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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30,December 31, 2022.
 
OR
 
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 000-53036
 
CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Indiana 20-2327916
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
1554 N. County Road 600 E., Union City, IN 47390
(Address of principal executive offices)

(765) 964-3137
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to 12(b) of the Act: None.

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Membership Units.

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

x Yes     o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).

x Yes     o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer  
Non-Accelerated FilerxSmaller 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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes     x No

As of August 4, 2022,February 6, 2023, there were 14,606 membership units outstanding.
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INDEX
Page Number

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PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
ASSETS ASSETSJune 30, 2022September 30, 2021 ASSETSDecember 31, 2022September 30, 2022
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Current AssetsCurrent AssetsCurrent Assets
Cash$29,929,343 $25,798,906 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$68,622,409 $53,937,943 
Restricted cashRestricted cash8,419,989 8,097,041 Restricted cash10,536,562 9,301,671 
Investments in available-for-sale debt securitiesInvestments in available-for-sale debt securities10,795,752 — 
Trade accounts receivableTrade accounts receivable24,624,227 13,386,410 Trade accounts receivable16,265,923 12,511,601 
Miscellaneous receivablesMiscellaneous receivables573,890 404,273 Miscellaneous receivables618,152 1,114,588 
InventoriesInventories38,337,108 26,587,032 Inventories36,263,785 23,370,767 
Prepaid and other current assetsPrepaid and other current assets571,488 212,261 Prepaid and other current assets1,490,923 464,498 
Futures & options derivatives7,918,725 964,418 
Futures and options derivativesFutures and options derivatives144,491 972,041 
Forward purchase/sales derivativesForward purchase/sales derivatives1,273,242 988,919 Forward purchase/sales derivatives559,534 360,620 
Total current assetsTotal current assets111,648,012 76,439,260 Total current assets145,297,531 102,033,729 
Property, Plant, and Equipment, NetProperty, Plant, and Equipment, Net70,620,993 69,399,645 Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net83,706,170 78,457,058 
Other AssetsOther AssetsOther Assets
Operating lease right of use asset, netOperating lease right of use asset, net2,661,350 4,840,250 Operating lease right of use asset, net6,012,992 6,808,992 
Investment1,259,770 1,259,770 
InvestmentsInvestments1,424,943 1,656,049 
Total other assetsTotal other assets3,921,120 6,100,020 Total other assets7,437,935 8,465,041 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$186,190,125 $151,938,925 Total Assets$236,441,636 $188,955,828 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITYLIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITYLIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
Current LiabilitiesCurrent LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities
Due to brokerDue to broker$104,311 $— Due to broker$180,419 $— 
Accounts payableAccounts payable4,359,417 3,564,614 Accounts payable3,192,405 4,426,732 
Accounts payable - grainAccounts payable - grain12,574,716 11,942,723 Accounts payable - grain46,715,405 12,335,894 
Accrued expensesAccrued expenses1,898,478 2,111,295 Accrued expenses3,260,712 3,897,364 
Futures & options derivatives3,952,736 2,331,889 
Futures and options derivativesFutures and options derivatives2,670,754 2,669,433 
Forward purchase/sales derivativesForward purchase/sales derivatives167,947 658,283 Forward purchase/sales derivatives228,911 507,408 
Operating lease liability currentOperating lease liability current2,199,795 3,132,242 Operating lease liability current3,591,639 3,594,335 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities25,257,400 23,741,046 Total current liabilities59,840,245 27,431,166 
Long-Term LiabilitiesLong-Term LiabilitiesLong-Term Liabilities
Long-term debtLong-term debt16,185,919 9,000,000 
Operating lease long-term liabilitiesOperating lease long-term liabilities492,455 1,709,621 Operating lease long-term liabilities2,439,008 3,217,532 
Liability for railcar rehabilitation costsLiability for railcar rehabilitation costs1,966,537 1,750,680 Liability for railcar rehabilitation costs2,111,013 2,036,638 
Total long-term liabilitiesTotal long-term liabilities2,458,992 3,460,301 Total long-term liabilities20,735,940 14,254,170 
Commitments and ContingenciesCommitments and Contingencies00Commitments and Contingencies
Members’ EquityMembers’ EquityMembers’ Equity
Members' contributions, net of cost of raising capital, 14,606 units authorized, issued and outstandingMembers' contributions, net of cost of raising capital, 14,606 units authorized, issued and outstanding70,912,213 70,912,213 Members' contributions, net of cost of raising capital, 14,606 units authorized, issued and outstanding70,912,213 70,912,213 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(7,706)— 
Retained earningsRetained earnings87,561,520 53,825,365 Retained earnings84,960,944 76,358,279 
Total members' equityTotal members' equity158,473,733 124,737,578 Total members' equity155,865,451 147,270,492 
Total Liabilities and Members’ EquityTotal Liabilities and Members’ Equity$186,190,125 $151,938,925 Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity$236,441,636 $188,955,828 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30, 2022June 30, 2021June 30, 2022June 30, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
RevenuesRevenues$133,261,052 $117,272,974 $417,490,683 $308,424,904 Revenues$134,948,119 $150,256,949 
Cost of Goods SoldCost of Goods Sold104,607,396 107,665,033 343,766,849 289,525,280 Cost of Goods Sold117,009,175 115,338,341 
Gross ProfitGross Profit28,653,656 9,607,941 73,723,834 18,899,624 Gross Profit17,938,944 34,918,608 
Operating ExpensesOperating Expenses1,920,790 1,758,914 6,104,500 5,408,684 Operating Expenses2,272,604 2,135,373 
Operating IncomeOperating Income26,732,866 7,849,027 67,619,334 13,490,940 Operating Income15,666,340 32,783,235 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense(3,893)(61,884)(3,993)(137,959)
Interest incomeInterest income421,732 — 
Miscellaneous income (expense)Miscellaneous income (expense)7,444,754 (41,393)7,382,764 202,356 Miscellaneous income (expense)48,699 (388,071)
Income (loss) on equity method investmentIncome (loss) on equity method investment(231,106)— 
TotalTotal7,440,861 (103,277)7,378,771 64,397 Total239,325 (388,071)
Net IncomeNet Income$34,173,727 $7,745,750 $74,998,105 $13,555,337 Net Income$15,905,665 $32,395,164 
Weighted Average Units Outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted Average Units Outstanding - basic and diluted14,606 14,606 14,606 14,606 Weighted Average Units Outstanding - basic and diluted14,606 14,606 
Net Income Per Unit - basic and dilutedNet Income Per Unit - basic and diluted$2,340 $530 $5,135 $928 Net Income Per Unit - basic and diluted$1,089 $2,218 
Distributions Per UnitDistributions Per Unit$675 $200 $2,825 $450 Distributions Per Unit$500 $650 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securitiesUnrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities(7,706)— 
Total comprehensive loss Total comprehensive loss(7,706)— 
Net Comprehensive IncomeNet Comprehensive Income$15,897,959 $— 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.




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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30, 2022June 30, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Cash Flows from Operating ActivitiesCash Flows from Operating ActivitiesCash Flows from Operating Activities
Net incomeNet income$74,998,105 $13,555,337 Net income$15,905,665 $32,395,164 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization8,502,992 8,436,814 Depreciation and amortization2,881,483 2,862,894 
Change in fair value of commodity derivative instrumentsChange in fair value of commodity derivative instruments(6,108,119)4,604,890 Change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments351,460 7,300,012 
Loss on sale of equipment— 906,785 
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loan— (856,665)
Accrued interest incomeAccrued interest income(48,794)— 
Non-cash lease expenseNon-cash lease expense14,780 — 
Loss from equity method investmentLoss from equity method investment231,106 — 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:Change in operating assets and liabilities:Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivableTrade accounts receivable(11,237,817)(10,100,285)Trade accounts receivable(3,754,322)(932,046)
Miscellaneous receivablesMiscellaneous receivables(169,617)92,701 Miscellaneous receivables496,436 (240,270)
InventoriesInventories(11,750,076)(6,109,172)Inventories(12,893,018)(4,975,650)
Prepaid and other current assetsPrepaid and other current assets(359,227)(285,104)Prepaid and other current assets(1,026,425)(991,943)
Due to broker104,311 (15,000)
Accounts payableAccounts payable804,714 (287,924)Accounts payable(926,821)70,305 
Accounts payable - grainAccounts payable - grain631,993 1,180,496 Accounts payable - grain34,379,511 31,952,624 
Accrued expensesAccrued expenses(188,965)(194,925)Accrued expenses(606,738)510,262 
Liability for railcar rehabilitation costsLiability for railcar rehabilitation costs215,857 223,560 Liability for railcar rehabilitation costs74,375 79,380 
Due to brokerDue to broker180,419 — 
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities55,444,151 11,151,508 Net cash provided by operating activities35,259,117 68,030,732 
Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesCash Flows from Investing ActivitiesCash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments for construction in progressPayments for construction in progress(9,728,816)(3,483,402)Payments for construction in progress(8,468,015)(136,773)
Purchases of investments in debt securitiesPurchases of investments in debt securities(10,754,664)— 
Net cash used for investing activities Net cash used for investing activities(9,728,816)(3,483,402) Net cash used for investing activities(19,222,679)(136,773)
Cash Flows from Financing ActivitiesCash Flows from Financing ActivitiesCash Flows from Financing Activities
Distributions paidDistributions paid(41,261,950)(6,572,700)Distributions paid(7,303,000)(9,493,900)
Proceeds from revolving credit loan9,841,117 106,024,134 
Payments on revolving credit loan(9,841,117)(106,024,134)
Proceeds from long-term debtProceeds from long-term debt— 1,222,417 Proceeds from long-term debt7,185,919 — 
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(41,261,950)(5,350,283)Net cash used for financing activities(117,081)(9,493,900)
Net Increase in Cash and Restricted Cash4,453,385 2,317,823 
Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashNet Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash15,919,357 58,400,059 
Cash and Restricted Cash – Beginning of Period33,895,947 16,913,982 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash – Beginning of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash – Beginning of Period63,239,614 33,895,947 
Cash and Restricted Cash – End of Period$38,349,332 $19,231,805 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash – End of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash – End of Period$79,158,971 $92,296,006 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30, 2022June 30, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Reconciliation of Cash and Restricted Cash
Cash - Balance Sheet$29,929,343 $7,695,998 
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashReconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Balance SheetCash and Cash Equivalents - Balance Sheet$68,622,409 $78,379,391 
Restricted Cash - Balance SheetRestricted Cash - Balance Sheet8,419,989 11,535,807 Restricted Cash - Balance Sheet10,536,562 13,916,615 
Cash and Restricted Cash$38,349,332 $19,231,805 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashCash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$79,158,971 $92,296,006 
Supplemental Cash Flow InformationSupplemental Cash Flow InformationSupplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paidInterest paid$3,993 $126,365 Interest paid$131,741 $— 
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing ActivitiesSupplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing ActivitiesSupplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Construction in process included in accrued expenses and accounts payable$19,580 $220,736 
Construction in progress included in accrued expenses and accounts payableConstruction in progress included in accrued expenses and accounts payable$5,720 $258 
Construction period interest capitalized in property plant and equipment Construction period interest capitalized in property plant and equipment$225,014 $— 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Changes in Members' Equity (Unaudited)
Member
Contributions
Retained
Earnings
Total
Balance September 30, 2020$70,912,213 $38,035,137 $108,947,350 
Net Loss— (1,055,854)(1,055,854)
Member Distributions— (1,460,600)(1,460,600)
Balance December 31, 2020$70,912,213 $35,518,683 $106,430,896 
Net Income— 6,865,441 6,865,441 
Member Distributions— (2,190,900)(2,190,900)
Balance March 31, 2021$70,912,213 $40,193,224 $111,105,437 
Net Income— 7,745,750 7,745,750 
Member Distributions— (2,921,200)(2,921,200)
Balance June 30, 2021$70,912,213 $45,017,774 $115,929,987 
Member
Contributions
Retained
Earnings
TotalMember
Contributions
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal
Balance September 30, 2021Balance September 30, 2021$70,912,213 $53,825,365 $124,737,578 Balance September 30, 2021$70,912,213 $53,825,365 $— $124,737,578 
Net IncomeNet Income— 32,395,164 32,395,164 Net Income— 32,395,164 — 32,395,164 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions— (9,493,900)(9,493,900)Member Distributions— (9,493,900)— (9,493,900)
Balance December 31, 2021Balance December 31, 2021$70,912,213 $76,726,629 $147,638,842 Balance December 31, 2021$70,912,213 $76,726,629 $— $147,638,842 
Net Income— 8,429,214 8,429,214 
Member Distributions— (21,909,000)(21,909,000)
Balance March 31, 2022$70,912,213 $63,246,843 $134,159,056 
Member ContributionsRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal
Balance September 30, 2022Balance September 30, 2022$70,912,213 $76,358,279 $— $147,270,492 
Net IncomeNet Income— 34,173,727 34,173,727 Net Income— 15,905,665 — 15,905,665 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions— (9,859,050)(9,859,050)Member Distributions— (7,303,000)— (7,303,000)
Balance June 30, 2022$70,912,213 $87,561,520 $158,473,733 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securitiesUnrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities— — (7,706)(7,706)
Balance December 31, 2022Balance December 31, 2022$70,912,213 $84,960,944 $(7,706)$155,865,451 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.

