key operating data for our ethanol production segment is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

2017

 

2016

 

% Variance

2021

2020

% Variance

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol sold

(thousands of gallons)

 

313,642 

 

292,238 

 

7.3%

368,913

390,338

(5.5)

Distillers grains produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distillers grains sold

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

 

817 

 

790 

 

3.4

967

1,025

(5.7)

Corn oil produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corn oil sold

(thousands of pounds)

 

75,440 

 

72,176 

 

4.5

101,438

102,048

(0.6)

Corn consumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of bushels)

 

109,544 

 

102,113 

 

7.3

127,020

135,791

(6.5)

Revenues in our ethanol production segment increased $36.8$212.7 million for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period in 20162020 primarily due to increasedhigher prices on ethanol, volumes sold. Ethanol production capacity increased due to the acquisition of the Madison, Mount Vernondistillers grains and York ethanol plants.corn oil.

Cost of goods sold for theour ethanol production segment increased $41.2$135.9 million for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, compared with the same period last year due to decreased margins in ethanol production. As a result of decreased margins, EBITDA decreased $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. Depreciation and amortization expense for the segment was $21.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with $15.7 million for the same period last year.

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Revenues in our agribusiness and energy services segment increased $1.9 million while EBITDA decreased by $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher average realized prices for distillers grains and increased intersegment distillers grain and corn revenues, while EBITDA decreased primarily as a result of decreased margins on trading activity. Depreciation expense increased by $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily as a result of accelerated depreciation related to the disposition of fixed assets at our St. Edward, Nebraska location.

Food and Ingredients Segment

Revenues in our food and ingredients segment increased $30.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. The increase in revenues was primarily due to the acquisitions of Fleischmann’s

36


Vinegar and the cattle feedlots.  The daily average company-owned cattle on feed for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was approximately 148,000 and 68,000 head, respectively, and the daily average third-party owned cattle on feed for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was approximately 70,000 and 1,100, respectively.

EBITDA increased by $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 primarily due to the acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar, as well as increased cattle margins. 

Partnership Segment

Revenues generated by our partnership segment increased $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016.  Revenues generated from the partnership’s storage and throughput agreement with Green Plains Trade increased $0.8 million primarily due to higher throughput volumes related to ethanol storage assets acquired in September 2016. Other revenue increased $0.3 million due to expansion of our truck fleet. These increases were partially offset by revenues generated from the partnership’s rail transportation services agreement with Green Plains Trade, which decreased $0.5 million due to lower average rates charged for railcar volumetric capacity provided, and revenues generated from the partnership’s terminal services agreements, which decreased $0.4 million due to lower throughput volumes at the Birmingham facility and other terminals. EBITDA increased $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due to the increased storage and throughput revenues.

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased by $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due primarily to increased intersegment distillers grain revenues paid to the ethanol production segment and increased intersegment corn revenues paid to the agribusiness and energy services segment.

Corporate Activities

EBITDA decreased by $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due to increases in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily driven by salaries, insurance, rent, utilities and property taxes as a result of the Fleischmann’s Vinegar and cattle feedlot acquisitions.

Income Taxes

The income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $48.8 million compared to income tax expense of $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The change in income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the company’s recognition of tax benefits related to R&D Credits.  

A study was conducted to determine whether certain activities the company performs qualify for the R&D credit allowed by the Internal Revenue Code Section 41. As a result of this study, the company concluded these activities do qualify for the credit and determined it was appropriate to claim the benefit of these credits for all open tax years. The company recognized these credits during the third quarter of 2017, along with an estimate of the credit for qualified activities year-to-date. The company will continue to evaluate eligibility for R&D credits on a regular basis.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Consolidated Results

Consolidated revenues increased $196.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. Revenues were impacted by an increase in ethanol, corn oil, and cattle volumes sold. In addition, we acquired Fleischmann’s Vinegar during the fourth quarter of 2016 and cattle feedlots during the first and  second quarters of 2017. This was partially offset by a decrease in grain trading activity volumes and lower average realized prices for grain, distillers grains and cattle.    

Operating income decreased $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period last year primarily due to a decrease in ethanol margins as well as a decrease in grain trading activity, partially offset by the acquisitions of Fleischmann’s Vinegarhigher production costs. Operating income increased $92.8 million and the cattle feedlots. EBITDA increased $27.3$96.0 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, compared with the same period last year primarily due to the acquisitions of Fleischmann’s Vinegar and the cattle feedlots, partially offset by decreased ethanol margins as well as decreased grain trading activity. Interest expense increased $36.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period in 2016,2020 primarily due to higher average debt outstandingimproved margins as well as the $24.1 million noncash impairment charge recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Depreciation and borrowing costs, $12.3 million inamortization expense associated withfor the termination of

37


previous credit facilities, and a $1.3 million charge related to the extinguishment of a portion of the 3.25% convertible notes. Income tax benefitethanol production segment was $60.9$37.0 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with $4.3$33.1 million for the same period last year.

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Revenues in our agribusiness and energy services segment increased $43.8 million while operating income increased $9.6 million and EBITDA increased $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in ethanol, distillers grain and corn oil trading activity. Operating income and EBITDA increased primarily as a result of higher trading margins.

Food and Ingredients Segment

The food and ingredients segment, which now represents food-grade corn oil production had no activity during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Partnership Segment

Revenues generated by our partnership segment decreased $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with the same period for 2020. Railcar transportation services revenue decreased $0.7 million due to a reduction in average volumetric capacity provided, as well as lower sublease revenue. Trucking and other revenue decreased $0.1 million as a result of lower affiliate freight volume. Storage and throughput services revenue increased $0.3 million due to an increase in the rate per gallon charged to Green Plains Trade beginning on July 1, 2020, partially offset by a decrease in throughput volumes as a result of our parent’s sale of the Hereford ethanol plant in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the Ord ethanol plant in the first quarter of 2021. Operating income increased $0.1 million and EBITDA decreased $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020.

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment eliminations of revenues decreased by $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the same period in 2020 primarily due to decreased intersegment marketing and service fees within the agribusiness and energy services segment as a result of lower production volumes.


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Table of Contents

Corporate Activities

Operating income was impacted by an increase in corporate activities of $33.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 primarily due to the gain on sale of assets recorded during the current period.

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax benefit of $2.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with income tax benefit of $55.7 million for the same period in 2016 2020. The decrease in the amount of tax benefit was primarily due to an increase in pretax book income offset by the company’s recognitiontax benefit for the utilization of tax benefits relatedpreviously recorded NOLs compared to the R&D Credits.

The following discussion provides greater detail about our segment performancetax benefit recorded for the first nine months of 2017.

