SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
A Nebraska Limited Liability Company
August 8, 2005
The Securities being offered by Siouxland Ethanol, LLC are
Limited Liability Company Membership Units
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Minimum Offering Amount | | $ | 15,000,000 | | | Minimum Number of Units | | | 1,500 | |
Maximum Offering Amount | | $ | 46,000,000 | | | Maximum Number of Units | | | 4,600 | |
Offering Price: $10,000 per Unit
Minimum Purchase Requirement: Two Units ($20,000)
We are offering limited liability company membership units in Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. We intend to use the offering proceeds to develop, construct and operate a 50 million gallon dry mill corn-processing ethanol plant in Dakota County, Nebraska. We estimate the total project, including operating capital, will cost approximately $80,500,000. We expect to use debt financing, which may include bond financing, to complete project capitalization.
We are offering the units for a purchase price of $10,000 per unit. The minimum purchase requirement is two units for a minimum investment of $20,000. A unit represents a pro rata ownership interest in our capital, profits, losses, and distributions. The offering will end no later than August 8, 2006. If we sell the maximum number of units prior to August 8, 2006, the offering will end on the date that the maximum number of units has been sold. We may also decide to end the offering any time after we have sold the minimum number of units and prior to August 8, 2006. If we decide to abandon the project for any reason, we will terminate the offering.
Investments will be held in escrow until the earliest of (1) our receipt of $15,000,000 or more in offering cash proceedsand a written debt financing commitment for an amount ranging from $33,525,000 to $64,525,000 less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded; (2) August 8, 2006; or (3) termination of the offering. Even if we successfully close the offering by selling at least the minimum number of units by August 8, 2006, we may have to return the offering proceeds to investors if we are unable to satisfy the conditions for releasing funds from escrow. We are registering the units for sale in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. We are selling the units on a best efforts basis directly to investors through certain directors and officers and without using an underwriter. We are exempt from broker-dealer registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in Iowa and South Dakota. We will register as an issuer-dealer in Nebraska and two of our authorized directors will offer the units in Nebraska as issuer-dealer agents.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
These securities are speculative securities and involve a significant degree of risk (see“RISK FACTORS” starting on page 5), and will constitute an investment in an illiquid security since no public or other market for the units now exists or is expected to develop.
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EXHIBITS | | | | |
Articles of Organization | | | A | |
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement | | | B | |
Subscription Agreement | | | C | |
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary only highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus and the financial statements, and attached exhibits before you decide whether to invest.
The Company
We were formed on August 12, 2004 and are organized as a Nebraska limited liability company. Our ownership interests are represented by membership interests, which are designated as units. Our principal address and location is 110 East Elk Street, Jackson, Nebraska 68743. Our telephone number is (402) 632-2676.
We are a development-stage company with no prior operating history. We do not expect to generate any revenue until we begin operating the plant. The purpose of this offering is to raise equity to help fund the construction and start-up costs of a 50 million gallon dry mill corn-processing ethanol plant to be located in Dakota County, Nebraska.
The Offering
We are offering a minimum of 1,500 units and a maximum of 4,600 units at a purchase price of $10,000 per unit. You must purchase a minimum of two units to participate in the offering. Our minimum offering amount is $15,000,000 and our maximum offering amount is $46,000,000. The offering will begin as soon as possible following the declaration of effectiveness of this registration statement by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The offering will end no later than August 8, 2006. If we sell the maximum number of units prior to August 8, 2006, the offering will end on the date that we sell the maximum number of units. We may also end the offering any time after we sell the minimum number of units and prior to August 8, 2006. In addition, if we abandon the project for any reason prior to August 8, 2006, we will terminate the offering. After the offering, there will be 4,795 units issued and outstanding if we sell the maximum number of units offered in this offering and 1,695 units issued and outstanding if we sell the minimum number of units offered in this offering. This includes 195 of seed capital units issued in our previous private placement.
We plan to register the offering only with the Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota state securities regulatory bodies. We may also offer or sell our units in other states in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the laws of those other states. The directors and officers identified on page 4 of this prospectus will be offering the securities on our behalf directly to investors without the use of an underwriter. We are exempt from broker-dealer registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in Iowa and South Dakota. We will register as an issuer-dealer in Nebraska and two of our authorized directors will offer the units in Nebraska as issuer-dealer agents. We will not pay commissions to our directors and officers for these sales.
The Project
If we are able to fully capitalize the project as described in our financing plan below, we will use the offering proceeds to build and operate a 50 million gallon dry mill corn-processing ethanol plant in Dakota County, Nebraska. We expect the ethanol plant will annually process approximately 18.5 million bushels of corn into 50 million gallons of ethanol, 160,000 tons of distillers grains for animal feed and 110,200 tons of carbon dioxide. These production estimates are based upon engineering specifications from our anticipated design-builder, Fagen, Inc. Distillers grains and carbon dioxide are the principal by-products of the ethanol manufacturing process.
We have entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. for the design and construction of our proposed ethanol plant for a price of $56,619,000, exclusive of any change orders we may approve. We expect Fagen, Inc. to build our plant using ICM, Inc.’s technology. We expect to execute a definitive design-build agreement with Fagen, Inc., which will set forth in detail the design and construction services provided by Fagen, Inc., in exchange for a lump sum price equal to the $56,619,000 set forth in our letter of intent. Construction of the
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project is expected to take 14-16 months from the date our offering closes. Our anticipated completion date is scheduled for Spring 2007.
Our Financing Plan
We estimate the total project will cost approximately $80,500,000. This is a preliminary estimate primarily based upon the experience of our general contractor, Fagen, Inc. with ethanol plants similar to the plant we intend to build and operate. We expect our estimate will change as we continue to develop the project. Except for our letter of intent with Fagen, Inc., we do not have any binding or non-binding agreements with any contractor or supplier for labor or materials necessary to construct the plant.
We intend to raise a minimum of $15,000,000 and a maximum of $46,000,000 in this offering. Depending on the level of equity raised in this offering and the amount of any grants we may be awarded, we will need to obtain debt financing ranging from approximately $33,525,000 to $64,525,000 less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded in order to supplement our seed capital proceeds of $975,000 and fully capitalize the project. We estimated the range of debt financing we will need by subtracting the minimum and maximum amount of equity in this offering and the $975,000 we raised as seed capital from the estimated total project cost.
We have no contracts or commitments with any bank, lender or financial institution for this debt financing. We may also use bond financing to help finance the project including tax-exempt bond financing. However, we do not have any contracts or commitments for bond financing. There are no assurances that we will be able to obtain the necessary debt financing, bond financing, other financing or grants sufficient to capitalize the project. The level of debt we require may be reduced by any grants awarded to us. Depending on the number of units sold, we may also seek third party credit providers to provide subordinate debt for the construction and initial operating expenses of the project.
