UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period endedDecember 31, 2019June 30, 2020 
or
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the transition period from ______________________ to _______________________
 
Commission File Number: 000-51764

LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Iowa20-1118105
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
59511 W. Lincoln Highway, Nevada, Iowa50201
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
515-232-1010
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
þ  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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
þ   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  o
   
 
Non-accelerated filer þ
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 þ No


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 42,049 membershipOn August 7, 2020 the total number of units outstanding aswas 105,122 units made up of February 1, 2020.42,049 Common Units, 56,086 Class A Units and 6,987 Class B Units.








LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020

INDEX

   Page
    
Part I.Financial Information 
    
 Item 1.Unaudited Financial Statements 
    
  a)   Balance Sheets
  b)   Statements of Operations
  c)   Statements of Members' Equity
  d)   Statements of Cash Flows
  e)   Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
    
 Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1514
 Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 Item 4.Controls and Procedures
    
Part II.Other Information 
    
 Item 1.Legal Proceedings
 Item 1A.Risk Factors
 Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
 Item 5.Other Information
 Item 6.Exhibits
    
Signatures  
    
Exhibits Filed With This Report 
 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of President and Chief Executive OfficerE-1
 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Interim Chief Financial OfficerE-2
 Section 1350 Certification of President and Chief Executive OfficerE-3
 Section 1350 Certification of Interim Chief Financial OfficerE-4
 Interactive Data Files (filed electronically herewith) 




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Unaudited Financial Statements.


Lincolnway Energy, LLC
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019June 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
ASSETS      
      
CURRENT ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents$399,895
 $260,858
$4,772,643
 $260,858
Derivative financial instruments (Note 9 and 10)366,198
 188,694
56,402
 188,694
Trade and other accounts receivable (Note 8)3,396,312
 3,259,768
3,472,836
 3,259,768
Inventories (Note 3)5,250,332
 6,440,716
7,313,399
 6,440,716
Prepaid expenses and other328,756
 308,184
695,693
 308,184
Total current assets9,741,493
 10,458,220
16,310,973
 10,458,220
      
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT      
Land and land improvements7,156,465
 7,156,465
7,156,465
 7,156,465
Buildings and improvements7,558,860
 7,548,308
7,558,860
 7,548,308
Plant and process equipment86,285,715
 86,110,958
86,513,186
 86,110,958
Office furniture and equipment449,882
 455,129
447,130
 455,129
Construction in progress6,796,507
 6,806,549
6,796,507
 6,806,549
108,247,429
 108,077,409
108,472,148
 108,077,409
Accumulated depreciation(66,895,601) (65,685,719)(69,291,129) (65,685,719)
Total property and equipment41,351,828
 42,391,690
39,181,019
 42,391,690
      
OTHER ASSETS

 


 
Right of use asset operating lease, net of accumulated amortization (Note 8)6,262,785
 
5,711,404
 
Other1,056,741
 864,082
1,102,769
 864,082
Total other assets7,319,526
 864,082
6,814,173
 864,082
      
Total assets$58,412,847
 $53,713,992
$62,306,165
 $53,713,992

See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.


 
Lincolnway Energy, LLC
Balance Sheets (continued)

December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019June 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY      
      
CURRENT LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable$3,317,076 $1,794,431$1,216,572 $1,794,431
Accounts payable, related party (Note 7)320,285
 375,394
629,033
 375,394
Accrued loss on firm purchase commitments385,028
 67,591

 67,591
Accrued expenses960,406
 776,385
917,969
 776,385
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 5 & 6)21,800,000
 25,000,000
505,700
 25,000,000
Revolving credit loan (Note 4)
 300,000

 300,000
Current portion of operating lease liability (Note 8)1,838,790
 
1,811,934
 
Total current liabilities28,621,585
 28,313,801
5,081,208
 28,313,801
      
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES      
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 5)23,200,000
 
Operating lease liability (Note 8)4,423,995
 
3,899,470
 
Other641,093
 649,799
725,763
 649,799
Total noncurrent liabilities5,065,088
 649,799
27,825,233
 649,799
      
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCY (Note 8 and 9)
 

 
      
MEMBERS' EQUITY (Note 11)   
Member contributions, 42,049 units issued and outstanding38,990,105
 38,990,105
MEMBERS' EQUITY   
Member contributions, 105,122 and 42,049 units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively46,490,105
 38,990,105
Retained (deficit)(14,263,931) (14,239,713)(17,090,381) (14,239,713)
Total members' equity24,726,174
 24,750,392
29,399,724
 24,750,392
      
Total liabilities and members' equity$58,412,847
 $53,713,992
$62,306,165
 $53,713,992



Lincolnway Energy, LLC
Statements of Operations

Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Revenues (Notes 2 and 8)$29,002,735
 $20,371,692
$20,136,749
 $26,488,313
 $73,516,378
 $71,193,326
          
Cost of goods sold (Note 7 and 8)27,893,358
 24,295,117
18,816,144
 28,137,492
 73,173,710
 77,337,800
          
Gross profit (loss)1,109,377
 (3,923,425)1,320,605
 (1,649,179)
342,668

(6,144,474)
          
General and administrative expenses810,538
 860,983
766,079
 1,028,108
 2,531,239
 2,773,045
   
Bad debt expense
 4,385,009
 
 4,385,009
Operating income (loss)298,839
 (4,784,408)554,526
 (7,062,296) (2,188,571) (13,302,528)
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest income3,374
 2,089
2,959
 (30,990) 9,180
 7,701
Interest expense(326,431) (86,310)(254,237) (342,335) (897,949) (446,723)
Other income
 3,032,503

 40,779
 226,672
 3,079,940
(323,057) 2,948,282
(251,278) (332,546)
(662,097)
2,640,918
          
Net (loss)$(24,218) $(1,836,126)
Net income (loss)$303,248
 $(7,394,842)
$(2,850,668)
$(10,661,610)
          
Weighted average units outstanding42,049
 42,049
91,953
 42,049
 58,776
 42,049
          
Net (loss) per unit - basic and diluted$(0.58) $(43.67)
Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted$3.30
 $(175.87)
$(48.50)
$(253.55)
          


See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.







Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Statements of Members' Equity


Member Contributions Retained (Deficit) TotalMember Contributions Retained (Deficit) Total
Balance, September 30, 2019$38,990,105
 $(14,239,713) $24,750,392
$38,990,105
 $(14,239,713) $24,750,392
Net (loss)
 (24,218) (24,218)
 (24,218) (24,218)
Balance, December 31, 2019$38,990,105
 $(14,263,931) $24,726,174
$38,990,105
 $(14,263,931) $24,726,174
Issuance of 42,049 membership units5,000,000
 
 5,000,000
Net (loss)
 (3,129,698) (3,129,698)
Balance, March 31, 2020$43,990,105
 $(17,393,629) $26,596,476
Issuance of 21,024 membership units2,500,000
 0
 2,500,000
Net income0
 303,248
 303,248
Balance, June 30, 2020$46,490,105
 $(17,090,381) $29,399,724




Member Contributions Retained (Deficit) TotalMember Contributions Retained (Deficit) Total
Balance, September 30, 2018$38,990,105
 $(990,907) $37,999,198
$38,990,105
 $(990,907) $37,999,198
Net (loss)
 (1,836,126) (1,836,126)
 (1,836,126) (1,836,126)
Balance, December 31, 2018$38,990,105
 $(2,827,033) $36,163,072
$38,990,105
 $(2,827,033) $36,163,072
Net (loss)
 (1,430,642) (1,430,642)
Balance, March 31, 2019$38,990,105
 (4,257,675) $34,732,430
Net (loss)
 (7,394,842) (7,394,842)
Balance, June 30, 2019$38,990,105
 (11,652,517) $27,337,588


See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.



xd
Lincolnway Energy, LLCThree Months Ended Three Months Ended
Statements of Cash FlowsDecember 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES   
Net (loss)$(24,218) $(1,836,126)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization1,215,128
 1,732,892
Accrued loss on firm purchase commitments317,437
 125,801
Changes in working capital components:   
Trade and other accounts receivable(136,544) 690,788
Inventories1,190,384
 (2,704,935)
Prepaid expenses and other(221,937) (28,314)
Accounts payable1,583,618
 1,647,880
Accounts payable, related party(55,109) 1,785,273
Accrued expenses184,021
 (460,752)
Derivative financial instruments(177,504) 68,541
Net cash provided by operating activities3,875,276
 1,021,048
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES   
Purchase of property and equipment(236,239) (1,325,770)
Net cash (used in) investing activities(236,239) (1,325,770)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES   
Proceeds from long-term borrowings16,800,000
 14,250,000
Payments on long-term borrowings(20,300,000) (14,050,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(3,500,000) 200,000
    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents139,037
 (104,722)
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   
Beginning260,858
 668,456
Ending$399,895
 $563,734
    
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW   
INFORMATION, cash paid for interest, including capitalized interest for 2019 of $0 and 2018 of $161,199$338,140
 $230,007
    
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH   
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES   
Construction in progress included in accounts payable$
 $121,590
Construction in progress included in accrued expenses
 888,629
Establishment of lease liability and right of use asset6,691,675
 

Lincolnway Energy, LLCNine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Statements of Cash FlowsJune 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
 (Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES   
Net (loss)$(2,850,668) $(10,661,610)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash (used in) operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization3,614,282
 4,105,400
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
 228,475
Accrued loss on firm purchase commitments(67,591) 181,078
Bad debt expense
 4,385,009
Changes in working capital components:   
Trade and other accounts receivable(213,068) (341,979)
Inventories(872,683) (958,478)
Prepaid expenses and other(550,232) (24,956)
Accounts payable(540,251) (489,825)
Accounts payable, related party253,639
 (491,985)
Accrued expenses141,584
 (352,436)
Derivative financial instruments132,292
 (545,062)
Net cash (used in) operating activities(952,696) (4,966,369)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES   
Purchase of property and equipment(441,219) (2,930,185)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
 15,000
Net cash (used in) investing activities(441,219) (2,915,185)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES   
Proceeds from operating line of credit10,467,500
 
Payments on operating line of credit(10,767,500) 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings27,505,700
 50,050,000
Payments on long-term borrowings(28,800,000) (42,650,000)
Proceeds from issuance of membership units7,500,000
 
Net cash provided by financing activities5,905,700

7,400,000
    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents4,511,785
 (481,554)
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   
Beginning260,858
 668,456
Ending$4,772,643
 $186,902
    
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW   
INFORMATION, cash paid for interest, including capitalized interest for 2020 of $0 and 2019 of $304,947979,929
 839,649
    
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH   
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES   
Construction in progress included in accounts payable23,365
 26,907
Construction in progress converted to note receivable
 4,080,000
Establishment of lease liability and right of use asset6,691,675
 
See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements




Note 1.    Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Principal business activity:  Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the "Company"), located in Nevada, Iowa, was formed in May 2004 to build and operate a 50 million gallon annual production dry mill corn-based ethanol plant.  The Company began making sales on May 30, 2006 and became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company is directly influenced by commodity markets and the agricultural and energy industries and, accordingly, its results of operations and financial condition may be significantly affected by cyclical market trends and the regulatory, political and economic conditions in these industries.

Basis of presentation and other information: The balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 was derived from the Company's audited balance sheet as of that date.  The accompanying financial statements as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and for the threenine months ended December 31,June 30, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods.  These unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2019 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

Use of estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Risks and Uncertainties: The COVID-19 pandemic is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and commodities markets, in addition to the global financial markets.  This pandemic has resulted in social distancing, travel bans, governmental stay-at-home orders, and quarantines, and these may limit access to our facilities, customers, suppliers, management, support staff and professional advisors.  At this time it is not possible to fully assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations and capital requirements, but the aforementioned factors, among other things, may impact our operations, financial condition and demand for our products, as well as our overall ability to react timely and mitigate the impact of this event.  Depending on its severity and longevity, the COVID-19 pandemic may have a material adverse effect on our business, customers, and members.

Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Although the Company maintains its cash accounts in one bank, the Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Trade accounts receivable: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables written off are recorded when received. A receivable is considered past due if any portion of the receivable is outstanding more than 90 days. There was 0 allowance for doubtful accounts balance as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or actual cost using the first-in, first-out method.  In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. As of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the Company recognized a reserve and resulting loss of approximately $172,000$0 and $76,000 respectively, for a lower of net realizable value or cost inventory adjustment due to low market prices for ethanol.

Property and equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Construction in progress is comprised of costs related to the projects that are not completed. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. When circumstances or events arise that questions an asset's usefulness, the asset is evaluated for future use and appropriate carrying value. The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived tangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such events and circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in the market value of the asset, adverse changes in the extent or manner in which the asset is being used, significant changes in the business climate, or current or projected cash flow losses associated with the use of the assets. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such assets are separately identifiable and are less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


asset. For long-lived assets to be held for use in future operations and for fixed (tangible) assets, fair value is determined primarily using either the projected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or an appraisal. For long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale or other than sale, fair value is determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for disposal costs.

Derivative financial instruments:  The Company periodically enters into derivative contracts to hedge the Company’s exposure to price risk related to forecasted corn needs, forward corn purchase contracts and ethanol sales.  The Company does not typically enter into derivative instruments other than for hedging purposes.  All the derivative contracts are recognized on the balance sheet
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


at their fair market value.  Although the Company believes its derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes.  Accordingly, any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to corn and natural gas derivatives is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold.  Any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to ethanol derivative instruments is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of revenue. The Company reports all contracts with the same counter party on a net basis on the balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company’s financial statements. Forward contracts with delivery dates within 30 days that can be reasonably estimated are subject to a lower of cost or net realizable value assessment. The Company recognized a reserve and resulting accrued loss on purchase commitments of approximately $385,000$0 and $68,000 as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively.

Revenue recognition:  The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, using the modified retrospective method. Topic 606 requires the Company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The implementation of the new standard did not result in any changes to the measurement or recognition of revenue for prior periods, however additional disclosures have been added in accordance with the ASU.

The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

sales of ethanol
sales of distillers grains
sales of corn oil

Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, distiller grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, are recorded based on the net selling price. Railcar lease costs incurred by the Company in the sale of its products are included in the cost of goods sold.

Revenue from the sale of the Company's ethanol and distillers grains is recognized at the time title, control and all risks of ownership transfer to the marketing company. This generally occurs upon the loading of the product. For ethanol, title and control passes at the time the product crosses the loading flange in either a railcar or truck. For distillers grain, title and control passes upon the loading into trucks or railcars. Corn oil is marketed internally. Revenue is recognized when title and control of ownership transfers, upon loading. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company for the sale of distillers grain are included in costs of goods sold. Ethanol revenue is reported free on board (FOB) and all shipping and handling costs are incurred by the ethanol marketer. Commissions for the marketing and sale of ethanol and distiller grains are included in costs of goods sold.

Income taxes:  The Company is organized as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes.  Instead, the Company’s earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members.  Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements. Management has evaluated the Company's material tax positions and determined there were no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment to the financial statements. The Company does not currently anticipate significant changes in its uncertain tax positions over the next twelve months.