Ethanol Production Segment

Key operating data for our ethanol production segment is as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

% Variance



 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethanol produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of gallons)

 

915,607 

 

813,464 

 

12.6%

Distillers grains produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

 

2,421 

 

2,170 

 

11.6

Corn oil produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of pounds)

 

216,482 

 

196,530 

 

10.2

Corn consumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of bushels)

 

318,709 

 

284,282 

 

12.1

Revenues in our ethanol production segment increased $153.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 primarily due2020 to higher volumesreflect the benefit associated with the carry back of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil produced, partially offset by lower average distillers grains prices realized. The increase in volumes produced was primarily duethe 2019 tax NOLs to the acquisition2014 tax year under the CARES Act of 2020, as well as the Madison, Mount Vernonrelease of a previously recorded valuation allowance against the 2019 NOL and York ethanol plants.other deferred tax assets.

Cost of goods sold for the ethanol production segment increased $153.0Income from Equity Method Investees

Income from equity method investees decreased $19.7 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with the same period last year due to higher production volumes associated with the acquisition of the Madison, Mount Vernon and York ethanol plants as well as decreased margins on ethanol production. EBITDA decreased $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due to decreased margins in ethanol production. Depreciation and amortization expense for the segment was $61.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with $46.7 million for the same period last year.

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Revenues in our agribusiness and energy services segment decreased $39.0 million and EBITDA decreased by $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a decrease in grain trading activity volumes, partially offset by higher average realized prices for distillers grain and increased intersegment distillers grain, marketing and corn revenues. EBITDA decreased primarily as a result of decreased trading activity. Depreciation expense increased by $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily as a result of accelerated depreciation related to the disposition of fixed assets at our St. Edward, Nebraska location.

Food and Ingredients Segment

Revenues in our food and ingredients segment increased $98.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. The increase in revenues was primarily due to the acquisitions of Fleischmann’s Vinegar and the cattle feedlots. The daily average company-owned cattle on feed for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was approximately 100,000 and 65,000 head, respectively, and the daily average third-party owned cattle on feed for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was approximately 59,000 and 1,400, respectively.

EBITDA increased by $29.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 primarily due to the acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar as well as increased cattle margins. 

38


Partnership Segment

Revenues generated by our partnership segment increased $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016, due to higher storage and throughput volumes, partially offset by a decrease in the average rate charged for the railcar volumetric capacity related to the rail transportation services agreement with Green Plains Trade, as well as lower throughput volumes under the terminal services agreements. EBITDA increased $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due to the increased storage and throughput revenues, as well as a decrease in operations and maintenance expenses of $0.6 millionGPCC joint venture during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016.

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased by $19.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due to increased intersegment distillers grain and corn revenues paid to the ethanol production and agribusiness and energy services segments and the increase in storage and throughput fees paid to the partnership segment.

Corporate Activities

EBITDA decreased by $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016 due to increases in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily driven by salaries, insurance, rent, utilities and property taxes as a result of the Fleischmann’s Vinegar and cattle feedlot acquisitions.

Income Taxes

The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $60.9 million compared to $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The change in income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the company’s recognition of tax benefits related to R&D Credits.

A study was conducted to determine whether certain activities the company performs qualify for the R&D credit allowed by the Internal Revenue Code Section 41. As a result of this study, the company concluded these activities do qualify for the credit and determined it was appropriate to claim the benefit of these credits for all open tax years. The company recognized these credits during the thirdfourth quarter of 2017, along with an estimate of the credit for qualified activities year-to-date. The company will continue to evaluate eligibility for R&D credits on a regular basis.2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity include cash generated from operating activities and bank credit facilities. We fund our operating expenses and service debt primarily with operating cash flows. Capital resources for maintenance and growth expenditures are funded by a variety of sources, including cash generated from operating activities, borrowings under bank credit facilities, or issuance of senior notes or equity. Our ability to access capital markets for debt under reasonable terms depends on our financial condition, credit ratings and market conditions. We believe that our ability to obtain financing at reasonable rates and history of consistentpositive cash flow from operating activities, which have been positive for seven of the previous ten years, provide a solid foundation to meet our future liquidity and capital resource requirements.

On SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, we had $261.6$496.9 million in cash and equivalents, excluding restricted cash, consistingconsisting of $201.3$431.7 million available toheld at our parent company and the remainder held at our subsidiaries. Additionally, we had $118.4 million in restricted cash at June 30, 2021. We also had $297.0$294.2 million available under our committed revolving credit and term loan agreements, including $5.0 million available under the partnership’s revolving credit facility, some of which were subject to restrictions or other lending conditions. Funds at certain subsidiaries are generally required for their ongoing operational needs and restricted from distribution. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, our subsidiaries had approximately $124.5$169.4 million of net assets that were not available to ususe in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in their credit facilities. As a result of the August 29, 2017 $500 million term loan agreement and related debt extinguishment at Green Plains Processing and Fleischmann’s Vinegar, we no longer consider certain subsidiaries to have restrictions on cash and asset distributions.

Net cash used byin operating activities was $122.2$30.2 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $63.2$65.9 million for the same period in 2016.2020. Operating activities compared to the prior year were primarily affected by an increase in inventories and derivative financial instruments and decreases in deferred income taxes and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by decreases in accounts receivable and increases in noncurrent assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The changes in deferred income taxes and noncurrent asset and liabilities were driven byworking capital when compared to the R&D credits recognized duringsame period of the third quarter of 2017.prior year. Net cash usedprovided by

39


investing activities was $110.2$9.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, due2021 compared with net cash used in investing activities of $68.0 million for the same period in 2020. Investing activities compared to the prior year were primarily to acquisitionsaffected by proceeds from the sale of the cattle feedlots, as well as capital expenditures at our existing ethanol plants and our vinegar operations.assets during 2021. Net cash provided by financing activities was $189.8$360.8 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 compared with $248.8net cash used in financing activities of $84.3 million for the same period in 2016.2020, primarily due to proceeds from the issuance of common stock and debt offerings during 2021.

Additionally, Green Plains Trade, Green Plains CattleGrain and Green Plains GrainCommodity Management use revolving credit facilities to finance working capital requirements. We frequently draw from and repay these facilities which results in significant cash movements reflected on a gross basis within financing activities as proceeds from and payments on short-term borrowings.

We incurred capital expenditures of $37.7approximately $59.9 million induring the first ninesix months of 2017ended June 30, 2021, primarily for Ultra High-Protein expansion projects at various facilities, Project 24 operating expense reduction and for various maintenance and expansion projects. Capital spending for the remainder of 20172021 is expected to be approximately $11.9between $94.0 million and $119.0 million for various projects, including the Ultra High-Protein expansion at our Wood River, Obion and investments in joint ventures are expected to be approximately $7.4 million,Mount Vernon locations, which are expected to be financed with available borrowings under our credit facilities and cash provided by operating activities.activities, as well as borrowings under our $75.0 million delayed draw loan and cash on hand.