Even if we sell the aggregate minimum number of units prior to August 8, 2006 and receive a debt financing commitment, we may not satisfy the loan commitment conditions before the offering closes, or at all. If this occurs, we have three alternatives:
| • | | Begin construction of the plant using all or a part of the equity funds raised while we seek another debt financing source; |
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| • | | Hold the equity funds raised indefinitely in an interest-bearing account while we seek another debt financing source; |
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| • | | Return the equity funds, if any, to investors with accrued interest, after deducting the currently indeterminate expenses of operating our business or partially constructing the plant before we return the funds. |
Membership in Siouxland Ethanol and Our Operating Agreement
If you purchase two or more of our units, you will become a member in Siouxland Ethanol and your rights as a member will be governed by our operating agreement. Each member will have one vote per unit owned. Members may vote on a limited number of issues, such as dissolving the company, amending the operating agreement, and electing future directors. The transfer of units is restricted by our operating agreement, which, except in limited circumstances, does not allow unit transfers until the plant is operational. Our operating agreement states that we will generally distribute profits and losses to our unit holders based upon the ratio each unit holder’s units bear to the total units outstanding.
We expect to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As such, we will not pay any federal income taxes at the company level and will instead allocate net income to unit holders.
Suitability of Investors
Investing in the units involves a high degree of risk. Accordingly, the purchase of units is suitable only for persons of substantial financial means that have no need for liquidity in their investments and can bear the economic
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risk of loss of any investment in the units. Units will be sold only to persons that meet these and other specific suitability requirements. Even if you represent that you meet the required suitability standards, the board of directors reserves the right to reject any subscription for any reason, including if the board determines that the units are not a suitable investment for you.
Subscription Period
The offering will end no later than August 8, 2006.If we sell the maximum number of units prior to August 8, 2006,the offering will end on the date that we sell the maximum number of units. We may also end the offering any time after we sell the minimum number of units and prior to August 8, 2006. In addition, if we abandon the project for any reason prior to August 8, 2006, we will terminate the offering. We may continue to offer any remaining units to reach the maximum number to be sold until the offering closes. We reserve the right to cancel or modify the offering, to reject subscriptions for units in whole or in part, and to waive conditions to the purchase of units. Additionally, in our sole discretion, we may also determine that it is not necessary to sell all available units.
Subscription Procedures
Before purchasing any units, investors must read and complete the subscription agreement and signature page to our operating agreement, pay 10% of their total investment into our escrow account and sign a promissory note and security agreement for the 90% balance.
Once you have executed the subscription agreement, you will not be able to withdraw funds from escrow, sell or transfer your units or otherwise cancel the agreement.Any time after we sell the minimum aggregate offering amount of $15,000,000, we may give written demand for payment and you will have 20 days to pay the balance of the purchase price. If you fail to pay the balance of the purchase price, you will forfeit your 10% cash deposit and you will not be entitled to any ownership interest in Siouxland Ethanol. If we acquire sufficient equity proceeds to release funds from escrow prior to your initial investment, then you must pay the full purchase price at the time of subscription for the total number of units you wish to purchase.
Escrow Procedures
Proceeds from subscriptions for the units will be deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account that we have established with U.S. Bank, as escrow agent, under a written escrow agreement.U.S. Bank is acting only as an escrow agent in connection with the offering described herein, and has not endorsed, recommended or guaranteed the purchase, value or repayment of the securities being offered.We will not release funds from the escrow account until specific conditions are satisfied. Those conditions are (1) cash proceeds from unit sales deposited in the escrow account equals or exceeds the minimum offering amount of $15,000,000, exclusive of interest; (2) we obtain a written debt financing commitment for debt financing ranging from $33,525,000 to $64,525,000 less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded; (3) we elect, in writing, to terminate the escrow agreement; (4) the escrow agent provides to each state securities department in which the Company has registered its securities for sale an affidavit stating that the foregoing requirements (1), (2) and (3) have been satisfied; and (5) the state securities commissioners have consented to release of the funds on deposit.
You should be aware that a commitment for debt financing is not a binding loan agreement and the lender may not be required to provide us the debt financing as set forth in the commitment. A commitment is an agreement to lend, subject to certain terms and conditions and subject to the negotiation, execution and delivery of loan and loan-related documentation satisfactory to the lender. The agreement is conditional and a lender could later decline the loan if the terms and conditions set forth in the debt financing commitment letter are not satisfied.
We will terminate the escrow account and your investment will be promptly returned to you plus nominal interest, less a deduction for escrow agent fees, if we terminate the offering prior to the ending date or if we have not sold the minimum number of units (1,500) and received the initial 10% minimum offering amount ($1,500,000) in cash prior to August 8, 2006.
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If we sell the minimum number of units, receive the initial 10% minimum offering amount in cash and notify the purchasers of their obligation to pay the 90% balance on the purchase price prior to August 8, 2006, then the escrow account will continue for a period of 3 months from the one-year date to allow us sufficient time to collect the outstanding 90%.
If cash proceeds deposited in our escrow account do not equal or exceed the minimum offering amount of $15,000,000 at the end of the 3 month period, the escrow account will terminate and we will promptly return your investment plus nominal interest less a deduction for escrow agent fees. If the escrow fees exceed the interest earned on the escrow account, we will use seed capital funds to pay the escrow fees. None of the principal deposited in the escrow account will be used to pay escrow fees. This means that if we have to terminate the escrow account and return your investment, you will not receive less than the full amount of your original investment. Even if we are successful in releasing funds from escrow, we intend to allow the offering to continue until August 8, 2006 or the sale of the maximum number of units.
IMPORTANT NOTICES TO INVESTORS
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, it would be unlawful to do so.
Investing in our units involves significant risk. Please see “RISK FACTORS” beginning on page 5 to read about important risks you should consider before purchasing units in Siouxland Ethanol. No representations or warranties of any kind are intended or should be inferred with respect to economic returns or tax benefits of any kind that may accrue to the investors of the securities.
In making an investment decision, investors must rely upon their own examination of the entity creating the securities and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. Investors should not invest any funds in this offering unless they can afford to lose their entire investment. There is no public market for the resale of the units in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, state securities laws and our operating agreement place substantial restrictions on the transferability of the units. Investors should be aware that they will be required to bear the financial risks of this investment for an indefinite period of time.
During the course of the offering of the units and prior to the sale of the units, each prospective purchaser and his or her representatives, if any, are invited to ask questions of, and obtain additional information from, our representatives concerning the terms and conditions of this offering, us, our business, and other relevant matters. We will provide the requested information to the extent that we possess such information or can acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense. Prospective purchasers or representatives having questions or desiring additional information should contact us at (402) 632-2676, or at our business address: Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, 110 East Elk Street, Jackson, Nebraska 68743. Also, you may contact any of the following board members directly at the phone numbers listed below:
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NAME | | POSITION | | PHONE NUMBER |
Tom Lynch | | Chairman, President and Director | | 402-632-4995 |
Pam Miller | | Vice Chairperson, Vice President and Director (registered issuer-dealer agent in Nebraska) | | 402-698-2122 |
Shennen Saltzman | | Director (registered issuer-dealer agent in Nebraska) | | 402-494-7592 |
Ron Wetherell | | Director | | 712-436-2266 |
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RISK FACTORS
The purchase of units involves substantial risks and the investment is suitable only for persons with the financial capability to make and hold long-term investments not readily converted into cash. Investors must, therefore, have adequate means of providing for their current and future needs and personal contingencies. Prospective purchasers of the units should carefully consider the Risk Factors set forth below, as well as the other information appearing in this prospectus, before making any investment in the units. Investors should understand that there is a possibility that they could lose their entire investment in us.
Risks Related to the Offering
Failure to sell the minimum number of units will result in the failure of this offering, which means your investment may be returned to you with nominal interest.