Earnings per unit:  Basic and diluted net income (loss) per unit have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period presented. On March 31, 2020, 42,049 new Class A Units were issued which Class A Units are a separate class of unit than the units issued to existing members which have been renamed “Common Units”. On May
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


28, 2020, the Company issued an additional 14,037 Class A Units and 6,987 new Class B Units. The combined issuance of Class A Units is 56,086 units and the total issuance of Class B Units is 6,987 units. There are also 42,049 Common Units outstanding for an aggregate number of 105,122 units outstanding comprised of Class A Units, Class B Units and Common Units. The weighted average number of units is based on days outstanding for the reporting period. The Class A Units and Class B Units have a liquidation preference which provides that in the event of a liquidation or deemed liquidation, the Class A and Class B members will receive the return of their capital contributions, reduced by the amount of distributions received, prior to the holders of Common Units receiving any proceeds.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:  In February 2016, FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASUAccounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-22016-02 "Leases" (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for all leases greater than one year in duration and classified as operating leases under previous GAAP.Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Under the new guidance, lessees will beare required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, measured on a discounted cash flow basis; and (2) a "right of use" asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use the specified asset for the lease term. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective October 1, 2019. Upon adoption, the Company elected a practical expedient which allows existing leases to retain their classification as
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


operating leases. Additionally, the Company has elected to account for lease and related non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company elected the option to apply the transition provisions at adoption date instead of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Due to this election, the Company is not required to retrospectively apply the standard to the previous periods presented. See additional disclosure in Note 8.

Note 2.    Revenues

Components of revenues are as follows:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
Ethanol, net of hedging gain (loss)$22,974,264

$14,651,402
$14,025,039

$21,006,222
 $55,182,772
 $54,649,341
Distillers Grains4,503,669

3,773,540
4,360,153

3,761,379
 13,715,936
 11,253,448
Other1,524,802

1,946,750
1,751,557

1,720,712
 4,617,670
 5,290,537
Total$29,002,735
 $20,371,692
$20,136,749
 $26,488,313
 $73,516,378
 $71,193,326


Note 3.    Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:
December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019June 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
      
Raw materials, including corn, chemicals, parts and supplies$3,695,917
 $4,902,526
$4,051,295
 $4,902,526
Work in process877,565
 900,459
743,619
 900,459
Ethanol and distillers grains676,850
 637,731
2,518,485
 637,731
Total$5,250,332
 $6,440,716
$7,313,399
 $6,440,716


Note 4. Revolving Credit Loan

The Company has a revolving credit loan with a bank which provides for loans not to exceed $4,000,000 outstanding at any time. The loan originally matured on January 1, 2020 but the Company received an extension on December 24, 2019 extending the
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


maturity date to AprilJune 1, 2020. Effective as of May 29, 2020, the Company and the bank amended the revolving credit loan to extend the maturity date of the revolving credit loan until January 1, 2021. Interest accrues at a variable interest rate (adjusted on a weekly basis) based upon the one-month LIBOR index rate plus 3.75% (5.5%(3.93% as of December 31, 2019)June 30, 2020). The Company also pays a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the loan at the rate of .25%0.25% per annum, payable monthly. The loan is secured by substantially all assets of the Company and subject to certain financial and nonfinancial covenants as defined in the
master loancredit agreement. The Company is presently not in compliance with covenants, as further explained in Notes 5 and 6. There was an outstanding balance of $0 and $300,000 on the revolving credit loan as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively.

Note 5.    Long-Term Debt

The Company has a revolving term loan, with a bank, available for up to $25,000,000. BorrowingEffective May 29, 2020, the Company and the bank amended the revolving term loan to modify the step-down reduction of available borrowing capacity to defer the initial step-down reduction of $5,000,000 originally scheduled for October 20, 2020 to October 20, 2021. As amended, the Company’s borrowing capacity under the revolving term loan will be reducedreduce by $5,000,000 every year starting October 20, 20202021 until October 1, 2024 when the loan expires. The Company pays interest on the unpaid balance at a variable interest rate (adjusted on a weekly basis) based upon the one-month LIBOR index rate plus 3.75% (5.50%%(3.93% as of December 31, 2019)June 30, 2020). The Company also pays a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the loan at the rate of .50%0.50% per annum, payable monthly. The loan is secured by substantially all assets of the Company and subject to certain financial and nonfinancial covenants as defined in the master agreement. At December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the outstanding balance on the revolving term loan was $21,800,000$23,200,000 and $25,000,000, respectively. Aggregate maturities of long
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

NotesAs noted above, the Company and the bank amended the revolving term loan to Unaudited Financial Statementsdefer the initial step-down reduction of available borrowing capacity so that the new maximum commitment amount reduction schedule is as follows:

Maximum Commitment AmountFromUp to and Including
$20,000,000October 20, 2021October 19, 2022
$15,000,000October 20, 2022October 19, 2023
$10,000,000October 20, 2023October 1, 2024


In connection with the revolving term debt asloan, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Letter of December 31, 2019 are presented as current due to the noncompliance with financial covenants, as further explained in Note 6.

Credit Promissory Note. The Company also has a letter of credit with a bank that provides for a maximum letter of credit commitment of $1,448,625.$1,307,525. As of December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the outstanding amount payable by the Company under the letter of credit was $1,448,625.$1,307,525.

On April 13, 2020, the Company received a loan in the amount of $505,700 under the new Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”) legislation administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The PPP Loan may be forgiven based upon various factors, including, without limitation, our payroll cost and certain other approved expenses over an eight to twenty-four week period starting upon our receipt of the funds. Expenses for payroll costs, lease payments on agreements before February 15, 2020, utility payments under agreements before February 1, 2020 and certain other specified costs can be utilized from these funds and eligible for payment forgiveness by the federal government. At least 60% of the proceeds must be used for approved payroll costs, and no more than 40% on non-payroll expenses. Management believes our use of our PPP Loan proceeds for the approved expense categories will generally be fully forgiven if we satisfy certain employee headcount and compensation conditions. The PPP loan has a maturity date April 13, 2022 and management currently believes this loan will be forgiven before maturity. The stated interest rate on this loan is 1% if not forgiven.


Note 6. Liquidity and Going Concern AnalysisManagement Plans

The Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 were prepared assuming that the Company would continue as a going concern. However, the Company has experienced an extended period of depressed margins which has resulted in a significant decrease in working capital and cash over those periods and resulted in the recent periods. InCompany’s failure to satisfy its financial covenants under its master credit agreement. As detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year September 2018,30, 2019 (the “2019 Form 10-K”), the Company was able to obtain covenant waivers from its lender related to covenant compliance and to modify future covenant requirements to allow the Company to remainnot in compliance until the margin environment improved. The margin environment did not improve in the ensuing months.with certain financial covenants under its master credit agreement as of September 30, 2019. As a result, the Company entered intoReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K included an additional line of credit and amended its covenants in June 2019. The Company was in noncompliance with its covenants as of September 30, 2019 and remains in noncompliance as of December 31, 2019. The covenant defaults have not presently been waived. These factors have raised substantial doubt as toexplanatory paragraph regarding the Company'sCompany’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management also disclosed a going concern uncertainty in the Company’s financial statements included in the Company’s Form
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


10-Q for the next 12 months. Management believes these factors to be significant due to a lack of liquidityfiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 14, 2020 (the “Q1 2020 Form 10-Q”). During the fiscal second quarter and thereafter, management determined that the previous going concern uncertainty regardinghas now been mitigated based on the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations without additional financing or an equity infusion. Based on this evaluation,following:

On March 31, 2020, the Company has determined covenant compliance over the next 12 month period is not reasonably possible and, as a result, has presented all debt as current on its balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. The Company believes it will be able to workreceived $5,000,000 million in cash in connection with the issuance of 42,049 new Class A Units.
On April 13, 2020, the Company received $505,700 cash proceeds under the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration which is discussed further in Note 5.
On May 28, 2020, the Company received an additional $2.5 million in cash in connection with the issuance of an additional 14,037 Class A Units and 6,987 new Class B Units.
Effective May 29, 2020, the Company and the bank on futureentered into certain amendments to the master credit agreement and loan documents governing the revolving credit loan and the revolving term loan to (i) extend the maturity of the revolving credit loan until January 1, 2021; (ii) defer the initial $5,000,000 step-down reduction in borrowing capacity under the revolving term loan until October 20, 2021 instead of October 20, 2020, (iii) eliminate the application of the debt service
coverage ratio financial covenant waivers if needed, or get additional equity or financing, however, these results cannot be assured.for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, (iv) reduce the minimum net worth required in the financial covenants from $25,000,000 to $24,000,000 and increase the minimum working capital required in the financial covenants from $7,500,000 to $10,000,000.
The bank provided the Company with a letter waiving past violations resulting from non-compliance with the working capital, net worth and debt service coverage ratio financial covenants from June 30, 2019 through April 30, 2020.

Based upon the completion of the transactions described above together with the continued effects of our recent capital issuances and our improved liquidity, management believes the previously reported going concern uncertainty has been mitigated.


Note 7.    Related-Party Transactions

The Company had the following related-party activity with members during the threenine months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and 2018:2019:

Corn Commitment:
December 31, 2019
June 30, 2020June 30, 2020
        
Corn Forward Purchase CommitmentBasis Corn Commitment (Bushels)Commitment ThroughAmount DueCorn Forward Purchase CommitmentBasis Corn Commitment (Bushels)Commitment ThroughAmount Due
Related Parties$2,506,999
130,000
April 2020$320,285
$1,548,363
300,000
January 2021$629,033


Corn Purchased:Corn Purchased:Corn Purchased: 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019Three Months Ended December 31, 2018Three Months Ended June 30, 2020Three Months Ended June 30, 2019Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
Related Parties$10,946,803$10,901,338
$12,512,644$8,781,404
$41,335,537$30,992,085


On January 15, 2020, the Company entered into a Management Services Agreement with Husker Ag, LLC (“Husker Ag”) for management services pertaining to the Company’s ethanol facility. Effective April 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with HALE, LLC, an affiliate of Husker Ag (“HALE”), which replaced and superseded the original Management Services Agreement between the Company and Husker Ag. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, HALE now provides management services to the Company’s ethanol facility, including providing the Company with individuals to (a) serve as General Manager, Environmental and Safety Manager, Commodity Risk Manager, and to fill such other positions as may be necessary from time to time; and (b) perform the respective management services for each such position. For three month and nine month period ended June 30, 2020, Lincolnway Energy incurred expenses $242,096 and $389,849 due to Husker Ag LLC for services and out-of-pocket travel expenses. At June 30, 2020 $60,900 was included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet.

Effective March 31, 2020, the Company and HALE entered into a Preferred Membership Unit Purchase Agreement (the “MUPA”) pursuant to which HALE purchased 42,049 new Class A Units of the Company for an aggregate price of $5,000,000. Effective on May 28, 2020, in accordance with the terms of the MUPA, HALE purchased an additional14,037 Class A Units for an aggregate price of $1,669,176. As a result, HALE holds a total of 56,086 new Class A Units. In connection with the investment by HALE
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


in the Company and pursuant to the terms of the MUPA and the Company’s current operating agreement, HALE has the right to appoint four of the Company’s seven directors (the “Class A Directors”). The Class A Directors serve until they resign or HALE removes them. The remaining three directors are elected by the members holding Common Units and Class B Units.


Note 8.    Commitments, Major Customers and Lease Obligations

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated entity for marketing, selling and distributing all of the ethanol produced by the Company. Revenues from this entity were $22,974,264$14,025,039 and $14,652,977,$55,182,772, respectively, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020. Revenues with this entity were $21,006,221and $54,627,815, respectively for the three and 2018.nine months ended June 30, 2019. Trade accounts receivable of $2,249,089$2,400,244 were due from this entity as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020. As of December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the Company had ethanol unpriced sales commitments with this entity of approximately 13.614.1 million gallons through JuneSeptember 2020.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated entity for marketing, selling and distributing all of the distillers grains produced by the Company. Revenues from this entity including both distillers grains and corn oil were $4,667,402$4,473,741 and $3,773,540,$14,226,207, respectively, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020. The revenues from this entity were $3,761,379 and 2018.$11,253,448, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2019. The Company sells corn oil to this entity as a third partythird-party broker independent of its agreement with the entity relating to distillers grain sales. Trade accounts receivable of $788,024$758,047 were due from this entity as of December 31, 2019.June 30, 2020. The Company had distillers grain sales commitments with this entity of approximately 1,73525,430 tons, for a total sales commitment of approximately $239,000.
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


$3.1 million.

As of December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the Company had purchase commitments for corn forward contracts with various unrelated parties, totaling approximately $2.6 million.$397,592. These contracts mature at various dates through Octobermatured on July 2020. The Company had no basis contract commitments with unrelated parties to purchase corn.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated party for the transportation of natural gas to the Company's ethanol plant. Under the agreement, the Company is committed to future monthly usage fees totaling approximately $3.6 million over the 10 year10-year term which commenced in November 2014. The Company assigned an irrevocable standby letter of credit to the counter-party to stand as security for the Company's obligation under the agreement maturing May 2021. The letter of credit is reduced over time as the Company makes payments under the agreement. At December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the remaining commitment was approximately $1.4$1.3 million.

As of December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the Company had purchase commitments for natural gas basis contracts with an unrelated party totaling 167,555395,313 MMBtu's maturing at various dates through JanuaryOctober 2020.

Effective October 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842).regarding Leases. The Company elected the short-term lease exception provided for in the standard and therefore only recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term greater than one year.

A lease exists when a contract conveys to a party the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company recognized a lease liability equal to the present value of future lease payments based on an estimated interest rate commensurate with the rate the Company would pay to borrow equivalent funds. A lease asset was recognized based on the lease liability value and adjusted for any prepaid lease payments or lease incentives. The lease term at the commencement date includes any renewal options or termination options when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise or not exercise those options, respectively.

The Company leases railcars and is obligated to pay costs of insurance, taxes, repairs and maintenance pursuant to the terms of the leases. Rent expense for the operating leases during the three months ended December 31,June 30, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 was approximately $499,000$470,000 and $507,000,$497,000, respectively. Rent expense for the operating leased during the nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $1,489,000 and $1,540,000, respectively. The lease agreements have maturity dates ranging from March 2020June 2021 to September 2025.

The discount rate used in determining the lease liability ranged from 3.68% to 6.23% and was determined by incremental borrowing rates at the time the lease commenced. The right of use asset and liability at December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 is $6,262,785.$5,711,404.

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


At December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the Company had the following approximate future minimum rental commitments for the period ending December 31:through September 30 of each year:

2020$1,532,940
$466,125
20211,853,440
1,853,440
20221,581,044
1,581,044
20231,286,169
1,286,169
2024982,275
982,275
Thereafter513,450
513,450
Total$7,749,318$6,682,503


A reconciliation of the undiscounted future payments in the schedule above and the lease liability recognized in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 is shown below:

Undiscounted future payments$7,749,318
$6,682,503
Less: leases entered into, not yet commenced339,000
Discount effect1,147,533
1,045,542
$6,262,785
$5,636,961

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements




Note 9.    Risk Management

The Company's activities expose it to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in commodity prices.  These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its overall risk management program.  The Company's risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of commodity markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results.

The Company maintains a risk management strategy that uses derivative instruments to minimize significant, unanticipated earnings fluctuations caused by market fluctuations.  The Company's specific goal is to protect the Company from large moves in the commodity costs.

