Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017March 31, 2018
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 000-20557
 
 
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
OHIO 34-1562374
(State of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1947 Briarfield Boulevard, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(419) 893-5050
(Telephone Number)
 (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filerýAccelerated Filer¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨

Smaller reporting company¨
Emerging growth company
¨

  
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The registrant had approximately 28.428.3 million common shares outstanding, no par value, at July 28, 2017.April 27, 2018.

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


Part I. Financial Information


Item 1. Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$18,934
 $62,630
 $31,383
$31,497
 $34,919
 $29,645
Restricted cash1,033
 471
 987

 
 752
Accounts receivable, net186,331
 194,698
 212,588
216,021
 183,238
 190,628
Inventories (Note 2)463,205
 682,747
 486,236
731,629
 648,703
 641,294
Commodity derivative assets – current (Note 5)11,619
 45,447
 115,924
43,810
 30,702
 48,049
Other current assets59,873
 72,133
 48,754
57,147
 63,790
 83,623
Assets held for sale (Note 16)10,028
 
 
Assets held for sale57,775
 37,859
 
Total current assets751,023
 1,058,126
 895,872
1,137,879
 999,211
 993,991
Other assets:          
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent (Note 5)1,191
 100
 1,934
1,739
 310
 339
Goodwill (Note 17)23,105
 63,934
 63,934
Goodwill6,024
 6,024
 63,934
Other intangible assets, net113,492
 106,100
 113,245
108,855
 112,893
 103,057
Other assets, net8,686
 10,411
 6,549
28,566
 12,557
 8,108
Equity method investments215,794
 216,931
 238,478
224,449
 223,239
 208,993
362,268
 397,476
 424,140
369,633
 355,023
 384,431
Rail Group assets leased to others, net (Note 3)375,092
 327,195
 340,136
462,253
 423,443
 342,936
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 3)423,042
 450,052
 447,267
393,763
 384,677
 440,395
Total assets$1,911,425
 $2,232,849
 $2,107,415
$2,363,528
 $2,162,354
 $2,161,753

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Liabilities and equity          
Current liabilities:          
Short-term debt (Note 4)$124,000
 $29,000
 $179,404
$489,000
 $22,000
 $255,000
Trade and other payables267,194
 581,826
 302,413
263,519
 503,571
 276,834
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue15,113
 48,590
 18,252
81,778
 59,710
 81,628
Commodity derivative liabilities – current (Note 5)18,104
 23,167
 43,183
15,424
 29,651
 29,914
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities69,256
 69,648
 71,169
60,095
 69,579
 65,952
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)62,482
 47,545
 53,720
14,134
 54,205
 56,144
Total current liabilities556,149
 799,776
 668,141
923,950
 738,716
 765,472
Other long-term liabilities34,441
 27,833
 30,430
31,536
 33,129
 36,125
Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent (Note 5)334
 339
 2,182
1,414
 825
 450
Employee benefit plan obligations36,837
 35,026
 44,902
26,310
 26,716
 34,832
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 4)354,066
 397,065
 398,746
438,628
 418,339
 365,971
Deferred income taxes181,806
 182,113
 179,911
118,933
 121,730
 181,541
Total liabilities1,163,633
 1,442,152
 1,324,312
1,540,771
 1,339,455
 1,384,391
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:          
Common shares, without par value (63,000 shares authorized; 29,430 shares issued at 6/30/2017, 12/31/16 and 6/30/2016)96
 96
 96
Common shares, without par value (63,000 shares authorized; 29,430 shares issued at 3/31/2018, 12/31/17 and 3/31/2017)96
 96
 96
Preferred shares, without par value (1,000 shares authorized; none issued)
 
 

 
 
Additional paid-in-capital222,261
 222,910
 219,489
221,990
 224,622
 220,366
Treasury shares, at cost (1,080, 1,201 and 1,190 shares at 6/30/2017, 12/31/16 and 6/30/2016, respectively)(40,945) (45,383) (44,970)
Treasury shares, at cost (955, 1,063 and 1,074 shares at 3/31/2018, 12/31/17 and 3/31/2017, respectively)(36,028) (40,312) (40,727)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(11,993) (12,468) (17,094)(3,988) (2,700) (11,964)
Retained earnings570,406
 609,206
 606,177
618,572
 633,496
 601,560
Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.739,825
 774,361
 763,698
800,642
 815,202
 769,331
Noncontrolling interests7,967
 16,336
 19,405
22,115
 7,697
 8,031
Total equity747,792
 790,697
 783,103
822,757
 822,899
 777,362
Total liabilities and equity$1,911,425
 $2,232,849
 $2,107,415
$2,363,528
 $2,162,354
 $2,161,753
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$993,662
 $1,064,244
 $1,845,678
 $1,952,123
$635,739
 $852,016
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues905,828
 967,202
 1,681,386
 1,787,326
572,034
 775,558
Gross profit87,834
 97,042
 164,292
 164,797
63,705
 76,458
Operating, administrative and general expenses69,928
 75,405
 151,875
 155,286
64,257
 81,545
Goodwill impairment42,000
 
 42,000
 
Interest expense5,988
 6,554
 12,088
 13,605
6,999
 6,100
Other income (loss):       
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net6,385
 2,344
 4,507
 (4,633)
Other income:   
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates, net3,573
 (1,878)
Other income, net4,632
 5,682
 12,529
 8,928
1,686
 7,495
Income (loss) before income taxes(19,065) 23,109
 (24,635) 201
(2,292) (5,570)
Income tax provision (benefit)7,652
 7,668
 5,117
 382
(310) (2,535)
Net income (loss)(26,717) 15,441
 (29,752) (181)(1,982) (3,035)
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests(64) 1,018
 (10) 92
(282) 54
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(26,653) $14,423
 $(29,742) $(273)$(1,700) $(3,089)
Per common share:          
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders$(0.94) $0.51
 $(1.05) $(0.01)$(0.06) $(0.11)
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders$(0.94) $0.51
 $(1.05) $(0.01)$(0.06) $(0.11)
Dividends declared$0.160
 $0.155
 $0.320
 $0.310
$0.165
 $0.160
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Net income (loss)$(26,717) $15,441
 $(29,752) $(181)$(1,982) $(3,035)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Change in fair value of debt securities (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0 and $74)
 
 
 (126)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $(628), $653, $(635) and $663 - Note 8)(988) 1,121
 (998) 1,294
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0)959
 52
 1,473
 2,557
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $0, $36, $0, and $72)
 60
 
 120
Change in fair value of convertible preferred securities (net of income tax of $(87) and $0)(87) 
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $15 and $7)(51) (10)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $0 and $0)(1,150) 514
Other comprehensive income (loss)(29) 1,233
 475
 3,845
(1,288) 504
Comprehensive income (loss)(26,746) 16,674
 (29,277) 3,664
(3,270) (2,531)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests(64) 1,018
 (10) 92
(282) 54
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(26,682) $15,656
 $(29,267) $3,572
$(2,988) $(2,585)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
Operating Activities      
Net income (loss)$(29,752) $(181)$(1,982) $(3,035)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization42,878
 41,379
22,679
 21,003
Bad debt expense839
 491
Bad debt expense (recovery)(531) 629
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of dividends(3,793) 7,181
(2,360) 1,931
Gains on sale of facilities and investments in affiliates(4,701) (685)
Gains on sale of Rail Group assets and related leases(4,984) (4,725)(2,280) (3,609)
Deferred income taxes(628) (1,601)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets277
 (4,698)
Stock-based compensation expense2,935
 3,696
1,268
 1,220
Goodwill impairment expense42,000
 
Other(2,339) 234
(70) (725)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable13,086
 (43,650)(30,730) 7,563
Inventories213,064
 224,368
(85,262) 33,456
Commodity derivatives27,670
 (60,443)(45,775) 4,017
Other assets10,629
 35,612
1,134
 (9,375)
Payables and other accrued expenses(352,133) (396,037)(235,075) (277,612)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(45,229) (194,361)(378,707) (229,235)
Investing Activities      
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired(3,507) 
Purchases of Rail Group assets(66,506) (27,504)(29,516) (25,074)
Proceeds from sale of Rail Group assets9,390
 10,397
14,575
 5,621
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and capitalized software(15,976) (34,443)(29,414) (5,608)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment646
 173
Proceeds from returns of investments in affiliates
 15,013
Proceeds from sale of facilities and investments13,788
 54,330
Proceeds from sale of assets6
 13,912
Purchase of investments(2,429) (2,523)
 (1,817)
Other437
 (538)
 (281)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(64,157) 14,905
(44,349) (13,247)
Financing Activities      
Net change in short-term borrowings93,941
 164,000
467,000
 226,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt15,175
 77,564
50,000
 15,175
Proceeds from long-term financing arrangement10,396
 

 10,396
Payments of long-term debt(42,849) (85,177)(106,515) (37,852)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest owner14,700
 
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors473
 1,282

 511
Payments of debt issuance costs(2,024) (309)(787) (33)
Dividends paid(8,984) (8,679)(4,650) (4,483)
Other(438) (1,592)(114) (217)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities65,690
 147,089
419,634
 209,497
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(43,696) (32,367)(3,422) (32,985)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period62,630
 63,750
34,919
 62,630
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$18,934
 $31,383
$31,497
 $29,645
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2015$96
 $222,848
 $(52,902) $(20,939) $615,151
 $19,485
 $783,739
Net income (loss)        (273) 92
 (181)
Other comprehensive income (loss)      3,845
     3,845
Other change in noncontrolling interest          (172) (172)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $424 (207 shares)  (3,379) 7,932
       4,553
Dividends declared ($0.31 per common share)        (8,681)   (8,681)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents  20
     (20)   
Balance at June 30, 2016$96
 $219,489
 $(44,970) $(17,094) $606,177
 $19,405
 $783,103
             
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2016$96
 $222,910
 $(45,383) $(12,468) $609,206
 $16,336
 $790,697
$96
 $222,910
 $(45,383) $(12,468) $609,206
 $16,336
 $790,697
Net income (loss)        (29,742) (10) (29,752)        (3,089) 54
 (3,035)
Other comprehensive income (loss)      475
     475
      504
     504
Other change in noncontrolling interest          (8,359) (8,359)          (8,359) (8,359)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(323) (122 shares)  (654) 4,386
       3,732
Dividends declared ($0.32 per common share)        (9,001)   (9,001)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(323) (126 shares)  (2,549) 4,604
       2,055
Dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)        (4,500)   (4,500)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents  5
 52
   (57)   
  5
 52
   (57)   
Balance at June 30, 2017$96
 $222,261
 $(40,945) $(11,993) $570,406
 $7,967
 $747,792
Balance at March 31, 2017$96
 $220,366
 $(40,727) $(11,964) $601,560
 $8,031
 $777,362
             
Balance at December 31, 2017$96
 $224,622
 $(40,312) $(2,700) $633,496
 $7,697
 $822,899
Net income (loss)        (1,700) (282) (1,982)
Other comprehensive income (loss)      (1,288)     (1,288)
Cash received from noncontrolling interest          14,700
 14,700
Adoption of accounting standard, net of income tax of $2,869        (8,441)   (8,441)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(0) (105 shares)  (2,632) 4,164
       1,532
Dividends declared ($0.165 per common share)        (4,663)   (4,663)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents  

 120
   (120)   
Balance at March 31, 2018$96
 $221,990
 $(36,028) $(3,988) $618,572
 $22,115
 $822,757
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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


