Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2023
 
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 May 11,August 4, 2023, there were 14,606 membership units outstanding.
1

Table of Contents


INDEX
Page Number

2

Table of Contents


PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
 ASSETSMarch 31, 2023September 30, 2022
 (Unaudited)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$30,118,147 $53,937,943 
Restricted cash7,316,839 9,301,671 
Investments in available-for-sale debt securities10,925,541 — 
Investments in held-to-maturity debt securities586,393 — 
Trade accounts receivable17,934,064 12,511,601 
Miscellaneous receivables475,628 1,114,588 
Inventories46,727,835 23,370,767 
Prepaid and other current assets1,082,930 464,498 
Futures and options derivatives1,212,602 972,041 
Forward purchase/sales derivatives125,797 360,620 
Total current assets116,505,776 102,033,729 
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net79,219,512 78,457,058 
Other Assets
Operating lease right of use asset, net4,865,787 6,808,992 
Investments2,834,927 1,656,049 
Total other assets7,700,714 8,465,041 
Total Assets$203,426,002 $188,955,828 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Due to broker$356,704 $— 
Accounts payable2,478,510 4,426,732 
Accounts payable - grain12,011,909 12,335,894 
Accrued expenses2,313,090 3,897,364 
Accrued distributions2,750,000 — 
Futures and options derivatives866,759 2,669,433 
Forward purchase/sales derivatives90,844 507,408 
Operating lease liability current3,194,939 3,594,335 
Total current liabilities24,062,755 27,431,166 
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt16,185,919 9,000,000 
Operating lease long-term liabilities1,690,064 3,217,532 
Liability for railcar rehabilitation costs2,192,323 2,036,638 
Total long-term liabilities20,068,306 14,254,170 
Commitments and Contingencies
Members’ Equity
Members' contributions, net of cost of raising capital, 14,606 units authorized, issued and outstanding70,912,213 70,912,213 
Accumulated other comprehensive income98 — 
Retained earnings88,382,630 76,358,279 
Total members' equity159,294,941 147,270,492 
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity$203,426,002 $188,955,828 

 ASSETSJune 30, 2023September 30, 2022
 (Unaudited)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$38,223,438 $53,937,943 
Restricted cash12,735,645 9,301,671 
Investments in available-for-sale debt securities17,199,082 — 
Investments in held-to-maturity debt securities593,097 — 
Trade accounts receivable19,898,097 12,511,601 
Miscellaneous receivables707,473 1,114,588 
Inventories27,167,282 23,370,767 
Prepaid and other current assets705,866 464,498 
Futures and options derivatives1,972,529 972,041 
Forward purchase/sales derivatives62,253 360,620 
Total current assets119,264,762 102,033,729 
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net87,880,519 78,457,058 
Other Assets
Operating lease right of use asset, net3,883,504 6,808,992 
Investments4,377,741 1,656,049 
Total other assets8,261,245 8,465,041 
Total Assets$215,406,526 $188,955,828 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Disbursements in excess of bank balance$1,809,784 $— 
Due to broker2,636,855 $— 
Accounts payable3,195,447 4,426,732 
Accounts payable - grain11,485,851 12,335,894 
Accrued expenses2,089,674 3,897,364 
Accrued distributions1,100,000 — 
Futures and options derivatives6,397,885 2,669,433 
Forward purchase/sales derivatives53,018 507,408 
Operating lease liability current2,868,626 3,594,335 
Current maturities of long-term debt277,624 — 
Total current liabilities31,914,764 27,431,166 
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt, net of current maturities25,496,988 9,000,000 
Operating lease long-term liabilities1,034,488 3,217,532 
Liability for railcar rehabilitation costs2,275,143 2,036,638 
Total long-term liabilities28,806,619 14,254,170 
Commitments and Contingencies
Members’ Equity
Members' contributions, net of cost of raising capital, 14,606 units authorized, issued and outstanding70,912,213 70,912,213 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(14,015)— 
Retained earnings83,786,945 76,358,279 
Total members' equity154,685,143 147,270,492 
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity$215,406,526 $188,955,828 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
3

Table of Contents


CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022March 31, 2023March 31, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022
RevenuesRevenues$130,771,456 $133,972,682 $265,719,575 $284,229,631 Revenues$119,046,572 $133,261,052 $384,766,147 $417,490,683 
Cost of Goods SoldCost of Goods Sold115,334,588 123,821,112 232,343,763 239,159,453 Cost of Goods Sold103,128,982 104,607,396 335,472,745 343,766,849 
Gross ProfitGross Profit15,436,868 10,151,570 33,375,812 45,070,178 Gross Profit15,917,590 28,653,656 49,293,402 73,723,834 
Operating ExpensesOperating Expenses2,354,767 2,048,337 4,627,371 4,183,710 Operating Expenses2,494,927 1,920,790 7,122,298 6,104,500 
Operating IncomeOperating Income13,082,101 8,103,233 28,748,441 40,886,468 Operating Income13,422,663 26,732,866 42,171,104 67,619,334 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)
Interest income (expense)Interest income (expense)451,165 (100)872,897 (100)Interest income (expense)904,327 (3,893)1,777,225 (3,993)
Miscellaneous income (expense)Miscellaneous income (expense)37,298 326,081 85,997 (61,990)Miscellaneous income (expense)(12,692)7,444,754 73,304 7,382,764 
Income (loss) on equity method investment(95,878)— (326,984)— 
Loss on equity method investmentLoss on equity method investment(23,588)— (350,572)— 
TotalTotal392,585 325,981 631,910 (62,090)Total868,047 7,440,861 1,499,957 7,378,771 
Net IncomeNet Income$13,474,686 $8,429,214 $29,380,351 $40,824,378 Net Income$14,290,710 $34,173,727 $43,671,061 $74,998,105 
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 14,606 14,606 
Net Income Per Unit - basic and dilutedNet Income Per Unit - basic and diluted$923 $577 $2,012 $2,795 Net Income Per Unit - basic and diluted$978 $2,340 $2,990 $5,135 
Distributions Per UnitDistributions Per Unit$500 $1,500 $1,000 $2,150 Distributions Per Unit$1,250 $675 $2,250 $2,825 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale debt securities7,804 — 98 — 
Total comprehensive income7,804 — 98 — 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securitiesUnrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities(14,113)— (14,015)— 
Total comprehensive lossTotal comprehensive loss(14,113)— (14,015)— 
Net Comprehensive IncomeNet Comprehensive Income$13,482,490 $8,429,214 $29,380,449 $40,824,378 Net Comprehensive Income$14,276,597 $34,173,727 $43,657,046 $74,998,105 

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




4

Table of Contents


CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six Months EndedSix Months EndedNine Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022
Cash Flows from Operating ActivitiesCash Flows from Operating ActivitiesCash Flows from Operating Activities
Net incomeNet income$29,380,351 $40,824,378 Net income$43,671,061 $74,998,105 
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 amortization5,765,691 5,707,494 Depreciation and amortization8,632,278 8,502,992 
Change in fair value of commodity derivative instrumentsChange in fair value of commodity derivative instruments(2,224,976)1,480,566 Change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments2,571,941 (6,108,119)
Non-cash dividend incomeNon-cash dividend income(155,862)— Non-cash dividend income(122,264)— 
Accrued interest income(171,368)— 
Earnings on non-cash debt securitiesEarnings on non-cash debt securities(318,429)— 
Non-cash lease expenseNon-cash lease expense16,341 — Non-cash lease expense16,735 — 
Loss from equity method investmentLoss from equity method investment326,984 — Loss from equity method investment350,572 — 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:Change in operating assets and liabilities:Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivableTrade accounts receivable(5,422,463)(7,599,417)Trade accounts receivable(7,386,496)(11,237,817)
Miscellaneous receivablesMiscellaneous receivables638,960 (323,725)Miscellaneous receivables407,115 (169,617)
InventoriesInventories(23,357,068)(19,864,763)Inventories(3,796,515)(11,750,076)
Prepaid and other current assetsPrepaid and other current assets(618,432)(675,312)Prepaid and other current assets(241,368)(359,227)
Disbursements in excess of bank balanceDisbursements in excess of bank balance1,809,784 — 
Due to brokerDue to broker2,636,855 104,311 
Accounts payableAccounts payable(1,711,116)659,039 Accounts payable(1,110,571)804,714 
Accounts payable - grainAccounts payable - grain(323,985)(3,743,031)Accounts payable - grain(850,043)631,993 
Accrued expensesAccrued expenses(1,657,079)(728,526)Accrued expenses(1,868,762)(188,965)
Liability for railcar rehabilitation costsLiability for railcar rehabilitation costs155,685 130,613 Liability for railcar rehabilitation costs238,505 215,857 
Due to broker356,704 — 
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities998,367 15,867,316 Net cash provided by operating activities44,640,398 55,444,151 
Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesCash Flows from Investing ActivitiesCash Flows from Investing Activities
Maturities of Investments in Debt SecuritiesMaturities of Investments in Debt Securities11,000,000 — 
Payments for construction in progressPayments for construction in progress(9,642,446)(9,564,559)Payments for construction in progress(21,065,381)(9,728,816)
Purchases of investments in debt securitiesPurchases of investments in debt securities(11,340,468)— Purchases of investments in debt securities(28,487,765)— 
Investment in Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLCInvestment in Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC(1,350,000)— Investment in Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC(2,950,000)— 
Net cash used for investing activities Net cash used for investing activities(22,332,914)(9,564,559) Net cash used for investing activities(41,503,146)(9,728,816)
Cash Flows from Financing ActivitiesCash Flows from Financing ActivitiesCash Flows from Financing Activities
Checks written in excess of bank balances— 5,109,245 
Distributions paidDistributions paid(14,606,000)(31,402,900)Distributions paid(35,142,395)(41,261,950)
Proceeds from revolving credit loanProceeds from revolving credit loan21,968,768 9,841,117 Proceeds from revolving credit loan44,381,156 9,841,117 
Payments on revolving credit loanPayments on revolving credit loan(21,968,768)(9,841,117)Payments on revolving credit loan(44,381,156)(9,841,117)
Proceeds from economic development fundProceeds from economic development fund2,950,000 — Proceeds from economic development fund2,950,000 — 
Proceeds from long-term debtProceeds from long-term debt7,185,919 — Proceeds from long-term debt16,774,612 — 
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(4,470,081)(26,293,655)Net cash used for financing activities(15,417,783)(41,261,950)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash(25,804,628)(19,990,898)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashNet Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash(12,280,531)4,453,385 
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 – 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$37,434,986 $13,905,049 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash – End of Period$50,959,083 $38,349,332 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
5