We may not be able to sell the minimum amount of units required to close on this offering. We must sell at least $15,000,000 worth of units to close the offering. If we do not sell units with a purchase price of at least $15,000,000 by August 8, 2006,we cannot close the offering and must return investors’ money with nominal interest, less expenses for escrow agency fees. This means that from the date of an investor’s investment, the investor would earn a nominal rate of return on the money he, she, or it deposits with us in escrow. We do not expect the termination date to be later than August 8, 2006.
We are not experienced in selling securities and no one has agreed to assist us or purchase any units that we cannot sell ourselves, which may result in the failure of this offering.
We are making this offering on a “best efforts” basis, which means that we will not use an underwriter or placement agent and if we are unsuccessful in selling the minimum aggregate offering amount by August 8, 2006, we will be required to return your investment. We have no firm commitment from any prospective buyer to purchase our units and there can be no assurance that the offering will be successful. We plan to offer the units directly to investors in the states of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. We plan to advertise in local media and by mailing information to area residents. We also plan to hold informational meetings throughout eastern Nebraska, western Iowa and southern South Dakota. Our directors have significant responsibilities in their primary occupations in addition to trying to raise capital. These individuals have no broker-dealer experience and have limited or no experience with public offerings of securities. There can be no assurance that our directors will be successful in securing investors for the offering.
Proceeds of this offering are subject to promissory notes due after the offering is closed and investors unable to pay the 90% balance on their investment may have to forfeit their 10% cash deposit.
As much as 90% of the total offering proceeds of this offering could be subject to promissory notes that may not be due until after the offering is closed. If we sell the minimum number of units by August 8, 2006, we will be able to close the offering. However, we will not be able to release funds from escrow until the notes are paid off and the cash proceeds in escrow equal or exceed $15,000,000, we have received a written debt financing commitment, the escrow agent provides an affidavit to each state securities department in which the Company has registered its securities for sale stating that the escrow agreement requirements have been satisfied, and the state securities commissioners have consented to release of the funds on deposit. The success of our offering will depend on the investors’ ability to pay the outstanding balances on these promissory notes. In order to become a member in Siouxland Ethanol, each investor must, among other requirements, submit a check in the amount of 10% of the total amount due for the number of units for which subscription is sought, and a promissory note for the remaining 90% of the total amount due for the units. That balance will become due within 20 days of the date of our notice that our sales of units, including the amounts owed under the promissory notes, have exceeded the minimum escrow deposit of $15,000,000. We will take a security interest in the units. We intend to retain the initial payment and to seek damages from any investor who defaults on the promissory note obligation. This means that if you are unable to pay the 90% balance on your investment within 20 days of our notice, you may have to forfeit your 10% cash deposit. Accordingly, the success of the offering depends on the payment of these amounts by the obligors.
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Investors will not be allowed to withdraw their investments, which means that you should invest only if you are willing to have your investment unavailable to you for an indefinite period of time.
Investors will not be allowed to withdraw their investments for any reason, absent a rescission offer tendered by Siouxland Ethanol. We do not anticipate making a rescission offer. This means that from the date of your investment through August 8, 2006, your investment will be unavailable to you. You should only invest in us if you are willing to have your investment be unavailable for this period of time, which could be up to one year. If our offering succeeds, and we convert your cash investment into units of Siouxland Ethanol, your investment will be denominated in our units until you transfer those units. There are significant transfer restrictions on our units. You will not have a right to withdraw from Siouxland Ethanol and demand a cash payment from us.
Risks Related to Our Financing Plan
Even if we raise the minimum amount of equity in this offering, we may not obtain the debt financing necessary to construct and operate our ethanol plant, which would result in the failure of the project and Siouxland Ethanol.
We do not have contracts or commitments with any bank, lender, governmental entity, underwriter or financial institution for debt financing, and we will not release funds from escrow until we secure a written debt financing commitment sufficient to construct and operate the ethanol plant. If debt financing on acceptable terms is not available for any reason, we will be forced to abandon our business plan and return your investment from escrow plus nominal interest less deduction for escrow agency fees. Depending on the level of equity raised in this offering, we expect to require approximately $33,525,000 to $64,525,000 (less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded) in senior or subordinated long term debt from one or more commercial banks or other lenders and government grants. Because the amounts of equity and grant funding are not yet known, the exact amount and nature of total debt is also unknown. If we do not sell the minimum amount of units, the offering will not close. Even though we must receive a debt financing commitment as a condition of closing escrow, the agreements to obtain debt financing may not be fully negotiated when we close on escrow. Therefore, there is no assurance that such commitment will be received, or if it is received, that it will be on terms acceptable to us. If agreements to obtain debt financing are arranged and executed, we expect that we will be required to use the funds raised from this offering prior to receiving the debt financing funds.
Future loan agreements with lenders may hinder our ability to operate the business by imposing restrictive loan covenants, which could delay or prohibit us from making cash distributions to our unit holders.
Our debt load and service requirements necessary to implement our business plan will result in substantial debt service requirements. Our debt load and service requirements could have important consequences which could hinder our ability to operate, including our ability to:
| • | | Incur additional indebtedness; |
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| • | | Make capital expenditures or enter into lease arrangements in excess of prescribed thresholds; |
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| • | | Make distributions to unit holders, or redeem or repurchase units; |
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| • | | Make certain types of investments; |
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| • | | Create liens on our assets; |
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| • | | Utilize the proceeds of asset sales; and |
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| • | | Merge or consolidate or dispose of all, or substantially all, of our assets. |
In the event that we are unable to pay our debt service obligations, our creditors could force us to (1) reduce or eliminate distributions to unit holders (even for tax purposes); or (2) reduce or eliminate needed capital expenditures. It is possible that we could be forced to sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or refinance or restructure all or a portion of our debt. In the event that we would be unable to refinance our indebtedness or raise funds through asset sales, sales of equity or otherwise, our ability to operate our plant would be greatly affected and we may be forced to liquidate.
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We do not have any tax-exempt bond financing commitments or contracts and if we are unable to obtain bond financing or if the bond financing is provided on unfavorable terms, our financial performance may suffer and the value of your investment may be reduced.
We anticipate using tax-exempt bond financing to help capitalize the project, however, we do not have contracts or commitments with any governmental entity or underwriter to provide tax-exempt bond financing for our project. There is no assurance that we will be able to use bond financing or that bond financing, if available, will be secured on terms that are favorable to us. If we do not use tax-exempt bond financing, we expect to pay a higher interest rate or our secured lenders may require a greater amount of equity financing in order to complete project capitalization. If tax-exempt bond financing is not available or is only available on terms that are not favorable to us, our financial performance may suffer and your investment could lose value.
If we decide to spend equity proceeds and begin plant construction before we have fulfilled all of the loan commitment conditions, signed binding loan agreements or received loan proceeds, we may be unable to close the loan and you may lose all of your investment.
If we sell the aggregate minimum number of units prior to August 8, 2006 and satisfy the other conditions of releasing funds from escrow, including our receipt of a written debt financing commitment, we may decide to begin spending the equity proceeds to begin plant construction or for other project-related expenses. If, after we begin spending equity proceeds, we are unable to close the loan, we may have to seek another debt financing source or abandon the project. If that happens, you could lose some or all of your investment.