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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30,December 31, 2022
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements (the "financial statements") have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. These financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021,2022, contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, the interim condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation.

Nature of Business

Cardinal Ethanol, LLC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”), is an Indiana limited liability company currently producing fuel-grade ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and carbon dioxide near Union City, Indiana and sells these products throughout the continental United States. During the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company produced approximately 101,534,00034,254,000 and 100,050,00036,023,000 gallons of ethanol, respectively.

In addition, the Company procures, transports, and sells grain commodities through grain operations.

Basis of Accounting

The Company prepared the accompanying financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The financial statements include the operations, assets and liabilities of the Company. In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to fairly present the accompanying financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Cardinal Ethanol, LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Cardinal Ethanol Export Sales, Inc. and Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC (collectively, the Company). Cardinal Ethanol Export Sales, Inc. is an Interest Charge Domestic to International Sales Company ("IC-DISC") designed to take advantage of certain tax incentives for export sales to other countries. Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC was formed to hold the partnership interest for the investigation and pursuit of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reportable Segments

Accounting StandardsStandard Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.   Based on the related business nature and expected financial results criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has 2two reportable operating segments for financial reporting purposes.

Ethanol Division. Based on the nature of the products and production process and the expected financial results, the Company’s operations at its ethanol plant, including the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products, are aggregated into one financial reporting segment.

Trading Division. The Company has a grain loading facility within the Company's single site to buy, hold and sell inventories of agricultural grains, primarily soybeans. The Company performs no additional processing of these grains,
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
unlike the corn inventory the Company holds and uses in ethanol production. The activities of buying, selling and holding of grains other than for ethanol and co-product production comprise this financial reporting segment.

Accounting Estimates

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. The Ethanol Division uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others; the useful lives of fixed assets, inventories, the assumptions used in the analysis of the impairment of long lived assets, railcar rehabilitation costs, and inventory purchase commitments.

The Trading Division uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others; the useful lives of fixed assets, the valuation of inventory purchase and sale commitment derivatives and inventory at market.

Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. The Company periodically reviews estimates and assumptions, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which the revision is made. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains its accounts primarily at two financial institutions. At times throughout the year the Company's cash balances may exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Cash equivalents represent money market funds or short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase, except for those amounts that are held in the investment portfolio for long-term investment.

Restricted Cash

As a part of its commodities hedging activities, the Company is required to maintain cash balances with its commodities trading companies for initial and maintenance margins on a per futures contract basis. Changes in the market value of contracts may increase these requirements. As the futures contracts expire, the margin requirements also expire. Accordingly, the Company records the cash maintained with the traders in the margin accounts as restricted cash. Since this cash is immediately available upon request when there is a margin excess, the Company considers this restricted cash to be a current asset.

Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities

The Company holds funds in a short-term investments in debt securities, such as U.S. treasury bills or treasury notes. As some of the investments in debt securities have an original maturity date greater than three months, these investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Company is holding these short-term investments until maturity or for sale in the event cash is needed. Unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investments classified as available-for-sale are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until realized.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral. Accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company's credit terms. Amounts considered uncollectible are written off. The Company's estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience, its evaluation of the current status of receivables, and unusual circumstances, if any. At June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, the Company determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts was not necessary.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
Inventories

Ethanol Division (see Reportable Segments) inventories consist of raw materials, work in process, finished goods and spare parts. Corn is the primary raw material. Finished goods consist of ethanol, dried distiller grains and corn oil. Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the normal course of business, less reasonably predictable selling costs.

Trading Division (see Reportable Segments) inventories consist of grain. Soybeans were the only grains held and traded at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021.2022. These inventories are stated at market value less estimated selling costs, which may include reductions for quality.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over estimated useful lives by use of the straight-line depreciation method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress expenditures will be depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives once the assets are placed into service.

The Company has various capital projects scheduled for the 20222023 fiscal year in order to make certain improvements to the ethanol plant and maintain the facility. These improvements include updates to the grain pits, yeast props, economizers,190 condenser, rail siding, sieve vaporizer, cyber security, grain scales, spare parts storage, and other small miscellaneous projects. The Company also invested in an ethanol recovery system, costing approximately $2,400,000. The project was funded through operations and was completed and placed into service during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. The Company has plans to install a high protein feed system, costing approximately $46,570,000, which is payable in installments$50,000,000, including recent change orders, and is subject to adjustments pursuant to change orders. The Company expects to fund the projectbe funded from operations and from our current credit facilities as amended. Installation of the system commenced during the fourth quarter of our 2022 fiscal year. This project is expected to be completed by Fall of 2023.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and financing costs, subject to depreciation and amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Management evaluated and determined no impairment write-downs were considered necessary for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021.

InvestmentInvestments

Investments consist of the capital stock and patron equities of the Company's distillers grains marketer. The investments areinvestment is stated at the lower of cost or fair value and adjusted for non cashnon-cash patronage equities and cash equity redemptions received. Non cashNon-cash patronage dividends are recognized when received and included within revenue in the condensed statements of operations.

The Company has also created certain subsidiaries to achieve some of its varying business interests that are not directly related to ethanol production or trading of grain. One has been formed as a corporation, while the other has been formed as a limited liability company (LLC) to hold interests in affiliated companies for carbon capture and underground sequestration (CCS). Through its LLC, the company owns a fifty percent interest in a joint venture which is accounted for as an equity method investment as described in detail in Note 12 - Equity Method Investments.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. The Company's contracts primarily consist of agreements with marketing companies and other customers as described below. The Company's performance obligations consist of the delivery of ethanol, distillers'distillers grains, corn oil, soybeans and carbon dioxide to its customers. The consideration the Company receives for these products is fixed based on current observable market prices at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, generally, and adjusted for local market differentials. The Company's contracts have specific delivery modes, rail or truck, and dates. Revenue is recognized when the Company delivers the products to the mode of transportation specified in the contract, at the transaction price established in the contract, net of commissions, fees, and freight. The Company sells each of the products via different marketing channels as described below.

Ethanol. The Company sells its ethanol via a marketing agreement with Murex, LLC. Murex markets one hundred percent of the Company's ethanol production based on agreements with end users at prices agreed upon mutually among the end user, Murex and the Company. Murex then provides a schedule of deliveries required and an order for each rail car or tankers needed to fulfill their commitment with the end user. These are individual performance obligations of the Company. The marketing agreement calls for control and title to pass when the delivery vehicle is filled. Revenue is recognized then at the price in the agreement with the end user, net of commissions, freight, and insurance.

Distillers grains. The Company engages another third-party marketing company, CHS, Inc, to market one hundred percent of the distillers grains it produces at the plant. The process for selling the distillers grains is like that of ethanol, except that CHS takes title and control once a rail car is released to the railroad or a truck is released from the Company's scales. Prices are agreed upon among the three parties, and CHS provides schedules and orders representing performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of commissions, freight, and fees.

Distillers corn oil (corn oil). The Company sells its production of corn oil directly to commercial customers. The customer is provided with a delivery schedule and pick up orders representing performance obligations. These are fulfilled when the customer’s driver picks up the scheduled load. The price is agreed upon at the time each contract is made, and the Company recognizes revenue at the time of delivery at that price.

Carbon dioxide. The Company sells a portion of the carbon dioxide it produces to a customer that maintains a plant on-site for a set price per ton. Delivery is defined as transference of the gas from the Company's stream to their plant.

Soybeans and other grains. The Company sells soybeans exclusively to commercial mills, processors or grain traders. Contracts are negotiated directly with the parties at prices based on negotiated prices.



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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold include corn, trading division grains, natural gas and other components which includes processing ingredients, electricity, railcar lease, railcar maintenance, depreciation of ethanol production fixed assets and wages, salaries and benefits of production personnel.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses include wages, salaries and benefits of administrative employees at the plant, insurance, professional fees, depreciation of trading division fixed assets, property taxes and similar costs.

Derivative Instruments

From time to time the Company enters into derivative transactions to hedge its exposures to commodity price fluctuations. The Company is required to record these derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value.
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
In order for a derivative to qualify as a hedge, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. Gains and losses from derivatives that do not qualify as hedges, or are undesignated, must be recognized immediately in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivatives are recorded in the statement of operations, depending on the item being hedged.

Additionally, the Company is required to evaluate its contracts to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted as “normal purchases or normal sales”. Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from accounting and reporting requirements, and therefore, are not marked to market in our financial statements.

The Company has elected for its Ethanol Division to apply the normal purchase normal sale exemption to all forward commodity contracts. For the Trading Division, the Company has elected not to apply the normal purchase normal sale exemption to its forward purchase and sales contracts and therefore, marks these derivative instruments to market.

Net Income (Loss) per Unit

Basic net income (loss) per unit is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of members' units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per unit is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of members' units and members' unit equivalents outstanding during the period. There were no member unit equivalents outstanding during the periods presented; accordingly, the Company's basic and diluted net income (loss) per unit are the same.
2.  REVENUE

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized at a single point in time when the Company satisfies its performance obligation under the terms of a contract with a customer. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected, as specified in the contract with a customer, to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
Revenue by Source

All revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606 are recognized at a point in time.

The following tables disaggregate revenue by major source for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Ethanol DivisionTrading DivisionTotal
Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606
Ethanol$84,706,603 $— $84,706,603 
Distillers' grains18,261,386 — 18,261,386 
Corn Oil7,796,800 — 7,796,800 
Carbon Dioxide120,531 — 120,531 
Other Revenue13,450 15,900 29,350 
Total revenues from contracts with customers110,898,770 15,900 110,914,670 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Soybeans and other grains— 22,346,382 22,346,382 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 22,346,382 22,346,382 
Total Revenues$110,898,770 $22,362,282 $133,261,052 

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Ethanol DivisionTrading DivisionTotal
Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606
Ethanol$272,527,573 $— $272,527,573 
Distillers' grains47,450,158 — 47,450,158 
Corn Oil20,177,097 — 20,177,097 
Carbon Dioxide347,126 — 347,126 
Other Revenue73,800 82,556 156,356 
Total revenues from contracts with customers340,575,754 82,556 340,658,310 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Soybeans and other grains— 76,832,373 76,832,373 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 76,832,373 76,832,373 
Total Revenues$340,575,754 $76,914,929 $417,490,683 







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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30,December 31, 2022
The following tables disaggregate revenue by major source for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Three Months Ended June 30,December 31, 2022 (Unaudited)
Ethanol DivisionTrading DivisionTotal
Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606
Ethanol$86,311,246 $— $86,311,246 
Distillers grains15,363,951 — 15,363,951 
Corn Oil8,029,640 — 8,029,640 
Carbon Dioxide121,094 — 121,094 
Total revenues from contracts with customers109,825,931 — 109,825,931 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Soybeans and other grains— 25,122,188 25,122,188 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 25,122,188 25,122,188 
Total Revenues$109,825,931 $25,122,188 $134,948,119 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

Ethanol DivisionTrading DivisionTotal
Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606
Ethanol$79,943,407 $— $79,943,407 
Distillers' grains14,701,286 — 14,701,286 
Corn Oil4,977,755 — 4,977,755 
Carbon Dioxide121,288 — 121,288 
Other Revenue14,650 14,875 29,525 
Total revenues from contracts with customers99,758,386 14,875 99,773,261 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Soybeans and other grains— 17,499,713 17,499,713 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 17,499,713 17,499,713 
Total Revenues$99,758,386 $17,514,588 $117,272,974 


Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

Ethanol DivisionTrading DivisionTotalEthanol DivisionTrading DivisionTotal
Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606
EthanolEthanol$182,551,687 $— $182,551,687 Ethanol$102,522,928 $— $102,522,928 
Distillers' grains43,552,750 — 43,552,750 
Distillers grainsDistillers grains13,766,898 — 13,766,898 
Corn OilCorn Oil12,030,379 — 12,030,379 Corn Oil6,161,538 — 6,161,538 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide368,038 — 368,038 Carbon Dioxide114,386 — 114,386 
Other RevenueOther Revenue41,425 119,850 161,275 Other Revenue24,475 49,325 73,800 
Total revenues from contracts with customersTotal revenues from contracts with customers238,544,279 119,850 238,664,129 Total revenues from contracts with customers122,590,225 49,325 122,639,550 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1)
Soybeans and other grainsSoybeans and other grains— 69,760,775 69,760,775 Soybeans and other grains— 27,617,399 27,617,399 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivativesTotal revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 69,760,775 69,760,775 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 27,617,399 27,617,399 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$238,544,279 $69,880,625 $308,424,904 Total Revenues$122,590,225 $27,666,724 $150,256,949 

(1) Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives represent physically settled derivative sales that are outside the scope of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606), where the company recognizes revenue when control of the inventory is transferred within the meaning of ASC Topic 606 as required by ASC Topic 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
Payment Terms

The Company has contractual payment terms with each respective marketer that sells ethanol and distillers grains. These terms are generally 7 - 14 days after the week of the transfer of control.

The Company has standard payment terms of net 10 days for its sale for corn oil.
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
The Company has standard payments terms due upon delivery for its sale of soybeans.

The contractual terms with the carbon dioxide customer calls for an annual settlement.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs related to contracts with customers for sale of goods are accounted for as a fulfillment activity and are included in cost of goods sold. Accordingly, amounts billed to customers for such costs are included as a component of revenue.