To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations, the Company generally follows a policy of using exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize its net position of merchandisable agricultural commodity inventories and forward purchase and sale contracts.  Exchange traded futures and options contracts are designated as non-hedge derivatives and are valued at market price with changes in market price recorded in operating income through cost of goods sold for corn derivatives and through revenue for ethanol derivatives. The Company treats all contracts with the same counterparty on a net basis on the balance sheet.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019June 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
Derivative assets - corn contracts$278,900
 $531,875
$43,300
 $531,875
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts(81,775) (93,650)(121,687) (93,650)
Cash from (due to) broker169,073
 (249,531)
Cash due from (due to) broker134,789
 (249,531)
Total$366,198
 $188,694
$56,402
 $188,694


Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


The effects on operating income from derivative activities are as follows:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
(Losses) in revenues due to derivatives related to ethanol sales:   
Realized (loss)$
 $(1,575)
Gains in revenues due to derivatives related to ethanol sales:       
Realized gain$
 $
 $
 $21,525
Total effect on revenues
 (1,575)
 
 
 21,525
          
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to corn costs:          
Realized gain606,987
 260,938
Realized gain (loss)601,750
 (444,267) 1,635,018
 327,033
Unrealized (loss)(438,225) (324,400)(430,088) (561,425) (713,738) (971,738)
Total effect on corn cost168,762
 (63,462)171,662
 (1,005,692) 921,280
 (644,705)
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to natural gas costs:   
Gains in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to natural gas costs:       
Realized gain
 80,680

 
 
 13,660
Unrealized (loss)
 (41,060)
Unrealized gain
 
 
 3,460
Total effect on natural gas cost
 39,620

 
 
 17,120
Total effect on cost of goods sold168,762
 (23,842)171,662
 (1,005,692) 921,280
 (627,585)
Total gain (loss) due to derivative activities$168,762
 $(25,417)
Total gain due to derivative activities$171,662
 $(1,005,692) $921,280
 $(606,060)


Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company's financial statements but are subject to a lower of cost or net realizable value assessment.
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements




Note 10. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches.  Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs.  The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 -Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active markets from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 -Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services for identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Level 3 -Valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.  These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value.
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


 
Derivative financial instruments:  Commodity futures and exchange-traded commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs.  For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CME and NYMEX markets.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. 

The following table summarizes the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 December 31, 2019 June 30, 2020
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments $278,900
 $278,900
 $
 $
 $43,300
 $43,300
 $
 $
        
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments $81,775
 $81,775
 $
 $
 $121,687
 $121,687
 
 
                
 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2019
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments $531,875
 $531,875
 $
 $
 $531,875
 $531,875
 $
 $
                
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments $93,650
 $93,650
 $
 $
 $93,650
 $93,650
 $
 $


Note 11. Subsequent Event

Effective February 6, 2020, the Company entered into a non-binding term sheet for the issuance of new equity capital. Under the term sheet, $5 million of new preferred A units would be issued to a potential investor, and $2.5 million of new preferred B units would be offered to existing members. Closing is subject to member approval, completion of definitive agreements and
Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements


various customary closing conditions. The anticipated closing dates are approximately March 31, 2020 and May 1, 2020 for the class A and class B units, respectively.


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


General

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management of Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the “Company”, “we,” “us,” and “our”) believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included herewith and notes to the financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2019 ("Fiscal 2019") including the financial statements, accompanying notes and the risk factors contained herein.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Various discussions and statements in this quarterly report are or contain forward-looking statements that express our current beliefs, forecasts, projections and predictions about future events.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, and include statements with respect to financial results and condition; anticipated trends in business, revenues, net income, net profits or net losses; projections concerning ethanol prices, distillers grain prices, corn prices, gas prices, operations, capital needs and cash flow; investment, business, growth, joint venture, expansion, acquisition and divestiture opportunities and strategies; management's plans or intentions for the future; competitive position or circumstances; and other forecasts, projections, predictions and statements of expectation.  Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "may," "will," "contemplates," "forecasts," "strategy," "future," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "prospects," "possible," "continue," "hopes," "intends," "believes," "seeks," "should," "could," "thinks," "objectives" and other similar expressions or variations of those words or those types of words help identify forward-looking statements.

Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those suggested by or expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of numerous and varied factors, risks and uncertainties, some that are known and some that are not, and many of which are beyond the control of the Company and its management.  We cannot guarantee our future results, performance

or business conditions, and strong or undue reliance must not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company include:

Changes in the availability and price of corn and natural gas;
Negative impacts resulting from the reduction in the renewable fuel volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard issued by the Environmental Protection Agency;
Changes in federal mandates relating to the blending of ethanol with gasoline, including, without limitation reductions to, or the elimination of, the Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations;
The inability to comply with the covenants and other requirements of Lincolnway Energy's various loan agreements;
Negative impacts that hedging activities may have on Lincolnway Energy's operations or financial condition;
Decreases in the market prices of ethanol and distiller's grains;
Ethanol supply exceeding demand and corresponding ethanol price reductions;
Changes in the environmental regulations that apply to the Lincolnway Energy plant operations;
Changes in plant production capacity or technical difficulties in operating the plant;

Changes in general economic conditions or the occurrence of certain events causing an economic impact in the agriculture, oil or automobile industries;
Changes in other federal or state laws and regulations relating to the production and use of ethanol;
Changes and advances in ethanol production technology;
Competition from larger producers as well as competition from alternative fuel additives;
Changes in interest rates and lending conditions of the loan covenants in the Company loan agreements;
Volatile commodity and financial markets;
Decreases in export demand due to the imposition of duties and tariffs by foreign governments on ethanol and distiller's grains produced in the United States;
Disruptions, failures; security breaches or other cybersecurity threats relating to or impacting our information technology infrastructure; and
Trade actions by the Trump Administration, particularly those affecting the agriculture sector and related industries.industries; and
Disruption caused by health epidemics, such as the novel strain of the coronavirus, and the adverse impact of such epidemics on global economic and business conditions.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. Our actual results or actions could and likely will differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in this report.   Any expectations based on these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other important factors, including those discussed in this report and in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended

September 30, 2019 and in our other prior Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These and many other factors could affect our future financial condition and operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations based on forward-looking statements made in this document or elsewhere by the Company or on its behalf.  We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements contained in this report are included in the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

General Overview

Lincolnway Energy is an Iowa limited liability company that operates a dry mill, natural gas fired ethanol plant located in Nevada, Iowa.  We have been processing corn into fuel grade ethanol and distillers grains at the ethanol plant since May 22, 2006.  Our ethanol plant has a nameplate production capacity of 50,000,000 gallons of ethanol per year.

All of the ethanol we produce is marketed by Eco-Energy, LLC (“Eco-Energy”) and all of our distillers grains are marketed by Gavilon Ingredients, LLC (“Gavilon”). Our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of our ethanol and distillers grains.

We also extract corn oil from the syrup generated in the production of ethanol. We market and distribute all of our corn oil directly to end users and third partythird-party brokers within the domestic market.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., formerly known as EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products, Inc. (“Air Products”), has a plant located on the Company’s site that collects the carbon dioxide gas that is produced as part of the fermentation process and converts that raw carbon dioxide gas into liquid carbon dioxide. Air Products also markets and sells the liquid carbon dioxide.

Going ConcernImpact of COVID-19 on our Business

A novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the spread of COVID-19 as a pandemic. Since then, several world governments, including the United States and many individual states and municipalities, have imposed lock downs, self-quarantine requirements, and travel restrictions on their citizens. These actions have dramatically decreased the demand for and price of blended gasoline across the globe and in the United States. Because the United States requires ethanol to be blended into the nation’s fuel supplies, gasoline consumption and demand plays a key role in the demand for and price of ethanol.

Operations

In April, at the beginning of this quarter, we conducted our annual maintenance shutdown as planned. Because of COVID-19 we elected to extend the shutdown an additional five days. As a result of health concerns associated with bringing vendors and service providers to our plant, our maintenance and plant staff performed the maintenance. When the plant started back up, production levels increased, energy consumption was reduced and plant operational performance showed increased efficiencies. By the end of the third quarter, the plant was operating at an annualized production rate of 80 million gallons a year, our natural gas consumption rate decreased to an estimated 23,000 BTUs per gallon and our electricity usage dropped to a half a kilowatt per gallon.

We have also been working to improve our dry distiller grains product over the past months. Instead of producing and shipping a 92-ton product in a single rail car, we improved the weight of the product to nearly 105 tons in that same single rail car. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to produce CO2 which was needed by municipalities and food processing plants.

The ethanol industryglobal COVID-19 pandemic has experienced an extended period of depressed margins which has impacted the Company and resulted in a significant decreasematerially increased demand for hand sanitizer and a shortage in our working capital and cash.inventory. As a result, pursuant to temporary regulatory relief issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic inventory shortage, several ethanol plants and industrial chemical companies implemented a process to turn ethanol into hand sanitizer for medical and consumer applications. However, in June 2020, the FDA prohibited certain ethanol plants without specialized purification processes in place from producing and distributing hand sanitizer by limiting chemicals permitted in the finished product and as a result forced such ethanol plants to halt production and cancel supply agreements. We will continue to monitor the demand for hand sanitizer and both the applicable FDA and EPA regulations that could potentially create opportunities for the Company was in noncompliance with certain financial covenants in its credit agreement as of September 30, 2019 and remains in noncompliance as of December 31, 2019. Compliance with these covenants has not been waived by our lender. Our continued noncompliance has raised substantial doubt as to the future.

Company's ability to continueDuring the last several years, the Company, along with the ethanol industry as a going concern for the next 12 months, Management has determined that thewhole, have experienced significant adverse conditions as a result of industry-wide record low ethanol prices due to reduced demand and high industry inventory levels which

negative market conditions have been compounded by the lackimpact of liquidity and uncertainty regardingCOVID-19. Despite the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations without additional financing or an equity infusion, covenant compliance overincreased plant efficiencies we have achieved during the next 12 month period is not reasonably possible. As a result,global pandemic, the long-term impact of the pandemic on the Company has presented all debt as current on its balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. The Company believes it will be able to work with its lender on future covenant waivers if needed, or get additional equity or financing, however, these results cannot be assured.

The Company experienced improved margins during the three months ended December 31, 2019 and expects to fund operations during the next 12 months using cash flow from continuing operations and the available amounts under our revolving term loan. If the Company continues to experience improved margins, our liquidity position should also improve which could lead to compliance with our financial covenants earlier than forecasted. However, the margin environment within the ethanol industry is uncertain and therefore, management plans to continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and economic conditions within the market and make adjustments accordingly.

Employee Health and Safety

From the earliest signs of the outbreak, we have taken proactive, aggressive action to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners and suppliers. We enacted appropriate safety measures based on guidance from the Iowa governor’s office, including implementing social distancing protocols, requiring working from home for those employees that do not need to be physically present at the plant, staggering schedules and shifts for those that must be on-site to perform their work, extensively and frequently disinfecting our workspaces. We expect to continue to implement these measures until we determine that the COVID-19 pandemic is adequately contained for purposes of our business, and we may take further actions as government authorities require or recommend or as we determine to be in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners and suppliers.

Supply and Demand Impact

Although we continue to regularly monitor the financial health of companies in our supply chain, financial hardship on our suppliers or sub-suppliers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a disruption in our ability to obtain raw materials or components required to produce our products, adversely affecting our operations, even when operating at reduced production levels. Additionally, restrictions or disruptions of transportation, such as reduced availability of truck, rail or air transport, port closures and increased border controls or closures, may result in higher costs and delays, both on obtaining raw materials and shipping finished products to customers, which could harm our profitability, make our products less competitive, or cause our customers to seek alternative suppliers.

The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty. We anticipate that the current outbreak or continued spread of COVID-19 will cause a global economic slowdown, and it is possible that it could cause a global recession. In the event of a recession, demand for our products would decline and our business would be adversely affected.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan

On April 13, 2020, the Company received a loan in the amount of $505,700 under the new Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP Loan") legislation passed in response to the economic downturn triggered by COVID-19 and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Our PPP Loan may be forgiven based upon various factors, including, without limitation, our payroll cost and certain other approved expenses over an eight to twenty-four week period starting upon our receipt of the funds. Expenses for payroll costs, lease payments on agreements before February 15, 2020, utility payments under agreements before February 1, 2020 and certain other specified costs can be utilized from these funds and eligible for payment forgiveness by the federal government. At least 60% of the proceeds must be used for approved payroll costs, and no more than 40% on non-payroll expenses. Management believes our use of our PPP Loan proceeds for the approved expense categories will generally be fully forgiven if we satisfy certain employee headcount and compensation conditions.

Outlook

Although there is no guarantyuncertainty related to the anticipated impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak on our future results, we believe our current cash reserves, cash generated from our operations, cash generated from the issuance of new Class A Units and new Class B Units, our PPP Loan and the available cash under our amended revolving credit loan and our amended revolving term loan leave us well-positioned to manage our business through this crisis as it continues to unfold. However, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are broad-reaching and the financial impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, reduced production levels, lower net sales and potential incremental costs associated with mitigating the effects of the pandemic, including storage and logistics costs and other expenses. As a result, although we were in compliance with our financial covenants set forth in our amended master credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA, Farm Credit Services of America, PCA and CoBank, ACB as of June 30, 2020, the impact the COVID-19 pandemic could have an adverse impact on our operating results which could result in our inability to comply with certain of these financial covenants and require our lenders to waive compliance with, or agree to amend, any such covenant to avoid a default. However, based on our current forecast of market conditions and our financial performance together with the amended financial covenants set forth in our Credit Agreement effective as of June 30, 2020, we expect that improved marginswe will be in a position to satisfy all of the financial covenants in our Credit Agreement for the next twelve months.


The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and its dynamic nature, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the pandemic, and actions that would be taken by governmental authorities to contain the pandemic or to treat its impact, makes it difficult to forecast any effects on our results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 (“Fiscal 2020”). Despite the positive financial performance achieved by the Company during the third quarter of Fiscal 2020, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the ethanol industry and the global economy continued throughout the third quarter of Fiscal 2020 and as of the date of this filing, management does not anticipate material improvement in the macroeconomic environment and, as a result our results for Fiscal 2020 may be significantly affected.

Despite the economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we intend to continue to focus on strategic initiatives designed to improve on our operational efficiencies and diversify our products which is critical in order to drive positive results in a negative margin environment. We believe that consolidation within the ethanol industry, coupled with our location, good operating efficiencies and our solid team may provide new opportunities for our plant.

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from international and domestic authorities, including federal, state and local public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments outside our control requiring us to adjust our operating plan. As such, given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or atcash flows in the Company will continue.future.

Recent Events

Preferred Membership Unit Purchase Agreement

Effective March 31, 2020, we entered into a Preferred Membership Unit Purchase Agreement (the “MUPA”) with HALE, LLC (“HALE”), an affiliate of Husker Ag, LLC (“Husker Ag”). Under the MUPA, HALE purchased 42,049 new Class A Units of the Company for an aggregate price of $5,000,000, or $118.91 per Class A Unit. Pursuant to the terms of those Class A Units, HALE, and by affiliation Husker Ag, has the right to approve certain actions customary for holders of senior equity, more specifically set forth in the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement (as defined below). The Class A Units have equal rights to distributions as other units of the Company, but, for distributions as a result of a liquidation (and deemed liquidation) holders of Class A Units will first receive the amount of their capital contributions (reduced by the amount of distributions received) prior to any other unit holders receiving any proceeds. Additionally, the Class A Unit holders are entitled to appoint four of the seven directors on the Company’s board of directors. As a condition to HALE’s obligations under the MUPA, the Company and HALE executed the Management Agreement (defined below), and the Company entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement (defined below).

Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement

On January 15, 2020, the Companywe entered into a Management Services Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with Husker Ag LLC (“Husker Ag”) for management services pertaining to our ethanol facility. Effective April 1, 2020 and pursuant to the Company’s ethanol facility located in Nevada, Iowa.terms of the MUPA, we entered into an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with HALE which replaced and superseded the original Management Services Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, Husker Ag will provide the CompanyHALE now provides management services to our ethanol facility, including providing us with individuals to (a) serve as General Manager, Environmental and Safety Manager, and Commodity Risk Manager, and to fill such other positions as may be necessary from time to time; and (b) perform the respective management services for each such position.