Table of Contents


CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six Months EndedSix Months EndedNine Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashReconciliation 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$30,118,147 $1,059,422 Cash and Cash Equivalents - Balance Sheet$38,223,438 $29,929,343 
Restricted Cash - Balance SheetRestricted Cash - Balance Sheet7,316,839 12,845,627 Restricted Cash - Balance Sheet12,735,645 8,419,989 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashCash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$37,434,986 $13,905,049 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$50,959,083 $38,349,332 
Supplemental Cash Flow InformationSupplemental Cash Flow InformationSupplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paidInterest paid$435,611 $— Interest paid$820,582 $3,993 
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 progress included in accrued expenses and accounts payableConstruction in progress included in accrued expenses and accounts payable$178,839 $28,608 Construction in progress included in accrued expenses and accounts payable$283,498 $19,580 
Construction period interest capitalized in property plant and equipment Construction period interest capitalized in property plant and equipment$511,395 $—  Construction period interest capitalized in property plant and equipment$610,069 $— 
Accrued Distributions$2,750,000 $— 

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


6

Table of Contents



CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Changes in Members' Equity (Unaudited)
Member
Contributions
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)TotalMember
Contributions
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
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 IncomeNet Income— 8,429,214 8,429,214 Net Income— 8,429,214 8,429,214 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions(21,909,000)— (21,909,000)Member Distributions(21,909,000)— (21,909,000)
Balance March 31, 2022Balance March 31, 2022$70,912,213 $63,246,843 $— $134,159,056 Balance March 31, 2022$70,912,213 $63,246,843 $— $134,159,056 
Net IncomeNet Income— 34,173,727 $— 34,173,727 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions— (9,859,050)— (9,859,050)
Balance June 30, 2022Balance June 30, 2022$70,912,213 $87,561,520 $— $158,473,733 
Member ContributionsRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)TotalMember ContributionsRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
Balance September 30, 2022Balance September 30, 2022$70,912,213 $76,358,279 $— $147,270,492 Balance September 30, 2022$70,912,213 $76,358,279 $— $147,270,492 
Net IncomeNet Income— 15,905,665 — 15,905,665 Net Income— 15,905,665 — 15,905,665 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions— (7,303,000)— (7,303,000)Member Distributions— (7,303,000)— (7,303,000)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securitiesUnrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities— — (7,706)(7,706)Unrealized 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 Balance December 31, 2022$70,912,213 $84,960,944 $(7,706)$155,865,451 
Net IncomeNet Income— 13,474,686 — 13,474,686 Net Income— 13,474,686 — 13,474,686 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions— (10,053,000)— (10,053,000)Member Distributions— (10,053,000)— (10,053,000)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale debt securitiesUnrealized gain on available-for-sale debt securities— — 7,804 7,804 Unrealized gain on available-for-sale debt securities— — 7,804 7,804 
Balance March 31, 2023Balance March 31, 2023$70,912,213 $88,382,630 $98 $159,294,941 Balance March 31, 2023$70,912,213 $88,382,630 $98 $159,294,941 
Net IncomeNet Income— 14,290,710 — 14,290,710 
Member DistributionsMember Distributions— (18,886,395)— (18,886,395)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securitiesUnrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities— — (14,113)(14,113)
Balance June 30, 2023Balance June 30, 2023$70,912,213 $83,786,945 $(14,015)$154,685,143 

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

7

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
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, 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 sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company produced approximately 69,568,000103,276,000 and 69,832,000101,534,000 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 Standard 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 two 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,
8

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains its accounts primarily at three 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. At March 31,June 30, 2023, cash equivalents were approximately $8,975,000$37,102,000 and consisted of investments in treasury bills. At September 30, 2022, cash equivalents were approximately $33,229,000 and consisted of investments in treasury bills.

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 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.

Investments in Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities

The Company holds funds in short-term investments in debt securities, such as U.S. treasury bills or treasury notes. Some of the investments in debt securities have an original maturity date greater than three months and are being held until maturity in the hedge accounts as collateral for initial margin requirements, these investments are classified as held-to-maturity. The Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity and the classification was determined at the time of purchase. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization of accretion of premiums and discounts. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related held-to-maturity security using a straight-line method. The difference between the carrying value, which is based on cost, and the aggregate fair value of the held-to-maturity securities,
9

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
difference between the carrying value, which is based on cost, and the aggregate fair value of the held-to-maturity securities, was immaterial as of March 31,June 30, 2023. At March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $586,000$593,000 of short-term investments.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customer'customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral. We maintainThe Company maintains an allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable, which is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable, and changes in such are included as a component of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We assessThe Company assesses collectibility by reviewing accounts receivable on a collective basis where similar characteristics exist and on an individual basis when we identifythe Company identifies specific customers with known disputes or collectibility issues. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, we considerthe Company considers historical collectibility based on past due status and make judgments about the creditworthiness of customers based on ongoing credit evaluations. WeThe Company also considerconsiders customer-specific information, current market conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. At March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company determined that an allowance for credit losses was not necessary.

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 March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 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 2023 fiscal year in order to make certain improvements to the ethanol plant and maintain the facility. These improvements include updates to the 190 condenser, rail siding, sieve vaporizer, cyber security, grain scales, spare parts storage, and other small miscellaneous projects. The Company has plans to install a high protein feed system, costing approximately $50,000,000, including recent change orders, and be 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 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 sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022.

10

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
Investments

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

Passthrough Entity Tax

The Company records Indiana passthrough entity tax in accordance with ASC 740 and has elected to account for the payments as an equity transaction through member distributions. At March 31,June 30, 2023, accrued distributions for Indiana pass through entity tax was $2,750,000.$1,100,000. The Company subsequently paid $2,300,000approximately $2,279,000 for 2022 taxes in Aprilduring the nine months ended June 30, 2023.

Economic Development Fund

In September 2007, the Company 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 paid towards property tax 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. The Company does not have title to or control over the funds in the acquisition account.

On February 14, 2023, the Company received $2,950,000 from the Commission. The Company has elected to account for this transaction under the International Accounting Standard (IAS) No. 20 Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance as the U.S. Accounting Standards Codification (U.S. GAAP) does not contain explicit guidance. The Company reported this transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows as proceeds from the economic development fund, and in the consolidated condensed balance sheet as a reduction of payments for construction in progress.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expectthe Company expects 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 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.

11

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
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.

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.
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 ourthe 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.


12

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
Net Income per Unit

Basic net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members' units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per unit is computed by dividing net income 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 per unit are the same.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

Effective October 1, 2021, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). This guidance changes the methodology to be used to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments and financial assets, including trade receivables. The new methodology requires the recognition of an allowance that reflects the current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial assets. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
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.