Contract Liabilities

The Company records unearned revenue when consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of its contracts with customers.

3. CONCENTRATIONS

Two major customers accounted for approximately 84%92% and 90%82% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, respectively. These same two customers accounted for approximately 75% of revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 77% of revenue for the ninethree months ended June 30, 2022 and 73% of revenue for the nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2021.

4.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following as of:
June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)September 30, 2021December 31, 2022 (Unaudited)September 30, 2022
Ethanol Division:Ethanol Division:Ethanol Division:
Raw materials Raw materials$24,475,078 $2,995,914  Raw materials$17,257,233 $7,206,914 
Work in progress Work in progress1,555,309 2,331,419  Work in progress2,648,814 2,442,453 
Finished goods Finished goods2,985,976 12,431,375  Finished goods5,595,980 7,513,988 
Spare parts Spare parts3,966,847 3,978,193  Spare parts4,730,733 4,178,807 
Ethanol Division SubtotalEthanol Division Subtotal$32,983,210 $21,736,901 Ethanol Division Subtotal$30,232,760 $21,342,162 
Trading Division:Trading Division:Trading Division:
Grain inventoryGrain inventory$5,353,898 $4,850,131 Grain inventory$6,031,025 $2,028,605 
Trading Division SubtotalTrading Division Subtotal5,353,898 4,850,131 Trading Division Subtotal6,031,025 2,028,605 
Total InventoriesTotal Inventories$38,337,108 $26,587,032 Total Inventories$36,263,785 $23,370,767 

The Company had a net realizable value write-down of $872,000 for ethanol inventory for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The Company did not have a net realizable value write-down ofwrite down for ethanol inventory for the ninethree months ended June 30, 2022. The Company had a net realizable write-down of ethanol inventory of approximately $57,000 for the nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2021.

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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
In the ordinary course of its ethanol business, the Company enters into forward purchase contracts for its commodity purchases and sales. Certain contracts for the ethanol division that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales. At June 30,December 31, 2022, the Company had forward corn purchase contracts at various fixed prices for various delivery periods through March 2024 for approximately 11% of expected production needs for the next 2115 months. Approximately 6%3% of the forward corn purchases were with related parties. Given the uncertainty of future commodity prices, the Company could incur a loss on the outstanding purchase contracts in future periods. Management has evaluated these forward contracts using the lower of cost or net realizable value evaluation, and the Company has determined that nonot recognized any impairment loss existed at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021.2022. The Company has elected not to
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
apply the normal purchase and sale exemption to its forward soybean contracts of the trading division and therefore, treats them as derivative instruments.

At June 30,December 31, 2022, the Ethanol Division had forward dried distiller grains sales contracts for approximately 32%45% of expected production for the next 2 monthsmonth at various fixed prices for delivery periods through August 2022.January 2023. At June 30,December 31, 2022, the Company had forward corn oil contracts for approximately 78%143% of expected production for the next month at various fixed prices for delivery through July 2022.January 2023. Additionally, at June 30,December 31, 2022, the Trading Division had forward soybean purchase contracts for approximately 14%18% of expected origination for various delivery periods through January 2024. Approximately 11%14% of the forward soybean purchases were with related parties.

5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company enters into corn, ethanol, natural gas, soybean oil and soybean derivative instruments, which are required to be recorded as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet. Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the related change in value of the underlying hedged item. The Company must designate the hedging instruments based upon the exposure being hedged as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or a hedge against foreign currency exposure.

Commodity Contracts

The Company enters into commodity-based derivatives, for corn, ethanol, natural gas, soybean oil and soybeans in order to protect cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in commodity prices and to protect gross profit margins from potentially adverse effects of market and price volatility on commodity based purchase commitments where the prices are set at a future date. These derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes. For derivative instruments that are not accounted for as hedges, or for the ineffective portions of qualifying hedges, the change in fair value is recorded through earnings in the period of change. The changes in the fair market value of ethanol derivative instruments are included as a component of revenue.  The changes in the fair market value of corn, natural gas, soybean oil, and soybean derivative instruments are included as a component of cost of goods sold.

At June 30,December 31, 2022, the Ethanol Division had a net short (selling) position of 11,630,00011,345,000 bushels of corn under derivative contracts used to hedge its forward corn purchase contracts, corn inventory and ethanol sales. These corn derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and other markets as of June 30,December 31, 2022 and are forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through December 2023.March 2024. The Ethanol Division had a net short (selling) position of 29,190,00012,180,000 gallons of ethanol under derivative contracts used to hedge its future ethanol sales. These ethanol derivatives are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and are forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through December 2022.September 2023. The Ethanol Division also had a net long (buying) position of 6,600,000 gallonsno open positions of soybean oil under derivative contracts used to hedge its future soybean oil sales. These soybeanas of December 31, 2022. Soybean oil derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of TradeTrade. At December 31, 2022, the Ethanol Division had a net long (buying) position of 400,000 mmbtus of natural gas under derivative contracts used to hedge its forward natural gas purchase contracts. These natural gas derivatives are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and other markets and are as of June 30, 2022, forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through August 2022.March 2023. At June 30,December 31, 2022, the Trading Division also had a net short (selling) position of 1,010,000985,000 bushels of soybeans under derivative contracts used to hedge its forward soybean contract purchases.purchase contracts. These soybean derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and are, as of June 30,December 31, 2022, forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through November 2023.January 2024. These derivatives have not been designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30,December 31, 2022
The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at June 30,December 31, 2022:

InstrumentInstrumentBalance Sheet LocationAssetsLiabilitiesInstrumentBalance Sheet LocationAssetsLiabilities
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsEthanol Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$— $3,362,278 Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$144,491 $— 
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCorn Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$7,918,725 $— Corn Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $1,775,982 
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$— $207,888 
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsNatural Gas Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $626,470 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$— $382,570 Soybean Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $268,302 
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsForward Purchase/Sales Derivatives$1,273,242 $167,947 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsForward Purchase/Sales Derivatives$559,534 $228,911 

As of June 30,December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $8,420,000$10,537,000 of cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn, soybean oil,natural gas, and soybean derivatives held by 4three brokers.

The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2021:2022:
InstrumentBalance Sheet LocationAssetsLiabilities
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$150,339 $— 
Corn Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$— $2,331,889 
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$84,474 $— 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsFutures & Options Derivatives$729,605 $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsForward Purchase/Sales Derivatives$988,919 $658,283 

InstrumentBalance Sheet LocationAssetsLiabilities
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $841,470 
Corn Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $1,827,963 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$972,041 $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsForward Purchase/Sales Derivatives$360,620 $507,408 

As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company had approximately $8,100,000$9,302,000 of cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn, soybean oil, and soybean derivatives held by 2three brokers.


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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30,December 31, 2022
The following table provides details regarding the gains and (losses) from the Company's derivative instruments in the statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments:

InstrumentStatement of Operations Location Three Months Ended June 30, 2021Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021 Three Months Ended June 30, 2022Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold$(11,918,847)$(25,309,021)$13,126,371 $(3,762,026)
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsRevenues493,042 647,795 2,410,473 (7,500,787)
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold— (836)— (39,039)
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold664,729 1,947,061 47,541 131,871 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(2,625,108)(8,513,405)(866,771)(4,871,604)
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsCost of Goods Sold(166,197)1,376,887 (349,129)1,044,353 
Totals$(13,552,381)$(29,851,519)$14,368,485 $(14,997,232)
InstrumentStatement of Operations Location Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold$2,145,852 $(433,760)
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsRevenues2,411,665 (16,008,798)
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(776,052)(39,039)
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(16,927)153,970 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(1,552,337)(772,340)
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsCost of Goods Sold550,043 638,729 
Totals$2,762,244 $(16,461,238)

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30,December 31, 2022:
InstrumentsInstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3InstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCorn Futures and Options Contracts$7,918,725 $7,918,725 $7,923,305 $— $— Corn Futures and Options Contracts$(1,775,982)$(1,775,982)$(1,786,725)$10,743 $— 
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsEthanol Futures and Options Contracts$(3,362,278)$(3,362,278)$(3,362,278)$— $— Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts$144,491 $144,491 $144,491 $— $— 
Soybean Oil Futures and Options Contracts$(207,888)$(207,888)$(207,888)$— $— 
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsNatural Gas Futures and Options Contracts$(626,470)$(626,470)(421,640)$(204,830)$— 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Futures and Options Contracts$(382,570)$(382,570)$(382,570)$— $— Soybean Futures and Options Contracts$(268,302)$(268,302)$(268,302)$— $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase Contracts$1,105,295 $1,105,295 $— $1,105,295 $— Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts$330,623 $330,623 $— $330,623 $— 
Soybean InventorySoybean Inventory$5,353,898 $5,353,898 $— $5,353,898 $— Soybean Inventory$6,031,025 $6,031,025 $— $6,031,025 $— 
Accounts PayableAccounts Payable$(6,828,861)$(6,828,861)$— $(6,828,861)$— Accounts Payable$13,337,455 $13,337,455 $— $13,337,455 $— 
Treasury Bills (classified as investments in available-for-sale debt securities)Treasury Bills (classified as investments in available-for-sale debt securities)$10,795,752 $10,795,752 $10,795,752 $— $— 
Treasury Bills (classified as cash equivalents)Treasury Bills (classified as cash equivalents)$1,188,588 $1,188,588 $1,188,588 $— $— 

The Company's investments in available-for-sale debt securities consisted of Treasury Bills at December 31, 2022. The scheduled maturity date is May 25, 2023. Unrealized losses on these investments are included as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the statements of changes in members' equity. As of December 31, 2022, the unrealized holding losses total approximately $7,700.
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30,December 31, 2022
The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021:2022:

InstrumentsInstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3InstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCorn Futures and Options Contracts$(2,331,889)$(2,331,889)$(1,424,775)$(907,114)$— Corn Futures and Options Contracts$(1,827,963)$(1,827,963)$(1,827,963)$— $— 
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsEthanol Futures and Options Contracts$150,339 $150,339 $150,339 $— $— Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts$(841,470)$(841,470)$(841,470)$— $— 
Soybean Oil Futures and Options Contracts$84,474 $84,474 $84,474 $— $— 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Futures and Options Contracts$729,605 $729,605 $1,066,775 $(337,170)$— Soybean Futures and Options Contracts$972,041 $972,041 $972,041 $— $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase Contracts$330,637 $330,637 $— $330,637 $— Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts$(146,788)$(146,788)$— $(146,788)$— 
Soybean InventorySoybean Inventory$4,850,131 $4,850,131 $— $4,850,131 $— Soybean Inventory$2,028,605 $2,028,605 $— $2,028,605 $— 
Accounts PayableAccounts Payable$(6,391,350)$(6,391,350)$— $(6,391,350)$— Accounts Payable$(4,379,251)$(4,379,251)$— $(4,379,251)$— 
Treasury Bills (classified as cash equivalents)Treasury Bills (classified as cash equivalents)$33,228,697 $33,228,697 $33,228,697 $— $— 

We determine the fair value of commodity futures derivative instruments utilizing Level 1 inputs by obtaining fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the Chicago Board of Trade market and New York Mercantile Exchange.

We determine the fair value of treasury bills utilizing Level 1 inputs by obtaining fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data based on quoted market prices in active markets.

We determine the fair value of corn and soybean futures and options Level 2 instruments by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the markets noted above. Soybean forward purchase and sale contracts are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs from current contract prices that are being issued by the Company.

Soybean inventory held in the trading division is reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs which are based on purchases and sales transactions that occurred on or near June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021.2022.

Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts, with the exception of approximately $6,829,000$13,337,000 and $6,391,000$4,379,000 at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, respectively, related to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are hybrid financial instruments for which the Company has elected the fair value option.

The Company believes the fair value of its long-term debt to be the carrying value of $16,185,919 at December 31, 2022 and $9,000,000 at September 30, 2022. The Company considers this to be a Level 2 input. The fair value and carrying values consider the terms of the related debt and exclude the impacts of discounts and derivative/hedging activity.

7.  BANK FINANCING

The Company has a loan agreement consisting of 2two loans, the Declining Revolving Loan (Declining Loan) and the Revolving Credit Loan in exchange for liens on all property (real and personal, tangible and intangible) which include, among other things, a mortgage on the property, a security interest on commodity trading accounts and assignment of material contracts. The loan agreement assigns an interest rate based upon the U.S. prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal to each of the individual loans. The interest rates on each of the loans changes daily.

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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
Declining Loan
The maximum availability of the Declining Loan was formerly $5,000,000 and such amount was to be available for working capital purposes. However, the maximum availability of the Declining Loan was increased from $5,000,000 to $36,000,000 in order to provide financing to fund the construction and installation of a high protein feed system at the plant. The interest rate on the Declining Loan is currently based on the prime rate minus five basis points (.05%) subject to a floor of 2.85%. The interest rate was 4.70%7.45% and 3.10%6.20% at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, respectively. The Company is required to make monthly interest payments on the Declining Loan during the draw period. The principal balance of the Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt on or before February 1, 2024, to be repaid in 60 equal monthly installments based on a
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
ten year amortization period. In addition, the Company will be required to make mandatory annual prepayments on the term debt within 120 days following the end of each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The annual prepayment will be in the amount of the lesser of 40% of excess cash flow or $7,200,000, up to an aggregate amount paid of $18,000,000. There were noThe Company had borrowings outstanding of $16,185,919 and $9,000,000 on the Declining Loan at JuneDecember 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

The Company has reached agreement with its lender to amend its loan agreement. The terms of the amendment increase the maximum availability of the Declining Loan from $36,000,000 to $39,000,000 and change the date at which the Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt to on or September 30, 2021.before May 1, 2024. The Company expects that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

Revolving Credit Loan

The Revolving Credit Loan has a limit of $20,000,000 supported by a borrowing base made up of the Company's corn, ethanol, dried distillers grain, corn oil and soybean inventories reduced by accounts payable associated with those inventories having a priority. It is also supported by the eligible accounts receivable and commodity trading account excess margin funds. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Loan is the prime rate minus twenty-five basis points (.25%) and is subject to a floor of 2.75%. The interest rate was 4.50%7.25% and 3.00%6.00% at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Loan at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021.2022. The Revolving Credit Loan is set to mature on February 28, 2023.