If we successfully release funds from escrow but are unable to close our loan, we may decide to hold your investment while we search for alternative debt financing sources, which means your investment will continue to be unavailable to you and may decline in value.
We must obtain a written debt financing commitment prior to releasing funds from escrow. However, a debt financing commitment does not guarantee that we will be able to successfully close the loan. If we fail to close the loan, we may choose to seek alternative debt financing sources. While we search for alternative debt financing, we may continue to hold your investment in another interest-bearing account. Your investment will continue to be unavailable while we search for alternative debt financing. It is possible that your investment will decline in value while we search for the debt financing necessary to complete our project.
Risks Related to Siouxland Ethanol as a Development-Stage Company
Siouxland Ethanol has no operating history, which could result in errors in management and operations causing a reduction in the value of your investment.
We were recently formed and have no history of operations. We cannot provide assurance that Siouxland Ethanol can manage start-up effectively and properly staff operations, and any failure to manage our start-up effectively could delay the commencement of plant operations. A delay in start-up operations is likely to further delay our ability to generate revenue and satisfy our debt obligations. We anticipate a period of significant growth, involving the construction and start-up of operations of the plant. This period of growth and the start-up of the plant are likely to be a substantial challenge to us. If we fail to manage start-up effectively, you could lose all or a substantial part of your investment.
We have little to no experience in the ethanol industry, which increases the risk of our inability to build and operate the ethanol plant.
We are presently, and are likely for some time to continue to be, dependent upon our founding members, some of whom will serve as our initial directors. Most of these individuals are experienced in business generally but have very little or no experience in raising capital from the public, organizing and building an ethanol plant, and governing and operating a public company. Most of the directors have no expertise in the ethanol industry. In addition, certain directors on our board are presently engaged in business and other activities which impose
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substantial demand on the time and attention of such directors. You should not purchase units unless you are willing to entrust all aspects of our management to our board of directors.
We will depend on Fagen, Inc. for expertise in beginning operations in the ethanol industry and any loss of this relationship could cause us delay and added expense, placing us at a competitive disadvantage.
We will be dependent on our relationship with Fagen, Inc. and its employees. Any loss of this relationship with Fagen, Inc., particularly during the construction and start-up period for the plant, may prevent us from commencing operations and result in the failure of our business. The time and expense of locating new consultants and contractors would result in unforeseen expenses and delays. Unforeseen expenses and delays may reduce our ability to generate revenue and profitability and significantly damage our competitive position in the ethanol industry such that you could lose some or all of your investment.
If we fail to finalize critical agreements, such as the design-build agreement, ethanol and distillers grains marketing agreements and utility supply agreements, or the final agreements are unfavorable compared to what we currently anticipate, our project may fail or be harmed in ways that significantly reduce the value of your investment.
You should be aware that this prospectus makes reference to documents or agreements that are not yet final or executed, and plans that have not been implemented. In some instances such documents or agreements are not even in draft form. The definitive versions of those agreements, documents, plans or proposals may contain terms or conditions that vary significantly from the terms and conditions described. These tentative agreements, documents, plans or proposals may not materialize or, if they do materialize, may not prove to be profitable.
Our lack of business diversification could result in the devaluation of our units if our revenues from our primary products decrease.
We expect our business to solely consist of ethanol and distillers grains production and sales. We do not have any other lines of business or other sources of revenue if we are unable to complete the construction and operation of the plant. Our lack of business diversification could cause you to lose all or some of your investment if we are unable to generate revenues by the production and sales of ethanol and distillers grains since we do not expect to have any other lines of business or alternative revenue sources.
We have a history of losses and may not ever operate profitably.
For the period of August 12, 2004 through March 31, 2005, we incurred an accumulated net loss of $161,045. We will continue to incur significant losses until we successfully complete construction and commence operations of the plant. There is no assurance that we will be successful in completing this offering and/or in our efforts to build and operate an ethanol plant. Even if we successfully meet all of these objectives and begin operations at the ethanol plant, there is no assurance that we will be able to operate profitably.
Your investment may decline in value due to decisions made by our initial board of directors and until the plant is built, your only recourse to replace these directors will be through amendment to our operating agreement.
Our operating agreement provides that the initial board of directors will serve until the first annual or special meeting of the members following substantial completion of the construction of the ethanol plant. If our project suffers delays due to financing or construction, our initial board of directors could serve for an extended period of time. In that event, your only recourse to replace these directors would be through an amendment to our operating agreement which could be difficult to accomplish.
Risks Related to Construction of the Ethanol Plant
We will depend on Fagen, Inc. and ICM, Inc. to design and build our ethanol plant, however, we currently have no binding agreement with them and their failure to perform could force us to abandon business, hinder our ability to operate profitably or decrease the value of your investment.
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We will be highly dependent upon Fagen, Inc. and ICM, Inc. to design and build the plant, but we have no definitive binding agreement with either company. We have entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. for various design and construction services. Fagen, Inc. has indicated its intention to deliver to us a proposed design-build contract, in which it will serve as our general contractor and will engage ICM, Inc. to provide design and engineering services. We anticipate that we will execute a definitive binding design-build agreement with Fagen, Inc. to construct the plant. However, we have not yet negotiated, reviewed or executed the design-build agreement and there is no assurance that such an agreement will be executed.
If we do not execute a definitive, binding design-build agreement with Fagen, Inc., or if Fagen, Inc. terminates its relationship with us after initiating construction, there is no assurance that we would be able to obtain a replacement general contractor. Any such event may force us to abandon our business.
We may need to increase cost estimates for construction of the ethanol plant, and such increase could result in devaluation of our units if ethanol plant construction requires additional capital.
We anticipate that Fagen, Inc. will construct the plant for a fixed contract price, based on the plans and specifications in the anticipated design-build agreement. We have based our capital needs on a design for the plant that will cost approximately $56,619,000 with additional start-up and development costs of approximately $23,881,000 for a total project completion cost of approximately $80,500,000. This price includes construction period interest. The estimated cost of the plant is based on preliminary discussions, and there is no assurance that the final cost of the plant will not be higher. There is no assurance that there will not be design changes or cost overruns associated with the construction of the plant. The rising price of steel could affect the final cost of construction of the ethanol plant. In addition, shortages of steel could affect the final completion date of the project. Any significant increase in the estimated construction cost of the plant could delay our ability to generate revenues and reduce the value of your units because our revenue stream may not be able to adequately support the increased cost and expense attributable to increased construction costs.
Construction delays could result in devaluation of our units if our production and sale of ethanol and its by-products are similarly delayed.
We currently expect our plant to be operating by Spring 2007; however, construction projects often involve delays in obtaining permits, construction delays due to weather conditions, or other events that delay the construction schedule. In addition, changes in interest rates or the credit environment or changes in political administrations at the federal, state or local level that result in policy change towards ethanol or this project, could cause construction and operation delays. If it takes longer to construct the plant than we anticipate, it would delay our ability to generate revenue and make it difficult for us to meet our debt service obligations. This could reduce the value of the units.
Defects in plant construction could result in devaluation of our units if our plant does not produce ethanol and its by-products as anticipated.