48


Our business is highly sensitive to the price of commodities, particularly for corn, ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and natural gas and cattle.gas. We use derivative financial instruments to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices. Sudden changes in commodity prices may require cash deposits with brokers for margin calls or significant liquidity with little advanced notice to meet margin calls, depending on our open derivative positions. On September 30, 2017, we had $52.5 million in deposits for broker margin requirements. We continuously monitor our exposure to margin calls and believe we will continue to maintain adequate liquidity to cover margin calls from our operating results and borrowings.

We have paid a quarterly cash dividend since August 2013 and anticipate declaring a cash dividend in future quarters on a regular basis. Future declarations of dividends, however, are subject to board approval and may be adjusted as our liquidity, business needs or market conditions change. On August 16, 2017, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share. The dividend was paid on September 15, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 28, 2017.

For each calendar quarter commencing with the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the partnership agreement requires the partnership to distribute all available cash, as defined, to its partners, including us, within 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Available cash generally means all cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of that quarter less cash reserves established by ourthe general partner, including those for future capital expenditures, future acquisitions and anticipated future debt service requirements, plus all or any portion of the cash on hand resulting from working capital borrowings made subsequent to the end of that quarter. On October 19, 2017,July 22, 2021, the board of directors of the general partner of the partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.46$0.12 per unit on outstanding common and subordinated units. The distribution is payable on November 10, 2017,August 13, 2021, to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 3, 2017.August 6, 2021.

In August 2014, we announcedOur board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 $200 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 did not repurchase any shares during the second quarter of 2021. To date, we have repurchased 335,849 shares7,396,936 of common stock for approximately $5.7$92.8 million under the program during the third quarter of 2017. To date, we have repurchased 850,839 shares of common stock for approximately $15.7 million under the program.

We believe we have sufficient working capital for our existing operations. A continued sustained period of unprofitable operations, however, may strain our liquidity making it difficult to maintain compliance with our financing arrangements.liquidity. We may sell additional assets or equity or borrow capital to improve or preserve our liquidity, expand our business or build additional or acquire existing businesses. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to secure funding necessary for additional working capital or these projects at reasonable terms, if at all.

Debt

For additional information related to our debt, see Note 8 – Debt included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements and Note 1112 – Debt included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020.

We were in compliance with our debt covenants at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2021. Based on our forecasts, and the current margin environment, we believe we will maintain compliance at each of our subsidiaries for the next twelve months or have sufficient liquidity available on a consolidated basis to resolve noncompliance. We cannot provide assurance that actual 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 a subsidiary is unable to comply with its debt covenants, the subsidiary’s lenders

40


may determine that an event of default has occurred, and following notice, the lenders may terminate the commitment and declare the unpaid balance due and payable.

Corporate Activities

On August 29, 2017,As outlined in Note 8 - Debt, we use LIBOR as a reference rate for our credit facility. The administrator of LIBOR has announced it will cease the company and substantially allpublication of the company’s subsidiaries, but not including Green Plains Partnersone week and certain other entities as guarantors, entered into a $500 million term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) with BNP Paribas, as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “Term Loan Agent”) and certain other financial institutions, which matures on August 29, 2023, and may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty other than customary breakage costs with respect to Eurodollar-based loans or certain other limited circumstances in which event a 1.0% prepayment premium would be due.  

The Term Loan Agreement requires principal payments of $1.25 million ontwo month LIBOR settings immediately following the last day of each quarter, beginningLIBOR publication on December 31, 2017,2021, and the remaining USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. It is unclear if LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established by the applicable phase out dates. We may need to amend our credit facility to determine the interest rate to replace LIBOR with a final installment payablethe new standard that is established. The potential effect of any such event on August 29, 2023, equal tointerest expense cannot yet be determined.

Corporate Activities

In March 2021, we issued $230.0 million of 2.25% convertible senior notes due in 2027, or the unpaid principal and interest balances of the Term Loan Agreement. Beginning at the end of 2018, mandatory prepayments must be made on an annual basis at various percentages of excess cash flow depending on the total first lien leverage ratio as defined in the Term Loan Agreement.2.25% notes. The Term Loan Agreement will2.25% notes bear interest at a variable rate of 2.25% per annum atyear, payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2021. The initial conversion rate is 31.6206 shares of the Company’s election, equalcompany’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2.25% notes (equivalent to (a)an initial conversion price of approximately $31.62 per share of the applicable LIBORcompany’s common stock), representing an approximately 37.5% premium over the offering price of the company’s common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to; the event of a 1.00% floor, plus 5.50%stock dividend or (b)stock split; the issuance of additional rights, options and warrants; spinoffs; the event of a basecash dividend or distribution; or a tender or exchange offering. In addition, the company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate equal to 4.50% plusfor any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including the greatercompany’s calling the 2.25% notes for redemption. We

49


Table of (i)Contents

may settle the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (ii)2.25% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. At June 30, 2021, the Prime Rate,outstanding principal balance on the 2.25% notes was $230.0 million.

In June 2019, we issued $115.0 million of 4.00% convertible senior notes due in 2024, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.00%.

the 4.00% notes. The Term Loan Agreement is guaranteed by the Company4.00% notes are senior, unsecured obligations, with interest payable on January 1 and the Term Loan Obligors, and secured by substantially allJuly 1 of each year, beginning January 1, 2020, at a rate of 4.00% per annum. The initial conversion rate will be 64.1540 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the assets4.00% notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.59 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to; the event of a stock dividend or stock split; the issuance of additional rights, options and warrants; spinoffs; the event of a cash dividend or distribution; or a tender or exchange offering. In addition, we may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including our calling the 4.00% notes for redemption. We may settle the 4.00% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock.

During May 2021, we entered into a privately negotiated agreement with certain noteholders of the Company and the Term Loan Obligors, including 17 ethanol production facilities with annual capacitycompany’s 4.00% notes. Under this agreement, 3,568,705 shares of approximately 1.5 billion gallons, as well as the vinegar production facilities. The covenantsour common stock were exchanged for $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan Agreement require4.00% notes. Common stock held as treasury shares were exchanged for the Company to maintain a maximum term debt to total term capitalization, each as defined in4.00% notes. At June 30, 2021, the Term Loan Agreement, at the end of each fiscal quarter of not more than 55.0% and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined, at the end of each fiscal quarter of not less than 1.25 to 1.0.

The Term Loan Agreement provides for customary events of default, which include (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), among others, the following: nonpayment of principal or interest; breach of covenants or other agreements in the Term Loan Agreement; defaults in failure to pay certain other indebtedness; and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. If any event of default occurs, the remainingoutstanding principal balance and accrued interest on the Term Loan Agreement will become immediately due and payable.4.00% notes was $64.0 million.