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 sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:

Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2023 (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$79,548,471 $— $79,548,471 Ethanol$79,970,647 $— $79,970,647 
Distillers grains18,221,222 — 18,221,222 
Distillers GrainsDistillers Grains16,818,758 — 16,818,758 
Corn OilCorn Oil7,736,636 — 7,736,636 Corn Oil5,971,069 — 5,971,069 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide113,641 — 113,641 Carbon Dioxide84,664 — 84,664 
Other RevenueOther Revenue273,192 — 273,192 Other Revenue— — — 
Total revenues from contracts with customersTotal revenues from contracts with customers105,893,162 — 105,893,162 Total revenues from contracts with customers102,845,138 — 102,845,138 
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 grains— 24,878,294 24,878,294 
Soybeans and Other GrainsSoybeans and Other Grains— 16,201,434 16,201,434 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivativesTotal revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 24,878,294 24,878,294 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 16,201,434 16,201,434 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$105,893,162 $24,878,294 $130,771,456 Total Revenues$102,845,138 $16,201,434 $119,046,572 
13

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
Six Months Ended March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023 (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$165,859,716 $— $165,859,716 Ethanol$245,830,363 $— $245,830,363 
Distillers' grains33,585,173 — 33,585,173 
Distillers GrainsDistillers Grains50,403,931 — 50,403,931 
Corn OilCorn Oil15,766,277 — 15,766,277 Corn Oil21,737,346 — 21,737,346 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide234,735 — 234,735 Carbon Dioxide319,399 — 319,399 
Other RevenueOther Revenue273,192 — 273,192 Other Revenue273,192 — 273,192 
Total revenues from contracts with customersTotal revenues from contracts with customers215,719,093 — 215,719,093 Total revenues from contracts with customers318,564,231 — 318,564,231 
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 grains— 50,000,482 50,000,482 
Soybeans and Other GrainsSoybeans and Other Grains— 66,201,916 66,201,916 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivativesTotal revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 50,000,482 50,000,482 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 66,201,916 66,201,916 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$215,719,093 $50,000,482 $265,719,575 Total Revenues$318,564,231 $66,201,916 $384,766,147 


Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2022 (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$85,298,042 $— $85,298,042 Ethanol$84,706,603 $— $84,706,603 
Distillers grains15,421,874 — 15,421,874 
Distillers GrainsDistillers Grains18,261,386 — 18,261,386 
Corn OilCorn Oil6,218,759 — 6,218,759 Corn Oil7,796,800 — 7,796,800 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide112,209 — 112,209 Carbon Dioxide120,531 — 120,531 
Other RevenueOther Revenue14,950 38,256 53,206 Other Revenue13,450 15,900 29,350 
Total revenues from contracts with customersTotal revenues from contracts with customers107,065,834 38,256 107,104,090 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)
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 grains— 26,868,592 26,868,592 
Soybeans and Other GrainsSoybeans and Other Grains— 22,346,382 22,346,382 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivativesTotal revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 26,868,592 26,868,592 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 22,346,382 22,346,382 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$107,065,834 $26,906,848 $133,972,682 Total Revenues$110,898,770 $22,362,282 $133,261,052 



14

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
SixNine Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2022 (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$187,820,970 $— $187,820,970 Ethanol$272,527,573 $— $272,527,573 
Distillers grains29,188,772 — 29,188,772 
Distillers GrainsDistillers Grains47,450,158 — 47,450,158 
Corn OilCorn Oil12,380,297 — 12,380,297 Corn Oil20,177,097 — 20,177,097 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide226,595 — 226,595 Carbon Dioxide347,126 — 347,126 
Other RevenueOther Revenue39,425 87,581 127,006 Other Revenue73,800 82,556 156,356 
Total revenues from contracts with customersTotal revenues from contracts with customers229,656,059 87,581 229,743,640 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)
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 grains— 54,485,991 54,485,991 
Soybeans and Other GrainsSoybeans and Other Grains— 76,832,373 76,832,373 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivativesTotal revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 54,485,991 54,485,991 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives— 76,832,373 76,832,373 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$229,656,059 $54,573,572 $284,229,631 Total Revenues$340,575,754 $76,914,929 $417,490,683 

(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.

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.
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 94%87% and 82% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. These same two customers accounted for approximately 75%77% of revenue for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 76% of revenue for the six months ended March 31,June 30, 2022.


15

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
4.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following as of:
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)September 30, 2022June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)September 30, 2022
Ethanol Division:Ethanol Division:Ethanol Division:
Raw materials Raw materials$25,218,083 $7,206,914  Raw materials$13,557,910 $7,206,914 
Work in progress Work in progress2,573,929 2,442,453  Work in progress2,306,420 2,442,453 
Finished goods Finished goods4,790,334 7,513,988  Finished goods3,477,384 7,513,988 
Spare parts Spare parts4,694,303 4,178,807  Spare parts4,744,318 4,178,807 
Ethanol Division SubtotalEthanol Division Subtotal$37,276,649 $21,342,162 Ethanol Division Subtotal$24,086,032 $21,342,162 
Trading Division:Trading Division:Trading Division:
Grain inventoryGrain inventory$9,451,186 $2,028,605 Grain inventory$3,081,250 $2,028,605 
Trading Division SubtotalTrading Division Subtotal9,451,186 2,028,605 Trading Division Subtotal3,081,250 2,028,605 
Total InventoriesTotal Inventories$46,727,835 $23,370,767 Total Inventories$27,167,282 $23,370,767 

The Company had a net realizable value write-down of $872,000 for ethanol inventory for the six months ended March 31, 2023. The Company had a net realizable value write-down ofand $531,000 for ethanol inventory for the sixnine months ended March 31, 2022.June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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 March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company had forward corn purchase contracts at various fixed prices for various delivery periods through MarchDecember 2024 for approximately 9%7% of expected production needs for the next 1218 months. Approximately 4% 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 not recognized anya write-down of $237,000 at June 30, 2023 and recognized no impairment at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022. The Company has elected not to apply the normal purchase and sale exemption to its forward soybean contracts of the trading division and therefore, treats them as derivative instruments.

At March 31,June 30, 2023, the Ethanol Division had forward dried distiller grains sales contracts for approximately 98%66% of expected production for the next month at various fixed prices for delivery periods through AprilJuly 2023. At March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company had forward corn oil contracts for approximately 86%114% of expected production for the next month at various fixed prices for delivery through AprilJuly 2023. Additionally, at March 31,June 30, 2023, the Trading Division had forward soybean purchase contracts for approximately 6%14% of expected origination for various delivery periods through MarchMay 2024. Approximately 17%16% 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.


16

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
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 March 31,June 30, 2023, the Ethanol Division had a net short (selling) position of 4,535,2822,228,893 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 March 31,June 30, 2023 and are forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through MayDecember 2024. The Ethanol Division had a net short (selling) position of 16,590,00059,220,000 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 2023. The Ethanol Division had a net long (buying) position of 1,053,654197,622 pounds of soybean oil under derivative contracts as of March 31,June 30, 2023. These soybean oil derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and are forecasted to settledsettle through JulySeptember 2023. At March 31,June 30, 2023, the Ethanol Division had a net long (buying) position of 996,585871,022 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 forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through MarchApril 2024. At March 31,June 30, 2023, the Trading Division had a net short (selling) position of 815,000300,000 bushels of soybeans under derivative contracts used to hedge its forward soybean purchase contracts. These soybean derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and are, as of March 31,June 30, 2023, forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through JanuaryJuly 2024. These derivatives have not been designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes.

The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at March 31,June 30, 2023:

InstrumentInstrumentBalance Sheet LocationAssetsLiabilitiesInstrumentBalance Sheet LocationAssetsLiabilities
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsEthanol Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$973,341 $— Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $6,320,859 
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCorn Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $543,467 Corn Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$1,912,116 $— 
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $60,859 Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$59,932 $— 
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsNatural Gas Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $262,433 Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$— $77,026 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$239,261 $— Soybean Futures and Options ContractsFutures and Options Derivatives$481 $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsForward Purchase/Sales Derivatives$125,797 $90,844 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsForward Purchase/Sales Derivatives$62,253 $53,018 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $7,317,000$12,736,000 of cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn, soybean oil, natural gas, and soybean derivatives held by three brokers.


17

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2022:

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, 2022, the Company had approximately $9,302,000 of cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn, and soybean derivatives held by three brokers.

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:

InstrumentInstrumentStatement of Operations Location Three Months Ended March 31, 2023Six Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022Six Months Ended March 31, 2022InstrumentStatement of Operations Location Three Months Ended June 30, 2023Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023 Three Months Ended June 30, 2022Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCorn Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold$5,295,581 $7,441,433 $(16,454,637)$(16,888,397)Corn Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold$3,531,387 $10,972,820 $13,126,371 $(3,762,026)
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsEthanol Futures and Options ContractsRevenues828,850 5,159,457 6,097,538 (9,911,259)Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsRevenues(3,798,934)1,360,523 2,410,473 (7,500,787)
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsNatural Gas Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(1,517,137)(2,293,188)— (39,039)Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold44,849 (2,248,339)— (39,039)
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(60,859)(77,786)(69,641)84,329 Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold34,880 (42,906)47,541 131,871 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold398,834 (1,153,503)(3,232,493)(4,004,833)Soybean Futures and Options ContractsCost of Goods Sold(103,110)(1,256,613)(866,771)(4,871,604)
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsCost of Goods Sold(263,080)286,963 754,753 1,393,482 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsCost of Goods Sold(12,577)274,386 (349,129)1,044,353 
TotalsTotals$4,682,189 $9,363,376 $(12,904,480)$(29,365,717)Totals$(303,505)$9,059,871 $14,368,485 $(14,997,232)