1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal and recurring items considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods indicated have been made. The results in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.2018. An unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 has been included as the Company operates in several seasonal industries. Certain prior year amounts within the operating and investing activities sections of the statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 20162017 was derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in The Andersons, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 (the “2016“2017 Form 10-K”).
New Accounting Standards
Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue Fromfrom Contracts With Customers.with Customers (ASC 606). The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively.  The core principle of the new revenue modelstandard is that an entity recognizes revenue from the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. These standards are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans onadopted the standard in the current period using the modified retrospective methodmethod. As a result of the adoption we recognized a cumulative catch-up transition adjustment in beginning retained earnings at January 1, 2018 for non-recourse financing transactions that were open as of December 31, 2017. This resulted in a $25.6 million increase in Rail Group net assets, $34.0 million increase in financing liabilities and does not plandeferred tax liabilities and $8.4 million decrease to early adopt.
While we are still continuing to evaluate the potential future impact of these standards on our financial statements, we believe the following items may be impacted upon adoption:
- Methodologyretained earnings. See Note 7 for recognizing certain fee-based arrangements within our Grain and Ethanol segments;
- Determination of whether we are the principal or agent for certain revenue streams within several of our segments;
- Methodology for recognizing gains on certain sale transactions within our Rail segment.
Our evaluation of these standards, which includes reviewing representative samples of customer contracts, considers the amount and timing of revenues recognized, financial statement presentation, and required disclosures.further detail.
Leasing
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic(ASC 842). ASU 2016-02ASC 842 supersedes the current accounting for leases. The new standard, while retaining two distinct types of leases, finance and operating, (i) requires lessees to record a right of use asset and a related liability for the rights and obligations associated with a lease, regardless of lease classification, and recognize lease expense in a manner similar to current accounting, (ii) eliminates current real estate specific lease provisions, (iii) modifies the lease classification criteria and (iv) aligns many of the underlying lessor model principles with those in the new revenue standard. ASU 2016-02ASC 842 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to early adopt. Entities are required to use aThe new standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and must be adopted using either the modified retrospective approach, when transitioning to ASU 2016-02 for leases that exist aswhich requires application of or are entered into afterthe new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented inor the financial statements.optional alternative approach, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the standard’s effective date.

The Company expects this standard to have the effect of bringing substantially all of thecertain off balance-sheet rail assets currently in nonrecourse financing deals noted in Item 2 of Form 10-Q onto the balance sheet along with a corresponding liability for the

associated obligations. Additionally, we have other arrangements currently classified as operating leases which will be recorded as a right of use asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet. The magnitude ofWe are currently evaluating the impact these items is substantially less than the rail assets thatchanges will be recordedhave on the balance sheet. We expect any impact to the statement of operations to be minimal post adoption.Consolidated Financial Statements.




Other applicable standards

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

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

In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.ASU 2017-09 Compensation—StockCompensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. This standard states that if the vesting conditions, fair value, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification an entity would not apply modification accounting.accounting. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, howeverCompany has adopted this standard in the current period noting no impact as the Company has not chosenmade any modifications to do so at this time. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material.our stock compensation awards.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.ASU 2017-07 Compensation—RetirementCompensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This standard requires that the service cost component be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs should be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company elected to implementhas adopted this standard in the current quarter.period and prior periods have been recast to reflect this change.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The Company has adopted this standard in the current period noting the impact is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. At adoption, the Company will elect to continue classifying distributions from equity method investments using the cumulative earnings approach which is consistent with current practice.immaterial.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update changes the accounting for credit losses on loans and held-to-maturity debt securities and requires a current expected credit loss (CECL) approach to determine the allowance for credit losses. This includes allowances for trade receivables. The Company has not historically incurred significant credit losses and does not currently anticipate circumstances that would lead to a CECL approach differing from the Company's existing allowance estimates in a material way. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to do so.

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in February 2018 and March 2018 within ASU 2018-03 and ASU 2018-04, respectively. This standard provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expecthas adopted this standard in the current period noting the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to currently held financial assets and liabilities.is immaterial.



2. Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:
(in thousands)June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Grain$373,863
 $495,139
 $348,757
$541,272
 $505,217
 $443,870
Ethanol and co-products14,041
 10,887
 15,298
14,320
 11,003
 15,549
Plant nutrients and cob products69,365
 150,259
 91,227
170,748
 126,962
 165,584
Retail merchandise906
 20,678
 25,161

 
 11,082
Railcar repair parts5,030
 5,784
 5,793
5,289
 5,521
 5,209
$463,205
 $682,747
 $486,236
$731,629
 $648,703
 $641,294


Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 do not include 0.80.7 million, 0.91.0 million and 4.02.7 million bushels of grain, respectively, held in storage for others. The Company does not have title to the grain and is only liable for any deficiencies in grade or shortage of quantity that may arise during the storage period. Management has not experienced historical losses on any deficiencies and does not anticipate material losses in the future.

3. Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of Property, plant and equipment, net are as follows:
(in thousands)June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Land$23,566
 $30,672
 $28,472
$29,915
 $22,388
 $29,331
Land improvements and leasehold improvements71,236
 79,631
 77,849
69,320
 69,127
 78,798
Buildings and storage facilities298,077
 322,856
 290,528
285,084
 284,820
 321,344
Machinery and equipment382,321
 392,418
 374,107
377,563
 373,127
 388,230
Construction in progress7,372
 12,784
 51,672
15,116
 7,502
 13,113
782,572
 838,361
 822,628
776,998
 756,964
 830,816
Less: accumulated depreciation359,530
 388,309
 375,361
383,235
 372,287
 390,421
$423,042
 $450,052
 $447,267
$393,763
 $384,677
 $440,395
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $24.1$11.6 million and $23.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.Additionally, depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $12.0 million and $11.6$12.1 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively.
In December 2016,2017, the Company recorded charges totaling $6.0$10.9 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Retail business. This does not include $0.5Grain segment, of which $5.6 million of impairment chargesrelates to assets that are deemed held and used and $5.3 million related to software.assets that have been reclassified as assets held for sale at December 31, 2017. The Company wrote down the value of these assets to the extent their carrying amounts exceeded fair value. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the impaired assets as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.
In December 2016, the Company also recorded charges totaling $2.3 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Plant Nutrient segment due to the closing of a cob facility.
Rail Group Assets
The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows:
(in thousands)June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Rail Group assets leased to others$482,524
 $431,571
 $442,239
$577,678
 $531,391
 $448,761
Less: accumulated depreciation107,432
 104,376
 102,103
115,425
 107,948
 105,825
$375,092
 $327,195
 $340,136
$462,253
 $423,443
 $342,936
Depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $9.7 million and $9.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $5.0$6.2 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively.

4. Debt
On April 13, 2017, the
The Company amended itshas a line of credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The amended agreement provides for a credit facility in the amount of $800 million. Total borrowing capacity for the Company under all lines of credit is currently at $820.0$950.0 million, including $20.0subsidiary debt that is non-recourse to the Company of $15.0 million of debt offor The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE"), which is non-recourse to the Company.$70 million for ELEMENT LLC and $65 million for The Andersons Railcar Leasing Company LLC. At June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company had a total of $633.5$338.3 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit. The Company's borrowing capacity is reduced by a combination of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

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

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

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

The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at June 30, 2017March 31, 2018December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
(in thousands)June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Short-term Debt – Non-Recourse$
 $
 $
$
 $
 $
Short-term Debt - Recourse$124,000
 $29,000
 $179,404
Short-term Debt – Recourse489,000
 22,000
 255,000
Total Short-term Debt124,000
 29,000
 179,404
$489,000
 $22,000
 $255,000
          
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Non-Recourse
 
 
$2,922
 $
 $
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Recourse62,482
 47,545
 53,720
11,212
 54,205
 56,144
Total Current Maturities of Long-term Debt62,482
 47,545
 53,720
$14,134
 $54,205
 $56,144
          
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Non-Recourse
 
 
$72,977
 $
 $
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Recourse354,066
 397,065
 398,746
365,651
 418,339
 365,971
Total Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities$354,066
 $397,065
 $398,746
$438,628
 $418,339
 $365,971

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

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


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


Generally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a futures,future, option or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a futures,future, option or an over-the-counter contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company’s position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required. The margin deposit assets and liabilities are included in short-term commodity derivative assets or liabilities, as appropriate, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents at June 30, 2017March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, a summary of the estimated fair value of the Company’s commodity derivative instruments that require cash collateral and the associated cash posted/received as collateral. The net asset or liability positions of these derivatives (net of their cash collateral) are determined on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and are included within current or noncurrent commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
(in thousands)
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
Collateral paid (received)$15,452
 $
 $28,273
 $
 $38,252
 $(480)$54,762
 $
 $1,351
 $
 $(2,769) $
Fair value of derivatives(12,835) 
 1,599
 
 13,491
 1,480
(18,874) 
 17,252
 
 32,310
 
Balance at end of period$2,617
 $
 $29,872
 $
 $51,743
 $1,000
$35,888
 $
 $18,603
 $
 $29,541
 $

The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities:
June 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent TotalCommodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$26,101
 $1,201
 $4,404
 $2
 $31,708
$29,861
 $1,851
 $3,115
 $47
 $34,874
Commodity derivative liabilities(29,934) (10) (22,508) (336) (52,788)(40,813) (112) (18,539) (1,461) (60,925)
Cash collateral15,452
 
 
 
 15,452
54,762
 
 
 
 54,762
Balance sheet line item totals$11,619
 $1,191
 $(18,104) $(334) $(5,628)$43,810
 $1,739
 $(15,424) $(1,414) $28,711
December 31, 2016December 31, 2017
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent TotalCommodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$36,146
 $140
 $1,447
 $6
 $37,739
$36,929
 $311
 $489
 $1
 $37,730
Commodity derivative liabilities(18,972) (40) (24,614) (345) (43,971)(7,578) (1) (30,140) (826) (38,545)
Cash collateral28,273
 
 
 
 28,273
1,351
 
 
 
 1,351
Balance sheet line item totals$45,447
 $100
 $(23,167) $(339) $22,041
$30,702
 $310
 $(29,651) $(825) $536

June 30, 2016March 31, 2017
(in thousands)Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent TotalCommodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total
Commodity derivative assets$134,504
 $2,095
 $5,925
 $84
 $142,608
$57,499
 $341
 $554
 $3
 $58,397
Commodity derivative liabilities(56,832) (161) (48,628) (2,266) (107,887)(6,681) (2) (30,468) (453) (37,604)
Cash collateral38,252
 
 (480) 
 37,772
(2,769) 
 
 
 (2,769)
Balance sheet line item totals$115,924
 $1,934
 $(43,183) $(2,182) $72,493
$48,049
 $339
 $(29,914) $(450) $18,024

The net pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line items in which they are located for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues$(41,873) $34,800
 $(14,848) $25,941
$(25,236) $27,025
The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at June 30, 2017, March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
June 30, 2017March 31, 2018
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of TonsNumber of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:              
Corn184,197
 
 
 
335,887
 
 
 
Soybeans31,532
 
 
 
48,003
 
 
 
Wheat7,340
 
 
 
16,639
 
 
 
Oats41,526
 
 
 
40,555
 
 
 
Ethanol
 256,518
 
 

 280,243
 

 
Corn oil
 
 4,658
 

 
 5,048
 
Other90
 500
 
 100
27
 4,500
 

 90
Subtotal264,685
 257,018
 4,658
 100
441,111
 284,743
 5,048
 90
Exchange traded:              
Corn94,895
 
 
 
146,505
 
 
 
Soybeans27,470
 
 
 
52,460
 
 
 
Wheat43,925
 
 
 
74,805
 
 
 
Oats2,290
 
 
 