The initial term of the Management Agreement is fourtwelve months withfrom the initial term expiring in May 2020.Effective Date. Upon expiration of the initial term, the Management Agreement will automatically renew for one yearone-year periods unless either party provides notice of non-renewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. Either party may terminate the Management Agreement for cause as defined in the Management Agreement. In the event of a change of control event pursuant to which a third party other than HALE or Husker Ag acquires control of the Company, either party has the right to terminate the Management Agreement upon ninety days written notice. During the initial term of the Management Agreement, the Companywe will pay Husker AgHALE a monthly fee of $36,000 for the management services. The parties shall mutually agree upon the compensation for any renewal term prior to the expiration of the then-current term. In the event the parties are unable to agree upon compensation for any renewal term, the Company shallwe will pay Husker Ag,HALE, on a monthly basis, an amount equal to 50% of the total salary, bonuses, benefits, expenses and costs incurred by the HALE and Husker Ag employees performing the services. The monthly payment will be paid on an estimated basis with a true up calculation and payment occurring as soon as possible at the end of the applicable Husker AgHALE fiscal yearyear.

Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Lincolnway Energy, LLC


Effective as of March 30, 2020, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the Company (the “Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement”). The material terms of and changes made in the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement were previously disclosed to the members of the Company in the “PROPOSALS TO AMEND OUR OPERATING AGREEMENT” section of the Company’s 2020 Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020. These changes were approved by the members of the Company at the Special Meeting of the members on March 23, 2020.

Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Effective as of April 1, 2020 the Company entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the Company (the “Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement”). The adoption of the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement was a condition precedent to HALE’s obligations under the MUPA. The Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement contains material changes from the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, including the following:

The Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement provides for two new classes of units in the Company: Class A Units and Class B Units. HALE holds all Class A Units and is the sole Class A Member. The holders of the Class A Units and the Class B Units, the Class A Member and Class B Members, respectively, will share in operating distributions of the Company on the same basis as other members and Husker Agwill have the same number of votes as other members on issues presented to all members. The Class A Member and Class B Members, however, have certain rights that are alsonot shared by the holders of the Company’s preexisting units-now called “Common Units.” These rights include, among other things, the following:

a liquidation preference pursuant to which in the event of a liquidation (or Deemed Liquidation) the Class A Member and Class B Members will receive the return of their capital contributions, reduced by the amount of distributions received, prior to the Common Members receiving any proceeds. A “Deemed Liquidation” as defined in the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement includes a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in a single transaction or a series of transactions or a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other company or other transaction in which the holders of the Company's voting power prior to the transaction will hold less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving entity; and
a class voting provision, providing that the Company cannot alter any provision of the Certificate of Organization or then current operating agreement if it would adversely alter the rights, preferences, privileges or powers of or restrictions on the Class A Units or Class B Units without the majority vote of the outstanding units affected thereby.

The Class A Member has special approval rights, meaning that the Company cannot take any of the following actions without the approval of the majority of the outstanding Class A Units, which include the following:
create or authorize the creation of or issue any other security convertible into or exercisable for any equity security, having rights, preferences or privileges senior to or on parity with the Class A Units, or increase the authorized number of Class A Units;
approve any merger, sale of assets or other reorganization or acquisition;
approve the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of any Common Units of the Company, other than repurchases pursuant to unit restriction agreements approved by the Company’s board of directors upon termination of a consultant, director or employee;
declare or pay any distribution with respect to any capital units prior to the Class A Units (except as otherwise provided in the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement);
incur or guaranty indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $25,000,000;
create or hold capital units in any subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned subsidiary or dispose of any subsidiary units or all or substantially all of any subsidiary assets;
increase or decrease the size of the Company’s board of directors;
make any material change to the Company's business, or
approve the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

The Class A Member has certain preemptive rights, including the right to acquire its pro rata portion of any future issuances of units in the Company meaning that the Class A Member is protected from dilution of its interest by the issuance of additional units so long as it elects to exercise the preemptive right. However, this preemptive right did not apply to the private offering and resulting issuance of Class B Units discussed below under the section entitled “Additional Equity Issuances” and discussed further below in “Part II, Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds”.

The Company’s board of directors has been substantially restructured. Previously the Company’s board of directors had nine members split into three separate classes, each elected for staggered three-year terms. As of March 31, 2020, the

Company had eight directors in discussions regardingoffice, and one vacancy. Now the Company’s board of directors is composed of seven directors, four of whom are appointed solely by the Class A Member and are called “Class A Directors”, and three of whom are nominated and elected by the Common Members and Class B Members collectively and are called “Elected Directors”. The Class A Directors serve until they resign, or the Class A Member removes them. The Elected Directors, other than those presently in office as of the date the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement was entered into, will generally be arranged into three classes, with one director in each class, each elected for staggered three-year terms.

The four new Class A Directors appointed to the Company’s board of directors by the Class A Member, HALE, effective April 1, 2020, were are Robert Brummels, Dan Heard, James Krause, and Marvin Stech. All these individuals are also directors of HALE and Husker Ag.

The Elected Directors are three persons who were already members of the Company’s board of directors. They are Jeff Taylor, Bill Couser, and Rick Vaughan. Jeff Taylor will continue serving as an Elected Director until the 2022 annual meeting of the members, at which time he will be eligible for election to a three-year term expiring in 2025. Bill Couser will continue serving as an Elected Director until the 2022 annual meeting of the members, at which time he will be eligible for election to a two-year term expiring in 2024, with three-year terms available thereafter. Rick Vaughan will continue serving as an Elected Director until the 2023 annual meeting of the members, at which time he will be eligible for election to a three-year term expiring in 2026.

The quorum requirements for meetings of the Company’s members have been changed such that members represented in person or by proxy or written ballot at any meeting of the members holding at least twenty-five percent of the outstanding units (which shall include Members holding at least twenty-five percent of the outstanding Common Units and Class B Units, in the aggregate and, with respect to any matter upon which the Class A Units are entitled to vote, shall include Members holding at least twenty-five percent of the outstanding Class A Units) shall constitute a potential capital transaction which may require amendmentsquorum.

The Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement contains modifications to various provisions to expressly authorize and provide for “virtual” meetings of the members to take place by means of remote communications.

Resignation of Five Existing Directors

In connection with the restructuring of the Company’s board of directors pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, five of the Company’s directors resigned, effective April 1, 2020. These directors were Douglas Moore, James Dickson, Brian Conrad, Timothy Fevold, and Kurt Olson. These resignations were not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s Operating Agreement requiring approval by the Company’s members. In the event that the parties pursue the potential transaction and the Company’s members do not vote to approve the amendments to the Operating Agreement necessary to consummate the transaction, either the Companyoperations, policies or Husker Ag can terminate the Management Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice. Either party may terminate the Management Agreement for cause as defined in the Management Agreement. In the eventpractices.

Change of a change of control event pursuant to which a third party other than Husker Ag acquires controlControl of the Company the Company has the right to terminate the Management Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice.

TerminationOn April 1, 2020, upon the Company’s entry into the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement and issuance of Chief Executive Officer

Inthe Class A Units to HALE pursuant to the terms of the MUPA, and in connection with the execution of the Management Agreement, Michael Hollenberg ceased serving as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 17, 2020. Mr. Hollenberg’s employment agreement with the Company (the “Hollenberg Employment Agreement”) provided that he was entitled to severance under certain circumstances in connection with a “change of control.” The Hollenberg Employment Agreement, defined a “change of control” to include any transfer to, or hiring of, an outside third party to provide operational and/or management control, via contract or similar arrangement. The execution of the Management Agreement constituted such a change of control.   Mr. Hollenbergcontrol occurred in the Company. Upon the occurrence of those events, HALE obtained control of the Company, which control was not retainedassumed from the Common Members of the Company who previously controlled it. Pursuant to the issuance of the Class A Units in connectionaccordance with the changeMUPA, the terms of control that occurred upon the execution of the Management Agreement, and Mr. Hollenberg was therefore entitled to and did resign from the Company effective January 17, 2020 which triggered a severance obligation under the terms of the Hollenberg Employment Agreement. Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, HALE’s basis of control is that it presently (a) owns all of the outstanding Class A Units; (b) owns fifty percent of the Company’s outstanding equity securities; (c) has the right, as the sole Class A Member, to unilaterally elect a majority of the Company’s board of directors; (d) has the right to approve or prevent certain corporate actions as discussed above; and (e) will appoint persons to act as the Company’s General Manager, Environmental and Safety Manager, Commodity Risk Manager, and to fill such other positions as may be necessary from time to time.

On January 17, 2020, Mr. Hollenberg andHALE obtained control of the Company entered intoin consideration of the $5,000,000 investment that it made pursuant to the MUPA in exchange for 42,049 Class A Units, at a Separation Agreementper unit price of $118.91.

Additional Equity Issuances

On May 28, 2020, the Company closed its previously announced private offering of up to $2,500,000 of Class B Units to its existing members who are “accredited investors” (such members “Existing Accredited Members”), as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D, promulgated by the SEC (the “Separation Agreement”“Class B Offering”) which became effective January 25, 2020. Under. In connection with the Class B Offering, the Company sold 6,822 Class B Units to Existing Accredited Members for an aggregate purchase price of $811,204, at a per unit price of

$118.91. In addition, on May 28, 2020, the Company also agreed to sell, and subsequently sold, 165 Class B Units to LKPK Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, for a purchase price of $19,620, at a per unit price of $118.91.

Pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement, Mr. Hollenberg received (i) a severance paymentMUPA, HALE agreed to make an additional equity investment in the Company to offset any shortfall from the $2,500,000 in the Class B Offering. Under the MUPA, HALE agreed to contribute cash to the Company in exchange for additional Class A Units in an amount equal to any shortfall in the $2,500,000 that the Company sought to raise in the Class B Offering discussed above which guaranteed that the Company would receive a cumulative total capital infusion of $100,000 less standard tax$7,500,000 from the MUPA and other applicable withholdings (the “Severance Payment”) and (ii) a paymentthe Class B Offering transactions. In accordance with the terms of $6,803 for accrued but unused paid time off (the “PTO Payment”). In addition, if qualified,the MUPA, on May 28, 2020, the Company sold an additional 14,037 Class B Units to HALE for a periodpurchase price of six months or until Mr. Hollenberg begins equivalent employment, whichever is shorter,$1,669,176, at a per unit price of $118.91.

The table below sets forth the equity ownership in the Company agreed to provide health insurance to Mr. Hollenbergby class of units outstanding upon the completion of the restructuring and equity issuances discussed above under the Company’s plan pursuant to and subject to Mr. Hollenberg’s right to COBRA continuation coverage if Mr. Hollenbergsection entitled “Recent Events:”

timely elects such coverage. The Company also agreed to pay reasonable expenses for Mr. Hollenberg’s travel, lodging and entrance fee for the 2020 National Ethanol Conference in February 2020 in Houston, Texas.
Class of UnitsTotal Units OutstandingPercentage Ownership
Common Units42,04940%
Class A Units56,08653%
Class B Units6,9877%
TOTAL105,122100%

Mr. Hollenberg agreedEthanol Supply and Demand

The ethanol industry has been dramatically affected by COVID-19 from the middle of January 2020 through April of 2020. The ethanol industry is still responding to remain available through January 15, 2021 to consultthe uncertainty of consumer driving patterns with the Company,stay at home orders enacted by federal, state and local government authorities as reasonably requested, regarding certain matters in which Mr. Hollenberg was involved or about which he may have knowledge. The Company will pay Mr. Hollenberg for such consulting serviceswell as the stay at an hourly ratehome policies maintained by corporate entities. During the first of $200 per hour plus reimbursementhalf of out-of-pocket costs and expenses.

The Separation Agreement contained a general release and waiver of claims pursuant to which Mr. Hollenberg released the Company and certain other parties from any and all claims, charges, causes of action and damages arising on or prior to his execution of the Separation Agreement. In consideration for the general release, the Company released Mr. Hollenberg from certain non-competition restrictions set forth in his employment agreement; however, Mr. Hollenberg will continue to be bound the non-solicitation, confidentiality and other post-termination provisions set forthcalendar year 2020, many plants in the Hollenberg Employment Agreement.

Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

In connection with the execution of the Management Agreement, the directors of the Company appointed Seth Harder as the General Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Seth Harder, age 41, has served as General Manager of Husker Ag, LLC for 14 years beginning in January of 2006, during which time Husker Ag has grown from its original capacity of 20 million gallonsU.S. have shut down production or cut production levels. According to currently producing 110 million gallons per year.  Prior to his appointment as General Manager, Mr. Harder served as Husker Ag’s Plant Manager from September 2004 through December 2005.  He originally joined Husker Ag in November 2002 as the Company's first Production Manager followed by a time with ICM, Inc. where he worked as an ethanol trainer and plant startup specialist.  Mr. Harder is a current Board member and former executive officer of Renewal Fuels Nebraska.  He is also a Board member of the Renewable Fuels Association ("RFA"), 75 ethanol plants have been idled, 79 plants are operating at reduced levels and 50 plants are operating near normal capacity. This means 50% of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE).   In 2019, Mr. Harder was appointed by Governor Pete Rickettsindustry's production capacity is off-line. Adding to the Nebraskasupply/demand imbalance is the stance taken by the Environmental Quality Council.

Non-Binding Term SheetProtection Agency (the "EPA") under the Trump Administration with Husker Ag

Effective February 6, 2020 the Company entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Terms with Husker Ag forregard to the issuance of new equity capital, among other things. Under“hardship waivers” to so-called small refineries which is discussed further in the term sheet, $5 millionsection below entitled "Renewable Fuel Standard".

Domestic ethanol use peaked the week ended of new preferred A units would be issuedMarch 6, 2020 at around 14 billion gallons per year as reported by the Energy Information Agency (“EIA”). Domestic ethanol plant production peaked the week ended January 10, 2020 near 16.7 billion annualized as reported by EIA. The industry currently has capacity to produce over 17 billion gallons with approximately 10% of such capacity currently in a Husker Ag, and $2.5 millionlong-term idled state. The COVID-19 pandemic became a mainstream news topic during the week ended January 10, 2020. On January 13, 2020 sources such as Apple Mobility started using this date as the base line in tracking consumer mileage patterns. The week ended April 24, 2020, the EIA reported ethanol plant production for 2020 dropped to 49.04% from production as of new preferred B units would be offeredJanuary 10, 2020. The EIA reported consumption of ethanol dropped to existing members. Husker Ag would be entitled to appoint a majority7.6 billion gallons for the week ended April 3, 2020 which was the first week of the Company's board of directors. Closing is subject to member approval and various customary closing conditions. The anticipated closing dates are approximatelycalendar quarter for this reporting period. This low consumption week came four weeks after the EIA reported peak consumption near 14 billion annualized ended March 31,6, 2020. During this time period several states implemented stay at home restrictions with California restrictions effective March 19, 2020 and May 1,states such as Illinois, New Jersey and New York effective shortly thereafter. These restrictions adversely impacted driving habits and gasoline consumption and therefore reduced consumption of ethanol. Additionally, during the week ended April 3, 2020, the domestic inventory level according to the EIA data was near 54 days on hand. This amount is 25 to 30 days higher than historical typical domestic inventory days on hand and highlights the domestic oversupply within the ethanol industry which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we ended the quarter for the class Aweek ended July 3, 2020, ethanol production improved to almost 14 billion gallons as reported by the EIA or 83.47% off the peak production week ended January 10, 2020 while consumption improved to 12.9 billion gallons or a 69% consumption increase since the first week of this calendar quarter. Despite the increase in consumption, a significant disparity between domestic production and class B units, respectively. An executed copyinventories as compared to domestic consumption remains which could have an adverse impact on market demand and prices. Moreover, the continued impact of the MemorandumCOVID-19 pandemic on the industry, including enhanced or additional stay at home restrictions, could further negatively impact domestic consumption and the demand for, and prices of, Terms has been filed withethanol which could adversely impact our financial performance.