There is no assurance that defects in materials and/or workmanship in the plant will not occur. Under the terms of the anticipated design-build agreement with Fagen, Inc., Fagen, Inc. would warrant that the material and equipment furnished to build the plant will be new, of good quality, and free from material defects in material or workmanship at the time of delivery. Though we expect the design-build agreement to require Fagen, Inc. to correct all defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year after substantial completion of the plant, material defects in material or workmanship may still occur. Such defects could delay the commencement of operations of the plant, or, if such defects are discovered after operations have commenced, could cause us to halt or discontinue the plant’s operation. Halting or discontinuing plant operations could delay our ability to generate revenues and reduce the value or your units.
The plant site may have unknown environmental problems that could be expensive and time consuming to correct, which may delay or halt plant construction and delay our ability to generate revenue.
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We have options to purchase real estate located near Jackson, Nebraska, for our plant.Our board of directors reserves the right to change the location of the plant site, in their sole discretion, for any reason. There can be no assurance that we will not encounter hazardous environmental conditions at the Jackson site or any alternative site that may delay the construction of the plant. We do not anticipate Fagen, Inc. being responsible for any hazardous environmental conditions encountered at the plant site. Upon encountering a hazardous environmental condition, Fagen, Inc. may suspend work in the affected area. If we receive notice of a hazardous environmental condition, we may be required to correct the condition prior to continuing construction. The presence of a hazardous environmental condition will likely delay construction of the plant and may require significant expenditure of our resources to correct the condition. In addition, Fagen, Inc. will be entitled to an adjustment in price and time of performance if it has been adversely affected by the hazardous environmental condition. If we encounter any hazardous environmental conditions during construction that require time or money to correct, such event could delay our ability to generate revenues and reduce the value or your units.
Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest
Our directors and officers have other business and management responsibilities which may cause conflicts of interest in the allocation of their time and services to our project.
Our directors and officers have other management responsibilities and business interests apart from our project. Therefore, our directors and officers may experience conflicts of interest in allocating their time and services between us and their other business responsibilities. In addition, conflicts of interest may arise if the directors and officers, either individually or collectively, hold a substantial percentage of the units because of their position to substantially influence our business and management.
The fees we expect to pay to two of our directors, Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs, for assisting us with our financing plan may cause conflicts of interest if these directors make decisions based on their personal financial interest in obtaining these fees rather than the best interests of Siouxland Ethanol.
Two of our directors, Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs, are also serving as our project coordinators, and are receiving compensation as such under our consulting agreement with them. A majority of disinterested directors approved the consulting agreement, however, because Mr. Riechers and Mr. Downs are currently on our board, the consulting agreement was not negotiated at arms’ length and its terms and conditions may not be as favorable as what we could have obtained from unaffiliated third parties. A portion of the fees payable to Mr. Riechers and Mr. Downs are contingent upon our ability to obtain sufficient debt financing to fully capitalize the project. This arrangement could cause Mr. Riechers and Mr. Downs conflicts of interest in decision-making related to our financing plan. These conflicts could threaten our ability to capitalize the project if these directors put their personal interest in obtaining fees ahead of our best interests related to funding the project.
Our director, Bill Riechers, may have an additional conflict of interest arising from his relationship with Fagen, Inc., if he puts his interest in that relationship ahead of our best interests.
Bill Riechers receives regular consulting compensation from Fagen, Inc. in connection with project development consulting services Mr. Riechers provides to various ethanol projects in which Fagen, Inc. is significantly involved. This arrangement could cause Mr. Riechers conflicts of interest in decision-making related to contracts and agreements between us and Fagen, Inc. These conflicts could threaten our ability to secure favorable contracts and agreements with Fagen, Inc. if Mr. Riechers puts his personal interest in maintaining his relationship with Fagen, Inc. ahead of our best interests.
We may have conflicting financial interests with Fagen, Inc., which could cause Fagen, Inc. to put its financial interests ahead of ours.
Fagen, Inc. is expected to advise our directors and has been, and is expected to be, involved in substantially all material aspects of our formation, capital formation and operations to date. In addition, Bill Riechers, a director on our board, our project coordinator and a member, has a consulting relationship with Fagen, Inc., and Matt Sederstrom, a director on our board of directors and a member of Siouxland Ethanol, is an employee of Fagen, Inc.
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Consequently, the terms and conditions of our agreements and understandings with Fagen, Inc. (and, through Fagen, Inc., with ICM, Inc.), including our design-build letter of intent, have not been negotiated at arm’s length. Therefore, there is no assurance that our arrangements with such parties are as favorable to us as could have been if obtained from unaffiliated third parties. Most of the cost of our project will be paid to Fagen, Inc. for the design and construction of our ethanol plant. Fagen, Inc. may experience conflicts of interest that cause it to put its financial interest in the design and construction of our plant ahead of our best interests. In addition, because of the extensive roles that Fagen, Inc. and/or ICM, Inc. will have in the construction and operation of the plant, it may be difficult or impossible for us to enforce claims that we may have against Fagen, Inc. and/or ICM, Inc. Such conflicts of interest may reduce our profitability and the value of the units and could result in reduced distributions to investors.See“CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.”
Fagen, Inc. and ICM, Inc., and their affiliates, may also have conflicts of interest because Fagen, Inc., ICM, Inc. and their employees or agents are involved as owners, creditors and in other capacities with other ethanol plants in the United States. We cannot require Fagen, Inc. or ICM, Inc. to devote their full time or attention to our activities. As a result, Fagen, Inc. and ICM, Inc. may have, or come to have, a conflict of interest in allocating personnel, materials and other resources to our plant.
Our board will have no independent directors as defined by the North American Securities Administrators Association. Accordingly, any contracts or agreements with Fagen, Inc. will not be approved by independent directors since there are none at this time. We do not believe that this will pose a problem, however, because the directors’ investment interest in our plant is directly adverse to Fagen, Inc.’s interest in its contracts. These adverse interests constitute sufficient protection to justify our lack of independent directors.
Risks Related to Ethanol Production
Changes in the prices of corn, ethanol and distillers grains can be volatile and these changes will significantly impact our financial performance and the value of your investment.
Our results of operations and financial condition will be significantly affected by the cost and supply of corn and by the selling price for ethanol and distillers grains. Changes in the price and supply of these commodities are subject to and determined by market forces over which we have no control. Higher corn prices will produce lower profit margins. If we experience a sustained price increase in the cost of corn, our profit margins may significantly decrease or be eliminated and you may lose some or all of your investment. In addition, the price of ethanol has recently declined. If we experience a sustained price decrease in ethanol sales, our profit margins may decrease or be eliminated and you may lose some or all of your investment as a result.
Recent declines in the price of ethanol may indicate excess supply in the market, which could harm our ability to generate revenues and lower the value of your investment.
The total production of ethanol is at an all time high. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, in 2004, 81 ethanol plants located in 20 states produced 3.41 billion gallons of ethanol. The recent downward price trend in ethanol may be a reflection of excess supply in the market. A greater supply of ethanol on the market from other plants could reduce the price we are able to charge for our ethanol. This would negatively impact our revenues and could cause the value of your investment to decline.
We will depend on others for sales of our products, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage and reduce profitability.