2,290
 
 
 
Ethanol
 3,990
 
 

 108,108
 
 
Other
 840
 
 60
Subtotal168,580
 4,830
 
 60
276,060
 108,108
 
 
Total433,265
 261,848
 4,658
 160
717,171
 392,851
 5,048
 90

December 31, 2016December 31, 2017
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of TonsNumber of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:              
Corn175,549
 
 
 
218,391
 

 

 
Soybeans20,592
 
 
 
18,127
 
 
 
Wheat7,177
 
 
 
14,577
 
 
 
Oats36,025
 
 
 
25,953
 
 
 
Ethanol
 215,081
 
 

 197,607
 
 
Corn oil
 
 9,358
 

 
 6,074
 
Other108
 1,144
 
 110
47
 
 
 97
Subtotal239,451
 216,225
 9,358
 110
277,095
 197,607
 6,074
 97
Exchange traded:              
Corn63,225
 
 
 
82,835
 
 
 
Soybeans39,005
 
 
 
37,170
 
 
 
Wheat45,360
 
 
 
65,640
 
 
 
Oats4,120
 
 
 
1,345
 
 
 
Ethanol
 78,120
 
 

 39,438
 
 
Other
 840
 
 
Subtotal151,710
 78,120
 
 
186,990
 40,278
 
 
Total391,161
 294,345
 9,358
 110
464,085
 237,885
 6,074
 97
June 30, 2016March 31, 2017
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of TonsNumber of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:              
Corn242,269
 
 
 
201,200
 
 
 
Soybeans52,599
 
 
 
29,015
 
 
 
Wheat13,100
 
 
 
7,956
 
 
 
Oats30,722
 
 
 
46,861
 
 
 
Ethanol
 130,464
 
 

 178,040
 
 
Corn oil
 
 13,800
 

 
 6,279
 
Other17
 
 
 128
100
 1,000
 
 239
Subtotal338,707
 130,464
 13,800
 128
285,132
 179,040
 6,279
 239
Exchange traded:              
Corn148,665
 
 
 
104,790
 
 
 
Soybeans46,570
 
 
 
47,605
 
 
 
Wheat22,790
 
 
 
40,855
 
 
 
Oats2,820
 
 
 
1,660
 
 
 
Ethanol
 36,540
 
 

 16,590
 
 
Other
 
 
 15
Subtotal220,845
 36,540
 
 
194,910
 16,590
 
 15
Total559,552
 167,004
 13,800
 128
480,042
 195,630
 6,279
 254

At June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company's interest rate derivatives:
other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
(in thousands)  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments     
Interest rate contracts included in other long-term liabilities$(2,158) $(2,530) $(5,422)$(453) $(1,244) $(2,141)
Total fair value of interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$(2,158) $(2,530) $(5,422)
Foreign currency contracts included in other current assets (Accrued expenses and other current liabilities)(695) 426
 (14)
The gains and losses included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line item in which they are located for interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
 Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Interest income (expense)$(17) $(694) $372
 $(2,294)
The Company also has foreign currency derivatives which are considered effective economic hedges of specified economic risks but which are not designated as accounting hedges. At June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company's foreign currency derivatives:
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2016
(in thousands)  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments     
Foreign currency contracts included in short-term assets (liabilities)$654
 $(112) $1,391
Total fair value of foreign currency contract derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$654
 $(112) $1,391
The gains and losses included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line item in which they are located for foreign currency contract derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Foreign currency derivative gains included in Other income, net$669
 $(87) $767
 $1,391
Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense)$1,408
 $389
Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) included in Other income, net(1,122) 98


6. Employee Benefit Plans

The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016:2017:
Pension BenefitsPension Benefits
(in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Service cost$
 $
 $
 $
Interest cost39
 48
 78
 97
$33
 $39
Recognized net actuarial loss63
 37
 126
 73
61
 63
Benefit cost$102
 $85
 $204
 $170
$94
 $102

Postretirement BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
(in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Service cost$106
 $167
 $229
 $380
$87
 $123
Interest cost282
 370
 582
 775
187
 300
Amortization of prior service cost
 (89) 
 (177)(228) 
Recognized net actuarial loss
 149
 
 384
Benefit cost$388
 $597
 $811
 $1,362
$46
 $423

7. Revenue

7.Many of the Company’s revenues are generated from contracts that are outside the scope of ASC 606 and thus are accounted for under other accounting standards. Specifically, many of the Company's Grain and Ethanol sales contracts are derivatives under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and the Rail Group's leasing revenue is accounted for under ASC 840, Leases. The breakdown of revenues between ASC 606 and other standards is as follows:
(in thousands)Three months ended March 31, 2018
Revenues under ASC 606$193,650
Revenues under ASC 84026,029
Revenues under ASC 815416,060
Total Revenues$635,739

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


Disaggregation of revenue
The following table disaggregates revenues under ASC 606 by major product/service line:
 Three months ended March 31, 2018
(in thousands)Grain Ethanol Plant Nutrient Rail Total
Specialty nutrients$
 $
 $75,078
 $
 $75,078
Primary nutrients
 
 53,219
 
 53,219
Service4,418
 2,545
 209
 8,117
 15,289
Co-products
 26,646
 
 
 26,646
Other210
 
 7,111
 16,097
 23,418
Total$4,628
 $29,191
 $135,617
 $24,214
 $193,650

Approximately 8% of revenues accounted for under ASC 606 are recorded over time which primarily relates to service revenues noted above.
Specialty and primary nutrients
The Company sells several different types of specialty nutrient products, including: low-salt liquid starter fertilizers, micro-nutrients and other specialty lawn products. These products can be sold through the wholesale distribution channels as well as directly to end users at the farm center locations. Similarly, the Company sells several different types of primary nutrient products, including: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These products may be purchased and re-sold as is or sold as finished goods resulting from a blending and manufacturing process. The contracts associated with specialty and primary nutrients generally have just a single performance obligation, as the Company has elected the accounting policy to consider shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs. Revenue is recognized when control of the product has passed to the customer. Payment terms generally range from 0 - 30 days.
Service
Service revenues primarily relate to the railcar repair business. The Company owns several railcar repair shops which repair railcars through specific contracts with customers or through operating as an agent for a particular railroad to repair cars that are on their rail line per American Association of Railroads (“AAR”) standards. These contracts contain a single performance obligation which is to complete the requested and/or required repairs on the railcars. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit of the repair work we perform, revenue for these contracts is recognized over time. The Company uses an input-based measure of progress using costs incurred to total expected costs as that is the measure that most faithfully depicts our progress towards satisfying our performance obligation. Upon completion of the work, the invoice is sent to the customer, with payment terms that generally range from 0 - 30 days.
Co-products
In addition to the ethanol sales contracts that are considered derivative instruments, the Ethanol Group sells several other co-products that remain subject to ASC 606, including E-85, DDGs, syrups and renewable identification numbers (“RINs”). RINs are credits for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard Program and are created by renewable fuel producers. Contracts for these co-products generally have a single performance obligation, as the Company has elected the accounting policy to consider shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs. Revenue is recognized when control of the product has passed to the customer which follows shipping terms on the contract. Payment terms generally range from 5 - 15 days.
Contract balances
The opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract liabilities are as follows:
in thousandsContract liabilities
Balance at January 1, 2018$25,520
Balance at March 31, 2018$67,715
The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between the Company’s performance and the customer’s payment. Contract liabilities relate to the Plant Nutrient business for payments received in advance of fulfilling our performance obligations under our customer contracts. Further, due

to seasonality of this business, the amount of revenue recognized in the current period related to the beginning of the year contract liability is not material.
Impact of New Revenue Guidance on Financial Statement Line Items
The following table compares the reported condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations, as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018, to the pro forma amounts had the previous guidance been in effect:
 Balance Sheet
(in thousands)As Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash$31,497
 $
 $31,497
Accounts receivable, net216,021
 
 216,021
Inventories731,629
 145
 731,774
Commodity derivative assets - current43,810
 
 43,810
Other current assets114,922
 (170) 114,752
Other noncurrent assets369,633
 
 369,633
Rail Group assets leased to others, net462,253
 (24,844) 437,409
Property, plant and equipment393,763
 
 393,763
     Total assets2,363,528

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

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

 Statement of Operations
in thousandsAs Reported ASC 606 Impact Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance was in effect
Sales and merchandising revenues$635,739
 $164,189
 $799,928
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues572,034
 164,650
 736,684
Gross profit63,705
 (461) 63,244
Operating, administrative and general expenses64,257
 
 64,257
Goodwill impairment

 
 
Interest expense6,999
 (403) 6,596
Other income:     
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net3,573
 
 3,573
Other income, net1,686
 
 1,686
Income (loss) before income taxes(2,292) (58) (2,350)
Income tax provision(310) (22) (332)
Net income (loss)(1,982) (36) (2,018)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests(282) 
 (282)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(1,700) $(36) $(1,736)
The following summarizes the significant changes on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as a result of the adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 compared to if the Company had continued to recognize revenues under ASC 605:
While grain origination agreements, and their related sales contracts, will be accounted for under ASC 815, we are still required to evaluate the principal versus agent guidance in ASC 606 to determine whether realized gains or losses should be presented on a gross or net basis in the consolidated statements of operations upon physical settlement. The Company has determined that it is the agent in certain origination arrangements within our Grain Group and therefore realized gains or losses will be presented on a net basis upon adoption of ASC 606. As a result of these transactions now being recorded on a net basis, revenues and related cost of sales would have been $161.9 million higher under the previous guidance.
ASC 606 required certain Rail Group assets and related financing obligations to be recorded on the balance sheet as these transactions no longer qualified as sales as a result of the existence of repurchase options within the sales contracts. The result of this change primarily impacts geography within the income statement, as lease expense to the financial institution will be replaced with a combination of depreciation and interest expense.

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


Contract costs
The company has elected to apply the practical expedient and accordingly recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. These costs are included in Operating, administrative and general expenses.
Significant judgments
In making its determination of standalone selling price, the Company maximizes its use of observable inputs.  Standalone selling price, once established, is then used to allocate total consideration proportionally to the various performance obligations, if applicable, within a contract.
To estimate variable consideration, the Company applies both the “expected value” method and “most likely amount” method based on the form of variable consideration, according to which method would provide the best prediction.  The expected value method involves a probability-weighted determination of the expected amount, whereas the most likely amount method identifies the single most likely outcome in a range of possible amounts.  However, once a method has been applied to one form of variable consideration, it is applied consistently throughout the contract term.
The primary types of variable consideration present in the Company’s contracts are product returns, volume rebates and the CPI index.  The overall impact of this variable consideration is not material.
Practical expedients
The Company has elected to apply the following practical expedients provided by ASC 606:
Future performance obligations - see discussion above.
Contract costs - see discussion above.
Shipping and handling activities - see discussion above.
Sales tax presentation - the Company has elected to exclude from the transaction price all sales taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer.
Modified retrospective approach - see discussion in Note 1. regarding adoption elections.

8. Income Taxes

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded income tax benefit of $0.3 million at an effective tax rate of 13.5%. The annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state income taxes and nondeductible compensation. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 also includes tax benefit relatedbenefits from the release of reserves upon the expiration of statutes of limitation, offset by changes in the state allocation/apportionment as a result of a statutory merger and excess tax expense from stock-based compensation. The decrease in effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to railroad track maintenance credit transactions, andthe same period last year was primarily attributed to benefits or costs relatedthe reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to various permanent book to21% as a result of the U.S. tax differences and tax credits.

reform. For the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2017, the Company recorded an income tax expensebenefit of $7.7$2.5 million at an effective tax rate of (40.1)%, which varied from45.5%.