Ethanol prices as reported on the SECChicago Board of Trade (CBOT) nearby Platts ethanol settlement was $0.81 a gallon on Form 8-K on our aboutApril 1, 2020. This is the date of this filing, and is referencedlowest price reported in the Exhibit Index below.ethanol industry in at least 20 years. Since April 1, ethanol price has rallied to a

nearby close Platts settlement of $1.28 on June 16, 2020. As a second wave of COVID-19 has developed, Platts ethanol nearby settlement has dropped to the $1.20 to $1.25 range.

Corn Procurement AgreementEven prior to the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, exports played a critical role in keeping the United States from being awash in production and the critical nature of the export market has intensified as a result of the impact of COVID-19 and the actions of government authorities and corporate businesses. If U.S. exports of ethanol remain low or decline further or unless additional demand can be found in foreign or domestic markets, a continued level of current ethanol stocks or any increase in domestic ethanol supply could further adversely impact the price of ethanol.

The Company entered into a Corn Procurement Agreement (the “Procurement Agreement”) with Innovative Ag Services Co. (“Seller”) for the supply of producer corn for the Company’s ethanol facility which will be effective January 24, 2020. The Procurement Agreement shall remain in effect until terminated by either party upon material breach or upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice either with or without cause. Under the terms of the Procurement Agreement, the Company shall purchase from Seller, and Seller shall supply to the Company, all of the producer corn required for the Company to operate its ethanol facility. The Company retains the rights to arrange and source all purchases and deliveries of corn purchased through this agreement. The Company shall pay Seller for all producer corn delivered to the Facility plus a per bushel procurement fee.

Grain Procurement Agreement

Also on February 6, 2020, the Company executed a Grain Procurement Agreement (the “Grain Agreement”) with Husker Trading, Inc. (“Trading”), an affiliate of Husker Ag.  Under the Grain Agreement, Trading will source the purchase of all corn required by the Company to operate its ethanol facility.  During the term of the Corn Procurement Agreement, Trading will do so in coordination with the Seller under the Corn Procurement Agreement, as discussed in the prior paragraph.    The term of the Grain Agreement is six months, and will terminate unless there is mutual agreement to extend the term.  Trading will receive a fee of $0.01 per bushel of corn delivered to the Company.
Renewable Fuel Standard

The ethanol industry receives support through the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard (the “RFS”) which has been, and will continue to be, a driving factor in the growth of ethanol usage. The RFS requires that each year a certain amount of renewable fuels must be used in the United States. The RFS is a national program that allows refiners to use renewable fuel blends in those areas of

the country where it is most cost-effective. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”)EPA is responsible for revising and implementing regulations to ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel.

The RFS original statutory volume requirements increased incrementally each year through 2022 when the mandate requires that the United States use 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels.  Starting in 2009, the RFS required that a portion of the RFS must be met by certain “advanced” renewable fuels. These advanced renewable fuels include ethanol that is not made from corn, such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass based biodiesel. The use of these advanced renewable fuels increases each year as a percentage of the total renewable fuels required to be used in the United States.

Annually, the EPA is required to pass a rule that establishes the number of gallons of different types of renewable fuels that must be used in the United States which is called the renewable volume obligation. On November 30, 2018, the EPA issued the final rule for 2019 which set the 2019 annual volume requirements for renewable fuel at 19.92 billion gallons per year (the "Final 2019 Rule"). On July 5, 2019, the EPA issued a proposed rule for 2020 which set the annual volume requirements for renewable fuel at 19.92 billion gallons (the "Proposed 2020 Rule"). Both the Final 2019 Rule and the Proposed 2020 Rule maintained the number of gallons that may be met by conventional renewable fuels such as corn based ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons. A public hearing on the Proposed 2020 Rule was held in July and the public comment period expired on August 30, 2019. The final rule was originally expected to be issued in November 2019.

However, on October 15, 2019, the EPA released a supplemental notice seeking additional comments on a proposed rule on adjustments to the way that annual renewable fuel percentages are calculated. The supplemental notice was issued in response to an announcement on October 4, 2019, by President Trump of a proposed plan to require refiners not exempt from the rules to blend additional gallons of ethanol to make up for the gallons exempted by the EPA's expanded use of waivers to small refineries. The effect of these waivers is that the refinery is no longer required to earn or purchase blending credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers or RINs, negatively affecting ethanol demand and resulting in lower ethanol prices. The proposed plan was expected to calculate the volume that refiners were required to blend by using a three-year average of exempted gallons. However, the EPA proposed to use a three-year average to account for the reduction in demand resulting from the waivers using the number of gallons of relief recommended by the United States Department of Energy. A public hearing on the proposed rule was held October 30 and the public comment period expired on November 30, 2019. On December 19, 2019, the EPA issued the final rule that set out the 2020 annual volume requirements (the "Final 2020 Rule") at 20.09 billion gallons up from the 19.92 billion gallons for 2019. Similar to the Final 2019 Rule, the Final 2020 Rule included 15.0 billion gallons of conventional corn-based ethanol.

Although the volume requirements set forth in the Final 2019 Rule are slightly higher than the final 2018 volume requirements (the "Final 2018 Rule") and the Final 2020 Rule volume requirements are slightly higher than those set forth in the Final 2019 Rule, the volume requirements under the Final 2018 Rule, the Final 2019 Rule and the Final 2020 Rule are all still significantly below the 26 billion gallons, 28 billion gallons and 30 billion gallons, respectively, statutory mandates, with significant reductions in the volume requirements for advanced biofuels as well.

Under the RFS, 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 Final 2018 Rule represented the first year the total proposed volume requirements were more than 20% below statutory levels. In response, the EPA Administrator directed his staff to initiate the required technical analysis to perform any future reset consistent with the reset rules. The Final 2019 Rule is approximately 29% below the statutory levels representing the second consecutive year of reductions of more than 20% below the statutory mandates therefore triggering the mandatory reset under the RFS. The Final 2020 Rule is approximately 34% below the statutory targets, which represents the third consecutive year of reductions of more than 20% below the statutory mandates. After the issuance of

the Final 2019 Rule, the EPA became statutorily required to modify the statutory volumes through 2022 within one year of the trigger event, based on the same factors used to set the volume requirements 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.

In October 2018, the Trump administration released timelines for certain EPA rulemaking initiatives relating to the RFS including the “reset” of the statutory blending targets. The EPA is expected to propose rules modifying the applicable statutory volume targets for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for the years 2020-2022. The proposed rules are also expected to include proposed diesel renewable volume obligations for 2021 and 2022.

Federal mandates supporting the use of renewable fuels like the RFS are a significant driver of ethanol demand in the U.S. Ethanol policies are influenced by environmental concerns, diversifying our fuel supply, and an interest in 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 significant growth in U.S. market share. Another important factor is a waiver in the Clean

Air Act, known as the "One-Pound Waiver", which allows E10 to be sold year-round, even though it exceeds the RVP limitation of nine pounds per square inch. At the end of May 2019, the EPA finalized a rule which extended the One-Pound Waiver to E15 so its sale can expand beyond flex-fuel vehicles during the June 1 to September 15 summer driving season. ThisAlthough this rule is being challenged in court; however,court, the One-Pound Waiver is in effect, and E15 can be sold year round. However, with respect to the 2019 summer driving season, because the rule was not finalized until the end of May, the ethanol industry was unable to fully capitalize on increased E15 sales during the 2019 peak summer driving season. On March 11, 2020, the EIA had gasoline consumption for 2020 flat with last year with gasoline prices being 18% lower than in 2019; however, this forecast did not take into account the COVID-19 virus impact on the U.S. economy. The COVID-19 virus will have a significant impact on the U.S. and worldwide economy over the next few months, all unchartered territory that makes forecasting near impossible.

Despite the recent actions by the Trump administration relating to E15, there continues to be uncertainty regarding the future of the RFS as a result of the significant number of small refinery waivers granted.  Under the RFS, the EPA assigns individual refiners, blenders, and importers the volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to use based on their percentage of total domestic transportation fuel sales. The mechanism that provides accountability in RFS compliance is the Renewable Identification Number (RIN). RINs are a tradeable commodity given that if refiners (obligated parties) need additional RINs to be compliant, they have to purchase them from those that have excess. Thus, there is an economic incentive to use renewable fuels like ethanol, or in the alternative, buy RINs. Obligated parties use RINs to show compliance with RFS-mandated volumes. RINs are attached to renewable fuels by ethanol producers and detached when the renewable fuel is blended with transportation fuel or traded in the open market. The market price of detached RINs affects the price of ethanol in certain markets and influences the purchasing decisions by obligated parties.

On April 15, 2020, five Governors sent a letter to the EPA requesting a general waiver from the RFS due to the drop in demand caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. They contend that the compliance costs (i.e. cost to purchase RINs) is onerous and could put some refineries out of business. In June 2020, the Attorneys General of seven sates joined in the request made to waive the 2020 RFS compliance mandate. The EPA has 90 days to respond, and as of this filing had indicated only that they are “watching the situation closely and reviewing the governors’ letter.”

Although the Final 2019 Rule and the Final 2020 Rule maintain the number of gallons which may be met by conventional renewable fuels such as corn-based ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons this number does not take into account waivers granted by the EPA to small refiners for "hardship." The EPA can, in consultation with the Department of Energy, waive the obligation for individual smaller refineries that are suffering “disproportionate economic hardship” due to compliance with the RFS. To qualify, for this “small refinery waiver,” the refineries must be under total throughput of 75,000 barrels per day and state their case for an exemption in an application to the EPA each year.

As of October 2019,June 2020, the EPA has approved 85 exemptions for compliance years 2016 to 2018, freeing refineries from using 4 billion gallons of renewable fuel. This effectively reduces the annual renewable volume obligation for each year by that amount as the waivers exempt the obligating parties from meeting the RFS blending targets and the waived gallons are not reallocated to other obligated parties at this time. As discussed above, the mechanism that provides accountability in RFS compliance is the Renewable Identification Number (RIN). RINs are a tradeable commodity given that if refiners (obligated parties) need additional RINs to be compliant, they have to purchase them from those that have excess. Thus, there is an economic incentive to use renewable fuels like ethanol, or in the alternative, buy RINs. Granting these small refinery waivers effectively reduces the annual renewable volume obligation for each year by that amount as the waivers exempt the obligating parties from meeting the RFS blending targets and the waived gallons are not reallocated to other obligated parties at this time. The resulting surplus of RINs in the market has brought values down significantly to under $0.20. In late 2017 D6 RIN prices were about $0.75 per gallon, averaged $0.30 in 2018, and less than $0.20 in 2019.

Since higher RIN values help to make higher blends of ethanol more cost competitive, lower RIN values could hinder or at least slow retailer and consumer adoption of E15 and higher blends. As discussed further below, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that multiple small refinery exemptions were improperly extended by the EPA which caused D6 RIN trading prices to increase to approximately $0.24 per gallon in January 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the EPA has received 52 requests for small refinery waivers that will be up for consideration during 2020. If the EPA approves all 52 of the pending applications, the ethanol market would suffer another loss of 2 billion gallons of biofuel blending requirements which will adversely impact RIN prices and the ethanol market. These waiver requests represent an effort by refineries to bypass the ruling of the Tenth Circuit and establish a continuous chain of exemptions. If the EPA continues to grant discretionary waivers and RIN prices continue to fall, it could negatively affect ethanol prices.

In response to the substantially expanded granting of small refinery exemptions in 2019, over 15 plants have shut down while other plants have limited production. The RFA estimates that approximately 20 ethanol plants have been temporarily idled or permanently closed since the EPA began to expand the volume of the small refinery exemptions granted. The Trump Administration has not announced a plan to reallocate ethanol gallons lost to exemptions in the current year and therefore, the continued granting of waivers and the failure of the Trump Administration to take any action to reallocate the lost exemptions will continue to negatively impact ethanol demand and RIN and ethanol prices.

Biofuels groups have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Federal District Court for the D.C. Circuit, challenging the Final 2019 Rule over the EPA’s failure to address small refinery exemptions in the rulemaking. This is the first RFS rulemaking since the expanded use of the exemptions came to light, however the EPA has refused to cap the number of waivers it grants or how it accounts for the retroactive waivers in its percentage standard calculations. The EPA has a statutory mandate to ensure the volume requirements are met, which are achieved by setting the percentage standards for obligated parties. The EPA's current approach runs counter to this statutory mandate and undermines Congressional intent. Biofuels groups argue 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 a supplemental rulemaking to the Proposed 2020 Rule, the EPA changed their approach, and for the first time accounted for the gallons that they anticipate they will be waiving from the blending requirements due to small refinery exemptions. To accomplish this, they are adding in the trailing three year average of gallons the Department of Energy (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 certain refineries that qualify for the exemptions. Although in past years the EPA has disregarded recommendations from the Department of Energy in the rule the DOE stated its intent to adhere to these recommendations going forward, including granting partial waivers rather than an all or nothing approach. The EPA will be adjudicating the 2020 compliance year small refinery exemption applications in early 2021, but have indicated they will adhere to DOE recommendations for the 2019 compliance year applications as well, which should be adjudicated in 2020

If the EPA’s decisions to reduce the volume requirements under the RFS statutory mandates are allowed to stand, if the volume requirements are further reduced or if the EPA continues to grant waivers to small refineries, the market price and demand for ethanol would be adversely effective which would negatively impact our financial performance. The EPA's based the projected volume of gasoline and diesel that was exempt in 2020 on utilizing the three yearthree-year rolling average of relief recommended by the Department of Energy, rather than the three year rolling level of actual exemptions advocated by agricultural interests.


On May 18, 2018, the Advanced Biofuel Association initiated a legal challenge to the EPA’s process for granting exemptions from compliance under the RFS to small refineries. In its petition, the Advanced Biofuel Association seeks judicial review of the EPA’s decision to modify criteria to lower the threshold by which the agency determines whether to grant small refineries an exemption for the RFS for reasons of disproportionate economic hardship. In November 2019, the Court dismissed the case because the Advanced Biofuels Association did not identify a final agency action in their original lawsuit.

Additionally, on May 29, 2018, the National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition challenging the EPA’s grant of waivers to three specific refineries seeking that the court reject the waivers granted to the three as an abuse of EPA authority.  These waived gallons are not redistributed to obligated parties, and in effect, reduce the aggregate Renewable Volume Obligations ("RVOs") under the RFS. If the specific waivers granted by the EPA and/or its lower criteria for granting small refinery waivers under the RFS are allowed to stand, or if the volume requirements are further reduced, it could have an adverse effect on the market price and demand for ethanol which would negatively impact our financial performance.

On January 24, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit announced that the three exemptions were improperly issued by the EPA. The Court held that the EPA cannot "extend" exemptions to any small refineries whose earlier, temporary exemptions had lapsed. The Court concluded that the EPA exceeded its statutory authority in granting these petitions because there was nothing for the agency to "extend". Utilizing this criteria, there would have been a maximum of seven small refineries that could have received continuous extensions, yet the EPA has granted thirty five exemptions in a single year. The Court also found the EPA had abused their discretion in failing to explain how the EPA could maintain that such refineries would incur an economic hardship while continuing to claim that the costs of RIN compliance are passed through and recovered by those same refineries.

Related to the recent lawsuits, the Renewable Fuels Association, American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, Biotechnology Industry Organization, and National Farmers Union petitioned the EPA on June 4, 2018 to change its regulations to account for lost volumes of renewable fuel resulting from the retroactive small refinery exemptions. This petition to the EPA seeks a broader, forward-looking remedy to account for the collective

lost volumes caused by the recent increase in retroactive small refinery RVO exemptions. The EPA has not reallocated volume exemptions in prior years and continued to approve 31 new requests in 2019. On October 29, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce met to examine the effects of the small refinery exemptions on biofuels and agriculture since 2016. Companies were seeking the EPA to make available more information on refinery exemptions.