In August 2016, we issued $170.0 million of 4.125% convertible senior notes due in 2022, or 4.125% notes, which are senior, unsecured obligations with interest payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. Prior to March 1, 2022, the 4.125% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The initial conversion rate is 35.7143 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $28.00 per share. The conversion rate iswill be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including whenbut not limited to; the quarterlyevent of a stock dividend or stock split; the issuance of additional rights, options and warrants; spinoffs; the event of a cash dividend exceeds $0.12 per share.or distribution; or a tender or exchange offering. We may settle the 4.125% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock.

In September 2013,March 2021, concurrent with the issuance of the 2.25% notes, we issued $120.0used approximately $156.5 million of 3.25% convertible senior notes due in 2018, or 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 upon the occurrence of certain events, including when the quarterly cash dividend exceeds $0.04 per share. The conversion rate was recently adjusted as of September 30, 2017 to 49.9981 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $20.00 per share. We may settle the 3.25% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock.

During the second quarter of 2017, we entered into several privately negotiated agreements with holders, on behalf of certain beneficial owners of our 3.25% notes. Under these agreements, 2,783,725 shares of our common stock and approximately $8.5 million in cash plus accrued but unpaid interest on the 3.25% notes, were exchanged for approximately $56.3 million in aggregate principal amountnet proceeds of the 3.25% notes. Common stock held as treasury shares were exchanged for the 3.25% notes. Following the closings of the agreements, $63.72.25% notes to repurchase approximately $135.7 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.125% notes due 2022, in privately negotiated transactions. At June 30, 2021, the 3.25% notes remain outstanding.

At issuance, we separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the convertible notes by bifurcating the gross proceeds between the indebtedness, or liability component, and the embedded conversion option, or equity component. This bifurcation was done by estimating an effective interest rateoutstanding principal balance on the date of issuance for similar notes. The embedded4.125% notes was $34.3 million.

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conversion option was recorded in stockholders’ equity. Since we did not exercise the embedded conversion option associated with the notes, pursuant to the guidance within ASC Topic 470, Debt, we recorded a loss upon extinguishment measured by the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the liability portion of the notes. As a result, we recorded a charge to interest expense in the consolidated financial statements of approximately $1.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017. This charge also included $0.6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the principal balance extinguished. The remaining settlement consideration transferred was allocated to the reacquisition of the embedded conversion option and recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Ethanol Production Segment

We have small equipment financing loans, capital leases on equipment or facilities, and other forms of debt financing.

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Green Plains Grain has a $125.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The facility matures in July of 2019. This facility can be increased by up to $75.0 million with agent approval and up to $50.0 million for seasonal borrowings. Total commitments outstanding under the facility cannot exceed $250.0 million.  At September 30, 2017, the outstanding principal balance was $64.0 million on the facility and the interest rate was 6.25%.

Green Plains Trade has a $300.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The facilitycollateral, which matures in July of 2022. This facility can be increased by up to $70.0 million with agent approval. At September 30, 2017, the outstanding principal balance was $143.3 million on the facility and the interest rate was 3.52%. 

On July 28, 2017, we amended the credit facility, to increase the maximum commitment from $150.0 million to $300.0 million and extend the maturity date to July 28, 2022. The amended credit facility increases advance rates and modifies the eligible inventory definitions to include additional commodities and locations. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to a daily LIBOR rate plus 2.25% or the base rate plus 1.25%. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum. At June 30, 2021, the outstanding principal balance was $100.8 million on the facility and the interest rate was 2.43%.

Food and Ingredients Segment

Green Plains CattleGrain has a $300.0$100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The facilitycollateral, which matures in AprilJune of 2020.2022. This facility can be increaseincreased by up to $100.0$75.0 million with agent approval.approval and up to $50.0 million for seasonal borrowings. Total commitments outstanding under the facility cannot exceed $225.0 million. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, the outstanding principal balance was $246.7$55.0 million on the facility and ourthe interest rate was 3.83%3.20%.

On April 28, 2017, we amendedGreen Plains Grain has short-term inventory financing agreements with a financial institution with a maximum commitment of up to $50.0 million, which matures June 2022. Green Plains Grain has accounted for the credit facilityagreements as short-term notes, rather than sales, and has elected the fair value option to fundoffset fluctuations in market prices of the additional working capital requirementsinventory. Green Plains Grain had no short-term notes payable related to the acquisitionthese inventory financing agreements as of two cattle feedlots located in Leoti, Kansas and Yuma, Colorado. The amendment increased the maximum commitment from $100.0June 30, 2021.

Green Plains Commodity Management has an uncommitted $30.0 million to $200.0 million until July 31, 2017, at which time it increased to $300.0 million. The maturity date was extended from October 31, 2017 to April 30, 2020. 

Advances under the revolving credit facility as amended,which matures April 30, 2023 to finance margins related to its hedging programs. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 3.0% or1.75%. At June 30, 2021, the base rate plus 1.0% to 2.0%, dependingoutstanding principal balance was $18.2 million on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. The amended credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enablesand the credit facility to be increasedinterest rate was 1.84%.


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Table of Contents

Ethanol Production Segment

On February 9, 2021, Green Plains SPE LLC, a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary and parent of Green Plains Obion and Green Plains Mount Vernon issued $125.0 million of junior secured mezzanine notes due 2026 with four funds and accounts managed by up to $100.0BlackRock for the purchase of all notes issued. At June 30, 2021, the outstanding principal balance was $125.0 million with agent approval. The unused portionon the loan and the interest rate was 11.75%.

Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the credit facility is also subject tocompany, have a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.30% per annum, depending$75.0 million delayed draw loan agreement, which matures on September 1, 2035. At June 30, 2021, the outstanding principal balance was $30.0 million on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. Interest is payable as required, but not less than quarterly in arrearsloan and principal is due upon maturity. the interest rate was 6.52%.

The amended terms impose affirmativeWe also have small equipment financing loans, finance leases on equipment or facilities, and negative covenants, including maintaining working capitalother forms of 15% of the commitment amount, tangible net worth of 20% of the commitment amount and a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50x. Capital expenditures are limited to $10.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus $10.0 million per year if funded by a contribution from the parent, plus unused amounts from the previous year.financing.

Partnership Segment

Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, hashad a $155.0$135.0 million secured revolving credit facility to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes aspurposes. The credit facility included a $130.0 million term loan and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility, maturing on December 31, 2021. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, principal payments of September 30, 2017. The facility can be increased by up$46.8 million were made on the term loan, including $16.3 million of scheduled repayments, $27.5 million related to $100.0 million without the consentsale of the lenders. The facility matures in Julystorage assets located adjacent to the Ord, Nebraska ethanol plant and a $3.0 million prepayment made with excess cash. As of June 30, 2021, no additional prepayments on the term loan were required or paid. Monthly principal payments increased from $2.5 million to $3.2 million beginning May 15, 2021 through maturity. As of June 30, 2021, the term loan had a balance of $53.2 million and an interest rate of 5.50%, and there were no outstanding swing line loans.