The Company has reached agreement with its lender to amend its loan agreement. The terms of the amendment extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Loan to February 28, 2024. The Company expects that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

These loans are subject to protective covenants, which require the Company to maintain various financial ratios. The covenants include a working capital requirement of $15,000,000, and a capital expenditures covenant that allows the Company $5,000,000 of expenditures per year without prior approval. The cost of the high protein feed system is excluded from the capital expenditures calculation until the principal balance of the Declining Loan converts to term debt. There is also a requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.15:1.0 measured quarterly. A debt service charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.25:1.0 in lieu of the fixed charge coverage ratio will apply for any reporting period that working capital is equal to or more than $23,000,000. The Company had no borrowings on the Revolving Credit Loan as of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022.

The Company had nohas reached agreement with its lender to amend its loan agreement. The terms of the amendment increase the capital expenditures covenant to $6,000,000 of expenditures per year without prior approval. The Company expects that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

The estimated maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2022 are as follows:

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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021.
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023$— 
January 1, 2024 to December 31, 20241,761,977 
January 1, 2025 to December 31, 20251,947,040 
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 20262,097,151 
January 1, 2027 to December 31, 20272,258,837 
Thereafter8,120,914 
Total long-term debt$16,185,919 

8. LEASES
 
The Company leases rail cars for its facility to transport ethanol and dried distillers grains to its end customers. Operating lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, unless an implicit rate is readily determinable, as the discount rate for each lease in determining the present value of lease payments. For the three and nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, the Company’s weighted average discount rate was 3.68%5.18%. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
 
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 0.4 years1 year to 1.42 years, which may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise those options. For the three and nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term was 1.021.74 years. The Company does not have lease arrangements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants. The Company does not have any material finance lease obligations nor sublease agreements.

The following table summarizes the remaining maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of June 30,December 31, 2022:
For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30,
2022$927,639 
20231,611,501 
2024198,000 
Totals2,737,140 
Amount representing interest(44,890)
Lease liabilities$2,692,250 
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For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30,
20233,807,030 
20242,496,340 
Totals6,303,370 
Amount representing interest(272,723)
Lease liabilities$6,030,647 

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
For the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, the Company recorded operating lease costs of approximately $1,221,000$944,000 in cost of goods sold in the Company’s statement of operations. For the nine months ended June 30, 2022, the Company recorded operating lease costs of approximately $2,874,000 in costs of goods sold in the Company's statement of operations.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal ProceedingsMarketing Agreement

In February 2010, a lawsuit againstThe Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated company for the purpose of marketing and selling all the distillers grains the Company was filedis expected to produce. The buyer agrees to remit a fixed percentage rate of the actual selling price to the Company for distillers dried grain solubles and wet distiller grains. The agreement may be terminated by either party at its unqualified option, by providing written notice of not less than 120 days to the other party.

The Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated party claiming the Company's operationcompany to sell all of the oil separation system isethanol the Company produces at the plant. The Company agrees to pay a patent infringement.commission of a fixed percent of the net purchase price for marketing and distribution. In connection withJuly 2009, the lawsuit,initial term of the agreement was extended to eight years and the commission increased in February 2010,exchange for reducing the payment terms from 14 days to 7 days after shipment. In November 2012, the Company amended this agreement to extend
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
the initial term of the agreement to eleven years, expiring in 2019, in exchange for capping the commissions at $1,750,000 per year. Effective November 18, 2018, the two companies amended the marketing agreement. The amendment added a renewal term to the initial agreement that extended the contract until November 30, 2022. It provided for the payment of the commission to Murex to be calculated on each net gallon of ethanol taken under the agreement. It modified how the cost of rail car shipments are charged to the Company, moving from a per gallon fee to requiring that the marketer provide a minimum 225 rail cars to the Company on a per car per month lease basis as described in Note 8. Finally, it reduced the delivery to payment period. On September 14, 2022, the Company executed an amendment to extend the term until December 31, 2024, subject to automatic renewals thereafter for one-year periods unless either party gives notice of non-renewal at least 90 days prior to the end of the current term. The agreement may also be terminated due to the insolvency or intentional misconduct of either party or upon the default of one of the parties as set forth in the agreement. In addition, the amendment added a provision that allows the Company to terminate the agreement on 90 days prior written notice upon a "Material Change in Control". Upon termination of the agreement for the construction and installation of the tricanter oil separation system was amended. In this amendment the manufacturer and installer of the tricanter oil separation system indemnifiesany reason, the Company against all claimsmay be obligated to continue to deliver ethanol for a period of infringement of patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights from the Company's purchase and use of the tricanter oil system and agreestime to defendcover certain contractual commitments for which the Company in the lawsuit filed at no expensegave prior written approval. The amendment also provides for certain adjustments to the Company. On October 23, 2014, the court granted summary judgment finding that all of the patents claimed were invalid and that the Company had not infringed. In addition, on September 15, 2016, the United States District Court granted summary judgment finding that the patents were invalid due to inequitable conduct before the US Patent and Trademark Office by the inventors and their attorneys. The rulings have since been affirmed on appeal and on February 22, 2021 the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the decision. On March 3, 2022, the United States District Court ruled on attorney fees to be awardedpurchase price for sales made to the defendants.marketer for its own account or for sales of exported ethanol. If this adjusted price can not be finalized at time of payment, the parties may agree upon a provisional price which shall be trued up later. The amendment was effective on December 1, 2022.

Rail Car Rehabilitation Costs

The Company leases 180 hopper rail cars under a multi-year agreement which ends in November 2023. Under the agreement, the Company is required to pay to rehabilitate each car for "damage" that is considered to be other than normal wear and tear upon turn in of the car(s) at the termination of the lease.

Company management has estimated total costs to rehabilitate the cars at June 30,December 31, 2022, to be approximately $1,967,000.$2,111,000. During the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, the Company has recorded a corresponding expense in cost of goods sold of approximately $227,000.$90,000. The Company accrues the estimated cost of railcar damages over the term of the lease.

High Protein System Installation Agreement

On January 20, 2022, the Company contracted with ICM, Inc. to install a system to produce high protein feed which is expected to cost approximately $47,716,000,$50,000,000, including recent change orders, and be funded from operations and from our current credit facilities as amended. This project is expected to be completed by Fall of 2023.

10. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES IMPACTING THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY AND OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS

The Company has certain risks and uncertainties that it experiences during volatile market conditions, which can have a severe impact on operations. The Company's revenues are primarily derived from the sale and distribution of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil to customers primarily located in the U.S. Corn for the production process is supplied to the plant primarily from local agricultural producers and from purchases on the open market. During the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, ethanol sales averaged approximately 65%64% of total revenues and corn costs averaged 66%65% of total cost of goods sold.

The Company's operating and financial performance is largely driven by prices at which the Company sells ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, and the related cost of corn. The price of ethanol is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs, and the unleaded gasoline and petroleum markets, although, since 2005, the prices of ethanol and gasoline began a divergence with ethanol selling for less than gasoline at the wholesale level. Excess ethanol supply in the market, in particular, puts downward pressure on the price of ethanol. The Company's largest cost of production is corn. The cost of corn is generally impacted by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs. The Company's risk management program is used to protect against the price volatility of these commodities.

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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2022
Economic conditions for the ethanol industry have beenwere favorable during fiscal year 2022. However, the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia in the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 and sanctions imposed by other countries as a result have created global economic uncertainty and contributed to increased inflation, significant market disruptions and increased volatility in
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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
commodity prices such as corn, oil and natural gas. The economic impact of this war and the potential effects on the Company's operating and financial performance is currently unknown. Additionally, there have been economic indicators that the United States could be facing a possible recession which have primarily resulted in interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve in an attempt to reduce inflation. The Company continues to monitor economic conditions that might affect our profitability. The Company believes that its cash on hand and available debt from its lender will provide sufficient liquidity to meets its anticipated working capital, debt service and other liquidity needs through the next twelve months. If market conditions worsen affecting the Company's ability to profitably operate the plant or if the Company is unable to transport ethanol, it may be forced to further reduce the ethanol production rate or even temporarily shut down ethanol production altogether.

On May 23, 2022, the Company received an award of approximately $7,652,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") under the Biofuel Producer Program. The Biofuel Producer Program was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act. The USDA announced that the funds were made available to provide economic relief to biofuels producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and support a significant market for agricultural producers who supply products used in biofuel production.

This award was unconditional and was recognized as a component of other income on the statement of operations during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022.

11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company has 2two reportable operating segments. Segment reporting is intended to give financial statement users a better view of how the Company manages and evaluates its businesses. The accounting policies for each segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Segment income or loss does not include any allocation of shared-service costs.  Segment assets are those that are directly used in or identified with segment operations. Inter-segment balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The following tables summarize financial information by segment and provide a reconciliation of segment revenue, gross profit, grain inventories, operating income, and total assets:
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Revenue:(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol division$109,825,931 $122,590,225 
Trading division25,122,188 27,666,724 
Total Revenue$134,948,119 $150,256,949 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Gross Profit:(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol division$17,571,180 $33,294,124 
Trading division367,764 1,624,484 
Total Gross Profit$17,938,944 $34,918,608 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Operating Income:(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol division$15,615,819 $31,475,994 
Trading division50,521 1,307,241 
Total Operating Income$15,666,340 $32,783,235 

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CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30,December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022September 30, 2022
Grain Inventories:Grain Inventories:(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$17,257,233 $7,206,914 
Trading divisionTrading division6,031,025 2,028,605 
Total Grain InventoriesTotal Grain Inventories$23,288,258 $9,235,519 
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30, 2022June 30, 2021June 30, 2022June 30, 2021December 31, 2022September 30, 2022
Revenue:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Total Assets:Total Assets:(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$110,898,770 $99,758,386 $340,575,754 $238,544,279 Ethanol division$233,605,504 $188,055,176 
Trading divisionTrading division22,362,282 17,514,588 76,914,929 69,880,625 Trading division2,836,132 900,652 
Total Revenue$133,261,052 $117,272,974 $417,490,683 $308,424,904 
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30, 2022June 30, 2021June 30, 2022June 30, 2021
Gross Profit:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol division$27,966,708 $9,783,375 $70,627,287 $16,594,643 
Trading division686,948 (175,434)3,096,547 2,304,981 
Total Gross Profit$28,653,656 $9,607,941 $73,723,834 $18,899,624 
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30, 2022June 30, 2021June 30, 2022June 30, 2021
Operating Income:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol division$26,363,161 $8,341,704 $65,474,516 $12,137,688 
Trading division369,705 (492,677)2,144,818 1,353,252 
Total Operating Income$26,732,866 $7,849,027 $67,619,334 $13,490,940 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$236,441,636 $188,955,828 

June 30, 2022September 30, 2021
Grain Inventories:(unaudited)
Ethanol division$24,475,078 $2,995,914 
Trading division5,353,898 4,850,131 
Total Grain Inventories$29,828,976 $7,846,045 
June 30, 2022September 30, 2021
Total Assets:(unaudited)
Ethanol division$180,800,938 $143,145,441 
Trading division5,389,187 8,793,484 
Total Assets$186,190,125 $151,938,925 
12. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC, owns a fifty percent interest in a limited partnership. That partnership was formed as a joint venture with another unrelated investor to investigate and pursue carbon dioxide capture and underground sequestration. The Company accounts for this investment using joint venture accounting and, therefore, under the equity method. Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC was formed on June 22, 2022 to hold the partnership interest in the limited partnership and began its administrative operations on September 1, 2022.

The Company's policy related to investments in both common stock and in-substance common stock that give the Company the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial polices of an entity in which it invests even though the Company holds 50% or less of the common stock or in-substance common stock (or both common and in-substance common stock) is to account for such investment under the equity method. The Company considers its financial position and results of operations in evaluating the extent of disclosures of the financial position and results of operations of an entity in which the Company invests.

As the Company owns a fifty percent interest in the limited partnership, an investment in affiliate of approximately $165,000 was reflected on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 and approximately $396,000 was reflected on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2022. A loss on equity method investment of $231,106 was reflected on the statement of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2022.
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    We prepared the following discussion and analysis to help you better understand our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, and results of operations for the three and nine month periodsperiod ended June 30,December 31, 2022, compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated condensed financial statements (the "financial statements") and notes and the information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.2022.

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve future events, our future performance and our expected future operations and actions.  In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "future," "intend," "could," "estimate," "predict," "hope," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are only our predictions and involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those listed below and those business risks and factors described elsewhere in this report and our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. 