18

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31,June 30, 2023:
InstrumentsInstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3InstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Corn Futures and Options ContractsCorn Futures and Options Contracts$(543,467)$(543,467)$(484,300)$(59,167)$— Corn Futures and Options Contracts$1,912,116 $1,912,116 $2,201,050 $(288,934)$— 
Ethanol Futures and Options ContractsEthanol Futures and Options Contracts$973,341 $973,341 $973,341 $— $— Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts$(6,320,859)$(6,320,859)$(6,320,859)$— $— 
Soybean Oil Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Oil Futures and Options Contracts$(60,859)$(60,859)$(60,859)$— $— Soybean Oil Futures and Options Contracts$59,932 $59,932 $59,932 $— $— 
Natural Gas Futures and Options ContractsNatural Gas Futures and Options Contracts$(262,433)$(262,433)— $(262,433)$— Natural Gas Futures and Options Contracts$(77,026)$(77,026)34,900 $(111,926)$— 
Soybean Futures and Options ContractsSoybean Futures and Options Contracts$239,261 $239,261 $239,261 $— $— Soybean Futures and Options Contracts$481 $481 $481 $— $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase Contracts$34,953 $34,953 $— $34,953 $— Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts$9,235 $9,235 $— $9,235 $— 
Soybean InventorySoybean Inventory$9,451,186 $9,451,186 $— $9,451,186 $— Soybean Inventory$3,081,250 $3,081,250 $— $3,081,250 $— 
Accounts PayableAccounts Payable$9,603,239 $9,603,239 $— $9,603,239 $— Accounts Payable$5,742,307 $5,742,307 $— $5,742,307 $— 
Treasury Bills (classified as investments in available-for-sale debt securities)Treasury Bills (classified as investments in available-for-sale debt securities)$10,925,541 $10,925,541 $10,925,541 $— $— Treasury Bills (classified as investments in available-for-sale debt securities)$17,199,082 $17,199,082 $17,199,082 $— $— 
The Company's investments in available-for-sale debt securities consisted of Treasury Bills at March 31,June 30, 2023. The scheduled maturity date is May 25,dates range from July 2023 through December 2023. Unrealized gains (losses) on these investments are included asin accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the statements of changes in members' equity. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the net unrealized holding gainslosses total approximately $100.$14,000.
The following table summarized the Company's held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost as of March 31,June 30, 2023:
Amortized Cost, as AdjustedGross Unrealized Holding GainsGross Unrealized Holding LossesEstimated Fair ValueAmortized Cost, as AdjustedGross Unrealized Holding GainsGross Unrealized Holding LossesEstimated Fair Value
U.S. Treasury NoteU.S. Treasury Note$586,393 $113 $— $586,506 U.S. Treasury Note$593,097 $— $— $593,097 
TotalTotal$586,393 $113 $— $586,506 Total$593,097 $— $— $593,097 
The Company had no classified as held-to-maturity investment securities at September 30, 2022.
The fair value of the Company's held-to-maturity debt securities are determined based upon inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly and are classified as level 2 fair value instruments.


19

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2022:

InstrumentsCarrying AmountFair ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Corn Futures and Options Contracts$(1,827,963)$(1,827,963)$(1,827,963)$— $— 
Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts$(841,470)$(841,470)$(841,470)$— $— 
Soybean Futures and Options Contracts$972,041 $972,041 $972,041 $— $— 
Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts$(146,788)$(146,788)$— $(146,788)$— 
Soybean Inventory$2,028,605 $2,028,605 $— $2,028,605 $— 
Accounts Payable$(4,379,251)$(4,379,251)$— $(4,379,251)$— 
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 March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts, with the exception of approximately $9,603,000$5,742,000 and $4,379,000 at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 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 approximately $16,186,000$25,775,000 at March 31,June 30, 2023 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 two 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.

20

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2023
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$39,000,000 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 7.95%8.20% and 6.20% at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 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 wasis expected to be converted to term debt on or before FebruaryMay 1, 2024, to be repaid in 60 equal monthly installments based on a 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. The Company had borrowings outstanding of approximately $16,186,000$25,775,000 and $9,000,000 on the Declining Loan at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

On February 21, 2023, the Company amended its loan agreement to increase the maximum availability on the Declining Loan from $36,000,000 to $39,000,000 and extend the date at which the Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt to on or before May 1, 2024.

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 7.75%8.00% and 6.00% at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Loan at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022. The Revolving Credit Loan wasis set to mature on February 28, 2023.

On February 21, 2023, the Company amended its loan agreement to extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Loan to February 28, 2024.

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$6,000,000 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 March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

On February 21, 2023, the Company amended its loan agreement to increase the capital expenditures covenant to $6,000,000 of expenditures per year without prior approval.


21

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
The estimated maturities of long-term debt at March 31,June 30, 2023 are as follows:

AprilJuly 1, 2023 to March 31,- June 30, 2024$277,624 
AprilJuly 1, 2024 to March 31,- June 30, 20251,766,1922,892,799 
AprilJuly 1, 2025 to March 31,- June 30, 20261,953,4693,142,680 
AprilJuly 1, 2026 to March 31,- June 30, 20272,114,5563,414,150 
AprilJuly 1, 2027 to March 31,- June 30, 20282,288,9263,705,899 
Thereafter8,062,77612,341,460 
Total long-term debt$16,185,91925,774,612 

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
21

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2023
discount rate for each lease in determining the present value of lease payments. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company’s weighted average discount rate was 5.45%5.71%. 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 1 year to 2 years, which may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise those options. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term was 1.511.29 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 March 31,June 30, 2023:
For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30,For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30,For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30,
20242024$3,366,280 2024$3,000,130 
202520251,719,120 20251,044,950 
TotalsTotals5,085,400 Totals4,045,080 
Amount representing interestAmount representing interest(200,397)Amount representing interest(141,966)
Lease liabilitiesLease liabilities$4,885,003 Lease liabilities$3,903,114 

For the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company recorded operating lease costs of approximately $1,930,000$2,848,000 in cost of goods sold in the Company’s statement of operations. Cash paid for the operating leases was approximately $1,916,000$2,847,000 for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Marketing Agreement

The Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated company for the purpose of marketing and selling all the distillers grains the Company is 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 company to sell all of the ethanol the Company produces at the plant. The Company agrees to pay a commission of a fixed percent of the net purchase price for marketing and distribution. In
22

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
July 2009, the initial term of the agreement was extended to eight years and the commission increased in exchange for reducing the payment terms from 14 days to 7 days after shipment. In November 2012, the Company amended this agreement to extend 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 any reason, the Company may be obligated to continue to deliver ethanol for a period of time to cover certain contractual commitments for which the Company gave prior written approval. The amendment also provides for certain adjustments to the purchase price for sales made to the 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.
22

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2023
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 March 31,June 30, 2023, to be approximately $2,192,000.$2,275,000. During the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company has recorded a corresponding expense in cost of goods sold of approximately $180,000.$270,000. 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 $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 sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, ethanol sales averaged approximately 62%64% of total revenues and corn costs averaged 65%67% 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.

Economic conditions for the ethanol industry were 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
23

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
global economic uncertainty and contributed to increased inflation, significant market disruptions and increased volatility in 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.

11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company has two 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.
23

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2023
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 EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022March 31, 2023March 31, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022
Revenue:Revenue:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)Revenue:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$105,893,162 $107,065,834 $215,719,093 $229,656,059 Ethanol division$102,845,138 $110,898,770 $318,564,231 $340,575,754 
Trading divisionTrading division24,878,294 26,906,848 50,000,482 54,573,572 Trading division16,201,434 22,362,282 66,201,916 76,914,929 
Total RevenueTotal Revenue$130,771,456 $133,972,682 $265,719,575 $284,229,631 Total Revenue$119,046,572 $133,261,052 $384,766,147 $417,490,683 
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022March 31, 2023March 31, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022
Gross Profit:Gross Profit:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)Gross Profit:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$14,380,601 $9,345,531 $31,951,781 $42,639,655 Ethanol division$15,658,412 $27,966,708 $47,610,193 $70,627,287 
Trading divisionTrading division1,056,267 806,039 1,424,031 2,430,523 Trading division259,178 686,948 1,683,209 3,096,547 
Total Gross ProfitTotal Gross Profit$15,436,868 $10,151,570 $33,375,812 $45,070,178 Total Gross Profit$15,917,590 $28,653,656 $49,293,402 $73,723,834 
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022March 31, 2023March 31, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022June 30, 2023June 30, 2022
Operating Income:(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Operating Income (Loss):Operating Income (Loss):(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$12,343,077 $7,614,437 $27,958,896 $39,090,431 Ethanol division$13,480,728 $26,363,161 $41,439,624 $65,474,516 
Trading divisionTrading division739,024 488,796 789,545 1,796,037 Trading division(58,065)369,705 731,480 2,144,818 
Total Operating IncomeTotal Operating Income$13,082,101 $8,103,233 $28,748,441 $40,886,468 Total Operating Income$13,422,663 $26,732,866 $42,171,104 $67,619,334 

24

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
March 31, 2023September 30, 2022June 30, 2023September 30, 2022
Grain Inventories:Grain Inventories:(unaudited)Grain Inventories:(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$25,218,083 $7,206,914 Ethanol division$13,557,910 $7,206,914 
Trading divisionTrading division9,451,186 2,028,605 Trading division3,081,250 2,028,605 
Total Grain InventoriesTotal Grain Inventories$34,669,269 $9,235,519 Total Grain Inventories$16,639,160 $9,235,519 
March 31, 2023September 30, 2022June 30, 2023September 30, 2022
Total Assets:Total Assets:(unaudited)Total Assets:(unaudited)
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$197,685,158 $188,055,176 Ethanol division$214,946,649 $188,055,176 
Trading divisionTrading division5,740,844 900,652 Trading division459,877 900,652 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$203,426,002 $188,955,828 Total Assets$215,406,526 $188,955,828 

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.