On February 4, 2019, Growth Energy filed a lawsuit in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia against the EPA challenging the EPA’s failure to address small refinery exemptions in the Final 2019 Rule. An administrative stay has been granted to research the contents of the lawsuit.

Although the maintenance of the 15 billion gallon threshold for volume requirements that may be met with corn-based ethanol in the Final 2019 Rule and the Final 2020 Rule together with the application of the One-Pound Waiver to E15 permitting the year round sale of E15 signals support from the EPA and the Trump administration for domestic ethanol production, the Trump administration could still elect to materially modify, repeal or otherwise invalidate the RFS and it is unclear what regulatory framework and renewable volume requirements, if any, will emerge as a result of any such reforms; however, any such reform could adversely affect the demand and price for ethanol and the Company's profitabilityprofitability.

COVID-19 Legislation

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") in late March 2020 in an attempt to offset the subsequent economic damage. The CARES Act created and funded multiple programs that have impacted or could impact our industry. The United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") was given additional resources for the Commodity Credit Corporation ("CCC") and 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 the corn. The USDA did not include any CCC funds for ethanol plants as of this filing.

The CARES Act also provided for the Small Business Administration (the "SBA") to assist companies that constitute small business and keep them from laying off workers. The Paycheck Protection Program (the "PPP") was created and quickly paid out all of the funds appropriated, including some to farmers and to ethanol plants. Although we received our PPP Loan under the CARES Act, as discussed above, the receipt of PPP funds by farmers could, like the CCC funds, incentivize them to delay marketing corn which could increase the price of corn.

Ethanol is the primary ingredient in hand sanitizer. The CARES Act provided a tax exclusion on the shipment of undenatured ethanol for use in manufacturing hand sanitizer. The FDA originally provided expanded guidance to allow for more denaturants to be used in ethanol intended for hand sanitizer production, and expanded the grades of ethanol allowed for the duration of the public health crisis. However, in June 2020, the FDA prohibited certain ethanol plants without specialized purification processes in place from producing and distributing hand sanitizer by limiting chemicals permitted in the finished product and as a result forced such ethanol plants to halt production and cancel supply agreements.
Executive Summary

Highlights for the three months ended December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, are as follows:

Total revenues increased 42.4%, or $8.6decreased $6.4 million compared to the 20182019 comparable period.

Total cost of goods sold increased 14.8%, or $3.6decreased $9.3 million, compared to the 20182019 comparable period.

OtherNet income decreased approximately $3.0 million from the three months ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due to a one-time settlement payment received in exchange for the early termination of a contract in the fall of 2018.
Net loss was approximately $24 thousand,$303,248, which represents a decreasean increase in net lossincome of $1.8$7.1 million when compared to the net loss of $1.8$7.4 million for the 20182019 comparable period.




Results of Operations

The following table shows the results of operations and the percentages of revenues, cost of goods sold, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our statement of operations for the through three months and nine months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 and 20182019 (dollars in thousands):


 Three Months Ended December 31,  Three Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended June 30,
 (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)
Income Statement Data 2019
2018  2020
2019 2020 2019
                         
Revenue $29,002 100.0 % $20,372 100.0 %  $20,136 100.0 % $26,488 100.0 % $73,516 100.0 % $71,193 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold 27,893
 96.2 % 24,295
 119.3 %  18,816
 93.4 % 28,137
 106.2 % 73,173 99.5 % 77,337 108.6 %
Gross profit (loss) 1,109
 3.8 % (3,923) (19.3)%  1,320
 6.6 % (1,649) (6.2)% 343
 0.5 % (6,144) (8.6)%
General and administrative expenses 810
 2.8 % 861
 4.2 %  766
 3.8 % 1,028
 3.9 % 2,531
 3.4 % 2,773
 3.9 %
Bad debt expense 
  % 4,385
 17.0 % 
  % 4,385
 6.2 %
Operating income (loss) 299
 1.0 % (4,784) (23.5)%  554
 2.8 % (7,062) (26.6)% (2,188) (2.9)% (13,302) (18.7)%
Other income (expense), net (323) (1.1)% 2,948
 14.5 %  (251) (1.2)% (333) (1.3)% (662) (0.9)% 2,640

3.7 %
Net (loss) $(24) (0.1)% $(1,836) (9.0)% 
Net income (loss) $303
 1.6 % $(7,395) (27.9)% $(2,850) (3.8)% $(10,662) (15.0)%


Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 as Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2018June 30, 2019.

Revenues. Total revenues increased by 42%decreased for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. For the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 ethanol sales increaseddecreased by 57%,33% and sales from co-products increased by 5% and other income decreased 100% due to the one time termination fee due to the load out agreement during the period ended December 31, 2018.10.5%. The change in ethanol revenue was a result of a 23.8%, or $0.265 per gallon, increasedecrease in the price per gallon received as well asdriven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a 26.6% increasereduction in sales volume forethanol gallons sold due to decreased demand also principally driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company sold 18% fewer gallons of ethanol during the three months ended December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, when compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018. Ethanol prices increased due to reduced inventories inJune 30, 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly and adversely impacted the domestic market coupled with reduced domestic productionprice of ethanol resulting from the fact that many ethanol plants have been idled or have significantly reduced production due to the recent depressed margins. Ethanol revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was not impacted by ethanol derivatives, compared to a $1,575 net loss in the same quarter for the prior year.during March, April and May of 2020.

Sales from co-products increased by 6%10.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. Co-products include dried distillers grains, wet distillers grains, corn oil, syrup and carbon dioxide. The change in co-product sales resulted primarily from an increase in distillers grain and carbon dioxide revenue. Distillers grain revenue increased as market prices increased due to reduced supply as a result of steady world and U.S. protein prices along with higher corn expenseidled ethanol plant production capacity due to COVID-19. The additional increase in distillers grains revenue related to improvement in plant production efficiencies resulting in premium rail market sales due to 105 ton railcars being incurreddelivered instead of low 90 ton rail cars which previously resulted in a discounted price per ton as an alternative feed substitute for the U.S. meat producer.compared to premium rail market sales.

Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold increaseddecreased by 14.8%33%, or approximately $3.6$ 9.3 million, for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The increasedecrease was primarily due to increases inlower corn costs.costs, lower ingredient usage, reduced energy related costs, lower repair and maintenance costs, and reduced labor expense. Cost of goods sold includes corn costs, process chemicals, denaturant, natural gas costs, electricity, production labor, repairs and maintenance, and depreciation.

Corn costs, including hedging, increased $4.1decreased $5.6 million, or 24.5%27.9%, for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The increasedecrease resulted from a 7.7% increase13.8% decrease in cornthe price due partially to increased production resulting in increased demand forof corn. For the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 corn costs included a $168,762derivatives gain of $0.172 million compared to a $1 million net gainloss for derivatives relating to corn costs compared to a $63,462 net loss in the same quarter for the prior year. Corn costs represented 74.2%78.8% of cost of goods sold for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 compared to 66.6%73.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019.

Repairs and maintenance decreased approximately 23.5%45%, or $.76$.411 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The decrease was due an increased focuseffort from internal maintenance staff completing required maintenance services instead of paying contractors to perform such services.

Depreciation expense remained flat for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019. The stabilized depreciation during the third quarter of Fiscal 2020 can be attributed to minimal capital improvement spent on preventative maintenancethe plant.

General and administrative costs decreased by $262,000, or 25%, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to avoid larger costly repairsthe three months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease is due to a combination of costs savings measured by management during the three months ended June 30, 2020.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020 as Compared to the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019

Revenues. Revenues increased by $2.1 million, or 3.3%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. Ethanol sales increased $.555 million, or 1%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The change in ethanol revenue was a result of a $0.01 decrease in the price per gallon received as well as a 1.9% increase in sales volume for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 when compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. Sales volume increased 1.9% as production run rates improved due to conversion yields and efficiencies resulting from measures implemented during the winter of 2019. During the nine months ended June 30, 2020 there were no derivatives related to ethanol sales, compared to a $21,525 net gain in the prior period.

Sales from co-products increased by 14%, or $2.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. Co-products include dried distillers grains, wet distillers grains, corn oil, syrup and carbon dioxide. Co-product revenue increased primarily due to a 28.2% increase in dried distillers grains revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The additional increase in distillers grains revenue related to improvement in plant production resulting in premium rail market sales due to 105 ton railcars being delivered instead of low 90 ton rail cars which previously resulted in a discounted price per ton as compared to premium rail market sales.

Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold decreased $4.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to decrease in corn costs ingredients, energy related expenses, repairs and maintenance, and labor. Cost of goods sold includes corn costs, process chemicals, denaturant, natural gas, electricity, production labor, repairs and maintenance, and depreciation.

Corn costs, including hedging, decreased by $5.2 million, or 9.6%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. During the nine months ending June 30, 2020 corn bushels consumed increased because of increasing the plants run rates and higher ethanol production in the amount of 855 thousand bushels. This increased in bushel increased corn cost $3 million or 5.7%. For the nine months ended June 30, 2020, corn costs included a $56,000 net gain for derivatives relating to future contracts, compared to a $0.6 million loss for the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The additional factor in the increased corn cost was a $0.1 per bushel increase price paid for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the comparable period ending 2019. Corn costs represented 67% of cost of goods sold for the nine months ended June 30, 2020, compared to 70.2% for the nine months ended June 30, 2019.

Repairs and maintenance decreased by $1.6 million, or 30.7%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was due the utilization of Company maintenance staff to perform the necessary maintenance work instead of hiring outside contractors as part of managements increased focus on cost control.

Depreciation expense decreased approximately $.5$0.5 million, or 30%88%, for the threenine months ended December 31, 2019 fromJune 30, 2020 as compared to the threenine months ended December 31, 2018. TheJune 30, 2019. Depreciation decrease in depreciation duringis based on the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 can be attributed to the Companynormal useful life and not adding depreciable assets to the plant and accelerated depreciation taken on the regenerative thermal oxidizer during the three month period December 31, 2018 due to its known replacement date.

new capital projects.

General and administrative costs decreased by $50,445,$242,000, or 5.9%8.7%, for the threenine months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 as compared to the threenine months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The decrease is due to a combination of reduced research and development costs and reduced legal expenses insavings measures by management during over the areas of employee benefits and litigation matters duringpast six months for the three months ended December 31, 2019.quarter ending June 30, 2020.

Other income decreased $3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease is due to approximately $3 million from the three months ended December 31, 2019 from the three months ended December 31, 2018 as the payment was a one-timeone time settlement payment received in exchange for the early termination of a load out agreement.contract.

Industry Factors that May Affect Future Operating Results

During the three months ended December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, the economic uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the ethanol industry resulting in decreased prices for production output due to uncertain demand. Likewise, corn feedstock price has also decreased when compared to corn prices over the last few years however since demand for ethanol is uncertain, Management continues to believe that buying corn from month to month is the best strategy in case the market experiences further decreased in and resulting production decreases over those we have experienced moderateover the past five months.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the United States and worldwide, in an effort to contain the spread of this virus, there have been various government mandated restrictions, in addition to voluntary privately implemented restrictions, including limiting public gatherings, retail store closures, restrictions on employees working and the quarantining of people who may have been exposed to the virus. The duration of the resulting downturn in economic activity is unknown both on a macro and a micro level and has

led to historically low ethanol pricing such that it is currently unprofitable to operate our ethanol plants at such levels. Consequently, we reduced our plants operating production marginscapacity before and after our planned maintenance shutdown which we extended to 10 days from the normal five days and completed using internal staff rather than third parties. The impacts of COVID-19 on our business operations, including the duration and impact on ethanol demand cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, although a prolonged reduction in production or potential stoppage at our plant would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in Fiscal 2020. Management will continue to support efforts to contain the spread of the virus and evaluate and implement strategies relating to staffing, production and operations as it deems appropriate.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, corn pricing averaged $3.23 at the beginningnearby daily settlement on CBOT with the max settled price on the nearby contract was $3.39 and endedthe minimum was $3.03 The 2020 planting season provided ideal weather for corn compared to the challenging weather conditions experienced during past five years. The June 11, 2020 USDA report increased the ending 2019 corn inventory by 2.1 billion bushels and also projects the 2020 corn inventory at 3.3 billion bushels. These increases, coupled with extremely weakpotentially less consumption by ethanol plants, decreased world exports along with decreased demand for corn as feed for livestock and poultry, is driving corn prices lower on the CBOT. Cash basis levels moved in favor of the ethanol plant as farm selling occurred so corn did not go out of condition in the grain bin plus the uncertainty of future corn pricing due to COVID-19. The Company is expecting corn origination to remain steady or improve since USDA is projecting a larger than normal corn inventory supply. The Company plans to monitor the weather over the next three months and will adjust its corn buying strategy as corn production margins in December as a result of a combination of factors including the following:becomes better known.

ŸCorn pricing stayed range bounded on the Chicago Board of Trade between $3.58 to $3.98 a bushel primarily due to late harvest and uncertain harvest yield reported from the corn belt states. The late harvest suggested that yields would fall below trend, and the United States Department of Agriculture (the "USDA") production figures to date have confirmed a yield of approximately 4-5% below trend. Although weather conditions improved as the growing season progressed crop yields remained uncertain. Cash basis levels moved slightly higher as a lack of farm selling and an extremely delayed harvest stretched available supplies to the breaking point at the end of the crop year. The resulting volatile cash prices created additional risks for the ethanol producer. Ethanol prices failed to keep pace with corn prices and as a result the industry has suffered negative margins the last half of December. Lincolnway Energy is expecting an even more challenging year in corn origination in the 2019/2020 season with a projected total corn supply reduced to closer to 16 billion bushels as compared to the 17 billion bushel supplies the industry has enjoyed over the last 3 years. The USDA currently forecasts ending stocks of 1.9 billion bushels, or 14.0% of usage,
The forward environment for the U.S. ethanol industry is still very much in question as the Company enters the final half of Fiscal 2020 because of COVID-19. If the pandemic continues or we experience a second wave and stay at home restrictions are not re-implemented by government authorities and/or are not rescinded by domestic businesses, the demand for ethanol will continue to be materially adversely effected. During the past six months, management has improved the production process of ethanol by lowering our costs and operating more efficiently. These operating process improvements have increased production capacity as well allowing for production rates of 6.7 million gallons a month compared to year ago when the plant was producing between 5 to 5.2 million gallons per month. Despite these substantial improvements in production efficiencies, if COVID-19 continues to adversely impact the demand and price for ethanol, our financial performance will also be adversely impacted. Management believes in the next 5-10 years the adoption of E15 blends could expand domestic ethanol consumption by as much as 2 billion gallons. But progress towards that goal will likely be very modest as pump and other infrastructure requirements will occur very slowly. Any positive effect on demand and market prices will likely be realized over years not months and slow to impact the Company's operations and financial condition. Despite the potential positive impact of E15 sales in the future, management expects relatively stable corn futures and basis for the first quarter of calendar 2020 with the chance for more volatile markets thereafter.

ŸEthanol continues to see significant margin weakness because of over production. Ethanol stocks built to record high levels, briefly during the summer and then dropped in September because plant production decreased significantly due to the fact that multiple plants elected to reduce production capacity or remain idle because of negative margins and limited corn supply resulting from the late harvest. Lower corn supplies are expected and the industry, particularly on a regional level, will be fighting to manage raw material availability. Ongoing capacity expansion means a fight for ethanol market share as the industry seeks to run at higher production rates despite stagnant demand. Imports from Brazil have expanded in the fourth calendar quarter of 2019 by 58 million gallons caused a further surplus in domestic inventories especially in the Midwest.