Reduction, delay, or elimination of the Renewable Fuel Standard;
Changes in the availability and price of corn, natural gas and other grains;
Our inability to secure credit or obtain additional equity financing we may require in the future to continue our operations;
Decreases in the price we receive for our ethanol, distiller grains, corn oil and other grains;
Our ability to satisfy the financial covenants contained in our credit agreements with our senior lender;
Our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant and maintain a positive spread between the selling price of our products and our raw material costs;
Negative impacts that our hedging activities may have on our operations;
Ethanol and distiller grains supply exceeding demand and corresponding price reductions;
Our ability to generate free cash flow to invest in our business and service our debt;
Changes in the environmental regulations that apply to our plant operations;
Changes in our business strategy, capital improvements or development plans;
Changes in plant production capacity or technical difficulties in operating the plant;
Changes in general economic conditions or the occurrence of certain events causing an economic impact in the agriculture, oil or automobile industries;
Lack of transport, storage and blending infrastructure preventing our products from reaching high demand markets;
Changes in federal and/or state laws;
Changes and advances in ethanol production technology;
Competition from alternative fuel additives;
Changes in interest rates or the lack of credit availability;
Changes in legislation benefiting renewable fuels;
Competition from the increased use of electric vehicles;
Our ability to retain key employees and maintain labor relations;
Volatile commodity and financial markets;
Limitations and restrictions contained in the instruments and agreements governing our indebtedness;
Decreases in export demand due to the imposition of tariffs by foreign governments on ethanol, distillers grains and soybeans produced in the United States;
Use by the EPA of small refinery exemptions;
A slowdown in global and regional economic activity, demand for our products and the potential for labor shortages and shipping disruptions resulting from COVID-19; and
Global economic uncertainty, inflation, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices caused in part by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions by the United States and other countries.


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The cautionary statements referred to in this section also should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by us or persons acting on our behalf. We undertake no duty to update these forward-looking statements even though our situation may change in the future.  We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.  We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.  We qualify all of our forward-looking statements with these cautionary statements.

Overview

Cardinal Ethanol, LLC is an Indiana limited liability company operating an ethanol plant in east central Indiana near Union City, Indiana. We began producing ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil at the plant in November 2008. In addition, we procure, transport and sell grain commodities through our grain trading business which began operations at the end of our fourth fiscal quarter of 2017.

On January 20, 2022, we entered into an Equipment Purchase and Installation Agreement (the "Agreement""EPC Agreement") with ICM, Inc. pursuant to which ICM has agreed to engineer, procure, construct, and install its high protein feed system and license to us its proprietary, patent-protected technology to use, operate and maintain the system. Pursuant to the EPC Agreement and subsequent adjustments due to change orders executed by the parties, we expect to pay approximately $46,570,000,$50,000,000, including recent change orders, which is payable in installments. This price is subject to further adjustment in the event additional change orders are executed. We will also pay license fees of $10 per ton of PROTOMAX™ produced by the system for a period of 10 years. We expect to fund the project from operations and from our current credit facilities as amended. We currently anticipatebegan installation to beginof the system during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year 2022. This project is expected to be completed by Fall of 2023.

On September 14, 2022, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Ethanol Purchase and Sale Agreement with Murex, LLC (the "Murex Amendment"). The Murex Amendment amends the Ethanol Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 18, 2006, as amended. The Murex Amendment was effective on December 1, 2022. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

On May 17,November 15, 2022, our board of directors declared a cash distribution of $675$500 per membership unit to the holders of units of record at the close of business on May 17,November 15, 2022, for a total distribution of $9,859,050.$7,303,000. The distribution was paid on May 31,November 18, 2022.

On May 23, 2022, we received an award from the USDA Biofuel Producer Program of approximately $7,652,000.

We have engaged with Vault 44.01 (USA) LLC ("Vault")an unrelated third party to pursue the possible joint development of integrated carbon dioxide facilities, transportation infrastructure and a carbon sequestration site for the carbon dioxide emissions produced by our plant (the "CCS Project"). We have performed an initial studyOn January 16, 2023, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cardinal Ethanol, LLC, entered into a Partnership Agreement (the "LPA") with Vault CCS Holdings LP pursuant to which Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC and assessmentVault CCS Holdings LP formed a joint venture operating under the name of One Carbon Partnership Holdings LP (the "Limited Partnership") to pursue the CCS Project. The LPA governs the rights, duties and responsibilities of the technical and economic feasibilityparties in connection with the ownership of the Limited Partnership. In addition, on the same date, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC and Vault CCS ProjectHoldings LP entered into an Amended and optimal commercial structure and have taken certain steps towards implementingRestated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLCA") of One Carbon Partnership GP LLC (the "GP"). The purpose of the CCS Project including filingGP is to serve as the application forgeneral partner of the necessary permitting. However, theLimited Partnership. The CCS Project is still in its preliminaryearly stages and is subject to many variables that could have a material effect on its feasibility and ourthe parties' ability to construct and complete the CCS Project. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 12 - Equity Method Investments for more information.

We have reached agreement with First National Bank of Omaha to amend our loan agreement. The terms of the amendment increase the maximum availability on the Declining Loan from $36,000,000 to $39,000,000, change the date at which the Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt from on or before February 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024, extend the date that the Revolving Credit Loan matures from February 28, 2023 to February 28, 2024 and increase the capital expenditures loan covenant from $5,000,000 per year to $6,000,000 per year of expenditures without prior approval. We expect that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

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We expect to fund our operations during the next 12 months using cash flow from our continuing operations and our current credit facilities as amended. If market conditions worsen affecting our ability to profitably operate the plant or if we are unable to transport ethanol, we may be forced to further reduce our ethanol production rate or even temporarily shut down ethanol production altogether.


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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021

The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of goods sold, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our statement of operations for the three month ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:
20222021 20222021
Statement of Operations DataStatement of Operations DataAmount%Amount%Statement of Operations DataAmount%Amount%
RevenueRevenue$133,261,052 100.0 $117,272,974 100.0 Revenue$134,948,119 100.0 $150,256,949 100.0 
Cost of Goods SoldCost of Goods Sold104,607,396 78.5 107,665,033 91.8 Cost of Goods Sold117,009,175 86.7 115,338,341 76.8 
Gross ProfitGross Profit28,653,656 21.5 9,607,941 8.2 Gross Profit17,938,944 13.3 34,918,608 23.2 
Operating ExpensesOperating Expenses1,920,790 1.4 1,758,914 1.5 Operating Expenses2,272,604 1.7 2,135,373 1.4 
Operating IncomeOperating Income26,732,866 20.1 7,849,027 6.7 Operating Income15,666,340 11.6 32,783,235 21.8 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)7,440,861 5.6 (103,277)(0.1)Other Income (Expense)239,325 0.2 (388,071)(0.3)
Net IncomeNet Income$34,173,727 25.7 $7,745,750 6.6 Net Income$15,905,665 11.8 $32,395,164 21.5 

Revenue

Operating Segments

    Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Based on the nature of the products, services and operations and the expected financial results, we review our operations within the two operating segments-the Ethanol Division and the Trading Division. Our revenues from operations from our Ethanol Division come from three primary sources: sales of fuel ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil. Revenues from operations of our Trading Division are derived from procuring, transporting and selling grain commodities.

    Our current lines of business and sources of revenue are the sale of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and and the trading of agricultural grains. We expect that PROTOMAX™, a high protein feed product, will become a significant new source of revenue once the installation of a system to manufacture high protein feed is complete and the system is operating.  Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 11 - Business Segments for more financial information about our financial reporting segments. Ethanol revenues in the ethanol division also include net gains or losses from derivatives. Net derivative gains or losses for corn, natural gas, and corn oil are included in cost of goods sold in the ethanol division and soybean gains or losses from derivatives are included in cost of goods sold in the trading division.

    The following table shows the sources of our total revenue from the two segments and the approximate percentage of revenues to total revenues in our unaudited condensed statements of operations for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:
20222021
Revenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total Revenues
Ethanol division$110,898,770 83.2 %$99,758,386 85.1 %
Trading division22,362,282 16.8 %17,514,588 14.9 %
Total Revenue$133,261,052 100.0 %$117,272,974 100.0 %

20222021
Revenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total Revenues
Ethanol division$109,825,931 81.4 %$122,590,225 81.6 %
Trading division25,122,188 18.6 %27,666,724 18.4 %
Total Revenue$134,948,119 100.0 %$150,256,949 100.0 %

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Ethanol Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Ethanol Division for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:

2022202120222021
Revenue SourceRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
EthanolEthanol$84,706,603 76.4 %$79,943,407 80.2 %Ethanol$86,311,246 78.6 %$102,522,928 83.6 %
Distillers GrainsDistillers Grains18,261,386 16.5 14,701,286 14.7 Distillers Grains15,363,951 14.0 13,766,898 11.3 
Corn OilCorn Oil7,796,800 7.0 4,977,755 5.0 Corn Oil8,029,640 7.3 6,161,538 5.0 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide120,531 0.1 121,288 0.1 Carbon Dioxide121,094 0.1 114,386 0.1 
Other RevenueOther Revenue13,450 — 14,650 — Other Revenue— — 24,475 — 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$110,898,770 100.0 %$99,758,386 100.0 %Total Revenues$109,825,931 100.0 %$122,590,225 100.0 %

    Ethanol
    
    Our revenues from ethanol increaseddecreased in the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the the same period in 2021. This increasedecrease in revenues is primarily the result of an increasea decrease in the price per gallon of ethanol sold for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Revenue also includes the net gains or losses from derivatives related to the commodities purchased.

    The average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 was approximately 18% higher6% lower than the average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the same period in 2021. Ethanol market prices have overall been higherlower due to an increasea decrease in cornenergy prices, including crude oil and oilgasoline prices, for the current period compared to the same period in 2021 and strong foreign demand. However, corn and oil prices decreased towards the end2021. In addition, industry-wide production in excess of the current period primarily due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.demand has had a negative effect on ethanol prices.

Management believes that ethanol prices will continue to be influenced by corn and energy prices, over-production,shipping disruptions, inventory levels, and inflationary factors. If corn and oilenergy prices continue tofurther decrease that would likely contribute to lower ethanol prices. Industry over-production due to a period of positive operating margins could also continue to have a negative effect on ethanol prices unless foreign or domestic demand reduce inventory levels. In addition,Domestic demand is typically lower in the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions by the United States and other countries have ledwinter months due to significant market disruptions and volatility in commodity prices. The impact of this volatility along with signs of a global economic slowdown on ethanol prices is difficult to predict.decreased driving.

    We experienced a decrease in ethanol gallons sold of approximately 9%10% for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 resulting primarily from decreased ethanol production rates for the period due to scheduled maintenance resulting in down time at the plant. Our newWe are currently operating at a rate of approximately 137 million gallons annually.  We have installed an ethanol recovery system became fully operational during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 andwhich we anticipate that equipmentexpect will result in an increase in efficiencies allowing us to achieve higher ethanol production rates going forward. However, we expect this will likely be offset by temporary shutdowns of our plant from time to time during our 2023 fiscal year in connection with the installation of theour high protein feed system is likely to require certain periods of down time in the future which could have a negative effect onresult in an overall reduction in gallons of ethanol production rates. We currently anticipate that installation will begin during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022. Managementproduced. In addition, management continues to monitor economic conditions carefully. If market conditions worsen affecting our ability to profitably operate the plant, we may be forced to reduce our ethanol production rate or even temporarily shut down ethanol production altogether.     
        
Distillers Grains

    Our revenues from distillers grains increased in the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in revenues is primarily the result of an increase in the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the period ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021.

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    The average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 was approximately 25%20% higher than the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the same period in 2021. This increase in the market price
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of distillers grains is primarily due to higher corn and soybean meal prices for the current period which resulted in end users seeking out distillers grains as the lower cost alternative. However, towards the end of the current period,In addition, vomitoxin levels in some distillers grains produced by some plants in our region have reduced supply and allowed us to receive a premium on our distillers grains. Distillers grains ground from corn and soybean prices decreased due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.contaminated with vomitoxin can sicken livestock.

    Management anticipates that distillers grains prices will continue to be affected by the price of corn and soybean meal. A plentiful corn cropIn addition, persisting vomitoxin levels in the fall ordistillers grains will likely have an oversupply of soybean meal could lead to lower corn and soybean prices having a negative effect on distillers grains prices.prices until a new corn crop is harvested. Trade disputes with foreign countries, such as China, will continue to have a negative effect on distillers grains prices unless additional demand can be sustained from domestic or other foreign markets. In addition, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine coupled with signs of a global economic slowdown on commodity prices is difficult to predict.

    We sold approximately 1%7% less tons of distillers grains in the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 resulting primarily from lower ethanol production levels and a slightly lower yield for the period which resulted in decreased distillers grains production. An increase or decrease in ethanol production rates in the future would result in a corresponding change in distillers grains production.

Corn Oil

    Our revenues from corn oil sales increased in the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 which was mainly the result of an increase in the average price per pound for corn oil. The average price per pound of corn oil was approximately 62%35% higher for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Higher soybean oil prices along with increased biodiesel production had a positive effect on corn oil prices for the period as soybeanperiod. Soybean oil is the primary competitor with distillers corn oil. However, towards the end of the current period, corn oil prices decreased due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.