We expect to hire a third-party marketing firm to market all of the ethanol we plan to produce. We currently expect to do our own distillers grains marketing by selling to local livestock markets. However, if the local livestock markets do not provide an adequate outlet for our distillers grains at the prices we desire, we expect to contract with one broker to market and sell a portion or all of our distillers grains. As a result, we expect to be dependent on the ethanol broker and any distillers grains broker we engage. There is no assurance that we will be able to enter into contracts with any ethanol broker or distillers grains broker on terms that are favorable to us. If the
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ethanol or distillers grains broker breaches the contract or does not have the ability, for financial or other reasons to market all of the ethanol or distillers grains we produce, we will not have any readily available means to sell our products. Our lack of a sales force and reliance on third parties to sell and market our products may place us at a competitive disadvantage. Our failure to sell all of our ethanol and distillers dried grains feed products may result in less income from sales, reducing our revenue stream, which could reduce the value of your investment.
We may engage another ethanol plant to manage our operations, meaning that we would not have a management team devoted exclusively to our plant, which could harm our financial performance.
We are exploring the possibility of engaging another ethanol plant to provide management services for our plant, however, we have only engaged in preliminary discussions and have not yet executed any letters of intent or agreements for these services. If we engage another plant to manage us, our financial performance may suffer from a lack of a management team devoted exclusively to our plant. This could result in reduced profitability and the decline in the value of your investment.
Changes and advances in ethanol production technology could require us to incur costs to update our ethanol plant or could otherwise hinder our ability to compete in the ethanol industry or operate profitably.
Advances and changes in the technology of ethanol production are expected to occur. Such advances and changes may make the ethanol production technology installed in our plant less desirable or obsolete. These advances could also allow our competitors to produce ethanol at a lower cost than us. If we are unable to adopt or incorporate technological advances, our ethanol production methods and processes could be less efficient than our competitors, which could cause our plant to become uncompetitive or completely obsolete. If our competitors develop, obtain or license technology that is superior to ours or that makes our technology obsolete, we may be required to incur significant costs to enhance or acquire new technology so that our ethanol production remains competitive. Alternatively, we may be required to seek third-party licenses, which could also result in significant expenditures. We cannot guarantee or assure you that third-party licenses will be available or, once obtained, will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. These costs could negatively impact our financial performance by increasing our operating costs and reducing our net income, all of which could reduce the value of your investment.
If we decide to use methane gas as an energy source for our ethanol plant, we may incur significant costs in order to satisfy additional operational and environmental requirements, which could reduce our ability to operate profitably and decrease the value of your investment.
Although we anticipate using natural gas to power our ethanol plant, it is possible that we could use methane gas as an alternative energy source if we locate our plant at the prospective plant site which is adjacent to the third largest landfill in Nebraska. This landfill currently contains over two and a half million tons of methane-producing solid waste, which may provide us with an alternative energy source. However, we do not have any agreement with the landfill to use the methane gas and we do not know if it is possible to use methane gas without incurring significant operational and regulatory costs. If we decide to use methane gas, there may be significant environmental risks that require us to install additional safety precautions. There is no assurance or guarantee that those precautions would be successful. In addition, it is possible that using methane gas will require costly engineering and design changes in order to meet energy production, ethanol processing and environmental requirements which could reduce our ability to operate profitably and cause your investment to lose value.
Risks Related to Ethanol Industry
Competition from the advancement of alternative fuels may lessen the demand for ethanol and negatively impact our profitability, which could reduce the value of your investment.
Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and ethanol production methods are continually under development. A number of automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers are developing alternative clean power systems using fuel cells or clean burning gaseous fuels. Like ethanol, the emerging fuel cell industry offers a technological option to address increasing worldwide energy costs, the long-term availability of petroleum reserves
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and environmental concerns. Fuel cells have emerged as a potential alternative to certain existing power sources because of their higher efficiency, reduced noise and lower emissions. Fuel cell industry participants are currently targeting the transportation, stationary power and portable power markets in order to decrease fuel costs, lessen dependence on crude oil and reduce harmful emissions. If the fuel cell and hydrogen industries continue to expand and gain broad acceptance, and hydrogen becomes readily available to consumers for motor vehicle use, we may not be able to compete effectively. This additional competition could reduce the demand for ethanol, which would negatively impact our profitability, causing a reduction in the value of your investment.
Corn-based ethanol may compete with cellulose-based ethanol in the future, which could make it more difficult for us to produce ethanol on a cost-effective basis and could reduce the value of your investment.
Most ethanol is currently produced from corn and other raw grains, such as milo or sorghum — especially in the Midwest. The current trend in ethanol production research is to develop an efficient method of producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass, such as agricultural waste, forest residue, municipal solid waste, and energy crops. This trend is driven by the fact that cellulose-based biomass is generally cheaper than corn, and producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass would create opportunities to produce ethanol in areas which are unable to grow corn. Although current technology is not sufficiently efficient to be competitive, a recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy entitled “Outlook for Biomass Ethanol Production and Demand” indicates that new conversion technologies may be developed in the future. If an efficient method of producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass is developed, we may not be able to compete effectively. We do not believe it will be cost-effective to convert the ethanol plant we are proposing into a plant which will use cellulose-based biomass to produce ethanol. If we are unable to produce ethanol as cost-effectively as cellulose-based producers, our ability to generate revenue will be negatively impacted and your investment could lose value.
As domestic ethanol production continues to grow, ethanol supply may exceed demand causing ethanol prices to decline and the value of your investment to be reduced.
The number of ethanol plants being developed and constructed in the United States continues to increase at a rapid pace. As these plants begin operations, we expect domestic ethanol production to significantly increase. If the demand for ethanol does not grow at the same pace as increases in supply, we would expect the price for ethanol to decline. Declining ethanol prices will result in lower revenues and may reduce or eliminate profits causing the value of your investment to be reduced.
Competition from ethanol imported from Caribbean basin countries may be a less expensive alternative to our ethanol, which would cause us to lose market share and reduce the value of your investment.
Ethanol produced or processed in certain countries in Central America and the Caribbean region is eligible for tariff reduction or elimination upon importation to the United States under a program known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Large ethanol producers, such as Cargill, have expressed interest in building dehydration plants in participating Caribbean Basin countries, such as El Salvador, which would convert ethanol into fuel-grade ethanol for shipment to the United States. Ethanol imported from Caribbean Basin countries may be a less expensive alternative to domestically produced ethanol. Competition from ethanol imported from Caribbean Basin countries may affect our ability to sell our ethanol profitably, which would reduce the value of your investment.
Risks Related to Regulation and Governmental Action
Federal tax incentives for ethanol production may be eliminated in the future, which could hinder our ability to operate at a profit and reduce the value of your investment in us.
The ethanol industry and our business depend on the continuation of federal ethanol tax incentives. These incentives have supported a market for ethanol that might disappear without the incentives. The federal tax incentives were scheduled to expire September 30, 2007. However, pursuant to new legislation signed in October 2004, the incentives are extended to September 30, 2010. These tax incentives to the ethanol industry may not continue beyond their scheduled expiration date or, if they continue, the incentives may not be at the same level. The elimination or reduction of tax incentives to the ethanol industry could reduce the market for ethanol, which
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could reduce prices and our revenues by making it more costly or difficult for us to produce and sell ethanol. If the federal tax incentives are eliminated or sharply curtailed, we believe that a decreased demand for ethanol will result, which could result in the failure of the business and the potential loss of some or all of your investment.
Changes in environmental regulations or violations of the regulations could be expensive and reduce our profit and the value of your investment.