ŸAlthough there has been substantial growth in export demand in recent years, export ethanol produced in the U.S. declined during the fourth calendar quarter of 2019 and we currently expect that the export growth curve will continue to move downward in 2020. As a result of the current trade war, despite a long term commitment to increased ethanol blending in gasoline, Chinese demand is likely to remain near zero. With protective tariffs still in place and improved availability of sugar cane ethanol, Brazilian imports of U.S. ethanol are forecast to fall by 112 million gallons. In addition, given the current over supply in domestic ethanol inventories, the decrease in Brazilian demand caused by that country’s quota system and the attractiveness of U.S. imports from Brazil to meet advanced biofuel mandates and satisfy the California carbon intensity/low carbon fuel standard requirements, we expect foreign trade to continue to exert a negative impact on ethanol prices.

ŸThe forward environment for the U.S. ethanol industry is still very much in question as the Company enters its fiscal year ending September 30, 2020 ("Fiscal 2020"). Organic capacity growth continues to weigh on a stagnant domestic demand base. Smaller corn supplies will likely cause regional dislocations, resulting in volatile corn basis swings and potentially offer opportunities for ethanol producers in “corn rich” areas such as Iowa, to capitalize with higher priced ethanol sales. But given the current high levels of ethanol stocks and a corn supply adequate to supply demand at least into mid-2020, ethanol production margins may well remain depressed for the foreseeable future. The EPA’s maintenance in the Final 2020 Rule of the number of gallons which may be met by conventional renewable fuels such as corn-based ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons is a continuance of the status quo.  Of much greater importance for domestic ethanol demand is the long awaited approval by the EPA of the sale of E15 blends year round.  This theoretically raises the potential demand for ethanol by upwards of 7 billion gallons.  Before any of this additional demand can be realized, significant changes must occur in the supply chain, particularly the installation of blender pumps at retail gas stations.  In addition, consumer education regarding the benefits of higher ethanol blends is critically important.  Management believes in the next 5-10 years the adoption of E15 blends could expand domestic ethanol consumption by as much as 2 billion gallons. But progress towards that goal will likely be very modest as pump and other infrastructure requirements will occur very slowly. Any positive effect on demand and market prices will likely be realized over years not months and slow to impact the Company's operations and financial condition. Given the hostility of the oil industry toward higher ethanol blends, and their control of half of the gas stations in the U.S., this promises to be a long and arduous process. Despite the potential positive impact of E15 sales in the future, management

continues to have significant concerns about the impact of the small refiner waivers granted by the EPA (which are discussed further below) on any potential positive impacts from E15. The reduced usage requirements of the small refiners have not been passed along to large refiners and in the short run represents a greater potential hole in demand than the adoption of regulations permitting the year-round sale of E15 can fill.

ŸLargely steady gasoline prices have resulted in no demand increases in the domestic market. Gasoline demand has stagnated year over year. Demographics, alternative fuel vehicles and efficiency improvements have stalled gasoline demand growth for most of the last decade. With 89% of U.S. ethanol production consumed domestically and domestic demand growth in neutral, the industry may continue to experience a weak margin environment. The stronger U.S. economy has been an important factor in the expansion of miles driven; however, it is a very modest expansion of miles driven. At multi-decade lows, unemployment rates are unlikely to move any lower, gasoline demand growth during Fiscal 2020 is unlikely, and industry capacity expansion appears to be moving beyond the gasoline market’s ability to absorb more ethanol without quicker adoption of E15 and other higher blends or a strong renewal of export growth.

The EPA continues to grant extensive small refinery exemptions which has an immediate impact on ethanol demand and demonstrates the ongoing support of the current administration for the fossil fuel industry and continuing hostility towards the ethanol industry. Management currently believes that our margins will remain tight to negative in light of mixed signals on support for the RFS and the continued granting of small refinery waivers by the EPA. In addition, the continued effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy is expected to have a substantial negative impact on demand, which could adversely impact our profitability during the balance of Fiscal 2020. Tightening of corn supplies and continued over production of domestic ethanol may also impact operating margins and our profitability. This negative impact could worsen in the event that domestic ethanol inventories remain high, or if U.S. exports of ethanol remain low or decline further. Unless additional demand can be found in foreign or domestic markets, a continued level of current ethanol stocks or any increase in domestic ethanol supply could further adversely impact the price of ethanol.
Ÿ
Ethanol no longer trades at a large discount to gasoline which had improved domestic and export demand somewhat, particularly among price opportunistic foreign buyers.  As ethanol prices have increased in response to rising corn prices, its discount to reformulated gasoline blend stock for oxygen blending (RBOB) fell slightly during the quarter.  This smaller discount and the EPA engineered reduction in ethanol RINS prices have greatly reduced the attractiveness of higher ethanol blends and have stymied the penetration of E15 blends in the domestic market.  While the EPA’s approval of year round blending of E15 promises potentially significant increases in ethanol blending in the future which management believes is a significant positive for the industry in the long run. In the short run, the narrowed spread between ethanol and RBOB prices has greatly weakened the economics of installing blender pumps at service stations.  Without significant growth in this vital link in the supply chain, ethanol blending growth will continue to disappoint.

ŸThe EPA continues to grant extensive small refinery exemptions with current estimates indicating that the EPA granted approximately 2.6 billion gallons of such waivers for 2019.  This demand impact is immediate and demonstrates the ongoing support of the current administration for the fossil fuel industry and continuing hostility towards the ethanol industry. The U.S. government continues to take positions which negatively impact domestic offtake of ethanol. Exemptions for small refiner blending of ethanol have now been granted even to subsidiaries of large multinational oil companies. Under the RFS, a small refinery (a refinery that processes less than 75,000 barrels per day) can petition the EPA for a waiver of their requirement to submit RINs. The EPA, through consultation with the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture, can grant them a full or partial waiver, or deny it within 90 days of submittal. The EPA granted significantly more of these waivers for 2018 and 2019 than they had in the past, totaling estimated two billion gallons of waived requirements. This effectively reduced the RFS volumes for those compliance years by that amount, and has lowered RIN values significantly over the past calendar year which in turn adversely impacts the market and price for ethanol. However, on January 24, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit struck down three specific waivers which had been challenged by biofuels industry groups stating that the waivers were improperly issued by the EPA. The court also found that the EPA abused its discretion in failing to explain how the EPA could conclude that a small refinery could suffer a disproportionate economic hardship while the EPA continued to consistently claim that costs for RIN compliance are passed through to, and recovered by, the same small refineries. Although this ruling is a positive signal to the marketplace, there is no guarantee that the EPA will cease granting small refinery waivers or that courts will strike down additional waivers granted by the EPA

ŸWith the threats to both export and domestic demand outlined above, one important driving force moving our margins lower during the quarter was stunted demand growth. Year over year quarterly demand increased barely 1%, or 160 million gallons. Of far greater importance was the increase in production capacity. Industry sources estimate capacity expansion of 500 million gallons between debottlenecking and capacity additions at existing plants and the opening of new plants. Management believes that figure to be conservative and that potential supply expansion over the last year could be on the order of 600-700 million gallons. Regardless, the net effect has been a severe contraction of margins.

We use futures and options strategies on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to hedge some of the risk involved with changing corn prices, as well as the purchase and physical delivery of corn contracts from area farmers and commercial suppliers. We also incorporate risk management strategies to cover some of the risk involved with changing ethanol and distillers market prices. We continue to monitor the markets and attempt to provide for an adequate supply of corn and protection against rapid price increases for corn and price decreases for ethanol and distillers grains.

Management currently believes that our margins will continue to be tight to negative for the remainder of Fiscal 2020 . Tightening corn supplies and continued over production of ethanol gallons will impact operating margins and our profitability. This negative impact could worsen in the event that domestic ethanol inventories remain historically high or grow, or if U.S. exports of ethanol decline further.


Corn oil prices stayed flat instarted to recover during the fourth quarter after falling to multi-year lows. The avalanchebeginning of soybean stocks in the U.S. resulted in high crush rates2020 and substantial soybean oil production. Soybean oil prices increased during this quarter because of world demand.the price received remains higher than the previous year. The reinstated blenders’ tax credit for biodiesel could positively impact the price and demand for corn oil as biodiesel production margins improve. Corn oil supplies in the U.S. are expected to grow due to yield improvements which could offset the impact of lower ethanol production rates.

The Final 2020 Rule raised the renewable volume requirements for advanced biofuels from the 201 level of 4.9 billion gallons to 5.09 billion gallons and increased the biomass-based diesel from 2.1 billion gallons to 2.43 billion gallons. Additionally, with the reinstated Blenders

Tax Credit of $1.00 per gallon willmay positively impact the demand for corn oil. U.S. corn oil supplies are expected to grow by approximately 10%. World oilseed supplies are projected to be flat and world oilseed stocks are expected to contract. This suggests corn oil prices may fluctuate modestly.

Credit and Counterparty Risks

Through our normal business activities, we are subject to significant credit and counterparty risks that arise through normal commercial sales and purchases, including forward commitments to buy and sell, and through various other over-the-counter (OTC) derivative instruments that we utilize to manage risks inherent in our business activities.  We define credit and counterparty risk as a potential financial loss due to the failure of a counterparty to honor its obligations.  The exposure is measured based upon several factors, including unpaid accounts receivable from counterparties and unrealized gains (losses) from OTC derivative instruments (including forward purchase and sale contracts). Part of our risk management strategy requires that we actively monitor credit and counterparty risk through credit analysis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Credit Agreement Amendments

Effective May 29, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) the Company entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Credit Agreement with Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA and Farm Credit Services of America, PCA (collectively, the “Lender”) dated July 3, 2017, as previously amended February 23, 2018 (the “Credit Agreement”). CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) continues to have a participation interest in the underlying loans issued under the Credit Agreement and continues to serve as administrative agent for the Credit Agreement. The Amendment modifies the working capital, net worth and debt service coverage ratio financial covenants in the Credit Agreement as follows:

Working Capital. The working capital financial covenant is modified to increase the minimum working capital the Company is required to have at the end of each financial statement period. Pursuant to the Amendment the Company must have an excess of current assets over current liabilities of not less than $10,000,000 (“Working Capital Amount”); except that in determining (a) current assets, any amount available under any revolving term promissory note with Lender under the Credit Agreement may be included, and (b) current liabilities, any amount of revolving promissory note with Lender under the Credit Agreement considered a non-current liability and any amount of previous operating lease(s) now reflected as a current liability may be excluded (all as determined in accordance with the Accounting Standards (as defined in the “Credit Agreement”)). The Working Capital Amount was previously $7,500,000.

Net Worth. The net worth financial covenant is modified to reduce the net worth amount the Company is required to have at the end of each financial statement period. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Company must have an excess of total assets over total liabilities of not less than $24,000,000 (all as determined in accordance with the Accounting Standards) (the “Net Worth Amount”), and a specified receivable is excluded. The Net Worth Amount was previously $25,000,000.

Debt Service Coverage Ratio. The language of this financial covenant is modified to provide that the application of this covenant to the Company does not commence until the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021 and to provide that commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, the Company shall not have a Debt Service Coverage Ratio of less than 1.50 to 1.00. Under the Amendment, the definition of Debt Service Coverage Ratio is modified to mean: (a) net income (after taxes), plus depreciation and amortization, minus non-cash income from patronage/investments, minus extraordinary gains (plus losses), minus gains (plus losses) on asset sale; divided by (b) $5,000,000 (all as determined in accordance with the Accounting Standards).

In addition, the Amendment modified the dividend and distributions negative covenant set forth in the Credit Agreement to provide increased financial limitations on the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends or distributions to its members. Under the Amendment, the Company may not declare or pay any dividends or purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any of its capital stock, or allocate or otherwise set apart any sum for any of the foregoing, except that beginning with fiscal year ending September 30, 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Company may pay dividends in an amount up to 40.00% of its net income for the prior fiscal year assuming there no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and continues or would result therefrom. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may pay dividends of up to 75% of net income for the prior fiscal year,

provided that the Company’s working capital, pre and post distribution, remains above $15,000,000 million and assuming there no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and continues or would result therefrom.

In connection with the execution of the Amendment, the Company and Lender entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note dated May 29, 2020 (the “Restated Revolving Term Note”) which amended, restated and superseded the Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note dated December 28, 2018 (the “Prior Revolving Term Note”). The Restated Revolving Term Note amends the Prior Revolving Term Note to delay the commencement of the maximum commitment amount reduction schedule for a year so that the new maximum commitment amount reduction schedule is as follows:
Maximum Commitment AmountFromUp to and Including
$20,000,000October 20, 2021October 19, 2022
$15,000,000October 20, 2022October 19, 2023
$10,000,000October 20, 2023October 1, 2024

In connection with the execution of the Amendment, the Company and the Lender entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated May 29, 2020 (the “Restated Revolving Credit Note”) which amended, restated and superseded the Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated June 28, 2019 to extend the maturity date to January 1, 2021, subject to an annual renewal.
In connection with the execution of the Credit Agreement, the Company and the Lender also entered into an Amended and Restated Letter of Credit Promissory Note dated May 29, 2020 (the “Restated Letter of Credit Note”) which amended, restated and superseded the Revolving Letter of Credit Promissory Note dated June 28, 2019. The maximum amount of the letter of credit commitment was changed to $1,307,525.

In addition, the Lender provided the Company with a letter dated May 28, 2020 waiving past violations resulting from non-compliance with the working capital, net worth and debt service coverage ratio financial covenants from June 30, 2019 through April 30, 2020.
Cash Injections and Mitigation of Previous Going Concern Uncertainty
Recently, the Company has completed several transactions that has resulted in the Company’s receipt of the following injections of cash:
On March 31, 2020, the Company received $5,000,000 million in cash in connection with the issuance of 42,049 new Class A Units.
On April 13, 2020, the Company received $505,700 under the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
On May 28, 2020, the Company received an additional $2,500,000 in cash in connection with the issuance of an additional 14,037 Class A Units and 6,987 new Class B Units.

As discussed above, the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K included an explanatory paragraph expressing doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management also disclosed a going concern uncertainty in the Company’s financial statements included in the Q1 2020 Form 10-Q. Based on the financial projections prepared bycompletion of the transactions described above together with the continued effects of our recent capital issuances and our improved liquidity, management believes the previously reported going concern uncertainty has been mitigated.

Although there is uncertainty related to the anticipated impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak on our future results, we plan to closely monitor existing cash,believe our current cash reserves, the cash received from our recent equity issuances, our PPP Loan, and the available cash under our revolving term loan and our revolving credit facilities, and cash from operationsloan leave us well-positioned to continuemanage our business through this crisis as it continues to operateunfold. However, the ethanol plant. The Company may seek capital in form of equity or debt due to the negative resultsimpacts of the ethanol marginsCOVID-19 pandemic are broad-reaching and the financial impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, meet our operating requirements. Management is currently workingreduced production levels, lower net sales and potential incremental costs associated with a potential strategic investor to inject cash equity intomitigating the Company. Working capital (deficit) was approximately $(18.9) million after converting $21.8 millioneffects of long-term liabilities to current liabilities asthe pandemic, including storage and logistics costs and other expenses. As a result, of the violation of debt covenants. The long-term debt was converted to current liabilities due to the uncertainties of stayingalthough we were in covenant compliance with our lender.financial covenants set forth in our Credit Agreement as of May 29, 2020, the impact the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely impact our operating results which could result in our inability to comply with certain of these financial covenants and require our lenders to waive compliance with, or agree to amend, any such covenant to avoid a default. However, management currently projectsbased on our current forecast of market conditions and our financial performance, we expect that liquid working capitalwe will be sufficient based on current cash balances and credit facilities availablein a position to satisfy all of the financial covenants in our Credit Agreement for the remaindernext twelve months.