The Company’s accounting for the U.S. Federal tax ratecertain elements of 35% primarily duethe Tax Act was incomplete as of the period ended December 31, 2017, and remains incomplete as of March 31, 2018. However, the Company was able to make reasonable estimates of the recordingeffects and, therefore, recorded provisional estimates for these items. In connection with its initial analysis of a $42.0 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit. For the three months ended June 30, 2016,impact of the Tax Act, the Company recorded an incomea provisional discrete net tax benefit of $73.5 million in the period ended December 31, 2017. This provisional estimate consists of a net expense of $7.7$1.4 million at an effectivefor the one-time transition tax and a net benefit of $74.9 million related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, caused by the new lower corporate tax rate. To determine the transition tax, the Company must determine the amount of post-1986 accumulated earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. While the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the transition tax, the Company continues to gather additional information to more precisely compute the final amount. Likewise, while the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction to the corporate tax rate, of 33.2%.its rate may be affected by other analysis related to the Tax Act, including, but not limited to, the state tax

Foreffect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences. Due to the six months ended June 30, 2017,complexity of the new global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") tax rules, the company is continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740. Under GAAP, the Company recordedis allowed to make an accounting policy choice to either (i) treat taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income taxrelated to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period cost method"); or (ii) factor in such amounts into a company’s measurement of $5.1 million atits deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). The Company’s selection of an effective tax rate of (20.8)%, which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily dueaccounting policy with respect to the recordingnew GILTI tax rules is dependent on additional analysis and potential future modifications to existing structures, which are not currently known. The Company has not made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI. The Company will continue to analyze the full effects of the $42.0 million goodwill impairment charge noted above. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $0.4 million at an effective tax rate of 189.6% which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to a 174.7% discrete tax charge related to state income taxes.Tax Act on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the company agreed to a state income tax assessment that had been under appeal. The related $0.3 million reserve for unrecognized tax benefits has been reclassified as currently payable state income tax.


8.9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following tables summarize the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016:

2017:
 Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)

 Three months ended June 30, 2017 Six months ended June 30, 2017  Three months ended March 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total
Beginning BalanceBeginning Balance $(10,488) $(1,476) $(11,964) $(11,002) $(1,466) $(12,468)Beginning Balance $(7,716) $344
 $4,672
 $(2,700)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 959
 (988) (29) 1,473
 (998) 475
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,150) (87) 117
 $(1,120)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 (168) $(168)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 959
 (988) (29) 1,473
 (998) 475
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (1,150) (87) (51) (1,288)
Ending balanceEnding balance $(9,529) $(2,464) $(11,993) $(9,529) $(2,464) $(11,993)Ending balance $(8,866) $257
 $4,621
 $(3,988)
 Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 Three months ended June 30, 2016 Six months ended June 30, 2016 Three months ended March 31, 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands) Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Debt Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total
Beginning BalanceBeginning Balance $(51) $(9,536) $(8,740) $(18,327) $(111) $(12,041) $126
 $(8,913) $(20,939)Beginning Balance $(11,002) $(1,466) $(12,468)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 60
 52
 1,177
 1,289
 120
 2,557
 
 1,406
 4,083
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 514
 (10) 504
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 (56) (56) 
 
 (126) (112) (238)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 60
 52
 1,121
 1,233
 120
 2,557
 (126) 1,294
 3,845
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 514
 (10) 504
Ending balanceEnding balance $9
 $(9,484) $(7,619) $(17,094) $9
 $(9,484) $
 $(7,619) $(17,094)Ending balance $(10,488) $(1,476) $(11,964)
(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits
There were no reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

The following table shows the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016:
March 31, 2018:
 Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)(in thousands)Three months ended June 30, 2016 Six months ended June 30, 2016(in thousands)Three months ended March 31, 2018
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items        
Amortization of prior-service cost $(89) (b) $(177) (b) (228) (b)
 (89) Total before tax (177) Total before tax (228) Total before tax
 33
 Income tax provision 65
 Income tax provision 60
 Income tax provision
 $(56) Net of tax $(112) Net of tax $(168) Net of tax
        
Other items     
Recognition of gain on sale of investment 
 (200) 
 
 Total before tax (200) Total before tax
 
 Income tax provision 74
 Income tax provision
 
 Net of tax (126) Net of tax
     
     
Total reclassifications for the period $(56) Net of tax (238) Net of tax $(168) Net of tax
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss
(b) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).
There were no reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2017.


9.10. Earnings Per Share
The Company’s non-vested restricted stock that was granted prior to March 2015 is considered a participating security since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividends irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
(in thousands, except per common share data)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(26,653) $14,423
 $(29,742) $(273)$(1,700) $(3,089)
Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock
 8
 
 5

 
Earnings (losses) available to common shareholders$(26,653) $14,415
 $(29,742) $(278)$(1,700) $(3,089)
Earnings per share – basic:          
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic28,350
 28,227
 28,316
 28,164
28,237
 28,281
Earnings (losses) per common share – basic$(0.94) $0.51
 $(1.05) $(0.01)$(0.06) $(0.11)
Earnings per share – diluted:          
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic28,350
 28,227
 28,316
 28,164
28,237
 28,281
Effect of dilutive awards
 86
 
 

 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted28,350
 28,313
 28,316
 28,164
28,237
 28,281
Earnings (losses) per common share – diluted$(0.94) $0.51
 $(1.05) $(0.01)$(0.06) $(0.11)
All outstanding share awards were antidilutive for the six and three months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 and for the six months ended June 30, 2016 as the Company experienced a net loss. There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2016.loss in both periods.

10.11. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2017March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016March 31, 2017:
(in thousands)June 30, 2017March 31, 2018
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Restricted cash$1,033
 $
 $
 $1,033
Commodity derivatives, net (a)2,817
 (8,445) 
 (5,628)$35,888
 $(7,177) $
 $28,711
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(87,958) (30,779) 
 (118,737)(48,478) (31,847) 
 (80,325)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 3,294
 3,294

 
 7,388
 7,388
Other assets and liabilities (d)10,155
 (2,158) 
 7,997
8,947
 (454) 
 8,493
Total$(73,953) $(41,382) $3,294
 $(112,041)$(3,643) $(39,478) $7,388
 $(35,733)
(in thousands)December 31, 2016December 31, 2017
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Restricted cash$471
 $
 $
 $471
Commodity derivatives, net (a)29,872
 (7,831) 
 22,041
18,603
 (18,067) 
 536
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(105,321) (64,876) 
 (170,197)(98,190) (67,094) 
 (165,284)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 3,294
 3,294

 
 7,388
 7,388
Other assets and liabilities (d)9,391
 (2,530) 
 6,861
9,705
 (1,244) 
 8,461
Total$(65,587) $(75,237) $3,294
 $(137,530)$(69,882) $(86,405) $7,388
 $(148,899)
(in thousands)June 30, 2016March 31, 2017
Assets (liabilities)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Cash equivalents$11,578
 $
 $
 $11,578
Restricted cash987
 
 
 987
$752
 $
 $
 $752
Commodity derivatives, net (a)48,412
 24,083
 
 72,495
29,566
 (11,542) 
 18,024
Provisionally priced contracts (b)(42,213) (18,495) 
 (60,708)(86,314) (37,643) 
 (123,957)
Convertible preferred securities (c)
 
 3,294
 3,294

 
 3,294
 3,294
Other assets and liabilities (d)6,080
 (5,426) 
 654
8,518
 (2,141) 
 6,377
Total$24,844
 $162
 $3,294
 $28,300
$(47,478) $(51,326) $3,294
 $(95,510)
 
(a)Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral
(b)Included in "Provisionally priced contracts" are those instruments based only on underlying futures values (Level 1) and delayed price contracts (Level 2)
(c)Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to certain available securities.
(d)Included in other assets and liabilities are assets held in rabbi trusts to fund deferred compensation assets,plans, ethanol risk management contracts, and foreign exchange derivative contracts (Level 1), and interest rate derivatives (Level 2).

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

The majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach valuation technique. With the market approach, fair value is derived using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

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

The Company’s net commodity derivatives primarily consist of futures or options contracts via regulated exchanges and contracts with producers or customers under which the future settlement date and bushels (or gallons in the case of ethanol contracts) of commodities to be delivered (primarily wheat, corn, soybeans and ethanol) are fixed and under which the price may or may not be fixed. Depending on the specifics of the individual contracts, the fair value is derived from the futures or options prices on the CME or the New York Mercantile Exchange for similar commodities and delivery dates as well as observable quotes for local basis adjustments (the difference, which is attributable to local market conditions, between the quoted futures price and the local cash price). Because basis for a particular commodity and location typically has multiple quoted prices from other agribusinesses in the same geographical vicinity and is used as a common pricing mechanism in the

Agribusiness industry, we have concluded that basis is a Level 2 fair value input for purposes of the fair value disclosure requirements related to our commodity derivatives. Although nonperformance risk, both of the Company and the counterparty, is present in each of these commodity contracts and is a component of the estimated fair values, based on the Company’s historical experience with its producers and customers and the Company’s knowledge of their businesses, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a material input to fair value for these commodity contracts.


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

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

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

The Company’s stake in the Iowa Northern Railway Company ("IANR") was redeemed in the first quarter of 2016. The remaining convertible preferred securities are interests in two early-stage enterprises in the form of debt securities with the possibility of conversion to equity under certain circumstances.
A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
 Contingent Consideration Convertible Securities
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Asset (liability) at January 1,$
 $(350) $3,294
 $13,550
Gains (losses) included in earnings
 190
 
 710
Sales proceeds
 
 
 (13,485)
Asset (liability) at March 31,$
 $(160) $3,294
 $775
Gains (losses) included in earnings
 160
 
 19
New agreements
 
 
 2,500
Asset (liability) at June 30,$

$

$3,294

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

The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of June 30, 2017March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(in thousands)Fair Value as of June 30, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted AverageFair Value as of March 31, 2018 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible Notes$3,294
 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A
Convertible preferred securities (a)$7,388
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A
Real Property (b)$29,347
 Third Party Appraisal N/A N/A
(in thousands)Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible Notes$3,294
 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A
        
Real Property$11,210
 Third-Party Appraisal N/A N/A

(in thousands)Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)$7,388
 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A
Real Property (b)$29,347
 Third-Party Appraisal N/A N/A
(in thousands)Fair Value as of June 30, 2016 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted AverageFair Value as of March 31, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Convertible Notes$3,294
 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A
Convertible preferred securities (a)$3,294
 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A
(a) Due to early stages of business and timing of investments, cost basis, plus interest was deemed to approximate fair value in prior periods. As the underlying enterprises have matured, additional market data is available to consider in order to estimate fair value, including additional capital raising, internal valuation models, progress towards key business milestones, and other relevant market data points.
(b) The Company recognized impairment charges on certain grain assets during 2017 and measured the fair value using Level 3 inputs on a nonrecurring basis. The fair value of the grain assets was determined using prior transactions, prior third-party appraisals and a pending sale of grain assets held by the Company.


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

(in thousands)June 30,
2017

December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
March 31,
2018

December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities$423,316
 $450,940
 $472,714
$448,346
 $474,769
 $426,105
Fair value in excess of carrying value(a)2,612
 3,116
 16,498
8,241
 1,451
 1,036
(a) Carrying value used for this purpose excludes unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs
The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying value as they are close to maturity.