24

Table of Contents

CARDINAL ETHANOL, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
June 30, 2023
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 $1,419,000$2,996,000 was reflected on the balance sheet as of March 31,June 30, 2023 and approximately $396,000 was reflected on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2022. Losses on equity method investment of approximately $95,900$24,000 and $327,000$351,000 were reflected on the statement of operations for the three months and sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, respectively.
25

Table of Contents


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 sixnine month period ended March 31,June 30, 2023, 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, 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.


26

Table of Contents


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 "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 $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 began installation of the system during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year 2022. This project is expected to be completed by Fall of 2023.

We have 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"). On 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 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. The LPA governs the rights, duties and responsibilities of the parties in connection with the ownership of the Limited Partnership. 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. 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 CCS Project. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 12 - Equity Method Investments for more information.

On February 21,May 16, 2023, our board of directors declared a cash distribution of $500$1,250 per membership unit to the holders of units of record at the close of business on February 21,May 16, 2023 for a total distribution of $7,303,000. The$18,257,500. We paid the distribution was paid on March 7,May 23, 2023.

We record Indiana passthrough entity tax in accordance with ASC 740 and have elected to account for the payments as an equity transaction through member distributions. At March 31,June 30, 2023, accrued distributions for passthrough entity tax was $2,750,000. We subsequently paid $2,300,000 for 2022 taxes in April 2023.

On February 21, 2023, we executed a Nineteenth Amendment of First Amended and Restated Construction Loan Agreement with our primary lender, First National Bank of Omaha (the "Bank"), which amends the First Amended and Restated Construction Loan Agreement dated June 10, 2013 (the "Amendment"). The Amendment increases the maximum availability on the Declining Revolving Credit Loan from $36,000,000 to $39,000,000 and extends the date at which the principal balance of the Declining Revolving Credit Loan is expected to be converted to term debt from February 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024. The Amendment also extends the date that the Revolving Credit Loan matures from February 28, 2023 to February 28, 2024 and increases the capital expenditures loan covenant from $5,000,000 per year to $6,000,000 per year of expenditures without prior approval from the Bank. In connection with the Amendment, we executed a Fifth Amended and
27

Table of Contents


Restated Declining Revolving Credit Note and a Fifth Amendment of First Amended and Restated Construction Loan Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Financing Statement. The financing is secured by a mortgage on our real property and a security interest in all other assets, both tangible and intangible.$1,100,000.

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.


27

Table of Contents


Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022

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 months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:
20232022 20232022
Statement of Operations DataStatement of Operations DataAmount%Amount%Statement of Operations DataAmount%Amount%
RevenueRevenue$130,771,456 100.0 $133,972,682 100.0 Revenue$119,046,572 100.0 $133,261,052 100.0 
Cost of Goods SoldCost of Goods Sold115,334,588 88.2 123,821,112 92.4 Cost of Goods Sold103,128,982 86.6 104,607,396 78.5 
Gross ProfitGross Profit15,436,868 11.8 10,151,570 7.6 Gross Profit15,917,590 13.4 28,653,656 21.5 
Operating ExpensesOperating Expenses2,354,767 1.8 2,048,337 1.5 Operating Expenses2,494,927 2.1 1,920,790 1.4 
Operating IncomeOperating Income13,082,101 10.0 8,103,233 6.1 Operating Income13,422,663 11.3 26,732,866 20.1 
Other Income (Expense)392,585 0.3 325,981 0.2 
Other IncomeOther Income868,047 0.7 7,440,861 5.6 
Net IncomeNet Income$13,474,686 10.3 $8,429,214 6.3 Net Income$14,290,710 12.0 $34,173,727 25.7 

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.
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 statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:
20232022
Revenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total Revenues
Ethanol division$102,845,138 86.4 %$110,898,770 83.2 %
Trading division16,201,434 13.6 %22,362,282 16.8 %
Total Revenue$119,046,572 100.0 %$133,261,052 100.0 %

28

Table of Contents


Ethanol Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Ethanol Division for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:

20232022
Revenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Ethanol$79,970,647 77.8 %$84,706,603 76.4 %
Distillers Grains16,818,758 16.4 18,261,386 16.5 
Corn Oil5,971,069 5.8 7,796,800 7.0 
Carbon Dioxide84,664 — 120,531 0.1 
Other Revenue— — 13,450 — 
Total Revenues$102,845,138 100.0 %$110,898,770 100.0 %

Ethanol
    Our revenues from ethanol decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is primarily the result of a decrease in the price per gallon of ethanol sold for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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, 2023 was approximately 14% lower than the average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the same period in 2022. Ethanol market prices were lower, particularly towards the end of the current period, due to a decrease in corn prices resulting from reports predicting a larger fall corn crop than was previously forecasted. Ethanol prices are typically directionally consistent with the price of corn meaning that lower corn prices can lead to volatility and have a significant negative effect on ethanol prices.

Management believes that ethanol prices will continue to be influenced by corn and energy prices, inventory levels, global economics and inflationary factors. If corn prices further decrease that would likely contribute to lower ethanol prices and our profitability. Industry over-production due to a period of positive operating margins could also continue to have a negative effect on ethanol prices. However, foreign demand could increase if other countries move to higher blends of ethanol which may contribute to higher ethanol prices.

    We experienced an increase in ethanol gallons sold of approximately 10% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from increased ethanol production rates for the period due to increased efficiencies. We are currently operating at a rate of approximately 143 million gallons annually.  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 our high protein feed system which could result in an overall reduction in gallons of ethanol produced. 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 decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is primarily the result of an decrease in the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the period ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.

    The average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was approximately 12% lower than the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the same period in 2022. This decrease in the market price of
29

Table of Contents


distillers grains is primarily due to lower corn and soybean meal prices for the current period as well as a seasonal decrease in the ration of distillers grains in livestock feed. However, 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, offsetting the effects of the decreased price. Distillers grains ground from corn 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. Persisting vomitoxin levels in distillers grains will likely continue to have an effect on distillers grains prices until a new corn crop is harvested. As the seasons become warmer and dryer, we experience some decline in prices as cattle feeders turn more to grazing their herds. 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.

    We sold approximately 5% more tons of distillers grains in the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from increased ethanol production levels and a slightly higher yield 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 decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 which was mainly the result of a decrease in the average price per pound for corn oil. The average price per pound of corn oil was approximately 28% lower for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. Decreased soybean oil prices along with decreased biodiesel production had a negative effect on corn oil prices for the period. Soybean oil is the primary competitor with distillers corn oil. However, the supply of used cooking oil has also become more prevalent and may compete with distillers corn oil in the market.

Management anticipates that corn oil prices will continue to follow soybean oil prices. Corn oil prices are also affected by industry changes in corn oil supply due to operating conditions. 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. However, an increase in the supply of used cooking oil could have a negative effect on corn oil prices.

    We also sold approximately 5% more pounds of corn oil in the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from higher ethanol production and an increased yield for the period which resulted in higher corn oil 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, 2023 and 2022:
20232022
Revenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybean Sales$16,201,434 100.0 %$22,346,382 99.9 %
Other Revenue— — 15,900 0.1 
Total Revenues$16,201,434 100.0 %$22,362,282 100.0 %

Soybeans

    During the three months ended June 30, 2023 revenues from our Trading Division were derived from transporting and selling soybeans. Our revenues from soybeans sales decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is the result of a decrease in the bushels of soybeans sold of approximately
30

Table of Contents


17% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The reduction was due to delayed timing of soybean sales in order to capture a more conducive selling market. The average price per bushel of soybeans sold for the three months ended June 30, 2023 decreased by approximately 13% compared to the same period in 2022. 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 85% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to approximately 75% for the same period in 2022. This increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was the result of volatility in the prices of ethanol and corn for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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, 2023, we used approximately 5% more bushels of corn to produce our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil as compared to the same period in 2022 due to higher ethanol production levels for the period. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, our average price paid per bushel of corn was approximately 7% lower as compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to reports towards the end of the period predicting a larger fall corn crop than was previously forecasted.
Weather, world supply and demand, current and anticipated stocks, agricultural policy and other factors can contribute to volatility in corn prices. Higher corn prices and increased volatility would 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 lower during the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease in cost of natural gas for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily the result of decreased prices for the period. Our average price per MMBTU of natural gas, excluding hedging activity, was approximately 58% lower during the three months ended June 30, 2023 due to a mild winter, a decrease in the price of crude oil and less volatility in prices. The use of natural gas for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was approximately 4% more as compared to the same period in 2022 due to increased ethanol production.

    Management expects that natural gas prices will be dependent upon government policy and seasonal weather conditions. 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 could 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, 2023, we have recorded an expense in cost of 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 $2,275,000 at June 30, 2023.