42


2020. At September 30, 2017,In certain situations we were required to make prepayments on the outstanding principal balance was $129.0 million on the credit facility. If at any time our cash balance exceeds $2.5 million for more than five consecutive business days, prepayments of outstanding principal were required in an amount equal to the excess cash. We were also required to prepay outstanding principal on the credit facility and an average interest rate was 3.74%.with 100% of net cash proceeds from any asset disposition or recovery event. Any prepayments on the term loan were applied to the remaining principal balance in inverse order of maturity, including the final payment.

On October 27, 2017,July 20, 2021, the partnership upsizedentered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to its revolvingexisting credit facility with funds and account managed by $40 million, from $155 million to $195 million, by accessing a portionBlackRock and TMI Trust Company as administrative agent.

Under the terms of the $100agreement, BlackRock purchased the outstanding balance of the existing notes from Bank of America N.A., as previous administrative agent, and certain other commercial lending institutions. The Amended Credit Facility will mature on July 20, 2026 and the principal amount available is $60.0 million. As a result of the new maturity date, $50.0 million incremental commitment in placewas reclassified from current maturities of long-term debt to long-term debt as of June 30, 2021. Interest on the facility. For more information relatedAmended Credit Facility is based on 3-month LIBOR plus 8.00%, with a 0% LIBOR floor. Interest is payable on the 15th day of each March, June, September and December during the term with the first interest payment being September 15, 2021. The Amended Credit Facility will does not require any principal payments however we have the option to prepay $1.5 million per quarter beginning twelve months following closing. Financial covenants of the agreement will include a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 2.5x and a minimum consolidated debt service coverage ratio of 1.1x. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our debt, see Note 8 – Debtpartnership assets. The Amended Credit Facility removes the prior quarterly distribution restriction of $0.12 per outstanding unit and allows for the distribution of all distributable cash flow and cash on hand subject to the consolidated financial statements in this report.covenant compliance.


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Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 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)

$

1,348,440 

 

$

464,250 

 

$

204,787 

 

$

12,012 

 

$

667,391 

$

726,239

$

227,512

$

37,974

$

192,642

$

268,111

Interest and fees on debt obligations (2)

 

349,038 

 

 

78,153 

 

 

113,564 

 

 

102,467 

 

 

54,854 

146,670

31,297

50,759

45,089

19,525

Operating lease obligations (3)

 

100,397 

 

 

32,247 

 

 

36,837 

 

 

12,887 

 

 

18,426 

80,923

19,335

31,111

15,933

14,544

Other

 

9,042 

 

 

2,722 

 

 

1,403 

 

 

2,398 

 

 

2,519 

24,182

2,640

5,958

8,515

7,069

Purchase obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward grain purchase contracts (4)

 

212,750 

 

 

199,622 

 

 

9,961 

 

 

2,000 

 

 

1,167 

271,752

269,472

2,280

-

-

Other commodity purchase contracts (5)

 

241,695 

 

 

230,687 

 

 

11,008 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

107,679

85,670

17,654

4,355

-

Other

 

490 

 

 

331 

 

 

159 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

705

499

206

-

-

Total contractual obligations

$

2,261,852 

 

$

1,008,012 

 

$

377,719 

 

$

131,764 

 

$

744,357 

$

1,358,150

$

636,425

$

145,942

$

266,534

$

309,249

(1)

Includes the current portion of long-term debt and excludes the effect of any debt discounts and issuance costs.

(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.

(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.

(5)

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

(1)Includes the current portion of long-term debt and future finance lease obligations and excludes the effect of any debt issuance costs.

(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.

(3)Operating lease costs are primarily for railcars and office space and exclude leases not yet commenced with undiscounted future lease payments of approximately $4.0 million.

(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.

Critical Accounting Policies and 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. Information about our critical accounting policies and estimates are included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements other than the operating leases, which are entered into during the ordinary coursearrangements.


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Table of business and disclosed in the Contractual Obligations section above.Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk.

We use various financial instruments to manage and reduce our exposure to various market risks, including changes in commodity prices and interest rates. We conduct all of our business in U.S. dollars and are not currently exposed to foreign currency risk.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk through our loans which bear interest at variable rates. Interest rates on our variable-rate debt are based on the market rate for the lender’s prime rate or LIBOR. A 10% increase in interest rates would affect our interest cost by approximately $6.7$0.6 million per year. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, we had $1.3 billion$715.0 million in debt, $1.1 billion$226.0 million of which had variable interest rates.

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For additional information related to our debt, see Note 8 – Debt included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements and Note 1112 – Debt included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020.

Commodity Price Risk

Our business is highly sensitive to commodity price risk, particularly for ethanol, corn, distillers grains, corn oil and natural gas. Ethanol prices are sensitive to world crude oil supply and demand, the price of crude oil, gasoline and corn, natural gasthe price of substitute fuels, refining capacity and cattle.utilization, government regulation and consumer demand for alternative fuels. Corn prices are affected by weather conditions, yield, changes in domestic and global supply and demand, and government programs and policies. Distillers grains prices are impacted by livestock numbers on feed, prices for feed alternatives and supply, which is associated with ethanol plant production. Natural gas prices are influenced by severe weather in the summer and winter and hurricanes in the spring, summer and fall. Other factors include North American energy exploration and production, and the amount of natural gas in underground storage during injection and withdrawal seasons. Ethanol prices are sensitive to world crude oil supply and demand, the price of crude oil, gasoline and corn, the price of substitute fuels, refining capacity and utilization, government regulation and consumer demand for alternative fuels. Distillers grains prices are impacted by livestock numbers on feed, prices for feed alternatives and supply, which is associated with ethanol plant production. Cattle prices are impacted by weather conditions, overall economic conditions and government regulations.

To reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in the price of ethanol, corn, natural gas, ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and cattle,natural gas, at times we use 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 and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. We focus on locking in favorable operating margins, when available, using a model that continually monitors market prices for corn, natural gas and other inputs relative to the price for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions using a combination of forward fixed-price purchases, sales contracts and derivative financial instruments. As a result, we frequently have gains on derivative financial instruments that are offset by losses on forward fixed-price physical contracts or inventories and vice versa. Our results are impacted by a mismatch of gains or losses associated with the derivative instrument during a reporting period when the physical commodity purchases or sale has not yet occurred. During the three and nine six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, revenues included net losses of $2.5$34.8 million and $7.6$90.8 million, respectively, and cost of goods sold included net gains of $3.0$21.5 million and $23.9$47.0 million, respectively, associated with derivative financial instruments.

Ethanol Production Segment

In the ethanol production segment, net gains and losses from settled derivative instruments are offset by physical commodity purchases or sales to achieve the intended operating margins. To reduce commodity price risk caused by market fluctuations, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that serve as economic hedges.