11.12. Related Party Transactions
Equity Method Investments
The Company, directly or indirectly, holds investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s equity in these entities is presented at cost plus its accumulated proportional share of income or loss, less any distributions it has received.
The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity:
(in thousands)June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC$40,829
 $38,972
 $34,133
$46,145
 $45,024
 $38,694
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC19,903
 19,739
 30,088
20,339
 19,830
 19,946
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC14,045
 22,069
 31,158
12,615
 12,660
 13,266
Lansing Trade Group, LLC89,235
 89,050
 90,884
94,483
 93,088
 88,339
Thompsons Limited (a)49,252
 46,184
 47,948
48,362
 50,198
 46,054
Other2,530
 917
 4,267
2,505
 2,439
 2,694
Total$215,794
 $216,931
 $238,478
$224,449
 $223,239
 $208,993
(a) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

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


The following table summarizes income (loss) earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity:
 Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)% Ownership at June 30, 2017 2017 2016 2017 2016% Ownership at March 31, 2018 2018 2017
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC55% $2,135
 $1,650
 $1,858
 $1,328
55% $1,121
 $(277)
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC39% 569
 1,889
 776
 810
39% 509
 207
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC33% 779
 1,712
 316
 (97)33% (44) (463)
Lansing Trade Group, LLC33% (a) 896
 (5,333) 185
 (8,101)33% (a) 2,584
 (711)
Thompsons Limited (b)50% 2,081
 2,426
 1,486
 1,427
50% (669) (595)
Other5% - 50% (75) 
 (114) 
5% - 50% 72
 (39)
Total $6,385
 $2,344
 $4,507
 $(4,633) $3,573
 $(1,878)
 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 0.6%1%
 (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates were $0.6 million and $2.7$1.2 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2018. There were no distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

In the secondfirst quarter of 2016,2018, The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC, The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC, The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC, Lansing Trade Group, and Thompsons Limited qualified as significant equity investees of the Company under the income test. The following table presents combined summarized unaudited financial information of these investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016:2017:
(in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
Revenues$1,380,361
 $1,340,809
 $3,002,406
 $3,029,680
Gross profit58,812
 52,204
 97,728
 77,782
Income from continuing operations16,328
 556
 11,518
 (17,568)
Net income (loss)13,421
 (2,051) 7,248
 (20,164)
Net income (loss) attributable to companies13,714
 (1,410) 7,972
 (19,122)
Investment in Debt Securities
The Company previously owned 100% of the cumulative convertible preferred shares of Iowa Northern Railway Company (“IANR”), which operates a short-line railroad in Iowa. In the first quarter of 2016, these shares were redeemed and the Company no longer has an ownership stake in this entity. See Footnote 10 for additional information on the effects of this transaction.

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

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

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











The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented:
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Sales revenues$241,896
 $176,865
 $439,964
 $371,702
$88,815
 $198,068
Service fee revenues (a)9,410
 9,490
 14,036
 14,126
5,117
 4,627
Purchases of product167,904
 116,556
 302,411
 218,509
Purchases of product and capital assets181,524
 134,508
Lease income (b)1,422
 1,994
 2,709
 3,861
1,582
 1,287
Labor and benefits reimbursement (c)6,863
 6,841
 10,553
 10,738
3,567
 3,690
Other expenses (d)
 
 
 149
 
(a)Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDG) marketing fees, and other commissions.
(b)Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs and IANR.LLCs.
(c)
The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services.
(in thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
Accounts receivable (d)$27,438
 $30,252
 $19,999
Accounts payable (e)33,184
 27,866
 19,888
(d)Other expenses include payments to IANR for repair facility rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, payment to LTG for the lease of railcars and other various expenses.
(in thousands)June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2016
Accounts receivable (e)$25,673
 $26,254
 $20,685
Accounts payable (f)25,590
 23,961
 10,022
(e)Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees.
(f)(e)Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items.

For the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $161.3$146.2 million and $111.3 million, respectively. Additionally, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $284.5 million and $198.9$123.3 million, respectively.

For the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $125.5 million and $105.6 million, respectively. For$117.5 million. As a result of the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016,new revenue guidance, these transactions are now being recorded on a net basis instead of a gross basis, which is included in service fee revenues recognizedabove. See Note 7 for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $243.0 million and $224.1 million, respectively.further discussion.

From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties, including the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs, LTG, and the Thompsons Limited joint ventures, for the purchase and sale of grain and ethanol, for similar price risk mitigation purposes and on similar terms as the purchase and sale of derivative contracts it enters into with unrelated parties. The fair value of derivative contract assets with related parties as of June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was $0.6 million, $4.1$0.2 million and $5.2$2.0 million, respectively. The fair value of derivative contract liabilities with related parties as of June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, December 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was $0.7$2.9 million, $0.1$2.5 million and $1.0$0.5 million, respectively.



12.13. Segment Information
The Company’s operations include fivefour reportable business segments that are distinguished primarily on the basis of products and services offered. The Grain business includes grain merchandising, the operation of terminal grain elevator facilities and the investments in LTG and Thompsons Limited. The Ethanol business purchases and sells ethanol, and also manages theprovides risk management, origination and management services to ethanol production facilities. These facilities are organized as limited liability companies, one istwo are consolidated and three are investments accounted for under the equity method. The Company performs a combination of these services under various contracts for these investments. Rail operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and other assets, railcar repair and metal fabrication. The Plant Nutrient business manufactures and distributes agricultural inputs, primarily fertilizer, to dealers and farmers, along with turf care and corncob-based products. ThePrior to 2018, the Company reported the Retail operations as a fifth reportable business segment even though it did not meet the quantitative thresholds for segment disclosures. As previously disclosed, the Company closed the Retail business operates large retail stores, a distribution center, and a lawn and garden

equipment sales and service facility. The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017, and liquidation efforts are substantially complete. Included in “Other” areaccordingly has recast the prior results for this segment within the Other category, which also includes other corporate level costs not attributedattributable to an operating segment.






The segment information below includes the allocation of expenses shared by one or more operating segments. Although management believes such allocations are reasonable, the operating information does not necessarily reflect how such data might appear if the segments were operated as separate businesses. Inter-segment sales are made at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales. The Company does not have any customers who represent 10 percent or more of total revenues.
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Revenues from external customers          
Grain$488,447
 $522,989
 $966,975
 $1,061,803
$276,852
 $478,528
Ethanol187,831
 142,520
 341,984
 257,213
172,838
 154,153
Plant Nutrient264,736
 320,036
 411,323
 487,027
135,617
 146,587
Rail38,149
 40,342
 78,539
 79,951
50,432
 40,390
Retail14,499
 38,357
 46,857
 66,129
Other
 32,358
Total$993,662
 $1,064,244
 $1,845,678
 $1,952,123
$635,739
 $852,016
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Inter-segment sales          
Grain$141
 $174
 $207
 $1,625
$531
 $66
Plant Nutrient70
 114
 241
 361

 171
Rail275
 355
 566
 734
333
 292
Total$486
 $643
 $1,014
 $2,720
$864
 $529
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Income (loss) before income taxes          
Grain$6,929
 $(13,037) $1,856
 $(30,442)$(30) $(5,073)
Ethanol4,660
 6,187
 6,376
 3,507
1,839
 1,716
Plant Nutrient(25,825) 23,535
 (19,154) 25,239
1,091
 6,672
Rail5,860
 6,569
 11,938
 15,944
3,969
 6,078
Retail(6,718) 1,010
 (13,564) (1,066)
Other(3,907) (2,173) (12,077) (13,073)(8,879) (15,017)
Noncontrolling interests(64) 1,018
 (10) 92
(282) 54
Total$(19,065) $23,109
 $(24,635) $201
$(2,292) $(5,570)
(in thousands)June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2016
Identifiable assets     
Grain$783,316
 $961,114
 $879,055
Ethanol170,730
 171,115
 192,470
Plant Nutrient351,871
 484,455
 448,225
Rail448,417
 398,446
 388,456
Retail11,830
 31,257
 43,878
Other145,261
 186,462
 155,331
Total$1,911,425
 $2,232,849
 $2,107,415
(in thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017
Identifiable assets     
Grain$1,031,150
 $948,871
 $884,870
Ethanol210,169
 180,173
 170,020
Plant Nutrient455,148
 379,309
 512,744
Rail530,994
 490,448
 415,801
Other136,067
 163,553
 178,318
Total$2,363,528
 $2,162,354
 $2,161,753




13.14. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is party to litigation, or threats thereof, both as defendant and plaintiff with some regularity, although individual cases that are material in size occur infrequently. As a defendant, the Company establishes reserves for claimed amounts that are considered probable and capable of estimation. If those cases are resolved for lesser amounts, the excess reserves are taken into income and, conversely, if those cases are resolved for larger than the amount the Company has accrued, the Company records additional expense. The Company believes it is unlikely that the results of its current legal proceedings for which it is the defendant, even if unfavorable, will be material. As a plaintiff, amounts that are collected can also result in sudden, non-recurring income.
Litigation results depend upon a variety of factors, including the availability of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the performance of counsel, the state of the law, and the impressions of judges and jurors, any of which can be critical in importance, yet difficult, if not impossible, to predict. Consequently, cases currently pending, or future matters, may result in unexpected, and non-recurring losses, or income, from time to time. Finally, litigation results are often subject to judicial reconsideration, appeal and further negotiation by the parties, and as a result, the final impact of a particular judicial decision may be unknown for some time, or may result in continued reserves to account for the potential of such post-verdict actions.
The estimated range of losslosses for all other outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible is not material.
Commitments
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company began construction of a new ethanol facility, which is expected to be completed in 2019. Portions of the project are covered by design and build contracts, with approximately $150 million of remaining obligation, of which $14.9 million has been prepaid, as of March 31, 2018.
Build-to-Suit Lease
In August 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement with an initial term of 15 years for a build-to-suit facility to be used as the new corporate headquarters which was completed in the third quarter of 2016. Since the Company is deemed to be the owner of this facility for accounting purposes during the construction period, it has recognized an asset and a corresponding financing obligation.
The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other long-term liabilities of $23.9 million, $14.0$24.3 million, and $13.0$24.1 million at June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, respectively. The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other current liabilities of $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $0.8 million $0.9 million, and $1.5 million at June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, respectively.

14.
15. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Certain supplemental cash flow information, including noncash investing and financing activities for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 20162018 2017
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information      
Interest paid$12,430
 $9,567
$9,854
 $8,670
Noncash investing and financing activity      
Capital projects incurred but not yet paid$3,695
 $9,653
7,115
 2,216
Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest)8,360
 

 8,360
Outstanding receivable for sale of assets4,356
 

 3,597
Dividends declared not yet paid4,501
 4,341
4,663
 4,501
Debt as a result of accounting standard adoption36,953
 
Railcar assets as a result of accounting standard adoption25,643
 

15.16. Sale of Assets

On March 31, 2017 the Company sold four farm center locations in Florida for $17.4 million and recorded a $4.7 million gain, net of transaction costs in Other income, net. The sale price included a working capital adjustment of $3.6 million.
On May 2, 2016 the Company sold eight grain and agronomy locations in Iowa for $54.3 million and recorded a nominal gain.

16.17. Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale

The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017,2017. Inventory and fixtures liquidation efforts are substantially complete as of June 30, 2017. The Company recorded $3.5 million of exitwere completed throughout the year, and no additional charges were incurred during the secondfirst quarter of 2018. During the first quarter of 2017, for a totalthe Company incurred exit charges of $11.3$7.8 million, consisting primarily of employee severance and related benefits.