    
Management anticipates that corn oil prices will continue to follow soybean oil prices. Corn oil prices are also likely to be negatively affected by an industry increase in corn oil supply due to improved operating conditions. However, the extension of the biodiesel tax credit by Congress is likely to continue to have a positive impact on demand from biodiesel producers and corn oil prices. In addition, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine coupled with signs of a global economic slowdown on commodity prices is difficult to predict.

    We also sold approximately 4%3% less pounds of corn oil in the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021.2021 resulting primarily from lower ethanol production. An increase or decrease in ethanol production rates in the future would result in a corresponding change in corn oil production.

Trading Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Trading Division for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:
2022202120222021
Revenue SourceRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybean SalesSoybean Sales$22,346,382 99.9 %$17,499,713 99.9 %Soybean Sales$25,122,188 100.0 %$27,617,399 99.8 %
Other RevenueOther Revenue15,900 0.1 14,875 0.1 Other Revenue— — 49,325 0.2 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$22,362,282 100.0 %$17,514,588 100.0 %Total Revenues$25,122,188 100.0 %$27,666,724 100.0 %

Soybeans

    During the three months ended December 31, 2022 revenues from our Trading Division were derived from transporting and selling soybeans. Our revenues from soybeans sales decreased in the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This decrease in revenues is the result of a decrease in the bushels of soybeans sold of approximately 20% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 the reduction was due to delayed timing of soybean sales in order to capture a more conducive market. The lower quantity sold was offset by an increase of 14% in the average price per bushel of soybeans sold for the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to
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Soybeans

    During the three months ended June 30, 2022 revenues from our Trading Division were derived primarily from transporting and selling soybeans. Our revenues from soybeans sales increased in the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in revenues is the result of an increase in the average price per bushel of soybeans sold of approximately 6% due to a comparatively short national supply of soybeans resulting in higher futures prices for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. We also sold approximately 20% more bushels during the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. The increase is attributable to capitalizing on the carry in the market to move soybeans. Management anticipates that soybean sales over the remainder of the fiscal year will be consistent with recent fiscal years.

Cost of Goods Sold

Ethanol Division

Our cost of goods sold for this division as a percentage of its total revenues was approximately 75%84% for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to approximately 92%73% for the same period in 2021. This decreaseincrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was the result of a substantially improvedweakened relationship between the prices of ethanol and corn, offset by increased natural gas costs for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Our two largest costs of production are corn and natural gas. Cost of goods sold also includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to our commodity purchases as well as our additional expense for our estimate of our rail car rehabilitation expense described below.

Corn

Our largest cost associated with the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil is corn cost. During the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, we used approximately 1%6% less bushels of corn to produce our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil as compared to the same period in 2021 due to lower ethanol production levels for the period. During the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, our average price paid per bushel of corn was approximately 2%16% higher as compared to the same period in 2021 due primarily to a smaller crop carryout in some areas from the 20212022 harvest and concerns regarding predictions of the corn crop for fall of 2022.due to droughts. In addition, global economic uncertainty, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions by other countries have contributed to higher corn prices. However, towardsprices during the end of the current period, corn prices decreased due to a more favorable outlook for the size of the 2022 crop and increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.period.
Weather, world supply and demand, current and anticipated stocks, agricultural policy and other factors can contribute to volatility in corn prices. The impact on ethanolHigher corn prices by the Russian military action in Ukraine and actions taken in responseincreased volatility due to the invasion is difficulta smaller corn crop will continue to predict. Rising corn prices have a negative effect on our operating margins unless the price of ethanol and distillers grains out paces rising corn prices. Volatility in the price of corn could significantly impact our cost of goods sold.

Natural Gas

    Our natural gas cost after hedging was higher during the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in cost of natural gas for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 was primarily the result of an increase in natural gas prices. Our average price per MMBTU of natural gas was approximately 136%20% higher during the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 due to increased demand, an increase in the price of crude oil and increased volatility in prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, towards the end of the current period, natural gas prices decreased due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown. The increase in our cost of natural gas was partially offset by the use of approximately 3%6% less natural gas for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 due to lower ethanol production for the period.

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    Management expects that natural gas prices will be dependent upon government policy and the severity of the winter weather. If the nation were to experience a recession this could also influence natural gas prices. In addition, natural gas supply shortages due to a catastrophic weather event or sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine could result in highercontinue to have a negative effect on natural gas prices.

Rail Car Rehabilitation Costs
    
We lease 180 hopper rail cars under a multi-year agreement which ends in November 2023. Under the agreement, we are required to pay to rehabilitate each car for "damage" that is considered to be other than normal wear and tear upon turn in of each car at the termination of the lease. We have evaluated the condition of the cars and believe that it is probable that we may be assessed for damages incurred. During the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, we have recorded an expense in cost of
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goods sold of approximately $90,000. We accrue the estimated cost per railcar damages of $30,060 per month over the term of the lease. The accrued liability for these rehabilitation costs is approximately $1,967,000$2,111,000 at June 30,December 31, 2022.

Trading Division

    The following table shows the costs incurred to procure various agricultural commodities for our Trading Division for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:
2022202120222021
Amount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
SoybeansSoybeans$21,675,334 96.9 %$17,690,022 101.0 %Soybeans$24,754,424 98.5 %$26,042,240 94.1 %
Total Cost of Goods SoldTotal Cost of Goods Sold$21,675,334 96.9 %$17,690,022 101.0 %Total Cost of Goods Sold$24,754,424 98.5 %$26,042,240 94.1 %
    

Soybeans

    During the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, our cost was primarily the procurement of soybeans sold. During the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022, our average price paid per bushel of soybeans was approximately 13% higher as compared to the same period in 2021 due to concerns over a smaller carryout of soybean inventory from the 2021 harvest and increased demand from China.2022 harvest. We also purchased approximately 47% more34% less bushels of soybeans in the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 compared to 2021 due mostly to a cash price that was not conducive to producer selling.

Derivatives

    We enter into hedging instruments to minimize price fluctuations in the prices of our finished products and inputs. As the current market price of our hedge positions changes, the realized or unrealized gains and losses are immediately recognized in our revenues and our cost of goods sold. These commodity-based derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes. Please refer to Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Commodity Price Risk for information on our derivatives.

Operating Expense

    Our operating expenses as a percentage of revenues was approximately 2% and 1% for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Operating expenses include salaries and benefits of administrative employees, insurance, taxes, professional fees, depreciation of trading division fixed assets, property taxes and other general administrative costs. Operating expenses on a per gallon basis increased somewhat for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. We have seen rises in the cost of salaries due to shortages in the local labor market and increases in insurance rates for property and casualty.


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Operating Income

    Our income from operations for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 was approximately 20%12% of revenues as compared to 7%22% of revenues for the same period in 2021. The increasedecrease for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 was primarily the result of positiveweakened ethanol to corn margins.
Other Income (Expense)

    Our other income was approximately 6%0.2% of revenues for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to other expense of approximately (0.1)(0.3)% of revenues for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2021. Our other income consisted primarily of the receipt of an award from the USDA Biofuel Producer Programinterest income received during the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2022.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of goods sold, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our statement of operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
 20222021
Condensed Statement of Operations Data (unaudited)Amount%Amount%
Revenue$417,490,683 100.0 $308,424,904 100.0 
Cost of Goods Sold343,766,849 82.3 289,525,280 93.9 
Gross Profit73,723,834 17.7 18,899,624 6.1 
Operating Expenses6,104,500 1.5 5,408,684 1.8 
Operating Income67,619,334 16.2 13,490,940 4.3 
Other Income7,378,7711.8 64,397 — 
Net Income$74,998,105 18.0 $13,555,337 4.3 

Revenue

Operating Segments

    Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Based on the nature of the products, services and operations and the expected financial results, we review our operations within the two operating segments-the Ethanol Division and the Trading Division. Our revenues from operations from our Ethanol Division come from three primary sources: sales of fuel ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil. Revenues from operations of our Trading Division are derived from procuring, transporting and selling grain commodities.

    Our current lines of business and sources of revenue are the sale of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and and the trading of agricultural grains. We expect that PROTOMAX™, a high protein feed product, will become a significant new source of revenue once the installation of a system to manufacture high protein feed is complete and the system is operating.  Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 11 - Business Segmentsfor more financial information about our financial reporting segments. Ethanol revenues in the ethanol division also include net gains or losses from derivatives. Net derivative gains or losses for corn, natural gas, and corn oil are included in cost of goods sold in the ethanol division and soybean gains or losses from derivatives are included in cost of goods sold in the trading division.

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The following table shows the sources of our total revenue from the two segments and the approximate percentage of revenues to total revenues in our unaudited condensed statements of operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
20222021
Revenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total Revenues
Ethanol division$340,575,754 81.6 %$238,544,279 77.3 %
Trading division76,914,929 18.4 69,880,625 22.7 
Total Revenue$417,490,683 100.0 %$308,424,904 100.0 %

Ethanol Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Ethanol Division for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
20222021
Revenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Ethanol$272,527,573 80.0 %$182,551,687 76.5 %
Distillers Grains47,450,158 13.9 43,552,750 18.3 
Corn Oil20,177,097 5.9 12,030,379 5.0 
Carbon Dioxide347,126 0.1 368,038 0.2 
Other Revenue73,800 0.1 41,425 — 
Total Revenues$340,575,754 100.0 %$238,544,279 100.0 %

Ethanol
    Our revenues from ethanol increased in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared the to the same period in 2021. This increase in revenues is primarily the result of an increase in the price per gallon of ethanol sold and an increase in gallons of ethanol sold for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Revenue also includes the net gains or losses from derivatives related to the commodities purchased.

    The average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 was approximately 45% higher than the average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the same period in 2021. An increase in foreign and domestic demand, shipping disruptions attributed to labor shortages, and higher corn and oil prices have contributed to higher ethanol market prices for the current period. These increases were partially offset by higher ethanol production levels due to positive operating margins. In addition, corn and oil prices decreased towards the end of the period primarily due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown having a negative effect on ethanol prices.

Management believes that ethanol prices will continue to be influenced by corn and energy prices, over-production, and inflationary factors. If corn and oil prices continue to decrease that would likely contribute to lower ethanol prices. Industry over-production due to positive operating margins could also have a negative effect on ethanol prices unless foreign or domestic demand reduce inventory levels. In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions by the United States and other countries have led to significant market disruptions and volatility in commodity prices. The impact of this volatility along with signs of a global economic slowdown on ethanol prices is difficult to predict.

We experienced an increase in ethanol gallons sold of approximately 3% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 resulting primarily from increased ethanol production rates for the period. Our new ethanol recovery system became fully operational during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 and we anticipate that equipment will result in an increase in efficiencies allowing us to achieve higher ethanol production rates going forward. However, installation of the high protein feed system is likely to require certain periods of down time in the future which could have a
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negative effect on ethanol production rates. Management continues to monitor economic conditions carefully. If market conditions worsen affecting our ability to profitably operate the plant, we may be forced to reduce our ethanol production rate or even temporarily shut down ethanol production altogether.     
Distillers Grains

    Our revenues from distillers grains increased in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in revenues is primarily the result of an increase in the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the period ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021.

    The average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 was approximately 9% higher than the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the same period in 2021. Distillers' grains prices, while lower during the first three months of the period compared to 2021, have increased substantially since January 2022. This increase in the market price of distillers grains is primarily due to higher corn and soybean meal prices which resulted in end users seeking out distillers grains as the lower cost alternative. However, towards the end of the current period, corn and soybean prices decreased due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.

    Management anticipates that distillers grains prices will continue to be affected by the price of corn and soybean meal. A plentiful corn crop in the fall or an oversupply of soybean meal could lead to lower corn and soybean prices having a negative effect on distillers grains prices. Trade disputes with foreign countries, such as China, will continue to have a negative effect on distillers grains prices unless additional demand can be sustained from domestic or other foreign markets. In addition, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine coupled with signs of a global economic slowdown on commodity prices is difficult to predict.

    We sold 0.37% more tons of distillers grains in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 resulting primarily from higher ethanol production levels for the period which resulted in increased distillers grains production. An increase or decrease in ethanol production rates in the future would result in a corresponding change in distillers grains production.

Corn Oil

    Our revenues from corn oil sales increased in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 which was mainly the result of an increase in the average price per pound for corn oil. The average price per pound of corn oil was approximately 68% higher for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Higher soybean oil prices along with increased biodiesel production had a positive effect on corn oil prices for the period. Soybean oil is the primary competitor with distillers corn oil. However, towards the end of the current period, corn oil prices decreased due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.

    Management anticipates that corn oil prices will continue to follow soybean oil prices. Corn oil prices are also likely to be negatively affected by an industry increase in corn oil supply due to improved operating conditions. However, the extension of the biodiesel tax credit by Congress is likely to continue to have a positive impact on demand from biodiesel producers and corn oil prices. In addition, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine coupled with signs of a global economic slowdown on commodity prices is difficult to predict.

    We also sold approximately the same amount of corn oil in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. An increase or decrease in ethanol production rates in the future would result in a corresponding change in distillers grains production.