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Table of Contents

Our exposure to market risk, which includes the impact of our risk management activities resulting from our fixed-price purchase and sale contracts and derivatives, is based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in price for the next 12 months starting on SeptemberJune 30, 2017, are2021, which is 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

 

1,470,000

 

Gallons

 

$

118,305

958,000

Gallons

$

142,590

Corn

 

524,000

 

Bushels

 

$

121,574

331,000

Bushels

$

153,037

Distillers grains

 

4,100

 

Tons (2)

 

$

23,993

2,400

Tons (2)

$

31,384

Corn Oil

 

340,000

 

Pounds

 

$

6,487

Corn oil

258,000

Pounds

$

10,974

Natural gas

 

41,700

 

MmBTU

 

$

5,900

27,700

MmBTU

$

5,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

In the agribusiness and energy services segment, our inventories, physical purchase and sale contracts and derivatives are marked to market. To reduce commodity price risk caused by market fluctuations for purchase and sale commitments of grain and grain held in inventory, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that serve as economic hedges.

The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for hedging are highly correlated with the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts for grain. The less correlated portion of inventory

44


and purchase and sale contract market values, 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. Inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread in the futures markets. These spreads are also less volatile than overall market value of our inventory and tend to follow historical patterns, but cannot be mitigated directly. Our accounting policy for futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory held for sale and purchase and sale contracts, is to reflect their current market values and include gains and losses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts. The fair value of our position subject to market risk was approximately $0.4 million for grain based on market prices at September 30, 2017. Our market risk at that date, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in price, was approximately $26 thousand.

Food and Ingredients Segment

In the food and ingredients segment, our physical purchase and sale contracts and derivatives are marked to market. To reduce commodity price risk caused by market fluctuations for purchase and sale commitments of cattle, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that serve as economic hedges.

The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for hedging are highly correlated with the underlying market value of purchase and sale contracts for cattle. The less correlated portion of inventory and purchase and sale contract market values, 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. Inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread in the futures markets. These spreads are also less volatile than overall market value of our inventory and tend to follow historical patterns, but cannot be mitigated directly. Our accounting policy for futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory held for sale and purchase and sale contracts, is to reflect their current market values and include gains and losses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts.contracts. The fair value of our position subject toand market risk, was approximately $3.5 million for cattle based on market prices at September 30, 2017. Our market risk at that date, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in price for grain was approximately $0.2 million.not material at June 30, 2021.

Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts. The fair value of our position subject to market risk was approximately $17.8 million for gain and other cattle feed based on market prices at September 30, 2017. Our market risk at that date, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in price, was approximately $1.1 million.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information that must be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the 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 management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Under the supervision of and participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, management carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021 as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.


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Table of Contents

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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 material changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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46


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We are currently involved in litigation that has arisen during the ordinary course of business. We do not believe 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, 2016,2020, in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and the discussion of risks and other information in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under “Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” of this report. Investors should also carefully consider the discussion of risks with the partnership under the heading “Risk Factors” and other information in their annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020. 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 factor supplementsfactors supplement and/or updatesupdate 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.

Our margins are dependent on managing the spread between the price of corn, natural gas, ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil.

Our operating results are highly sensitive to the spread between the corn and natural gas we purchase, and the ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil we sell. Price and supply are subject to various market forces, such as weather, domestic and global demand, shortages, export prices, crude oil prices, currency valuations and government policies in the United States and around the world, over which we have no control. Price volatility of these commodities may cause our operating results to fluctuate substantially. Increases in corn or natural gas prices or decreases in ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil prices may make it unprofitable to operate. No assurance can be given that we will purchase corn and natural gas or sell ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil at or near prices which would provide us with positive margins. Consequently, our results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected by increases in corn or natural gas prices or decreases in ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil prices.

We continuously monitor the margins at our ethanol plants using a variety of risk management tools and hedging strategies, when appropriate. In recent years, the spread between ethanol and corn prices has fluctuated widely, narrowed significantly and been negative at times. Fluctuations are likely to continue. A sustained narrow spread or further reduction in the spread between ethanol and corn prices as a result of increased corn prices or decreased ethanol prices, would adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Should our combined revenue from ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil fall below our cost of production, we could decide to slow or suspend production at some or all of our ethanol plants, which also could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

The commodities we buy and sell are subject to price volatility and uncertainty.

Our operating results are highly sensitive to commodity prices.

Corn. We are generally unable to pass increased corn costs to our customers since ethanol competes with other fuels. We have seen considerable price volatility in corn prices not experienced in recent years. At certain corn prices, ethanol may be uneconomical to produce. Ethanol plants, livestock industries and other corn-consuming enterprises put significant price pressure on local corn markets. In addition, local corn supplies and prices could be adversely affected by prices for alternative crops, increasing input costs, changes in government policies, shifts in global markets, supply or demand, or damaging growing conditions, such as plant disease or adverse weather, including drought.

Ethanol. Our revenues are dependent on market prices for ethanol which can be volatile as a result of a number of factors, including: the price and availability of competing fuels; the overall supply and demand for ethanol and corn; the price of gasoline, crude oil and corn; and government policies.

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Ethanol is marketed as a fuel additive that reduces vehicle emissions, an economical source of octanes and, to a lesser extent, a gasoline substitute. Consequently, gasoline supply and demand affect the price of ethanol. Should gasoline prices or demand decrease significantly, our results of operations could be materially impacted.

Ethanol imports also affect domestic supply and demand. Imported ethanol is not subject to an import tariff and, under the RFS II, sugarcane ethanol from Brazil is one of the most economical means for obligated parties to meet the advanced biofuel standard.

Industrial-grade alcohol is produced by further distillation processing of the 200-proof alcohol. Further distillation removes impurities from fuel-grade ethanol to allow for production of industrial-grade alcohol which can be used as an ingredient for sanitation products. Should industrial-grade alcohol prices or demand decrease significantly, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

Distillers Grains. Increased U.S. dry mill ethanol production has resulted in increased distillers grains production. Should this trend continue, distillers grains prices could fall unless demand increases or other market sources are found. The price of distillers grains has historically been correlated with the price of corn. Occasionally, the price of distillers grains will lag behind fluctuations in corn or other feedstock prices, lowering our cost recovery percentage. Additionally, exports of distiller grains could be impacted by the enactment of foreign policy.

Distillers grains compete with other protein-based animal feed products. Downward pressure on other commodity prices, such as corn and soybeans, will generally cause the price of competing animal feed products to decline, resulting in downward pressure on the price of distillers grains.

Natural Gas. The price and availability of natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions are often affected by factors beyond our control, such as weather, drilling economics, overall economic conditions and government regulations. Significant disruptions in natural gas supply could impair our ability to produce ethanol. Furthermore, increases in natural gas price or changes in our cost relative to our competitors cannot be passed on to our customers, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Corn Oil. Industrial corn oil is generally marketed as a renewable diesel and biodiesel feedstock; therefore, the price of corn oil is affected by demand for renewable diesel and biodiesel. Expanded profitability in the renewable diesel and biodiesel industry due to the extended blending tax credit and low carbon fuels standards could impact corn oil demand. In general, corn oil prices follow the prices of heating oil and soybean oil. Decreases in the price of corn oil could have an unfavorable impact on our business.