The Company classified assets aggregating $57.8 million of exit charges recorded duringassets held for sale on the first six monthsCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2018. This includes $19.4 million of 2017. As a resultProperty, plant and equipment, net, $13.8 million of the closure, the Company also classified $10.0Inventories, and $18.8 million of Commodity derivative assets related to certain Western Tennessee locations in the Grain group. The Company classified $4.2 million and $1.6 million of additional Property, plant and equipment, net as Assets held for sale related to the remaining Retail store assets and administrative offices at an outlying location in the Plant Nutrient Group, respectively.

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


17. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
18. Subsequent Events

As previously reported,On April 2, 2018, the Company had monitored the performance ofclosed on an agreement to sell its wholesale nutrient business, within the Plant Nutrient segment, throughout 2016.  During the third quarter of 2016, the Company reported that the wholesale business was under pressure due to an uncertain outlookgrain elevators in Humboldt, Kenton and Dyer, Tennessee for future crop prices and decreased domestic demand for fertilizer.  The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of 2016, which resulted in an excess of fair value over carrying value of 8% for the wholesale nutrient reporting unit. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company's assessment of the business did not indicate the presence of any goodwill impairment triggering events.
During the second quarter of 2017, the Company identified certain factors that we considered important in assessing the requirement to perform an interim impairment evaluation for the wholesale nutrient reporting unit.  First, current year actual results were significantly below historical and expected operating results. Second, the nutrient industry's future outlook continued to reflect depressed margins and minimal growth, driven by an oversupply of base nutrients, low crop prices and low farmer income.  After considering these items, the Company determined that an interim goodwill impairment assessment was required, as well as an impairment assessment for our definite-lived intangible and other long-lived assets.  No impairment was recognized for definite-lived intangibles and other long-lived assets.
Upon early adoption of ASU No. 2017-04, the Company now uses a one-step quantitative approach that compares the business enterprise value ("BEV") of each reporting unit with its carrying value. The BEV was computed based on both an income approach (discounted cash flows) and a market approach. The income approach uses a reporting unit's estimated future cash flows, discounted at the weighted average cost of capital of a hypothetical third-party buyer. The market approach estimates fair value by applying cash flow multiples to the reporting unit's operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics to the reporting unit. Any excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over the BEV will be recorded as an impairment loss. The calculation of the BEV is based on significant unobservable inputs, such as price trends, customer demand, material costs and discount rates, and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The discounted cash flow model used for the income approach assumed discrete period revenue growth through 2021 that was reflective of market opportunities, changes in product mix, and cyclical trends within the wholesale nutrient business. In the terminal year, the Company assumed a long-term earnings growth rate of 2.0 percent that is believed to be appropriate given the current industry-specific expectations. As of the valuation date, the Company utilized a weighted-average cost of capital of 10.1 percent, which reflects the relative risk and time value of money. The testing resulted in a $42.0$19.5 million, impairment charge for goodwill associated with the Wholesale reporting unit. 
With the estimated fair value of the reporting unit now equaling its carrying value as of June 30, 2017, the Wholesale reporting unit has a risk of future impairment to the remaining goodwill balance of $17.8 million. A deterioration in operating performance significantly below current expectations, including changes in projected future revenue, profitability and cash flow, as well as higherplus working capital, interest rates, or cost of capital, could have a negative effect on the fair value of the reporting unit. It is also possible the Company's performance meets current expectations but is still unable overcome the general trends in the business and/or macro-economic factors in the time frame forecast, which could impact the long-term discount rate values used in estimating fair value, causing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to fall below its carrying value. This would result in recording another impairment to the goodwill of the wholesale business.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2017 are as follows:
(in thousands)Grain Plant Nutrient Rail Total
Balance as of January 1, 2017$
 $59,767
 $4,167
 $63,934
Acquisitions1,171
 
 
 1,171
Impairments
 (42,000) 
 (42,000)
Balance as of June 30, 2017$1,171
 $17,767
 $4,167
 $23,105
capital.




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements which relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The reader is urged to carefully consider these risks and others, including those risk factors listed under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 (“20162017 Form 10-K”). In some cases, youthe reader can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,”may, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than any imposed by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies and critical accounting estimates, as described in our 20162017 Form 10-K, have not materially changed through the secondfirst quarter of 2017.2018, other than as a result of adopting the new revenue recognition accounting standard. See additional information regarding these policies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements herein in Notes 1 and 7.

Executive Overview

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

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

Grain Group

The Grain Group's performance in the secondfirst quarter reflects significant improvementcontinued recovery with improved earnings in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. Market volatility as well as strong execution by our origination team has led to an increase in risk management income. The results of the food business and equity investments also improved over those of the prior year, especially due to higher space income. The Group was able to purchase grain at more typical prices during the 2016 harvest and the market continued to reward the Group with basis appreciation in corn, beans and wheat. LTG also saw significant improvements over the prior year.

Grain inventories on hand at June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 were 78.0108.4 million bushels, of which 0.80.7 million bushels were stored for others. This comparesThese amounts compare to 75.7100.1 million bushels on hand at June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, of which 4.02.7 million bushels were stored for others. TotalWhile total grain storage capacity, was flat withincluding temporary pile storage, remained unchanged at approximately 153 million bushels at both June 30,March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the sale of three Tennessee locations in the second quarter will decrease storage by approximately 8 million bushels.

While weather will play a factor, the spring planting season is still in its early stages. The Grain Group will focus on growing originations, risk management services, and June 30, 2016.its food ingredients business.
Wheat harvest is complete in our southern footprint and underway in our remaining locations. Harvest results to date appear positive and we expect continued opportunities for space income on our wheat position. Corn and beans were planted through variable weather conditions across our footprint during the quarter, which could result in varied qualities and an opportunity for blending income during harvest. During the quarter, the Group also completed an acquisition of a small specialty grain handling and milling business that further expands our food ingredient capabilities.
Ethanol Group

The Ethanol Group's secondfirst quarter results reflect lower ethanol margins from record levels of industry productionan increase in volumes primarily due to the Albion plant expansion and stocks duringhigher DDG values due to the quarter. While DDG margins have improved from the prior quarter, elevated levelslack of vomitoxin issues in eastern draw areas have continuedthe current year. The Company also began construction of its new bio-refinery facility, which is expected to negatively impact margins. The weak ethanol and DDG margins were partially offset by high ethanol export demand and strong E-85 and corn oil sales.



be completed in 2019.

Ethanol and related coproducts volumes shipped for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
(in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Ethanol (gallons shipped)109,504
 75,463
 198,927
 149,246
103,075
 89,423
E-85 (gallons shipped)10,646
 9,093
 19,903
 15,413
14,901
 9,257
Corn Oil (pounds shipped)4,078
 3,668
 8,338
 7,282
4,807
 4,260
DDG (tons shipped) *37
 40
 79
 80
39
 42
* DDG tons shipped converts wet tons to a dry ton equivalent amount

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

Plant Nutrient Group

The Plant Nutrient Group's secondfirst quarter results reflect a continued depressed nutrient market. An oversupply of base nutrientsmarket and continued delay in market improvements around the specialty products. These circumstances were partially offset by volume and margin increases in lawn products. We expect volume and margin pressures to continue to be a challenge in the market has put pressure on prices, which has put pressure on overall margins. Volumes have also declined compared to the prior year as we lost a key portionremaining quarters of our application window due to inclement weather, as well as lower crop prices that continue to keep farm income low, preventing investment in high margin nutrients that yield better results. We expect this trend to continue during the year.2018.

Storage capacity at our wholesale nutrient and farm center facilities, including leased storage, was approximately 484 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 513 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at March 31, 2018 comparable to approximately 486 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 527528 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at June 30, 2017 and approximately 497 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 550 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at June 30, 2016. The decrease in our storage capacity is a result of the sales of Florida farm center assets in the first quarter ofMarch 31, 2017.

Tons of product shipped (including sales and service tons)sold for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
(in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Wholesale Nutrients - Base nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium545
 549
 735
 761
Wholesale Nutrients - Value added products173
 208
 303
 327
Other (includes Farm Centers, Turf, and Cob)147
 185
 276
 314
Total tons865
 942
 1,314
 1,402
(in thousands)Three months ended March 31,
 2018 2017
Primary nutrients202
 217
Specialty nutrients186
 209
Other16
 23
Total tons404
 449

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

Rail Group
The
As anticipated, the Rail GroupGroup's results are lower in 2018 as they reflect additional certification expenses and the inability to record gains on nonrecourse financing of rail cars in the quarter as a result of the new revenue recognition accounting standard. Despite these headwinds, the group saw a declinean increase in average utilization rates from 88.683.6 percent in the secondfirst quarter of 20162017 to 84.487.9 percent in the secondfirst quarter of 2017. Average lease rates remained relatively flat.2018. While Rail Group assets under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 were 23,64923,044 compared to 23,22023,394 at June 30, 2016.
Utilization rates are recovering at a modest rate, however,March 31, 2017, the number of cars on lease rates are still under pressureincreased by 4% from an over-supplied car market. We expect utilization to continue to rebound and lease rates to hold steady through the end of the year, with increased harvest demandprior year. The Group also purchased over 350 railcars in the fourth quarter.first quarter of 2018 and scrapped just over 560 cars, taking advantage of an increase in scrap prices.

The Group purchased 774 cars with leases attached in the quarter and continueswill continue to focus on strategically growingmanaging the railage of its fleet as well as look for opportunities to open new repair facilities.
Retail Group
The Retail Group closed its remaining storesby making strategic purchases and substantially completed its liquidation efforts duringtaking advantage of higher scrap prices, increasing the second quarter. We have closed on the salepercent of one of the properties in July, recording a nominal gain.

cars under lease.

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


Operating Results
The following discussion focuses on the operating results as shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations withand includes a separate discussion by segment. Additional segment information is included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements herein in Note 12.13 Segment Information.
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$993,662
 $1,064,244
 $1,845,678
 $1,952,123
$635,739
 $852,016
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues905,828
 967,202
 1,681,386
 1,787,326
572,034
 775,558
Gross profit87,834
 97,042
 164,292
 164,797
63,705
 76,458
Operating, administrative and general expenses69,928
 75,405
 151,875
 155,286
64,257
 81,545
Goodwill impairment42,000
 
 42,000
 
Interest expense (income)5,988
 6,554
 12,088
 13,605
6,999
 6,100
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net6,385
 2,344
 4,507
 (4,633)3,573
 (1,878)
Other income (expense), net4,632
 5,682
 12,529
 8,928
1,686
 7,495
Income (loss) before income taxes(19,065) 23,109
 (24,635) 201
(2,292) (5,570)
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(64) 1,018
 (10) 92
(282) 54
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$(19,001) $22,091
 $(24,625) $109
$(2,010) $(5,624)
Comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 with the three months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017:
Grain Group
Three months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$488,447
 $522,989
$276,852
 $478,528
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues458,000
 505,438
250,802
 454,879
Gross profit30,447
 17,551
26,050
 23,649
Operating, administrative and general expenses25,955
 27,362
25,954
 25,327
Interest expense (income)2,327
 2,961
2,959
 2,696
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net2,903
 (2,907)1,987
 (1,345)
Other income (expense), net1,861
 2,642
846
 646
Income (loss) before income taxes$6,929
 $(13,037)$(30) $(5,073)

Operating results for the Grain Group have improved by $20.0$5.0 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $34.5$201.7 million due to a 33% decrease in bushel sales as bushels are being strategically held for sale in the second half of the year due to strong space income opportunities in the market. Additionally, bushels received are down 27% compared to the same period in 2016 which is also a partial driver in the decline in sales. The decrease in volume was more than offset by a decrease in cost of sales and merchandising revenues of $47.4$204.1 million for a net favorable gross profit impact of $12.9$2.4 million. The adoption of ASC 606 led to a decrease in revenue of $164.4 million and an equal offsetting decrease to cost of sales. The gross profit increase was driven by $15.6 millionaccelerated basis appreciation and an increase in space income relating to corn, beans, and wheat asrisk management fees in the value of storage capacity has significantly improved compared to the same period in 2016.first quarter.