31

Table of Contents


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, 2023 and 2022:
20232022
Amount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybeans$15,942,257 98.4 %$21,675,334 96.9 %
Total Cost of Goods Sold$15,942,257 98.4 %$21,675,334 96.9 %
Soybeans

    During the three months ended June 30, 2023, our cost was primarily the procurement of soybeans sold. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, our average price paid per bushel of soybeans was approximately 12% lower as compared to the same period in 2022 due to decreased concerns over the carryout of soybean inventory from the 2022 harvest and acres planted for 2023. We also purchased approximately 29% less bushels of soybeans in the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to 2022 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, 2023 and 2022, 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, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. 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.

Operating Income

    Our income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was approximately 11% of revenues as compared to 20% of revenues for the same period in 2022. The decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily the result of weakened ethanol to corn margins and volatile commodity prices.
Other Income (Expense)

    Our other income was approximately 1% and 6% of revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our other income consisted primarily of the interest income received during the three months ended June 30, 2023 and the receipt of an award from the USDA Biofuel Producer Program during the three months ended June 30, 2022.


32

Table of Contents


Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

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, 2023 and 2022:
 20232022
Statement of Operations DataAmount%Amount%
Revenue$384,766,147 100.0 $417,490,683 100.0 
Cost of Goods Sold335,472,745 87.2 343,766,849 82.3 
Gross Profit49,293,402 12.8 73,723,834 17.7 
Operating Expenses7,122,298 1.8 6,104,500 1.5 
Operating Income42,171,104 11.0 67,619,334 16.2 
Other Income (Expense)1,499,957 0.4 7,378,771 1.8 
Net Income$43,671,061 11.4 $74,998,105 18.0 

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.

    
28

Table of Contents


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 statements of operations for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023202220232022
Revenue:Revenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total RevenuesRevenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total Revenues
Ethanol divisionEthanol division$105,893,162 81.0 %$107,065,834 79.9 %Ethanol division$318,564,231 82.8 %$340,575,754 81.6 %
Trading divisionTrading division24,878,294 19.0 %26,906,848 20.1 %Trading division66,201,916 17.2 76,914,929 18.4 
Total RevenueTotal Revenue$130,771,456 100.0 %$133,972,682 100.0 %Total Revenue$384,766,147 100.0 %$417,490,683 100.0 %







33

Table of Contents


Ethanol Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Ethanol Division for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:

2023202220232022
Revenue SourceRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
EthanolEthanol$79,548,471 75.1 %$85,298,042 79.7 %Ethanol$245,830,363 77.2 %$272,527,573 80.0 %
Distillers GrainsDistillers Grains18,221,222 17.2 15,421,874 14.4 Distillers Grains50,403,931 15.8 47,450,158 13.9 
Corn OilCorn Oil7,736,636 7.3 6,218,759 5.8 Corn Oil21,737,346 6.8 20,177,097 5.9 
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide113,641 0.1 112,209 0.1 Carbon Dioxide319,399 0.1 347,126 0.1 
Other RevenueOther Revenue273,192 0.3 14,950 — Other Revenue273,192 0.1 73,800 0.1 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$105,893,162 100.0 %$107,065,834 100.0 %Total Revenues$318,564,231 100.0 %$340,575,754 100.0 %

    Ethanol
    
    Our revenues from ethanol decreased in the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is primarily the result of a decrease in the price per gallon of ethanol sold for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 was approximately 8%10% lower than the average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the same period in 2022. Ethanol market prices have overall been lower due to a decrease in energy prices, including crude oil and gasoline prices, for the current period compared to the same period in 2022. In addition, industry-wide production in excess of demand hasand decreasing corn prices towards the end of the period have had a negative effect on ethanol prices. Ethanol prices are typically directionally consistent with the price of corn meaning that lower corn prices can lead to volatility and have a significant negative effect on ethanol prices.

Management believes that ethanol prices will continue to be influenced by corn and energy prices, inventory levels, global economics and inflationary factors. If energycorn prices further decrease that would likely contribute to lower ethanol prices.prices and our profitability. Industry over-production due to a period of positive operating margins could also continue to have a negative effect on ethanol prices. AnHowever, foreign demand could increase in export demand dueif other countries move to the weakeninghigher blends of the dollar and increased domestic demand dueethanol which may contribute to increased driving in the spring and summer months could have a positive effect on ethanol prices. In addition, industry-wide seasonal maintenance shutdowns could reduce ethanol production levels contributing to an increase inhigher ethanol prices.

    We experienced an increase in    Our ethanol gallons sold of approximately 2%remained consistent for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from increased ethanol production rates for the period due to increased efficiencies.2022. We are currently operating at a rate of approximately 138143 million gallons annually.  We have installed an ethanol recovery system which we expect 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 our high protein feed system which could result in an overall reduction in gallons of ethanol produced. In addition, management continues to monitor economic conditions carefully.
29

Table of Contents


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 threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.

34

Table of Contents


    The average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 was approximately 15%6% higher than the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the same period in 2022. This increase in the market price of distillers grains is primarily due to higher overall corn and soybean meal prices for the current period which resulted in end users seeking out distillers grains as the lower cost alternative. 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 contaminated with vomitoxin can sicken livestock. However, the market price of distillers grains was lower towards the end of the period due primarily to lower corn and soybean meal prices as well as a seasonal decrease in the ration of distillers grains in livestock feed.

    Management anticipates that distillers grains prices will continue to be affected by the price of corn and soybean meal. Persisting vomitoxin levels in distillers grains will likely continue to have an effect on distillers grains prices until a new corn crop is harvested. As the seasons become warmer and dryer, we could experience some decline in prices as cattle feeders turn more to grazing their herds. 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.

    We sold approximately 2% more tonsOur sales of distillers grains inwere consistent for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from increased ethanol production levels and a slightly higher yield for the period which resulted in increased distillers grains production.2022. 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 threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 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 11%3% higher for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. HigherOverall, higher soybean oil prices along with increased biodiesel production had a positive effect on corn oil prices for the period. However, corn oil prices were lower towards the end of the period due to decreased soybean oil prices. Soybean oil is the primary competitor with distillers corn oil. However, the supply of used cooking oil has also become more prevalent and that oil also competesmay compete with distillers corn oil in the market.

Management anticipates that corn oil prices will continue to follow soybean oil prices. Corn oil prices are also affected by industry changes in corn oil supply due to operating conditions. 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. However, an increase in the supply of used cooking oil could continue to have a negative effect on corn oil prices.

    We also sold approximately 12%4% more pounds of corn oil in the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from higher ethanol production and an increased yield for the period which resultedresulting in higher corn oil production.production for the period. An increase or decrease in ethanol production rates in the future would result in a corresponding change in corn oil production.


30

Table of Contents


Trading Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Trading Division for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023202220232022
Revenue SourceRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesRevenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybean SalesSoybean Sales$24,878,294 100.0 %$26,868,592 99.9 %Soybean Sales$66,201,916 100.0 %$76,832,373 99.9 %
Other RevenueOther Revenue— — 38,256 0.1 Other Revenue— — 82,556 0.1 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$24,878,294 100.0 %$26,906,848 100.0 %Total Revenues$66,201,916 100.0 %$76,914,929 100.0 %



35

Table of Contents


Soybeans

    During the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 revenues from our Trading Division were derived from transporting and selling soybeans. Our revenues from soybeans sales decreased in the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is the result of a decrease in the bushels of soybeans sold of approximately 7%15% for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The reduction was due to delayed timing of soybean sales in order to capture a more conducive selling market. The lower quantity sold was offset by a 2% increase in the average price per bushel of soybeans sold for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 remained consistent as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 86%85% for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to approximately 91%79% for the same period in 2022. This decreaseincrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was the result of a strengthenedweakened relationship between the prices of ethanol and corn partially offset by increased natural gas costsand volatile prices for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, we used approximately 4%1% more bushels of corn to produce our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil as compared to the same period in 2022 due to higherrelatively consistent ethanol production levels for the period. During the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, our average price paid per bushel of corn was approximately 9%1% lower as compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to a smaller crop carryout in some areas from the 2022 harvest due to droughts and a weakened basis in the Eastern Corn Belt. Corn prices have continued to trend higher due toIn addition, global economic uncertainty, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine have contributed to higher corn prices during the period. However, corn prices were lower towards the end of the period due primarily to reports predicting a larger fall corn crop than was previously forecasted.
Weather, world supply and demand, current and anticipated stocks, agricultural policy and other factors can contribute to volatility in corn prices. Higher corn prices and increased volatility due to a smaller corn crop will continue towould have a negative effect on our operating margins throughout the planting season 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.


31

Table of Contents


Natural Gas

    Our natural gas cost after hedging was higherlower during the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This increasedecrease in cost of natural gas for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily the result of hedging losseslower prices during the period. OurThe average price per MMBTU of natural gas excluding hedging losses, was approximately 19%23% lower during the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 due to a mild winter, a decrease in the price of crude oil and less volatility in prices. The use ofWe used approximately 1% less natural gas for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 remained consistent as compared to the same period in 2022.2022 due to relatively consistent ethanol production and efficiencies during the period.

    Management expects that natural gas prices will be dependent upon government policy and seasonal weather conditions. 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 could have a negative effect on natural gas prices.