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Trading Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Trading Division for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
20222021
Revenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybean Sales$76,832,373 99.9 %$69,760,775 99.8 %
Other Revenue82,556 0.1 119,850 0.2 
Total Revenues$76,914,929 100.0 %$69,880,625 100.0 %

Soybeans

    During the nine months ended June 30, 2022 revenues from our Trading Division were derived primarily from transporting and selling soybeans. Our revenues from soybeans sales increased in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared the to the same period in 2021. This increase in revenues is the result of an increase in the average price per bushel of soybeans sold of approximately 15% due to a comparatively short national supply of soybeans resulting in higher futures prices for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in price was partially offset by a decrease in bushels sold during the period of approximately 4% during the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease is attributable to the short national supply of soybeans. Management anticipates that soybean sales over the remainder of the fiscal year will be consistent with recent fiscal years.

Cost of Goods Sold

Ethanol Division

    Our cost of goods sold for this division as a percentage of its total revenues was approximately 79% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to approximately 94% for the same period in 2021. This decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was the result of a substantially improved relationship between the prices of ethanol and corn, offset by increased natural gas costs for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Our two largest costs of production are corn and natural gas. Cost of goods sold also includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to our commodities purchases as well as our additional expense for our estimate of our rail car rehabilitation expense described below.

Corn

Our largest cost associated with the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil is corn cost. During the nine months ended June 30, 2022, we used approximately 1% more bushels of corn to produce our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil as compared to the same period in 2021 due to higher ethanol production levels for the period. During the nine months ended June 30, 2022, our average price paid per bushel of corn was approximately 23% higher as compared to the same period in 2021 due primarily to a smaller crop carryout in some areas from the 2021 harvest, concerns regarding predictions of the corn crop for fall of 2022 and increased export demand from China. In addition, global economic uncertainty, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions by other countries have contributed to higher corn prices towards the end of the current period. However, towards the end of the current period, corn prices decreased due to a more favorable outlook for the size of the 2022 crop and increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.
Weather, world supply and demand, current and anticipated stocks, agricultural policy and other factors can contribute to volatility in corn prices. The impact on ethanol prices by the Russian military action in Ukraine and actions taken in response to the invasion is difficult to predict. Rising corn prices have a negative effect on our operating margins unless the
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price of ethanol and distillers grains out paces rising corn prices. Volatility in the price of corn could significantly impact our cost of goods sold.

Natural Gas

    Our natural gas cost after hedging was higher during the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in cost of natural gas for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 was primarily the result of increased natural gas prices of approximately 71% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. Our average price per MMBTU of natural gas was approximately 71% higher during the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021 primarily due to increased demand, an increase in the price of crude oil and increased volatility in prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, towards the end of the current period, natural gas prices decreased due to increasing concerns of an economic slowdown.

    Management expects that natural gas prices will be dependent upon government policy and the severity of the winter weather. If the nation were to experience a recession this could also influence natural gas prices. In addition, natural gas supply shortages due to a catastrophic weather event or sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine could result in higher natural gas prices.

Rail Car Rehabilitation Costs

    We lease 180 hopper rail cars under a multi-year agreement which ends in November 2023. Under the agreement, we are required to pay to rehabilitate each car for "damage" that is considered to be other than normal wear and tear upon turn in of each car at the termination of the lease. We have evaluated the condition of the cars and believe that it is probable that we may be assessed for damages incurred. During the nine months ended June 30, 2022, we have recorded an expense in cost of goods sold of approximately $227,000. We accrue the estimated cost per railcar damages of $30,060 per month over the term of the lease. The accrued liability for these rehabilitation costs is approximately $1,967,000 at June 30, 2022.

Trading Division

    The following table shows the costs incurred to procure various agricultural commodities for our Trading Division for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
20222021
Amount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybeans$73,818,382 96.0 %$67,575,644 96.7 %
Total Cost of Goods Sold$73,818,382 96.0 %$67,575,644 96.7 %
Soybeans

    During the nine months ended June 30, 2022, our cost was primarily the procurement of soybeans sold. During the nine months ended June 30, 2022, our average price paid per bushel of soybeans was approximately 15% higher as compared to the same period in 2021 due to concerns over a smaller carryout of soybean inventory from the 2021 harvest and increased demand from China. We also purchased approximately 4% less bushels of soybeans in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 compared to 2021 due mostly to a cash price that was conducive to producer selling.

Derivatives

    We enter into hedging instruments to minimize price fluctuations in the prices of our finished products and inputs. As the current market price of our hedge positions changes, the realized or unrealized gains and losses are immediately recognized in our revenues and our cost of goods sold. These commodity-based derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes. Please refer to Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Commodity Price Risk for information on our derivatives.
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Operating Expense

    Our operating expenses as a percentage of revenues was approximately 1% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to operating expenses of approximately 2% of revenues for the same period in 2021. Operating expenses include salaries and benefits of administrative employees, insurance, taxes, professional fees, depreciation of trading division fixed assets, property taxes and other general administrative costs. Operating expenses on a per gallon basis increased slightly for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The primary reasons for this increase was an a rise in salaries because of the tight labor market locally and because of increases in property and casualty insurance rates. For the nine months ended June 30, 2021, we saw a rise in ethanol production, limiting the rise in these operating costs on a per gallon basis.

Operating Income

    Our income from operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 was approximately 16% of revenues as compared to operating income of approximately 4% of revenues for the same period in 2021. The increase in operating income for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 was primarily the result of positive ethanol to corn margins.
Other Income

    Our other income was approximately 2% of revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to other income of 0.02% of revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. Our other income consisted primarily of the receipt of an award from the USDA Biofuel Producer Program during the nine months ended June 30, 2022.

Changes in Financial Condition for the NineThree Months Ended June 30,December 31, 2022

    The following table highlights the changes in our financial condition:
June 30, 2022
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2021December 31, 2022
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2022
Current AssetsCurrent Assets$111,648,012 $76,439,260 Current Assets$145,297,531 $102,033,729 
Long Term AssetsLong Term Assets$74,542,113 $75,499,665 Long Term Assets$91,144,105 $86,922,099 
Current LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities$25,257,400 $23,741,046 Current Liabilities$59,840,245 $27,431,166 
Long-Term LiabilitiesLong-Term Liabilities$2,458,992 $3,460,301 Long-Term Liabilities$20,735,940 $14,254,170 
Members' EquityMembers' Equity$158,473,733 $124,737,578 Members' Equity$155,865,451 $147,270,492 

    We experienced an increase in our current assets at June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021.2022. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in cash, investments, inventory, and receivables and derivative accounts at June 30, 2022 due primarily to increased commodity prices at June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021. These higher prices raised the value of receivables and inventory, while increased2022. Increased profit margins during fiscal year 2022 and into the three months ended December 31, 2022 improved cash balances.balances which in turn allowed us to invest in securities available for sale.

    We experienced a decreasean increase in our long term assets at June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021.2022. Fluctuation was largely attributed to depreciation of plant, property and equipment and amortization of leased assets.additional capital projects during the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2022.

    We experienced an increase in our total current liabilities at June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021.2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our accounts payable and derivative accounts duegrain because our farmer producers deferred more bushels for payment until January 2023 at December 31, 2022 compared to higher commodity prices at JuneSeptember 30, 2022.

    We experienced an increase in our long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021.

    We experienced a decrease in our long-term liabilities as of June 30, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021 primarily as a result of the declining life on leases.increased borrowing for capital expenditures.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have engaged ICM, Inc. to install a system to produce high protein feed which is currently expected to cost approximately $46,570,000 and be funded from operations and from additional financing from our lender.$50,000,000, including recent change orders. The agreement calls for a down payment and scheduled payments at key points during the construction and installation process, which we expect to beginbegan during the fourth quarter of this fiscal year. We expect to fund the project from operations and from our current credit facilities as amended.2022.

The prices of ethanol, corn, natural gas and soybeans have risen substantially over the last several months. We believe that we have sufficient cash and credit facilities to provide liquidity over the next twelve months. However, if the prices continue to rise, we may explore options with our primary lender to expand the funding of our working capital.

Based on financial forecasts performed by our management, we anticipate that we will have sufficient cash from our credit facilities and cash from our operations to continue to operate the ethanol plant for the next 12 months. However, should operating conditions in the ethanol industry deteriorate or continue for a prolonged period, we could have difficulty maintaining our liquidity and may need to rely on our revolving lines of credit or seek to increase our limits for operations.



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The following table shows cash flows for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:
2022202120222021
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities$55,444,151 $11,151,508 Net cash provided by operating activities$35,259,117 $68,030,732 
Net cash used for investing activitiesNet cash used for investing activities(9,728,816)(3,483,402)Net cash used for investing activities(19,222,679)(136,773)
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(41,261,950)(5,350,283)Net cash used for financing activities(117,081)(9,493,900)
Net increase in Cash and Restricted Cash4,453,385 2,317,823 
Cash and Restricted Cash, beginning of period33,895,947 16,913,982 
Cash and Restricted Cash, end of period$38,349,332 $19,231,805 
Net increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashNet increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash15,919,357 58,400,059 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, beginning of periodCash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, beginning of period63,239,614 33,895,947 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, end of periodCash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, end of period$79,158,971 $92,296,006 

Cash Flow provided by Operating Activities

We experienced an increasea decrease in our cash flow from operating activities for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increasedecrease was primarily due to improvedweakened margins on our primary products for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021.

Cash Flow used for Investing Activities

We used more cash in investing activities for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily the result of increased amounts paid for construction in progress coupled with an increase in purchase of investments in debt securities during the periodthree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared with the same period in 2021. The primary expenditure was a down payment on the ICM APP high protein project.

Cash Flow used for Financing Activities

We used moreless cash for financing activities for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. This increasedecrease was primarily the resultsresult of borrowings for capital projects offset by payments to our investors in the form of distributions coupled with decreased net borrowingsto our investors during the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022.

    Our liquidity, results of operations and financial performance will be impacted by many variables, including the market price for commodities such as, but not limited to, corn, ethanol, soybeans and other energy commodities, as well as the market price for any co-products generated by the facility and the cost of labor and other operating costs.  We expect operations to generate adequate cash flows to maintain operations.
Short and Long Term Debt Sources
We have a loan agreement consisting of two loans, the Declining Revolving Loan ("Declining Loan") and the Revolving Credit Loan. In exchange for these loans, we granted liens on all property (real and personal, tangible and intangible) which include, among other things, a mortgage on the property, a security interest on commodity trading accounts,
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and assignment of material contracts. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements, Note 7 - Bank Financing for additional details.
Declining Loan
    The maximum availability of the Declining Loan was formerly $5,000,000 and such amount was to be available for working capital purposes. However, the maximum availability of the Declining Loan was increased from $5,000,000 to $36,000,000 in order to provide financing to fund the construction and installation of a new high protein feed system at the plant. The interest rate on the Declining Loan is currently based on the prime rate minus five basis points (.05%) subject to a floor of 2.85%. The interest rate was 4.70%7.45% and 3.10%6.20% at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, respectively. We will be required to make monthly interest payments on the Declining Loan during the draw period. The principal balance of the
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Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt on or before February 1, 2024, to be repaid in 60 equal monthly installments based on a ten year amortization period. In addition, we will be required to make mandatory annual prepayments on the term debt within 120 days following the end of each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The annual prepayment will be in the amount of the lesser of 40% of excess cash flow or $7,200,000, up to an aggregate amount paid of $18,000,000. There were no borrowings outstanding of approximately $16,186,000 and $9,000,000 on the Declining Loan at JuneDecember 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

We have reached agreement with our lender to amend our loan agreement. The terms of the amendment increase the maximum availability of the Declining Loan from $36,000,000 to $39,000,000 and change the date at which the Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt to on or September 30, 2021.before May 1, 2024. We expect that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

Revolving Credit Loan

The Revolving Credit Loan has a limit of $20,000,000 supported by a borrowing base made up of our corn, ethanol, dried distillers grain, corn oil and soybean inventories reduced by accounts payable associated with those inventories having a priority. It is also supported by the eligible accounts receivable and commodity trading account excess margin funds. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Loan is the prime rate minus twenty-five basis points (.25%) and is subject to a floor of 2.75%. The interest rate was 4.50%7.25% and 3.00%6.00% at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021,2022, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding at June 30,December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021.2022. The Revolving Credit Loan is set to mature on February 28, 2023.

We have reached agreement with our lender to amend our loan agreement. The terms of the amendment extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Loan to February 28, 2024. We expect that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

Covenants

    During the term of the loans, we will be subject to certain financial covenants. Our minimum working capital is $15,000,000, which is calculated as our current assets plus the amount available for drawing under our long term revolving note, less current liabilities. Our minimum fixed charge coverage ratio is no less than 1.15:1.0 measured on a rolling four quarter average basis. However, for any reporting period, if our working capital is equal to or more than $23,000,000, we will be subject to maintaining a debt service charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.25:1.0 in lieu of the fixed charge coverage ratio.
    Our loan agreement also requires us to obtain prior approval from our lender before making, or committing to make, capital expenditures exceeding an aggregate amount of $5,000,000. The cost of the high protein feed system is excluded from the capital expenditures calculation until the principal balance of the Declining Loan converts to term debt.

We have reached agreement with our lender to amend our loan agreement. The terms of the amendment increase the capital expenditures covenant to $6,000,000 of expenditures per year without prior approval. We expect that the amendment will be executed in February 2023.