We will be subject to extensive air, water and other environmental regulations and we will need to obtain a number of environmental permits to construct and operate the plant. In addition, it is likely that our senior debt financing will be contingent on our ability to obtain the various environmental permits that we will require.
If for any reason, any of these permits are not granted, construction costs for the plant may increase, or the plant may not be constructed at all.
Additionally, any changes in environmental laws and regulations, both at the federal and state level, could require us to invest or spend considerable resources in order to comply with future environmental regulations. The expense of compliance could be significant enough to reduce our profit and the value of your investment.
Expiration of the Commodity Credit Corporation Bioenergy Program could hinder our ability to operate at a profit and reduce the value of your investment in us.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (the “USDA”) Commodity Credit Corporation Bioenergy Program is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2006. The grants available under the Bioenergy Program may not continue beyond their scheduled expiration date or if they do continue, the grants may not be available at the same level. Based upon our current anticipated completion date of spring 2007, we will not be eligible to participate in the Bioenergy Program unless it is extended. We do not include Bioenergy program payments in our forecasted sources of funds but we may be competing with other ethanol plants that receive these payments. This could result in decreased profitability and you could lose some or all of your investment.
Our lack of eligibility for any Nebraska ethanol supports or tax incentives may damage our competitive position in the ethanol industry and may weaken our financial performance relative to other ethanol plants operating in Nebraska and other states.
The current Nebraska ethanol incentive program requires ethanol production prior to June 30, 2004. Because we were not operational as of June 30, 2004, we do not qualify for the Nebraska ethanol production tax credit of $0.18 per gallon. This may cause our plant to be less competitive than other Nebraska ethanol plants that are eligible to receive the tax credit or ethanol plants operating in other states that provide ethanol supports or tax incentives. The current program is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2012.
Risks Related to the Units
There has been no independent valuation of the units, which means that the units may be worth less than the purchase price.
The per unit purchase price has been determined by us without independent valuation of the units. We established the offering prices based on our estimate of capital and expense requirements, not based on perceived market value, book value, or other established criteria. We did not obtain an independent appraisal opinion on the valuation of the units. The units may have a value significantly less than the offering prices and there is no guarantee that the units will ever obtain a value equal to or greater than the offering price.
No public trading market exists for our units and we do not anticipate the creation of such a market, which means that it will be difficult for you to liquidate your investment.
There is currently no established public trading market for our units and an active trading market will not develop despite this offering. To maintain partnership tax status, you may not trade the units on an established
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securities market or readily trade the units on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof). We, therefore, will not apply for listing of the units on any securities exchange or on the NASDAQ Stock Market. As a result, you will not be able to readily sell your units.
Public investors will experience immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering.
Our seed capital investors paid substantially less per unit for our membership units than the current public offering price. Accordingly, if you purchase units in this offering, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution of your investment. Based upon the issuance and sale of the minimum number of units (1,500) at the public offering price of $10,000 per unit, you will incur immediate dilution of $762.02 in the net tangible book value per unit if you purchase units in this offering. If we sell the maximum number of units (4,600) at the public offering price of $10,000 per unit, you will incur immediate dilution of $269.37 in the net tangible book value per unit if you purchase units in this offering.
We have placed significant restrictions on transferability of the units, limiting an investor’s ability to withdraw from the company.
The units are subject to substantial transfer restrictions pursuant to our operating agreement and tax and securities laws. This means that you will not be able to easily liquidate your investment and you may have to assume the risks of investments in us for an indefinite period of time.
Risks Related to Tax Issues
EACH PROSPECTIVE MEMBER SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE IMPACT THAT HIS OR HER PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPANY MAY HAVE ON HIS OR HER FEDERAL INCOME TAX LIABILITY AND THE APPLICATION OF STATE AND LOCAL INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS TO HIS OR HER PARTICIPATION IN THIS OFFERING.
IRS classification of the company as a corporation rather than as a partnership would result in higher taxation and reduced profits, which could reduce the value of your investment in us.
We are a Nebraska limited liability company that has elected to be taxed as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, with income, gain, loss, deduction and credit passed through to the holders of the units. However, if for any reason the IRS would successfully determine that we should be taxed as a corporation rather than as a partnership, we would be taxed on our net income at rates of up to 35% for federal income tax purposes, and all items of our income, gain, loss, deduction and credit would be reflected only on our tax returns and would not be passed through to the holders of the units. If we were to be taxed as a corporation for any reason, distributions we make to investors will be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our earnings and profits, and the payment of dividends would not be deductible by us, thus resulting in double taxation of our earnings and profits.See“FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING OUR UNITS- Partnership Status.” If we pay taxes as a corporation, we will have less cash to distribute as a distribution to our Unit holders.
The IRS may classify your investment as passive activity income, resulting in your inability to deduct losses associated with your investment.
If you are not involved in our operations on a regular, continuing and substantial basis, it is likely that the Internal Revenue Service will classify your interest in us as a passive activity. If an investor is either an individual or a closely held corporation, and if the investor’s interest is deemed to be “passive activity,” then the investor’s allocated share of any loss we incur will be deductible only against income or gains the investor has earned from other passive activities. Passive activity losses that are disallowed in any taxable year are suspended and may be carried forward and used as an offset against passive activity income in future years. These rules could restrict an investor’s ability to currently deduct any of our losses that are passed through to such investor.
Income allocations assigned to an investor’s units may result in taxable income in excess of cash distributions, which means you may have to pay income tax on your investment with personal funds.
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Investors will pay tax on their allocated shares of our taxable income. An investor may receive allocations of taxable income that result in a tax liability that is in excess of any cash distributions we may make to the investor. Among other things, this result might occur due to accounting methodology, lending covenants that restrict our ability to pay cash distributions, or our decision to retain the cash generated by the business to fund our operating activities and obligations. Accordingly, investors may be required to pay some or all of the income tax on their allocated shares of our taxable income with personal funds.
An IRS audit could result in adjustments to the Company’s allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction causing additional tax liability to our members.
The IRS may audit the income tax returns of the Company and may challenge positions taken for tax purposes and allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction to investors. If the IRS were successful in challenging the Company’s allocations in a manner that reduces loss or increases income allocable to investors, you may have additional tax liabilities. In addition, such an audit could lead to separate audits of an investor’s tax returns, especially if adjustments are required, which could result in adjustments on your tax returns. Any of these events could result in additional tax liabilities, penalties and interest to you, and the cost of filing amended tax returns.
Investors are not to construe this prospectus as constituting legal or tax advice. Before making any decision to invest in us, investors should read this entire prospectus, including all of its exhibits, and consult with their own investment, legal, tax and other professional advisors.