Equity in earnings of affiliates improved $5.8by $3.3 million due to improvedbetter operating results offrom Lansing Trade Group ("LTG") who also continues to recover from under performance in its core markets induring the second quarter of 2016.quarter.

Ethanol Group
Three months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$187,831
 $142,520
$172,838
 $154,153
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues184,511
 137,950
169,972
 148,613
Gross profit3,320
 4,570
2,866
 5,540
Operating, administrative and general expenses2,243
 2,607
3,029
 3,247
Interest expense (income)(22) 12
(41) (3)
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net3,482
 5,251
1,586
 (533)
Other income (expense), net15
 3
93
 7
Income (loss) before income taxes4,596
 7,205
1,557
 1,770
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(64) 1,018
(282) 54
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$4,660
 $6,187
$1,839
 $1,716

Operating results for the Ethanol Group decreased $1.5improved $0.1 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $45.3$18.7 million compared to the results of the same period last year. This was driven by a 16% increase in ethanol gallons sold, a portion of which is attributable to the Albion plant expansion which led to record ethanol production.that was not operating at its current capacity until the second quarter of 2017, and a 61% increase in E-85 sales. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased atas a similar rate. The $1.3 million decreaseresult of the increase in grosssales volume. Gross profit is driven by low marginsdeclined due to record levelsa decrease of industry production and stock.8% in the average selling price of ethanol.

Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $1.8increased $2.1 million compared to the same period in 2016 due to decliningimproved results from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. This was primarilyThese results were driven by ethanol margins as noted above as well as continued lowerthe Albion plant expansion and higher DDG margins as a resultvalues in the first quarter, each accounting for approximately half of localized elevated vomitoxin levels in eastern draw areas.the increase.
Plant Nutrient Group
Three months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$264,736
 $320,036
$135,617
 $146,587
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues224,802
 270,459
113,380
 120,779
Gross profit39,934
 49,577
22,237
 25,808
Operating, administrative and general expenses22,580
 25,186
20,357
 23,060
Goodwill impairment42,000
 
Interest expense (income)1,815
 2,078
1,441
 1,640
Other income (expense), net636
 1,222
652
 5,564
Income (loss) before income taxes$(25,825) $23,535
$1,091
 $6,672

Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group declined $49.4$5.6 million over the same period in the prior year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $55.3$11.0 million. A 72% decrease in farm center tons sold as a result of the sale of Florida locations led to a $14.1 million and costrevenue decrease. This decrease was partially offset by a 13% increase in lawn product tons sold which led to an increase of $6.2 million of revenue. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues have decreased $45.7 million. The decrease in sales and merchandising revenues is driven by$7.4 million, primarily due to a 30% decrease in farm centers volume due tocenter tons sold noted above which was partially offset by the sale of farm center locationsincrease in Florida. Additionally, wholesale volume was down 5% due to lower movement base nutrients and value added products. Gross profit for the Plant Nutrient Group decreased $9.6 million from the same period last year. Margins remain tight due to margin compression in the wholesale and farm center businesses due to lower base nutrient prices, lower farm income, and resulting lower demand.lawn tons sold.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $2.6$2.7 million, largely due to $1.0$0.9 million of labor and benefit reductions relating to the sale of farm center locations in Florida and lower incentive compensation expense.reductions. Smaller reductions were also realized in a number of other expenses categories as part of our overall cost control efforts. The Group also recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million after experiencing several periods of compressed marginsefforts and lower sales volumes, as well as anticipated unfavorable operating conditions in the nutrient market for some time.


Rail Group
 Three months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$38,149
 $40,342
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues25,450
 26,740
Gross profit12,699
 13,602
Operating, administrative and general expenses5,395
 4,997
Interest expense (income)1,936
 2,221
Other income (expense), net492
 185
Income (loss) before income taxes$5,860
 $6,569

Operating results declined $0.7 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $2.2 million. Revenue from car sales decreased $1.9 million due to fewer car sales and leasing revenues decreased $1.4 million due to lower utilization rates compared to the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by increased repair and other revenues as the repair shops continue to produce strong results. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $1.3 million primarily due to lower car sales. Gross profit decreased $0.9 million compared to last year. This decrease was driven by $0.9 million from fewer car sales and $1.0 million from weaker utilization and offset by $1.0 million of increased repair and other gross profit from greater efficiencies in the repair shops.
Retail Group
 Three months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$14,499
 $38,357
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues13,065
 26,615
Gross profit1,434
 11,742
Operating, administrative and general expenses9,373
 10,666
Interest expense (income)82
 157
Other income (expense), net1,303
 91
Income (loss) before income taxes$(6,718) $1,010

Operating results for the Retail Group declined $7.7 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $23.9 million and cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $13.6 million leading to a decrease in gross profit of $10.3 million. These decreases reflect partial operations during the quarter due to the closure of the retail business during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, inventory was marked down for liquidation causing a decrease in margins.

While operating, administrative and general expenses decreased by $1.3 million, the group incurred exit charges of $3.5 million in 2017, most of which was severance. The remaining operating, administrative and general expenses decrease was due to the group being operational for only a portion of the quarter. The increase in other income is due to a $1.2 million gain on the sale of fixtures.

Other
 Three months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$
 $
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
 
Gross profit
 
Operating, administrative and general expenses4,382
 4,587
Interest expense (income)(150) (875)
Other income (expense), net325
 1,539
Income (loss) before income taxes$(3,907) $(2,173)

The other operating loss not allocated to business segments increased $1.7 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Other income decreased by $1.2 million as a result of $1.3 million gain on final settlement of our pension planFlorida locations being excluded in 2016.

Income Taxes
In the second quarter of 2017, income tax expense of $7.7 million was provided at (40.1)%. In the second quarter of 2016, income tax expense of $7.7 million was provided at 33.2%. The lower 2017 effective tax rate relative to the loss before income taxes is primarily due to a $42.0 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit.

The Company anticipates that its 2017 annual effective tax rate will be 99.2%. The Company’s actual 2016 effective tax rate was 32.3%. The higher tax rate in 2017 is primarily due to a $42 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit.
Comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2017 with the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Grain Group
 Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$966,975
 $1,061,803
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues912,879
 1,028,052
Gross profit54,096
 33,751
Operating, administrative and general expenses51,282
 55,384
Interest expense (income)5,023
 5,448
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net1,558
 (6,674)
Other income (expense), net2,507
 3,310
Income (loss) before income taxes1,856
 (30,445)
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 (3)
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$1,856
 $(30,442)

Operating results for the Grain Group have improved by $32.3 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $94.8 million due to a 21% decrease in bushels sold as bushels are being strategically held for sale in the second half of thecurrent year due to strong carry in the market. Additionally, direct ship bushels are down 21% as the group continues to focus on the most profitable markets to increase margins. This decrease was more than offset by a decrease of cost of sales and merchandising revenues for a net favorable gross profit impact of $20.3 million. The gross profit increase was driven by a $24.5 million increase in space income relating to corn, beans, and wheat as the value of storage capacity has significantly improved compared to the same period in 2016.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased by $4.1 million compared to the same period in 2016 due to a $3.5 million decrease in expenses relating to the Iowa divestiture and a $2.2 million decrease in labor and benefit costs as a result of productivity efforts.


Equity in losses of affiliates improved $8.2 million due to improved operating results of LTG who also continues to recover from under performance in its core markets in 2016.
Ethanol Group
 Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$341,984
 $257,213
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues333,124
 250,307
Gross profit8,860
 6,906
Operating, administrative and general expenses5,490
 5,355
Interest expense (income)(25) 23
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net2,949
 2,041
Other income (expense), net22
 33
Income (loss) before income taxes6,366
 3,602
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(10) 95
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.$6,376
 $3,507

Operating results for the Ethanol Group increased $2.9 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $84.8 million compared to the results of the same period last year. This was driven by the Albion expansion which led to record ethanol production. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased at a similar rate. The $2.0 million increase in gross profit was driven by the Group's ability to enter 2017 with approximately half of its margins hedged.

Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $0.9 million due to better results from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. The facilities' productivity and output remained strong and margins were better, primarily in the first quarter as noted above.
Plant Nutrient Group
 Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$411,323
 $487,027
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues345,581
 410,761
Gross profit65,742
 76,266
Operating, administrative and general expenses45,641
 49,068
Goodwill impairment42,000
 
Interest expense (income)3,455
 3,976
Other income (expense), net6,200
 2,017
Income (loss) before income taxes$(19,154) $25,239

Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group declined $44.4 million from the same period in the prior year. Gross profit decreased $10.5 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $75.7 million due to a 21% decrease in farm center tons as a result of the sale of our farm center locations in Florida. Additionally, wholesale volume was down 5% due to lower movement base nutrients and value added products. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $65.2 million. Margins remain tight due to competitive pressures and margin compression in the wholesale and farm center businesses due to lower base nutrient prices, lower farm income, and resulting lower demand.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $3.4 million. The largest driver was a $2.3 million decrease in labor and benefits, much of it relating to the sale of farm center locations in Florida in the first quarter of 2017 and the sale of the farm center locations in Iowa in the first quarter of 2016. Smaller reductions were also realized in a number of other categories as part of our overall cost control efforts. The Group also recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million after experiencing several periods of compressed margins and lower sales volumes, as well as anticipated unfavorable operating conditions in the nutrient market for some time.results.

Other income increased(expense), net decreased $4.9 million as a result of2017 includes a $4.7 million gain on the sale of farm center locations in Florida.



Rail Group
Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$78,539
 $79,951
$50,432
 $40,390
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues53,532
 51,789
37,880
 28,082
Gross profit25,007
 28,162
12,552
 12,308
Operating, administrative and general expenses10,895
 9,868
6,231
 5,500
Interest expense (income)3,745
 3,912
2,368
 1,809
Other income (expense), net1,571
 1,562
16
 1,079
Income (loss) before income taxes$11,938
 $15,944
$3,969
 $6,078

Operating results for the Rail Group declined $4.0$2.1 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $1.4increased $10.0 million. Revenue from car sales increased by $10.0 million. Leasing revenues decreased $3.4increased by $2.0 million partiallydue to higher utilization which was offset by $2.4a $2.0 million of increaseddecrease in repair and other revenues. The remaining change related to a slight decrease in car sale revenues.revenue. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased $1.7$9.8 million compared to the same period lastprior year due to higher storage costs resulting from lower carsan increase in service andcar sales which was partially offset by a decrease in repair cost of sales related to the decrease in repair revenue. As a result, gross profit increased repair sales, as noted above. Gross profit decreased $3.2$0.2 million compared to last year. This decrease was driven by almost $5.5 million in our leasing business, offset by a $1.9 million increase in our repair and other business and slight increases on car sale margins.
Retail Group
 Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Sales and merchandising revenues$46,857
 $66,129
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues36,270
 46,417
Gross profit10,587
 19,712
Operating, administrative and general expenses25,414
 20,655
Interest expense (income)170
 303
Other income (expense), net1,433
 180
Income (loss) before income taxes$(13,564) $(1,066)

Operating results for the Retail Group declined $12.5 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $19.3 million while cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $10.1 million. These decreases are due to lower volumes as a result of the closure of the retail business during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, inventory was marked down for liquidation causing a significant decrease in margins leading to a $9.1 million decrease in gross profit.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased by $4.8 million, which includes one time exit charges of $11.3 million, most of which was severance. This decrease was partially offset byprimarily due to an increase in depreciation from cars added to the group being operational for onlybalance sheet as a portionresult of the year. The increasenew revenue accounting standard.