36

Table of Contents


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 threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, we have recorded an expense in cost of goods sold of approximately $90,000.$270,000. 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 $2,192,000$2,275,000 at March 31,June 30, 2023.

Trading Division

    The following table shows the costs incurred to procure various agricultural commodities for our Trading Division for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023202220232022
Amount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
SoybeansSoybeans$23,822,026 95.8 %$26,100,809 97.0 %Soybeans$64,518,707 97.5 %$73,818,382 96.0 %
Total Cost of Goods SoldTotal Cost of Goods Sold$23,822,026 95.8 %$26,100,809 97.0 %Total Cost of Goods Sold$64,518,707 97.5 %$73,818,382 96.0 %
    
Soybeans

    During the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, our cost was primarily the procurement of soybeans sold. During the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, our average price paid per bushel of soybeans was approximately 2%4% higher as compared to the same period in 2022 due to concerns over a smaller carryout of soybean inventory from the 2022 harvest and an increase in exports.exports towards the end of the current period. We also purchased approximately 27%30% less bushels of soybeans in the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 compared to 2022 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 1.8%2% and 1.5%1% for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Operating expenses include salaries and benefits of administrative employees,
32

Table of Contents


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 threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. 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.

Operating Income

    Our income from operations for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 was approximately 10%11% of revenues as compared to 6%16% of revenues for the same period in 2022. The increasedecrease for the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 was primarily the result of strengthenedweakened ethanol to corn margins.margins and volatile commodity prices.
Other Income (Expense)

    Our other income was approximately 0.3% and 0.2% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our other income consisted primarily of the interest income received during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

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 six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
 20232022
Statement of Operations DataAmount%Amount%
Revenue$265,719,575 100.0 $284,229,631 100.0 
Cost of Goods Sold232,343,763 87.4 239,159,453 84.1 
Gross Profit33,375,812 12.6 45,070,178 15.9 
Operating Expenses4,627,371 1.7 4,183,710 1.5 
Operating Income28,748,441 10.8 40,886,468 14.4 
Other Income (Expense)631,910 0.2 (62,090)(0.02)
Net Income$29,380,351 11.0 $40,824,378 14.4 

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.
33

Table of Contents


    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 statements of operations for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
20232022
Revenue:Amount% of Total RevenuesAmount% of Total Revenues
Ethanol division$215,719,093 81.2 %$229,656,059 80.8 %
Trading division50,000,482 18.8 54,573,572 19.2 
Total Revenue$265,719,575 100.0 %$284,229,631 100.0 %

Ethanol Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Ethanol Division for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

20232022
Revenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Ethanol$165,859,716 76.9 %$187,820,970 81.8 %
Distillers Grains33,585,173 15.6 29,188,772 12.7 
Corn Oil15,766,277 7.3 12,380,297 5.4 
Carbon Dioxide234,735 0.1 226,595 0.1 
Other Revenue273,192 0.1 39,425 — 
Total Revenues$215,719,093 100.0 %$229,656,059 100.0 %

Ethanol
    Our revenues from ethanol decreased in the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is primarily the result of a decrease in the price per gallon of ethanol sold for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 six months ended March 31, 2023 was approximately 8% lower than the average price per gallon of ethanol sold for the same period in 2022. Ethanol market prices have overall been lower due to a decrease in energy prices, including crude oil and gasoline prices, for the current period compared to the same period in 2022. In addition, industry-wide production in excess of demand has had a negative effect on ethanol prices.

Management believes that ethanol prices will continue to be influenced by corn and energy prices, inventory levels, global economics and inflationary factors. If energy prices further 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. An increase in export demand due to the weakening of the dollar and increased domestic demand due to increased driving in the spring and summer months could have a positive effect on ethanol prices. In addition, industry-wide seasonal maintenance shutdowns could reduce ethanol production levels contributing to an increase in ethanol prices.

    We experienced a decrease in ethanol gallons sold of approximately 4% for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily from decreased ethanol production rates for the period due to scheduled maintenance resulting in down time at the plant towards the beginning of the current period. We are currently operating at a rate of approximately 138 million gallons annually.  We have installed an ethanol recovery system which we expect 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 our high protein feed system which could result in an overall reduction in gallons of ethanol
34

Table of Contents


produced. 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 six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.

    The average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was approximately 18% higher than the average price per ton of distillers grains sold for the same period in 2022. This increase in the market price 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. 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 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. Persistent vomitoxin levels in distillers grains will likely have an effect on distillers grains prices until a new corn crop is harvested. Seasonal grazing by cattle growers may also affect prices during the warmer months. 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.

    We sold approximately 3% less tons of distillers grains in the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 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 six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 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 22% higher for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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, the supply of used cooking oil has also become more prevalent and corn oil also competes with distillers corn oil in the market.

Management anticipates that corn oil prices will continue to follow soybean oil prices. Corn oil prices are also affected by industry changes in corn oil supply due to operating conditions. 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. However, an increase in the supply of used cooking oil could continue to have a negative effect on corn oil prices.
We also sold approximately 4% more pounds of corn oil in the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 resulting primarily an increased yield resulting in higher corn oil production for the period. An increase or decrease in ethanol production rates in the future would result in a corresponding change in corn oil production.


35

Table of Contents


Trading Division

    The following table shows the sources of our revenues from our Trading Division for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
20232022
Revenue SourceAmount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybean Sales$50,000,482 100.0 %$54,485,991 99.8 %
Other Revenue— — 87,581 0.2 
Total Revenues$50,000,482 100.0 %$54,573,572 100.0 %

Soybeans

    During the six months ended March 31, 2023 revenues from our Trading Division were derived from transporting and selling soybeans. Our revenues from soybeans sales decreased in the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease in revenues is the result of a decrease in the bushels of soybeans sold of approximately 14% for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 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 a 7% higher in the average price per bushel of soybeans sold for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 85% for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to approximately 81% for the same period in 2022. This increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was the result of a weakened relationship between the prices of ethanol and corn, offset by increased natural gas costs for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. 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 six months ended March 31, 2023, we used approximately 1% less bushels of corn to produce our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil as compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower ethanol production levels for the period. During the six months ended March 31, 2023, our average price paid per bushel of corn was approximately 2% higher as compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to a smaller crop carryout in some areas from the 2022 harvest due to droughts and a weakened basis in the Eastern Corn Belt. In addition, global economic uncertainty, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine have contributed to higher corn prices during the period.
Weather, world supply and demand, current and anticipated stocks, agricultural policy and other factors can contribute to volatility in corn prices. Higher corn prices and increased volatility due to a smaller corn crop will continue to 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 six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This increase in cost of natural gas for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in
36

Table of Contents


2022 was primarily the result of hedging losses during the period. In addition our average price per MMBTU of natural gas was approximately 1% higher during the six months ended March 31, 2023 due to increased demand, an increase in the price of crude oil and volatility in prices towards the beginning of the current period. The increase in our cost of natural gas was partially offset by the use of approximately 3% less natural gas for the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower ethanol production and increased efficiencies during the period.

    Management expects that natural gas prices will be dependent upon government policy and seasonal weather conditions. 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 could 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 six months ended March 31, 2023, we have recorded an expense in cost of goods sold of approximately $180,000. 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 $2,192,000 at March 31, 2023.

Trading Division

    The following table shows the costs incurred to procure various agricultural commodities for our Trading Division for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
20232022
Amount% of RevenuesAmount% of Revenues
Soybeans$48,576,451 97.2 %$52,143,049 95.5 %
Total Cost of Goods Sold$48,576,451 97.2 %$52,143,049 95.5 %
Soybeans

    During the six months ended March 31, 2023, our cost was primarily the procurement of soybeans sold. During the six months ended March 31, 2023, our average price paid per bushel of soybeans was approximately 7% higher as compared to the same period in 2022 due to concerns over a smaller carryout of soybean inventory from the 2022 harvest and an increase in exports towards the end of the current period. We also purchased approximately 31% less bushels of soybeans in the six months ended March 31, 2023 compared to 2022 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 1.7% and 1.5% for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 six months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the
37

Table of Contents


same period in 2022. 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.

Operating Income

    Our income from operations for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was approximately 11% of revenues as compared to 14% of revenues for the same period in 2022. The decrease for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily the result of weakened ethanol to corn margins.
Other Income (Expense)

    Our other income was approximately 0.2%0.4% of revenues for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to other expense of approximately 0.02%2% of revenues for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. Our other income consisted primarily of the interest income received during the sixnine months ended March 31, 2023.June 30, 2023 and 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 SixNine Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2023

    The following table highlights the changes in our financial condition:
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2022June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2022
Current AssetsCurrent Assets$116,505,776 $102,033,729 Current Assets$119,264,762 $102,033,729 
Long Term AssetsLong Term Assets$86,920,226 $86,922,099 Long Term Assets$96,141,764 $86,922,099 
Current LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities$24,062,755 $27,431,166 Current Liabilities$31,914,764 $27,431,166 
Long-Term LiabilitiesLong-Term Liabilities$20,068,306 $14,254,170 Long-Term Liabilities$28,806,619 $14,254,170 
Members' EquityMembers' Equity$159,294,941 $147,270,492 Members' Equity$154,685,143 $147,270,492 

    We experienced an increase in our current assets at March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to September 30, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in investments, inventory, and receivables at March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to September 30, 2022. Increased profit margins during fiscal year 2022 and into the threenine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 improved cash balances which in turn allowed us to invest in securities available for sale.sale and held-to-maturity.