We are complying with our financial covenants and the other terms of our loan agreements at June 30,December 31, 2022. Based on current management projections, we anticipate that future operations will be sufficient to generate enough cash flow to maintain operations, service any new debt and comply with our financial covenants and other terms of our loan agreements for the next twelve months. Should market conditions deteriorate in the future, circumstances may develop which could result in us violating the financial covenants or other terms of our loan agreements. Should we violate the terms or covenants of our loan or fail to obtain a waiver of any such term or covenant, our primary lender could deem us in default of our loans and require us to immediately repay a significant portion or possibly the entire outstanding balance of our loans if we have a balance outstanding. In that event, our lender could also elect to proceed with a foreclosure action on our plant.

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Capital Improvements

    We are planning various capital projects scheduled for the 20222023 fiscal year in order to make certain improvements to the ethanol plant and maintain the facility. These improvements include updates to the grain pits, yeast props, economizers,190 condenser, rail siding, sieve vaporizer, cyber security, grain scales, spare parts storage, and other small miscellaneous projects. We have also invested in an ethanol recovery system, costingprojects which are expected to cost approximately $2,400,000. The project was$5,000,000 and be funded throughfrom operations and was completed and placed into service during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.our current credit facilities as amended.

We have also engaged ICM, Inc. to install a system to produce high protein feed which is currently expected to cost approximately $46,570,000,$50,000,000, including recent change orders, and be funded from operations and from and our current credit facilities as amended. We will also license from ICM technology to use, operate and maintain the system and expect to pay license fees of $10 per ton of PROTOMAX™ produced for a period of 10 years. We currently anticipate that installation will commenceInstallation of the system commenced during the fourth quarter of our 2022 fiscal year. This project is expected to be completed by Fall of 2023.

CCS Project

We engaged with an unrelated third party to pursue the possible joint development of integrated carbon dioxide facilities, transportation infrastructure and a carbon sequestration site for the carbon dioxide emissions produced by our plant (the "CCS Project"). We performed an initial study and assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of the CCS Project and optimal commercial structure.

On January 16, 2023, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Partnership Agreement (the "LPA") with Vault CCS Holdings LP pursuant to which Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC and Vault CCS Holdings LP formed a joint venture operating under the name of One Carbon Partnership Holdings LP (the "Limited Partnership") to pursue the CCS Project. Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC owns a 50% limited partnership interest in the Limited Partnership. The LPA contemplates that Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC and Vault CCS Holdings LP will make capital contributions to fund the Project and receive distributions in accordance with their respective ownership interests. As of January 31, 2023, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC has made capital contributions of $1,750,000 to the LP. It is currently expected that the Project will require Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC to invest up to $20,000,000 to reach commercial operations.

In addition, on the same date, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC and Vault CCS Holdings LP entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLCA") of One Carbon Partnership GP LLC (the "GP"). The purpose of the GP is to serve as the general partner of the Limited Partnership. Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC and Vault CCS Holdings LP each own 50% of the GP and have the right to appoint three directors to the board of directors of the GP. Such directors may only be removed or replaced by the member that appointed them. Actions taken by the board of directors must be approved by a majority of the directors. Vault CCS Holdings LP or its affiliate will be responsible for management of construction of the Project and day-to-day operations. Certain material actions require approval by the board of directors of the GP.

We have also taken certain steps towards implementing the CCS Project including filing the application for the necessary permitting and acquiring rights from landowners that will be needed in order to complete the CCS Project. In addition, we have granted rights to the joint venture including a surface easement and a lease of pore space below the surface of our property for use in sequestration if the CCS Project is successful. The CCS Project is still in its early stages and is subject to many variables that could have a material effect on its feasibility and the parties' ability to complete the Project. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 12 - Equity Method Investments for more information.


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Development Agreement

    In September 2007, we entered into a development agreement with Randolph County Redevelopment Commission (“the Commission”) to promote economic development in the area. Under the terms of this agreement, beginning in January 2008 through December 2028, the money we pay toward property tax expense is allocated to an expense and an acquisition account. The funds in the acquisition account can be used by the Commission to purchase equipment, at our direction, for the plant. We do not have title to or control over the funds in the acquisition account, no amounts have been recorded in the balance sheet relating to this account.

Grants

On May 23, 2022, we received an award from the USDA Biofuel Producer Program of approximately $7,652,000. The Biofuel Producer Program was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act. The USDA announced that the funds were made available to provide economic relief to biofuels producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and support a significant market for agricultural producers who supply products used in biofuel production.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Management uses various estimates and assumptions in preparing our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Our most critical accounting estimates, which require the greatest use of judgment by management, are designated as critical accounting estimates and include policies related to the useful lives of fixed assets; allowance for doubtful accounts; the valuation of basis and delay price contracts on corn purchases; derivatives; inventories; long-lived assets, railcar rehabilitation costs and inventory purchase commitments.  The Ethanol Division uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others; the useful lives of fixed assets, inventories, patronage dividends, long lived assets, railcar rehabilitation costs, and inventory purchase commitments. The Trading Division uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others; the useful lives of fixed assets, the valuation of inventory purchase and sale commitments derivatives and inventory at market. An in-depth description of these can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.2022.  Management has not changed the method of calculating and using estimates and assumptions in preparing our condensed financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  There have been no changes in the policies for our accounting estimates for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2022.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with interest rates and commodity prices as discussed below. We have no exposure to foreign currency risk as all of our business is conducted in U.S. Dollars. We use derivative
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financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We use cash, futures and option contracts to hedge changes to the commodity prices of corn and natural gas. We do not enter into these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor do we designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from our Declining Loan and Revolving Credit Loan which bear variable interest rates. There were no borrowings in the amount of approximately $16,186,000 outstanding on the Declining Loan orand the applicable interest rate was 7.45% at December 31, 2022. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Loan at June 30,December 31, 2022. The specifics of the Declining Loan and Revolving Credit Loan are discussed in greater detail above. If we were to experience a 10% adverse change in the applicable interest rate, the annual effect of such change would have on our statement of operations, based on the amount we had outstanding on our variable interest rate loans at December 31, 2022, would be approximately $120,000.

Commodity Price Risk

We expect to be exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Exposure to commodity price risk results from our dependence on corn in the ethanol production process and the sale of ethanol.

We seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of raw material inputs, such as corn and natural gas, and finished products, such as ethanol and distillers grains, through the use of hedging instruments. In practice, as markets move,
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we actively manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as appropriate. Although we believe our hedge positions accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases and sales, management has chosen not to use hedge accounting, which would match the gain or loss on our hedge positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged. We are using fair value accounting for our hedge positions, which means as the current market price of our hedge positions changes, the realized or unrealized gains and losses are immediately recognized in our cost of goods sold or as an offset to revenues. The immediate recognition of hedging gains and losses can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the derivative instruments relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.

We enter into forward contracts for our commodity purchases and sales on a regular basis.  It is our intent that, as we enter in to these contracts, we will use various hedging instruments to maintain a near even market position.  For example, if we have 1 million bushels of corn under fixed price contracts we would generally expect to enter into a short hedge position to offset our price risk relative to those bushels we have under fixed price contracts.  Because our ethanol marketing company is selling substantially all of the gallons it markets on a spot basis we also include the corn bushel equivalent of the ethanol we have produced that is inventory but not yet priced as bushels that need to be hedged.
    
The following table provides details regarding the gains and (losses) from our derivative instruments in the statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments, for the three and nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2022Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022Three Months Ended June 30, 2021Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021Three Months Ended December 31, 2022Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
Corn Derivative ContractsCorn Derivative Contracts$13,126,371 $(3,762,026)$(11,918,847)$(25,309,021)Corn Derivative Contracts$2,145,852 $(433,760)
Ethanol Derivative ContractsEthanol Derivative Contracts2,410,473 (7,500,787)493,042 647,795 Ethanol Derivative Contracts2,411,665 (16,008,798)
Natural Gas Derivative ContractsNatural Gas Derivative Contracts— (39,039)— (836)Natural Gas Derivative Contracts(776,052)(39,039)
Soybean Oil Derivative ContractsSoybean Oil Derivative Contracts47,541 131,871 664,729 1,947,061 Soybean Oil Derivative Contracts(16,927)153,970 
Soybean Derivative ContractsSoybean Derivative Contracts(866,771)(4,871,604)(2,625,108)(8,513,405)Soybean Derivative Contracts(1,552,337)(772,340)
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts(349,129)1,044,353 (166,197)1,376,887 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts550,043 638,729 
TotalsTotals$14,368,485 $(14,997,232)$(13,552,381)$(29,851,519)Totals$2,762,244 $(16,461,238)

These soybean forward purchase contracts will be marked to market as the contract periods expire. This means that any gains or losses realized will be recognized in our gross margin at each month end until they are delivered upon.  Due to the volatility and risk involved in the commodities market, we cannot be certain that these gains or losses will be realized. 
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As corn prices move in reaction to market trends and information, our income statement will be affected depending on the impact such market movements have on the value of our derivative instruments. Depending on market movements, crop prospects and weather, these price protection positions may cause immediate adverse effects, but are expected to produce long-term positive growth for us.

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our exposure to ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, corn, natural gas and soybeans price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated as the potential change in income resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the average cost of our corn and natural gas and average ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and soybeans prices as of June 30,December 31, 2022 net of the forward and future contracts used to hedge our market risk. The volumes are based on our expected use, purchase and sale of these commodities for a one year period from June 30,December 31, 2022. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are approximately as follows:
Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of MeasureHypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of June 30, 2022Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural Gas1,093,000 MMBTU10%$592,000 
Ethanol138,000,000 Gallons10%$35,397,000 
Corn37,495,000 Bushels10%$26,397,000 
DDGs306,000 Tons10%$7,044,000 
Corn Oil41,074,000 Pounds10%$2,875,000 
Soybeans4,666,000 Bushels10%$7,890,000 
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Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of MeasureHypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of December 31, 2022Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural Gas3,300,000 MMBTU10%$967,000 
Ethanol138,000,000 Gallons10%$31,602,000 
Corn46,800,000 Bushels10%$27,761,000 
DDGs324,000 Tons10%$7,322,000 
Corn Oil43,980,000 Pounds10%$2,627,000 
Soybeans - Sale5,000,000 Bushels10%$7,188,000 
Soybeans - Purchase5,000,000 Bushels10%$5,839,000 

Liability Risk

We participate in a captive reinsurance company (the “Captive”).  The Captive re-insures losses related to worker's compensation, commercial property and general liability.  Premiums are accrued by a charge to income for the period to which the premium relates and is remitted by our insurer to the captive re-insurer.  The Captive re-insures catastrophic losses in excess of a predetermined amount.  Our premiums are structured such that we have made a prepaid collateral deposit estimated for losses related to the above coverage.  The Captive insurer has estimated and collected an amount in excess of the estimated losses but less than the catastrophic loss limit insured by the Captive. We cannot be assessed in excess of the amount in the collateral fund.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for maintaining disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures must ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial and other required disclosures.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer), Jeffrey Painter, along with our Chief Financial Officer (the principal financial officer), William Dartt, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of June 30,December 31, 2022.  Based on this review and evaluation, these officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the forms and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or
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submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

    There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our thirdfirst quarter ended of our 20222023 fiscal year that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Patent Infringement

On June 27, 2008, we entered into a Tricanter Purchase and Installation Agreement with ICM, Inc. for the construction and installation of a Tricanter Oil Separation System. On February 12, 2010, GS CleanTech Corporation ("GS CleanTech") filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, claiming that Cardinal's operation of the oil recovery system manufactured and installed by ICM, Inc. infringes a patent claimed by GS CleanTech. GS CleanTech subsequently filed actions against others for infringement of its patent rights, adding several additional patents and successfully petitioned for the cases to be joined in a multi-district litigation. ICM, Inc. agreed to indemnify Cardinal and defend the lawsuit at no expense to Cardinal. On October 23, 2014, the United States District Court (the "Court") granted summary judgment finding that all of the patents claimed by GS CleanTech were invalid and that Cardinal had not infringed. In addition, on September 15, 2016, the Court granted summary judgment finding that the patents were invalid due to inequitable conduct before the US Patent and Trademark Office by the inventors and their attorneys. These rulings were subsequently affirmed on appeal and on February 22, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the decision. On March 3, 2022, the United States District Court ruled on attorney fees to be awarded to the defendants.None.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors
    
    The following risk factor is provided due to material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The risk factor set forth below should be read in conjunction with the risk factors section and the Management's Discussion and Analysis section included in our annual report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and resulting sanctions by the United States, European Union and other countries have contributed to inflation, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices in the United States and could lead to a slowdown in global economic growth. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported. In response to the attacks on Ukraine, sanctions and other penalties have been levied by the United States, European Union and other countries and additional sanctions and penalties have been proposed. The invasion by Russia and resulting sanctions have created global economic uncertainty and resulted in increased inflation, significant market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices such as corn, oil and natural gas. Although the duration and extent of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable and the magnitude of the potential economic impact is currently unknown, Russian military actions and resulting sanctions could have a negative effect on our financial condition and operating results.None.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    
None.


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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

    None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

    None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.
(a)The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.
Exhibit No.Exhibit
Certificate Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).*
Certificate Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).*
Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*
Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear on the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
101.PREInline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in the Interactive Data Files submitted as Exhibit 101).
*    Filed herewith.
**    Furnished herewith.

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SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC
Date:August 4, 2022February 6, 2023/s/ Jeffrey Painter
Jeffrey Painter
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:August 4, 2022February 6, 2023/s/ William Dartt
William Dartt
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
    
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