Other income decreased $1.1 million, as end of lease settlements that occurred in other income was due to a $1.2 million gain on the salefirst quarter of fixtures.

2017 did not recur.
Other
Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)2017 20162018 2017
Sales and merchandising revenues$
 $
$
 $32,358
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
 

 23,205
Gross profit
 

 9,153
Operating, administrative and general expenses13,153
 14,956
8,686
 24,411
Interest expense (income)(280) (57)272
 (42)
Other income (expense), net796
 1,826
79
 199
Income (loss) before income taxes$(12,077) $(13,073)$(8,879) $(15,017)

The otherSales and merchandising revenues decreased $32.4 million, cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $23.2 million and gross profit decreased $9.2 million. All of these decreases are a result of the retail business operating loss not allocated to business segments decreased $1.0 million compared to the same period in the prior year. first quarter of 2017 but no longer operational in 2018.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $1.8$15.7 million which isprimarily due to a decrease in labor, severance, costsbenefits and other operating expenses that were incurred in the prior year that didfirst quarter of 2017 but not occurincurred in 2017. This was partially offset bythe first quarter of 2018 as a $1.3 million gain on final settlementresult of our pension planthe shutdown of the retail business. Unallocated corporate operating expenses increased slightly due to an increase in Other income in 2016.severance costs.

Income Taxes

In 2017,the first quarter of 2018, an income tax expensebenefit of $5.1$0.3 million was provided at (20.8)%an effective rate of 13.5%. In 2016,the first quarter of 2017, an income tax expensebenefit of $0.4$2.5 million was provided at 189.6%45.5%. The lower 20172018 effective tax rate relative to the loss before income taxes is primarily due to a $42.0 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a correspondingthe benefits of tax benefit.

reform.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
At June 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the Company had working capital of $194.9$213.9 million. The following table presents changes in the components of current assets and current liabilities:
(in thousands)June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 VarianceMarch 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Variance
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$18,934
 $31,383
 $(12,449)$31,497
 $29,645
 $1,852
Restricted cash1,033
 987
 46

 752
 (752)
Accounts receivable, net186,331
 212,588
 (26,257)216,021
 190,628
 25,393
Inventories463,205
 486,236
 (23,031)731,629
 641,294
 90,335
Commodity derivative assets – current11,619
 115,924
 (104,305)43,810
 48,049
 (4,239)
Other current assets59,873
 48,754
 11,119
57,147
 83,623
 (26,476)
Assets held for sale10,028
 
 10,028
57,775
 
 57,775
Total current assets751,023
 895,872
 (144,849)1,137,879
 993,991
 143,888
Current Liabilities:          
Short-term debt124,000
 179,404
 (55,404)489,000
 255,000
 234,000
Trade and other payables267,194
 302,413
 (35,219)263,519
 276,834
 (13,315)
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue15,113
 18,252
 (3,139)81,778
 81,628
 150
Commodity derivative liabilities – current18,104
 43,183
 (25,079)15,424
 29,914
 (14,490)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities69,256
 71,169
 (1,913)60,095
 65,952
 (5,857)
Current maturities of long-term debt62,482
 53,720
 8,762
14,134
 56,144
 (42,010)
Total current liabilities556,149
 668,141
 (111,992)923,950
 765,472
 158,478
Working Capital$194,874
 $227,731
 $(32,857)$213,929
 $228,519
 $(14,590)
InMarch 31, 2018 current assets increased $143.9 million in comparison to June 30, 2016 current assets decreased significantly.those of March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to increases in inventories and accounts receivable. The increase in inventory relates to higher grain inventories from higher bean prices and more bushels owned. Accounts receivable increased due to the amount and timing of sales in the Grain and Ethanol business. Other current assets decreased due to a decrease to railcars placed into service out of idle storage. Assets held for sale increased due to an increase in Commodityinventory and commodity derivative assets held for sale which was reclassed from the respective lines on the balance sheet, having no net impact on total current assets. Current commodity derivative assets and liabilities, have decreased which reflects the customer net asset or liability based on the value of forward contracts as compared to market prices at the end of the period, as well as a significant decrease inhave decreased. See the need for margin deposits compared to the prior year. Accounts receivable, net was also down due to a decrease in Grain receivables as a result of lower sales and shipment activity for the first half of 2017 compared to prior periods. Plant Nutrient Group also contributed to a decrease in accounts receivable as a result of the sale of Florida farm center locations and a decrease in sales. Additionally, inventories are down. Retail inventory is down due to the decision to close the retail stores. Liquidations efforts are substantially complete as of June 30, 2017. Plant Nutrient inventory is also down as a result of carrying fewer tons, including inventory in transit at the end of the period, and as a result of the sale of the Florida locations. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in Grain inventory as bushels are being held for sale in the second half of the year. See discussion below on additional sources and uses of cash for an understanding of the decrease in cash from prior year.
Current liabilities were downincreased $158.5 million compared to the prior year due to an increase in short-term debt which was a result of higher inventories and increased margin funding. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in short-termcurrent maturities of long-term debt trade and other payables, and commodity derivative liabilities which are mentioned above. Short-term debt decreased as a result of borrowings on the revolver in 2016 that did not occur in 2017. Trade and other payables decreased primarily due to a decrease in Plant Nutrient Group payables due to more timely processingtiming of paymentsdebt maturities as well as decreased inventory levels and purchases at quarter end.timing of payments in accounts payable.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Our operating activities used cash of $45.2$378.7 million and $194.4$229.2 million in the first sixthree months of 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. The decreaseincrease in cash used year to date is primarilywas due to a decreasethe increases in cash collateral relating toaccounts receivable, inventories and commodity derivatives.derivatives discussed above.
Investing Activities
Investing activities used cash of $64.2$44.3 million through the first sixthree months of 2017,2018 compared to cash providedused of $14.9$13.2 million in the prior year. This change isCash used for the purchases of property, plant, equipment, and software increased due to three main factors. Proceedscosts associated with the beginning stages of the construction of the bio-refinery that began in the first quarter of 2018. Additionally, there was a decrease of $13.9 million proceeds from the sale of facilities and investments in affiliates decreased by $40.5 million. Proceeds in 2016 were higherassets as a result of a $54.3 million2017 reflected the sale of underperforming assets in Iowa as well as the redemption of our investment in the Iowa Northern Railway Corporation which provided proceeds of $13.5

million. Additionally, 2017 reflects a $40.0 million increase in net spend on railcar acquisitions and sales. The variability in railcar purchases and sales is driven by timing of opportunities in the Rail Group asset market. Finally, property, plant, and equipment spend is down compared to the same period in 2016.Florida farm centers.
In 2017,2018, we expect to spend a total of $145.0$145 million for the purchase of railcars barges and related leases and capitalized modifications of railcars. We also expect these purchases to offset this amount by proceedsbe funded from sales and dispositions or non-recourse debt of approximately $120.0$125 million during the year.
Additionally,
In addition to the construction of the bio-refinery, total capital spending for 20172018 on property, plant and equipment in our base business excluding rail leasing activity, but inclusive of information technology spending is expected to be approximately $70$60 million.
Financing Activities
Financing activities provided cash of $65.7$419.6 million and $147.1$209.5 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively. Short termThis was largely due to an increase in short-term borrowings decreased $70.1 million. This change was driven primarily by declineswhich is a result of an increase in commodity prices and associated working capital requirements. In addition, the current year saw a decrease$68.7 million increase in long-term debt payments which was partially offset by an increase of $52.0$34.8 million in funds provided by the issuance of long-term debt issuance and other long-term financing arrangements, but this was largely offset by a $42.3 million decrease in long-term debt payments.debt.
We are party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks that provide a total of $820.0$950.0 million in borrowings, whichborrowings. This amount includes $20.0$15.0 million of debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC, which$70 million of debt of ELEMENT LLC and $65 million of debt of The Andersons Railcar Leasing Company LLC, that is non-recourse to the Company. Of that total, we had $633.5$338.3 million remaining available for borrowing at June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. Peak short-term borrowings to date were $292.0$541 million on April 3, 2017.March 14, 2018. Typically, our highest borrowing occurs in the late winter and early spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in our fertilizer and grain businesses.

We paid $9.0$4.7 million in dividends in the first six monthsquarter of 20172018 compared to $8.7$4.5 million in the prior year. We paid $0.165 per common share for the dividends paid in January 2018 and $0.16 per common share for the dividends paid in January and April, 2017 and $0.155 per common share for the dividends paid in January and April, 2016.2017. On May 12, 2017,February 23, 2018 we declared a cash dividend of $0.16$0.165 per common share payable on July 24, 2017April 23, 2018 to shareholders of record on July 3, 2017.April 2, 2018.
Certain of our long-term borrowings include covenants that, among other things, impose minimum levels of equity and limitations on additional debt. We are in compliance with all such covenants as of June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. In addition, certain of our long-term borrowings are collateralized by first mortgages on various facilities or are collateralized by railcar assets. Our non-recourse long-term debt is collateralized by ethanol plant assets.
Because we are a significant consumerborrower of short-term debt in peak seasons and the majority of this is variable rate debt, increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our profitability. In addition, periods of high grain prices and/or unfavorable market conditions could require us to make additional margin deposits on our exchange traded futures contracts. Conversely, in periods of declining prices, we receive a return of cash.
We believe our sources of liquidity will be adequate to fund our operations, capital expenditures and payments of dividends in the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

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

The following table describes our Rail Group asset positions at June 30, 2017:March 31, 2018: 
Method of ControlFinancial Statement Units
Owned-railcarsOwned - railcars available for saleOn balance sheet – current 429503
Owned-railcarOwned - railcar assets leased to othersOn balance sheet – non-current 16,68518,441
Railcars leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet 3,6143,138
Railcars in non-recourse arrangementsOff balance sheet 2,817861
Total Railcars  23,54522,943
Locomotive assets leased to othersOn balance sheet – non-current 3532
Locomotives leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet 4
Total Locomotives  3936
Barge assets leased to othersOn balance sheet – non-current 
Barge assets leased from financial intermediariesOff balance sheet 65
Total Barges  65
In addition, we manage 415539 railcars for third party customers or owners for which we receive a fee.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically commodity and interest rate risk during the quarter ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer ("Certifying Officers"), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on the results of this evaluation, management concluded that, as of June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.2017.  As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of any change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company is undertaking the phased implementation of an ERP software system. The Company believes it is maintaining and monitoring appropriate internal controls during the implementation period and further believes that its internal control environment will be enhanced as a result of this implementation.  There have been no other changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.




Part II. Other Information

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this Form 10-Q and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. These risks can be impacted by factors beyond our control as well as by errors and omissions on our part. The most significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results are described in our 20162017 Form 10-K (Item 1A).

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

No sales or repurchases of shares have occurred in 2017.2018.

Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
   
No.  Description
   
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
12  
  
31.1  
  
31.2  
  
32.1  
   
101 Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
  
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Registrant)
  
Date: August 7, 2017May 8, 2018 By /s/ Patrick E. Bowe
  Patrick E. Bowe
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  
Date: August 7, 2017May 8, 2018 By /s/ John GranatoAnne G. Rex
  John GranatoAnne G. Rex
  Vice President, Corporate Controller & Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
  


Exhibit Index
The Andersons, Inc.
 
   
No.  Description
   
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
12  
  
31.1  
  
31.2  
  
32.1  
   
101 Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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