    We experienced a decreasean increase in our long term assets at March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to September 30, 2022. The decreaseincrease is attributed to theadditional capital projects and an increase in investments, offset by a reduction in the operating lease right of use asset, offset by additional capital projects.asset.

    We experienced a decreasean increase in our total current liabilities at March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to September 30, 2022. This decreaseincrease was primarily due to an increase in our hedging in securities available for sale and held-to-maturity positions at June 30, 2023 compared to September 30, 2022, offset by a decrease in our accounts payable and accrued expenses, and hedging positions at March 31, 2023 compared to September 30, 2022.expenses.

    We experienced an increase in our long-term liabilities as of March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to September 30, 2022 primarily as a result of increased borrowing for capital expenditures.

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 $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 began during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.

The prices of ethanol, corn, natural gas and soybeans have risen substantiallybeen volatile 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 volatility in commodity prices continue to rise,continues, we may explore options with our primary lender to expand the funding of our working capital.
38

Table of Contents


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.


38

Table of Contents


The following table shows cash flows for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023202220232022
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities$998,367 $15,867,316 Net cash provided by operating activities$44,640,398 $55,444,151 
Net cash used for investing activitiesNet cash used for investing activities(22,332,914)(9,564,559)Net cash used for investing activities(41,503,146)(9,728,816)
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(4,470,081)(26,293,655)Net cash used for financing activities(15,417,783)(41,261,950)
Net increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash(25,804,628)(19,990,898)
Net increase (decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted CashNet increase (decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash(12,280,531)4,453,385 
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, 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$37,434,986 $13,905,049 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, end of period$50,959,083 $38,349,332 

Cash Flow provided by Operating Activities

We experienced a decrease in our cash flow from operating activities for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily due to weakened margins on our primary products for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.

Cash Flow used for Investing Activities

We used more cash in investing activities for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in capital projects and purchase of investments in debt securities available for sale and held-to-maturity during the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared with the same period in 2022.

Cash Flow used for Financing Activities

We used less cash for financing activities for the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily the result of more proceeds received from long-term debt for capital projects during the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 that remained outstanding. The decrease was partially offset by payments in the form of distributions to our investors during the sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023.

    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, and assignment of material contracts. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements, Note 7 - Bank Financing for additional details.

39

Table of Contents


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$39,000,000 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 7.95%8.20% and 6.20% at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. We will be
39

Table of Contents


required to make monthly interest payments on the Declining Loan during the draw period. The principal balance of the Declining Loan was expected to be converted to term debt on or before FebruaryMay 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 borrowings outstanding of approximately $16,186,000$25,775,000 and $9,000,000 on the Declining Loan at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

On February 21, 2023, we amended our loan agreement to increase the maximum availability on the Declining Loan from $36,000,000 to $39,000,000 and extend the date at which the principal balance of the Declining Loan is expected to be converted to term debt from February 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024.

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 7.75%8.00% and 6.00% at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding at March 31,June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022. The Revolving Credit Loan wasis set to mature on February 28, 2023.

On February 21, 2023, we amended our loan agreement to extend the date that the Revolving Credit Loan matures from February 28, 2023 to February 28, 2024.

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.$6,000,000. 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.

On February 21, 2023, we amended our loan agreement to increase the capital expenditures covenant from $5,000,000 to $6,000,000 of expenditures per year without prior approval.

We are complying with our financial covenants and the other terms of our loan agreements at March 31,June 30, 2023. 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
40

Table of Contents


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.
Capital Improvements

    We are planning various capital projects scheduled for the 2023 fiscal year in order to make certain improvements to the ethanol plant and maintain the facility. These improvements include updates to the 190 condenser, rail siding, sieve vaporizer, cyber security, grain scales, spare parts storage, and other small miscellaneous projects which are expected to cost approximately $5,000,000 and be funded from operations and 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 $50,000,000, including recent change orders, and be funded from operations 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. Installation of the system commenced during the fourth quarter of our 2022 fiscal year. This project is expected to be completed byduring the Fall of 2023.


40

Table of Contents


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,June 30, 2023, Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC has made capital contributions of $1,750,000 toinvested $3,350,000 into the LP.CCS project. It is currently expected that the CCS Project will require Cardinal One Carbon Holdings, LLC to invest up to $20,000,000$18,000,000 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") ofhave formed 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 haveeach has 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. TheWe have also ordered some of the equipment that will be needed for the Project. However, 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 CCS Project. Please refer to Item 1 - Financial Statements - Note 12 - Equity Method Investments for more information.


41

Table of Contents


Passthrough Entity Tax

We record Indiana passthrough entity tax in accordance with ASC 740 and have elected to account for the payments as an equity transaction through member distributions. At March 31,June 30, 2023, accrued distributions for passthrough entity tax was $2,750,000. We subsequently$1,100,000. In April 2023, the Company paid $2,300,000approximately $2,279,000 for 2022 taxes in April 2023.taxes.

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.

On February 14, 2023, the Company received $2,950,000 from the Commission. The Company has elected to account for this transaction under the International Accounting Standard (IAS) No. 20 Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance as the U.S. Accounting Standards Codification (U.S. GAAP) does not contain explicit guidance. The Company recorded this transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows as proceeds from the economic development fund, and in the consolidated condensed balance sheet as a reduction of payments for construction in progress.

41

Table of Contents


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, 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 sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023.
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 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 borrowings in the amount of approximately $16,186,000$25,775,000 outstanding on the Declining Loan and the applicable interest rate was 7.95%8.20% at March 31,June 30, 2023. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Loan at March 31,June 30, 2023. 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
42

Table of Contents


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 March 31,June 30, 2023, would be approximately $130,000.$211,000.

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, 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
42

Table of Contents


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 sixnine months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023Six Months Ended March 31, 2023Three Months Ended March 31, 2022Six Months Ended March 31, 2022Three Months Ended June 30, 2023Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023Three Months Ended June 30, 2022Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022
Corn Derivative ContractsCorn Derivative Contracts$5,295,581 $7,441,433 $(16,454,637)$(16,888,397)Corn Derivative Contracts$3,531,387 $10,972,820 $13,126,371 $(3,762,026)
Ethanol Derivative ContractsEthanol Derivative Contracts828,850 5,159,457 6,097,538 (9,911,259)Ethanol Derivative Contracts(3,798,934)1,360,523 2,410,473 (7,500,787)
Natural Gas Derivative ContractsNatural Gas Derivative Contracts(1,517,137)(2,293,188)— (39,039)Natural Gas Derivative Contracts44,849 (2,248,339)— (39,039)
Soybean Oil Derivative ContractsSoybean Oil Derivative Contracts(60,859)(77,786)(69,641)84,329 Soybean Oil Derivative Contracts34,880 (42,906)47,541 131,871 
Soybean Derivative ContractsSoybean Derivative Contracts398,834 (1,153,503)(3,232,493)(4,004,833)Soybean Derivative Contracts(103,110)(1,256,613)(866,771)(4,871,604)
Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales ContractsSoybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts(263,080)286,963 754,753 1,393,482 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts(12,577)274,386 (349,129)1,044,353 
TotalsTotals$4,682,189 $9,363,376 $(12,904,480)$(29,365,717)Totals$(303,505)$9,059,871 $14,368,485 $(14,997,232)

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. 

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.

43

Table of Contents


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 March 31,June 30, 2023 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 March 31,June 30, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023Approximate Adverse Change to IncomeEstimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of MeasureHypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of June 30, 2023Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural GasNatural Gas3,300,000 MMBTU10%$480,000 Natural Gas1,773,000 MMBTU10%$496,000 
EthanolEthanol138,000,000 Gallons10%$33,051,000 Ethanol138,000,000 Gallons10%$31,671,000 
CornCorn46,800,000 Bushels10%$27,055,000 Corn41,838,000 Bushels10%$23,053,000 
DDGsDDGs324,000 Tons10%$4,362,000 DDGs306,000 Tons10%$5,504,000 
Corn OilCorn Oil43,980,000 Pounds10%$1,931,000 Corn Oil39,724,000 Pounds10%$2,383,000 
Soybeans - SaleSoybeans - Sale5,000,000 Bushels10%$7,009,000 Soybeans - Sale4,708,000 Bushels10%$6,931,000 
Soybeans - PurchaseSoybeans - Purchase5,000,000 Bushels10%$5,959,000 Soybeans - Purchase4,650,000 Bushels10%$6,705,000 

43

Table of Contents


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 March 31,June 30, 2023.  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 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.

44

Table of Contents


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

    There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our secondthird quarter ended of our 2023 fiscal year that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors
    
    None.

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


44

Table of Contents


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.
45

Table of Contents


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:May 11,August 4, 2023/s/ Jeffrey Painter
Jeffrey Painter
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:May 11,August 4, 2023/s/ William Dartt
William Dartt
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
    
46