Business disruptions due to unforeseen operational failures or factors outside of our control could impact our ability to fulfill contractual obligations.

Natural disasters, pandemics, transportation issues, significant track damage resulting from a train derailment or strikes by our transportation providers could delay shipments of raw materials to our plants or deliveries of ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil to our customers. If we are unable to meet customer demand or contract delivery requirements due to stalled operations caused by business disruptions, we could potentially lose customers.

Shifts in global markets, supply or demand changes, as well as adverse weather conditions, such as inadequate or excessive amounts of rain during the growing season, overly wet conditions, an early freeze or snowy weather during harvest could impact the supply of corn that is needed to produce ethanol. Corn stored in an open pile may be damaged by rain or warm weather before the corn is dried, shipped or moved into a storage structure.

Government mandates affecting ethanol usage could change and impact the ethanol market.

Under the provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), Congress expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS II). The RFS II mandates the minimum volume of renewable fuels that must be blended into the transportation fuel supply each year which affects the domestic market for ethanol. Each year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is supposed to undertake rulemaking to set the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for the following year, though at times months or years pass without a finalized RVO. Further, the EPA has the authority to waive the requirements, in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the requirement severely harms the economy or the environment. After 2022, volumes shall be determined by the EPA in coordination with the Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture, taking into account such factors as impact on environment, energy security, future rates of production, cost to

57


consumers, infrastructure, and other factors such as impact on commodity prices, job creation, rural economic development, or impact on food prices.

According to the RFS II, if mandatory renewable fuel volumes are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years, the EPA is required to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022; the year through which the statutorily prescribed volumes run. While conventional ethanol maintained 15 billion gallons, 2019 was the second consecutive year that the total RVO was more than 20% below the statutory volumes levels. Thus, the EPA was expected to initiate a reset rulemaking, and modify statutory volumes through 2022, and do so based on the same factors they are to use in setting the RVOs post-2022. However, on December 19, 2019, the EPA announced it would not be moving forward with a reset rulemaking. It is unclear when or if they will propose a reset rulemaking. The EPA has stated an intention to propose a post-2022 ‘set’ rulemaking by the end of 2021.

Volumes can also be impacted as small refineries can petition the EPA for a SRE which, if approved, waives their portion of the annual RVO requirements. The EPA, through consultation with the DOE and the USDA can grant them a full or partial waiver, or deny it outright within 90 days of submittal. A small refinery is defined as one that processes fewer than 75,000 barrels of petroleum per day.

Our operations could be adversely impacted by legislation, oradministration actions, EPA actions, as set forth below or otherwise,lawsuits that may reduce the RFS II mandate. mandated volumes of conventional ethanol and other biofuels through the annual RVO, the 2022 set rulemaking, the point of obligation for blending, or small refinery exemptions. A recent Supreme Court ruling held that the small refineries can continue to apply for an extension of their waivers from the RFS II, even if they have not been awarded a continuous string of exemptions. A recent D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling held that the EPA overstepped its authority in extending the one pound Reid Vapor Pressure waiver for 10% ethanol blends to 15% ethanol blends in the summer, effectively limiting summertime sales of ethanol blends about 10% to flex fuel vehicles (FFVs).

Similarly, should federal mandates regarding oxygenated gasoline be repealed, the market for domestic ethanol could be adversely impacted. Economic incentives to blend based on the relative value of gasoline versus ethanol, taking into consideration the octane value of ethanol, environmental requirements and the RFS II mandate, may affect future demand. A significant increase in supply beyond the RFS II mandate could have an adverse impact on ethanol prices. Moreover, changes to RFS II could negatively impact the price of ethanol or cause imported sugarcane ethanol to become more economical than domestic ethanol. Likewise national, state and regional low carbon fuel standards (LCFS) like that of California, Oregon, Brazil or Canada could be favorable or harmful to conventional ethanol, depending on how the regulations are crafted.

Flexible-fuel vehicles,Future demand may be influenced by economic incentives to blend based on the relative value of gasoline versus ethanol, taking into consideration the octane value of ethanol, environmental requirements and the value of RFS II credits or Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). A significant increase in supply beyond the RFS II mandate could have an adverse impact on ethanol prices. Moreover, any changes to RFS II, whether by legislation, EPA action or lawsuit, originating from issues associated with the market price of RINs could negatively impact the demand for ethanol, discretionary blending of ethanol and/or the price of ethanol. Recent actions by the EPA to grant small refiner exemptions without accounting for the lost gallons, for example, resulted in lower RIN prices.

Congress first enacted CAFE in 1975 to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. FFVs, which are designed to run on a mixture of fuels, including higher blends of ethanol such as E85, are eligible for vehicle manufacturer incentivesused to receive preferential treatment in the form of CAFEcorporate average fuel economy (CAFE) credits. Flexible-fuel vehicleThere are approximately 21 million FFVs on the road in the U.S. today, 16 million of which are light duty trucks. FFV credits have been decreasing since 2014 and will bewere completely phased out by 2020, whichin 2020. Absent CAFE preferences, auto manufacturers may impact manufacturers’ willingnessnot be willing to continue buildingbuild flexible-fuel vehicles, which has the potential to slow the growth of E85 markets. However, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program (LCFS) has driven growth in E85 usage, and ultimatelyother state/regional LCFS programs have the potential to do the same.

To the extent federal or state laws or regulations are modified and/or enacted, it may result in slower E85 growththe demand for ethanol being reduced, which could negatively and lower ethanol prices.materially affect our financial performance.

Under the provisions of the EISA, Congress established a mandate setting the minimum volume of renewable fuels that must be blended with gasoline under the RFS II, which affects the domestic market for ethanol. The EPA has the authority to waive the requirements, in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the requirement severely harms the economy or the environment. After 2022, volumes shall be determined by the EPA in coordination with the Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture, taking into account such factors as impact on environment, energy security, future rates of production, cost to consumers, infrastructure, and other factors such as impact on commodity prices, job creation, rural economic development, or impact on food prices.

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On July 5, 2017, the EPA proposed maintaining the RVOs for conventional ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons while lowering the volume obligations for advanced alternatives, reducing the overall biofuel target to 19.24 billion gallons for 2018. On September 26, 2017, the EPA issued a Notice of Data Availability for comment, proposing to further reduce the 2018 advanced biofuel volume requirement by 315 mmg, to 3.77 billion gallons, and the total renewable fuel requirement to 18.77 billion gallons, leaving conventional ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons. According to RFS II, if mandatory renewable fuel volumes are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years, the EPA is required to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022. Since 2018 is the first year the total proposed RVOs are more than 20% below statutory levels, the EPA Administrator directed his staff to initiate the required technical analysis to perform any future reset consistent with the reset rules. If 2019 RVOs are also more than 20% below statutory levels, the RVO reset will be triggered under RFS II and the EPA will be required to modify statutory volumes through 2022 within one year of the trigger event, based on the same factors used to set the RVOs post-2022.