Despite the uncertainty related to the impact of the fiscal year, butCOVID-19 pandemic on our future results, management will continueexpects to monitorhave sufficient cash available to fund operations for the next twelve months generated by cash from our liquidity position on a weekly basis.

Lincolnway is technically in default with its working capital covenant with its lender because of the reclassification of longcontinuing operations, available cash reserves and available cash under our revolving term debt to current. As of December 31, 2019 Lincolnway is in default on its tangible net worth covenant. In addition, based on management's financial projections it is anticipated that the Company will not be in compliance with the debt service coverage covenant at September 30, 2020, the end ofloan and our fiscal year. As such, management determined, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), to reclassify long term debt as current liabilities. Management is currently discussing necessary covenants waivers with our lender.revolving credit loan.

Our financial position and liquidity are, and will continue to be, influenced by a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

our ability to generate cash flows from operations;

the level of our outstanding indebtedness and the interest we are obligated to pay;

our ability to obtain ongoing credit from our primary lender and, if needed, to obtain waivers of covenant violations;

our margin maintenance requirements on all commodity trading accounts.

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents from the unaudited statement of cash flows for the periods presented:
 

 Three Months Ended December 31, Nine Months Ended June 30,
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Cash Flow Data: 2019 2018 2020 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities $3,875,276
 $1,021,048
Net cash (used in) operating activities $(952,696) $(4,966,369)
Net cash (used in) investing activities (236,239) (1,325,770) (441,219) (2,915,185)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (3,500,000) 200,000
Net cash provided by financing activities 5,905,700
 7,400,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $139,037
 $(104,722) $4,511,785
 $(481,554)

Cash Flow Provided byUsed in Operations

For the threenine months ended December 31, 2019,June 30, 2020, net cash provided byused in operating activities increasedimproved by $2.8$1.4 million when compared to net cash provided by operating activities for the threenine- months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The increaseimprovement in cash provided by operating activities is due to the lower net lossreduction of operating expenses, improvements in inventory controls, improved production efficiencies and timing inof working capital components.cycles.

Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities reflect the impact of property and equipment acquired for the ethanol plant. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $1.1$1.6 million for the three monthsnine month ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 compared to the threenine months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The decrease was due to several large progress payments made onless capitalized expenses and improvements to the installation offacility as the plant has implemented a grains drying and cooling system in the previous fiscal year.preventive maintenance plan.

Cash Flow Provided by (used in) Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities include transactions and events whereby cash is obtained from, or paid to, depositors, creditors or investors. Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $3.7$2.7 million for the threenine months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 compared to the threenine months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019. The decrease was due to less borrowing along with proceeds received by the Company from issuance of membership units.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which we operate. This preparation requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, actual results could differ from the estimates, assumptions, and judgments reflected in the financial statements. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Management believes the following

policies are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require subjective or complex judgments; therefore, management considers the following to be critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of our ethanol and distillers grains is recognized at the time title, control and all risks of ownership transfer to the marketing company. This generally occurs upon the loading of the product. For ethanol, title and control passes at the time the product crosses the loading flange into either a railcar or truck.Fortruck. For distillers grains, title and control passes upon the loading of distillers grains into trucks or railcars. Corn oil is marketed internally. Revenue is recognized when title and control of ownership transfers, upon loading. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company for the sale of distillers grain are included in the costs of goods sold. Ethanol revenue is reported free on board (FOB) and all shipping and handling costs are incurred by the ethanol marketer. Commissions for the marketing and sale of ethanol and distiller grains are included in the costs of goods sold.

All of our ethanol production is sold to Eco-Energy. The purchase price payable to us under our agreement with Eco-Energy is the purchase price set forth in the applicable purchase order, less a marketing fee payable to Eco-Energy.

The Company has an agreement with Gavilon to purchase all of the distillers grains produced at our ethanol plant. The purchase price payable to us is the corresponding price being paid to Gavilon for the distillers grains, less certain logistics costs and a service fee.


Derivative Instruments

Lincolnway Energy periodically enters into derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to price risk related to forecasted corn needs, forward corn purchase contracts and ethanol sales. Lincolnway Energy does not typically enter into derivative instruments other than for hedging purposes. All future derivative contracts are recognized on the December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 balance sheet at their fair value. Although Lincolnway Energy believes our derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. Accordingly, any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to these derivative instruments is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold for corn contracts and as a component of revenue for ethanol contracts.

Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in our financial statements but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.

Inventories and Lower of Cost or Market

Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or actual cost using the first-in, first-out method.  In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. For the threenine months ended December 31,June 30, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, the Company had a lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustment of $172,016$0.00 and $1,082,234$180,000 respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Construction in progress is comprised of costs related to the projects that are not completed. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. When circumstances or events arise that questions an asset's usefulness, the asset is evaluate for future use and appropriate carrying value.

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived tangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such events and circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in the market value of the asset, adverse changes in the extent or manner in which the asset is being used, significant changes in business climate, or current or projected cash flow losses associated with the use of the assets. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such assets are separately identifiable and are less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. For long-lived assets to be held for use in future operations and for fixed (tangible) assets, fair value is determined primarily using either the projected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or an appraisal. For long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale or other than sale, fair value is determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for disposal costs.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


We currently do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In addition to the various risks inherent in the ethanol industry and our operations, we are exposed to various market risks.  The primary market risks arise as a result of possible changes in certain commodity prices and changes in interest rates.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk with respect to the price of ethanol, which is our principal product, and the price and availability of corn and natural gas, which are the principal commodities we use to produce ethanol.  Our other primary product is distillers grains, and we are also subject to market risk with respect to the price for distillers grains.  The prices for ethanol, distillers grains, corn and natural gas are volatile, and we may experience market conditions where the prices we receive for our ethanol and distillers grains are declining, but the price we pay for our corn, natural gas and other inputs is increasing. Our results will therefore vary substantially over time, and include the possibility of losses, which could be substantial.

In general, rising ethanol and distillers grains prices result in higher profit margins, and therefore represent favorable market conditions.  We are, however, subject to various material risks related to our production of ethanol and distillers grains and the price for ethanol and distillers grains.  For example, ethanol and distillers grains prices are influenced by various factors beyond the control of our management, including the supply and demand for gasoline, the availability of substitutes, international trade and the effects of domestic and foreign laws, regulations and government policies.

In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, accordingly, represent unfavorable market conditions.  We will generally not be able to pass along increased corn costs to our ethanol customers.  We are subject to various material risks related to the availability and price of corn, many of which are beyond our control.  For example, the availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to various unpredictable factors, including weather conditions, crop yields, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture, and local, regional, national and international trade, demand and supply. If our corn costs were to increase $.10 per bushel from one year to the next, the impact on costs of goods sold would be approximately $2.1 million for the year, assuming corn use of 21 million bushels during the year.

Falling ethanol prices indicate weak market conditions and will usually negatively impact profit margins. Lincolnway Energy will typically be unable to pass through the impact of decreased ethanol revenues to its corn suppliers. Lincolnway Energy is subject to various material risks related to the demand for and price of ethanol, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For example, the demand for and price of ethanol is subject to significant fluctuations due to various unpredictable factors which are beyond the control of Lincolnway Energy's management, including driving habits, consumer vehicle buying decisions, petroleum price movement, plant capacity utilization, and government policies with respect to biofuel use, railroad transportation requirements, national and international trade and supply and demand. If Lincolnway Energy's ethanol revenue were to decrease $.05 per gallon from one year to the next, the impact on gross revenues would be approximately $3.1 million for the year.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, corn prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data ranged from a low of $3.58 per bushel for December 2019 delivery to a high of $3.98 per bushel for October 2019 delivery.  The corn prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 ranged from a low of $3.56 per bushel for November 2018 delivery to a high of $3.86 per bushel for December 2018 delivery.

The average price we received for our ethanol FOB Nevada, Ia., during the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $1.38 per gallon, as compared to $1.11 per gallon during the three months ended December 31, 2018.

During the quarter ended December 30, 2019, ethanol prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data ranged from a low of $1.32 per gallon for December 2019 delivery to a high of $1.52 per gallon for November 2019 delivery. The ethanol prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data during the three months ended December 31, 2018 ranged from a low of $1.20 per gallon for November 2018 delivery to a high of $1.32 per gallon for October 2018 delivery.

We may from time to time take various cash, futures, options or other positions in an attempt to minimize or reduce our price risks related to corn and ethanol. The extent to which we enter into such positions may vary substantially from time to time and based on various factors, including seasonal factors and our views as to future market trends. Those activities are, however, also subject to various material risks, including that price movements in the cash and futures corn and ethanol markets are highly volatile and are influenced by many factors and occurrences that are beyond our control. We could incur substantial losses on our cash, futures, options or other positions.


Although we intend our futures and option positions to accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases of corn or futures sales of ethanol, we have chosen not to use hedge accounting for those positions, which would match the gain or loss on the positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged.  To avoid the higher costs associated with hedge accounting, we are instead using fair value accounting for the positions. Generally that means as the current market price of the positions changes, the realized or unrealized gains and losses are immediately recognized in our costs of goods sold in the statement of operations for corn positions or as a component of revenue in the statement of operations for ethanol positions.  The immediate recognition of gains and losses on those positions can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the positions relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.  For example, our net gain on corn derivative financial instruments that was included in our cost of goods sold for the three months ended December 31, 2019June 30, 2020 was $168,762,$171,662 as opposed to a net lossgain of $63,462$1,005,692 for the three months ended December 31, 2018.June 30, 2019.

We attempt to offset or hedge some of the risk involved with changing corn prices through the trading of futures and options on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, as well as through purchase and physical delivery contracts from suppliers. We continue to stay at a near neutral corn position due to an uptrend in ethanol sales margins. We continue to monitor and attempt to ensure

adequate corn supply and protection against rapid price increases. As noted above those activities are, however, subject to various material risks, including that price movements in the cash corn and corn futures markets are highly volatile and are influenced by many factors and occurrences which are beyond our control.

Another important raw material for our production of ethanol is natural gas. Our cost per MMBTU is subject to various factors that are outside of the control of our management. The factors include changes in weather, increase in transportation costs and the overall economic activity.  Our natural gas costs will therefore vary, and the variations could be material.  Our natural gas costs for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20192020 represented approximately 5.5%5.86% of our total cost of goods sold for that period.

Interest Rate Risk

We have various outstanding loan agreements that expose us to market risk related to changes in the interest rate imposed under the loan agreement and promissory notes.

We have entered into loan agreements, including an irrevocable letter of credit, with Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA and Farm Credit Services of America, PCA (collectively, "Farm Credit"). The interest rate on the Farm Credit revolving term loan and irrevocable letter of credit is a variable interest rate based on the one-month LIBOR index plus 3.75%. We do not anticipate any significant increase in interest rates during Fiscal 2020.




Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our  management,  under the supervision and with  the  participation  of  our General Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer and our Interim Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), have evaluated the  effectiveness of our disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as defined in Rule  13a-15(e) under the Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934) as of the end of the  period covered by this quarterly report.  Based on that evaluation,  our General Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer and our Interim Chief Financial Officer have  concluded  that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our disclosure controls and procedures have been effective to provide  reasonable  assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports our management files or submits  under the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934 is (i)  recorded,  processed, summarized and reported within the time  periods  specified  in the  Securities  and  Exchange Commission's   rules  and  forms,  and  (ii)  accumulated  and  communicated  to management,  including our  principal executive and principal financial officers or persons performing such functions,  as appropriate,  to allow timely decisions regarding  disclosure.  We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute  assurance that the  objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide  absolute  assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud,  if any, within a company have been detected.
 
No Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

From time to time the Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of its business. None of these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, currently is material to the Company except as reported in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, there were no material developments to such matters.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes toMembers should carefully consider the risk factors discloseddiscussion of risks and the other information in Item 1A of our Annual Reportannual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. Additional2019, in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” the disclosures of risks in Part II, Item 1.A in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020 along with the discussion of risks and uncertainties, including riskother information in Part

I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and uncertainties not presently knownAnalysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under “Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” of this report. Although we have attempted to us,discuss key factors, our members 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 that we currently deem immaterial, could also have an adverse effect onestimate the extent to which they may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.performance.



Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
    
None.As previously disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2020 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 19, 2020, on May 28, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), the Company closed its previously announced private offering of new Class B Units (the “Class B Offering”) to its existing members who are “accredited investors” (such members “Existing Accredited Members”), as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D, promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Pursuant to subscription agreements between the Company and certain Existing Accredited Investors entered into as part of the Class B Offering, the Company sold 6,822 new Class B Units for an aggregate price of $811,204, or $118.91 per unit.

Also effective as of the Closing Date (a) pursuant to the Preferred Membership Unit Purchase Agreement between the Company and HALE, LLC, an Iowa limited liability company (“HALE”) dated as of March 31, 2020 (a copy of which was previously filed with the SEC as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 3, 2020) incorporated herein by reference (the “MUPA”) the Company sold an additional 14,037 Class A Units to HALE for $1,669,176, or $118.91 per unit, and (b) pursuant to a separate subscription agreement between the Company and LKPK Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“LKPK”), the Company agreed to sell and subsequently sold 165 Class B Units to LKPK for $19,620, or $118.91 per unit. The aggregate price for the sale of these Class A Units and Class B Units was $2,500,000, or $118.91 per unit. These securities were sold for cash consideration, and there were no underwriting discounts, sales commissions, or brokerage fees applied or paid in the transaction.

These sales were consummated in reliance on the exemption from registration found in Rule 506(b) of Regulation D, promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act. The facts relied upon to make the exemption available are that (a) the securities were offered and sold exclusively to accredited investors, as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D; (b) no general solicitations were made in connection with the offer or sale of the securities; (c) the securities bear the required statutory legend prescribing the restrictions on transfer and resale applicable to the securities as required by Section 502 of Regulation D; (d) none of the “bad actor” disqualification events contained in Rule 506(d) of Regulation D apply to any pertinent person or entity in the offering; and (e) the Company filed the Form D notice, and all other necessary notices, in a timely manner with all applicable securities regulators, both state and federal.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information.

None.


Item 6.    Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this quarterly report.

Description of Exhibit  Page
10  
Management Services Agreement between Lincolnway Energy, LLC and Husker Ag, LLC dated January 1, 2020**

*
10  
Corn Procurement Agreement between Lincolnway Energy, LLC and Innovative Ag Services Co. effective January 24, 2020

*
10  
Separation Agreement and General Release between the Lincolnway Energy, LLC and Michael Hollenberg dated January 17, 2020**

*
    
31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications 
    
  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of President and Chief Executive OfficerE-1
  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Interim Chief Financial OfficerE-2
    
32 Section 1350 Certifications 
    
  Section 1350 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer †E-3
  Section 1350 Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer†E-4
    
101 
Interactive Data Files (furnished electronically herewith pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T)
 
    
* Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Committee on January 3, 2019
† This certification is not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
Description of ExhibitPage
31Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of President and Chief Executive OfficerE-1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Interim Chief Financial OfficerE-2
32Section 1350 Certifications
Section 1350 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer †E-3
Section 1350 Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer†E-4
101
Interactive Data Files (furnished electronically herewith pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T)
† This certification is not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.




SIGNATURES

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

 LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC
   
FebruaryAugust 14, 2020By:/s/ Seth Harder
 Name:    Seth Harder
 Title:     General Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer
  
   
FebruaryAugust 14, 2020By:/s/   Jeff Kistner
 Name:    Jeff Kistner
 Title:      Interim Chief Financial Officer





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