The U.S. Federal District Court for the D.C. Circuit ruled on July 28, 2017, in favor of the Americans for Clean Energy and its petitioners against the EPA related to its decision to lower the 2016 volume requirements. The Court concluded the EPA erred in how it interpreted the “inadequate domestic supply” waiver provision of RFS II, which authorizes the EPA to consider supply-side factors affecting the volume of renewable fuel available to refiners, blenders, and importers to meet the

47


statutory volume requirements. The waiver provision does not allow the EPA to consider the volume of renewable fuel available to consumers or the demand-side constraints that affect the consumption of renewable fuel by consumers. As a result, the Court vacated the EPA’s decision to reduce the total renewable fuel volume requirements for 2016 through its waiver authority, which the EPA is expected to address. We believe this decision will benefit the industry overall, with the EPA's waiver analysis now limited to supply considerations only, and expect the primary impact will be on the RINs market.

On October 19, 2017, EPA Administrator Pruitt issued letter to seven Senators from Midwestern States reiterating his commitment to the text and spirit of the RFS. He stated that the EPA will meet the November 30, 2017 deadline for issuing RVOs, that the EPA’s preliminary analysis suggests that final RVOs should be set at amounts at or greater than those provided on July 5, 2017, that EPA is actively exploring its authority to issue an RVP waiver and EPA will be pursuing action on RINs that involves ethanol exports. 

On October 25, 2017, the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act was introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives (H.R. 4118), proposing to expand the definition of qualified sources of income to include clean energy resources, such as ethanol production, and infrastructure projects by publicly traded partnerships. Currently, qualifying income includes the transportation and storage of ethanol and certain specific alternative fuels.

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

Employees surrender shares when restricted stock grants are vested to satisfy statutory minimum required payroll tax withholding obligations.

The following table lists the shares that were surrendered during the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2021:



 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

Total Number of

Shares Withheld for

Employee Awards

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

July 1 - July 31

 

 -

 

$

 -

August 1 - August 30

 

1,565 

 

 

17.07 

September 1 - September 30

 

15,022 

 

 

18.49 

Total

 

16,587 

 

$

18.36 

Period

Total Number of
Shares Withheld for
Employee Awards

Average Price
Paid per Share

April 1 - April 30

-

$

-

May 1 - May 31

21,132

31.97

June 1 - June 30

-

-

Total

21,132

$

31.97

In August 2014, we announcedOur board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100$200 million of our common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated buyback programs, tender offers or by other means. The timing and amount of the transactions are determined by 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.

The following table lists We did not repurchase any shares during the second quarter of 2021. Since inception, the company has repurchased 7,396,936 shares repurchasedof common stock for approximately $92.8 million under the share repurchase program during the third quarter of 2017.program.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

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

 

 -

 

$

 -

 

514,990 

 

$

89,993 

August 1 - August 30

 

285,849 

 

 

17.10 

 

800,839 

 

 

85,097 

September 1 - September 30

 

50,000 

 

 

16.70 

 

850,839 

 

 

84,260 

Total

 

335,849 

 

$

17.04 

 

850,839 

 

$

84,260 

48


Item 3. Defaults uponUpon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

Revolving Credit Facility UpsizingNone.

On October 27, 2017, the partnership upsized its revolving credit facility by $40 million, from $155 million to $195 million, accessing a portion of the $100 million incremental commitment in place on the facility. The credit increase is in accordance with the Incremental Joinder Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.8 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.


Item 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

10.1

Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and SecurityExchange Agreement, dated July 28, 2017, amongMay 11, 2021, by and between Green Plains Trade Group LLC,Inc and the Lenders and PNC Bank, National Association as Lender and Agent (Incorporatedapplicable Noteholder. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2017)May 11, 2021)

10.2(a)31.1

Term Loan Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Inc., BNP Paribas, as administrative agent and collateral agent and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.2(b)

Guaranty, dated as of August 29, 2017, in favor of BNP Paribas, as collateral agent and administrative agent, and the other lenders party to the Term Loan Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(b) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.2(c)

Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Inc., its subsidiaries and BNP Paribas, as collateral agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(c) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.2(d)

Security Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Inc., its subsidiaries and BNP Paribas, as collateral agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(d) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.2(e)

Term Loan Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among BNP Paribas, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, BNP Paribas, as Pari Passu Collateral Agent, Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC, as ABL-Cattle Agent, BNP Paribas, as ABL-Grain Agent, PNC Bank, National Association, as ABL-Trade Agent, and acknowledged by Green Plains Inc. and new grantors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(e) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.3(a)

Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Cattle Company LLC, Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC, as Joint Administrative Agents, and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.3(b)

ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC, as Joint ABL Collateral Agent, and BNP Paribas, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Green Plains Cattle Company LLC and the other ABL Grantors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(b) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.3(c)

Guaranty, dated as of August 29, 2017, in favor of Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC, as joint administrative agents (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(c) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.4(a)

Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Grain Company and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.4(b)

ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among BNP Paribas, as ABL Collateral Agent, and BNP Paribas, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Green Plains Grain Company LLC and the other ABL Grantors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(b) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.4(c)

Guaranty, dated as of August 29, 2017, in favor of BNP Paribas, as administrative agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.5(a)

First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and PNC Bank, National Association, as agent, and the lenders party to the Credit and Security Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.5(b)

ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among PNC Bank, National Association, as ABL Collateral Agent, and BNP Paribas, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Green Plains Trade Group LLC and the other ABL Grantors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(b) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.5(c)

Guaranty, dated as of August 29, 2017, in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, as agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(c) to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017)

10.6

Employment Agreement with John Neppl (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 5, 2017)

50


10.7

First Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated October 16, 2017, among Green Plains, Inc. and BNP Paribas, as administrative agent and collateral agent

10.8

Incremental Joinder Agreement, dated October 27, 2017, among Green Plains Operating Company LLC and Bank of America, as Administrative

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 SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2021, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)(iXBRL): (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

104

The cover page from Green Plains Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021, formatted in iXBRL.


5160


SIGNATURES

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.

GREENPLAINSINC.





Date: August 2, 2021

GREEN PLAINS INC.

(Registrant)

Date: November 2, 2017

By:

/s/ Todd A. Becker_

Todd A. Becker


President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)




Date: August 2, 2021

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 2, 2017

By:

/s/ John W. NepplG. Patrich Simpkins Jr._

John W. Neppl

G. Patrich Simpkins Jr.
Chief Financial
Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

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