An investor should be aware that we will assert that the investor consented to the risks and the conflicts of interest described or inherent in this prospectus if the investor brings a claim against us or any of our directors, officers, managers, employees, advisors, agents or representatives.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Throughout this prospectus, we make “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,” “should,” “plan,” “future,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “predict,” “hope,” “potential,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are generally located in the material set forth under the headings “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS AND PLAN OF OPERATIONS,” “PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION,” “RISK FACTORS,” “USE OF PROCEEDS” and “DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS,” but may be found in other locations as well. These forward-looking statements generally relate to our plans and objectives for future operations and are based upon management’s reasonable estimates of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve such plans or objectives. Actual results may differ from projected results due, but not limited to, unforeseen developments, including developments relating to the following:
• | | The availability and adequacy of our cash flow to meet its requirements, including payment of loans; |
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• | | Economic, competitive, demographic, business and other conditions in our local and regional markets; |
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• | | Changes or developments in laws, regulations or taxes in the ethanol, agricultural or energy industries; |
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• | | Actions taken or not taken by third-parties, including our suppliers and competitors, as well as legislative, regulatory, judicial and other governmental authorities; |
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• | | Competition in the ethanol industry; |
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• | | The loss of any license or permit; |
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• | | The loss of our plant due to casualty, weather, mechanical failure or any extended or extraordinary maintenance or inspection that may be required; |
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• | | Changes in our business strategy, capital improvements or development plans; |
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• | | The availability of additional capital to support capital improvements and development; and |
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• | | Other factors discussed under the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” or elsewhere in this prospectus. |
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You should read this prospectus completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus have been compiled as of the date of this prospectus and should be evaluated with consideration of any changes occurring after the date of this prospectus. Except as required under federal securities laws and SEC rules and regulations, we will not update forward-looking statements even though our situation may change in the future.
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE
There is no established market for our units. We established the offering price without an independent valuation of the units. We established the offering price based on our estimate of capital and expense requirements, not based on perceived market value, book value, or other established criteria. In considering our capitalization requirements, we determined the minimum and maximum aggregate offering amounts based upon our cost of capital analysis and debt to equity ratios acceptable in the industry. In determining the offering price per unit we considered the additional administrative expense which would likely result from a lower offering price per unit, such as the cost of increased unit trading. We also considered the dilution impact of our recent private placement offering price in determining an appropriate public offering price per unit. The units may have a value significantly less than the offering price and there is no guarantee that the units will ever obtain a value equal to or greater than the offering price.
DILUTION
As of March 31, 2005, we had 195 outstanding units, which were sold to our seed capital investors for $5,000 per unit. The units, as of March 31, 2005, had a net tangible book value of $658,369 or $3,376.25 per unit. The net tangible book value per unit represents members’ equity less intangible assets which includes deferred offering costs, divided by the number of units outstanding. The offering price of $10,000 per unit substantially exceeds the net tangible book value per unit of our outstanding units. Therefore, all current holders will realize an immediate increase of at least $5,861.72 per unit in the pro forma net tangible book value of their units if the minimum is sold at a price of $10,000 per unit, and an increase of at least $6,354.38 per unit if the maximum is sold at a price of $10,000 per unit. Purchasers of units in this offering will realize an immediate dilution of at least $762.02 per unit in the net tangible book value of their units if the minimum is sold at a price of $10,000 per unit, and a decrease of at least $269.37 per unit if the maximum is sold at a price of $10,000 per unit.
An investor purchasing units in this offering will receive units diluted by the prior purchase of units by purchasers during our seed capital offering. We have sold units to our seed capital investors at prices substantially below the price at which we are currently selling units. The presence of these previously sold units will dilute the relative ownership interests of the units sold in this offering because these earlier investors received a relatively greater share of our equity for less consideration than investors are paying for units issued in this offering. Generally, all investors in this offering will notice immediate dilution. We have and will continue to use this previously contributed capital to finance development costs and for initial working capital purposes. We intend to use any remaining balance for the same purposes as those of this offering.
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The following table illustrates the increase to existing unit holders and the dilution to purchasers in the offering in the net tangible book value per unit assuming the minimum or the maximum number of units is sold. The table does not take into account any other changes in the net tangible book value of our units occurring after March 31, 2005, or offering expenses related to this offering.
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| | | | | | Minimum | | | Maximum | |
| • | | | Pro forma net tangible book value per unit at March 31, 2005 | | $ | 3,376.25 | | | $ | 3,376.25 | |
| • | | | Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per unit attributable to the sale of | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 1,500 (minimum) and 4,600 (maximum) units at $10,000 per unit(1). | | $ | 5,861.72 | | | $ | 6,354.38 | |
| • | | | Net tangible book value per unit at March 31, 2005, as adjusted for the sale of units | | $ | 9,237.98 | | | $ | 9,730.63 | |
| • | | | Dilution per unit to new investors in this offering | | $ | (762.02 | ) | | $ | (269.37 | ) |
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(1) | | The minimum and maximum number of units is circumscribed by the minimum offering amount of $15,000,000 and maximum offering amount of $46,000,000. |
We may seek additional equity financing in the future, which may cause additional dilution to investors in this offering, and a reduction in their equity interest. The holders of the units purchased in this offering will have no preemptive rights on any units to be issued by us in the future in connection with any such additional equity financing. We could be required to issue warrants to purchase units to a lender in connection with our debt financing. If we sell additional units or warrants to purchase additional units, the sale or exercise price could be higher or lower than what investors are paying in this offering. If we sell additional units at a lower price it could lower the value of an existing investor’s units.
The table below sets forth as of March 31, 2005, on an “as-if-converted” basis, the difference between the number of units purchased, and total consideration paid for those units, by existing unit holders, compared to units purchased by new investors in this offering without taking into account any offering expenses.
Total Number of Units Purchased
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Minimum | | | | | | | Maximum | | | | |
| | Number | | | Percent | | | Number | | | Percent | |
Existing unit holders | | | 195 | | | | 11.50 | % | | | 195 | | | | 4.07 | % |
New investors | | | 1,500 | | | | 88.50 | % | | | 4,600 | | | | 95.93 | % |
Total | | | 1,695 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 4,795 | | | | 100.00 | % |
Total Consideration and Average Per Unit Price
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Amount | | | Minimum | | | | | | | | | | | Maximum | | | | |
| | | | | | Percent | | | Average | | | Amount | | | Percent | | | Average | |
Existing unit holders | | $ | 975,000 | | | | 6.10 | % | | $ | 5,000 | | | $ | 975,000 | | | | 2.08 | % | | $ | 5,000 | |
New investors | | $ | 15,000,000 | | | | 93.90 | % | | $ | 10,000 | | | $ | 46,000,000 | | | | 97.92 | % | | $ | 10,000 | |
Total | | $ | 15,975,000 | | | | 100.00 | % | | $ | 9,425 | | | $ | 46,975,000 | | | | 100.00 | % | | $ | 9,797 | |
CAPITALIZATION
We have issued a total of 195 units to our seed capital investors at a price of $5,000 per unit, for total unit proceeds of $975,000. If the minimum offering of $15,000,000 is attained, we will have total membership proceeds of $15,975,000 at the end of this offering, less offering expenses. If the maximum offering of $46,000,000 is attained, we will have total membership proceeds of $46,975,000 at the end of this offering, less offering expenses.
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Capitalization Table
The following table sets forth our capitalization at March 31, 2005 on an actual and pro forma basis to reflect the units offered in this offering.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Pro Forma(1) | |
| | Actual | | | Minimum | | | Maximum | |
Unit holders’ equity: | | | 975,000 | | | | 15,975,000 | | | | 46,975,000 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (161,045 | ) | | | (161,045 | ) | | | (161,045 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total Unit holder’s equity (deficit) | | | 813,955 | | | | 15,813,955 | | | | 46,813,955 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total Capitalization(2) | | $ | 813,955 | | | $ | 15,813,955 | | | $ | 46,813,955 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | As adjusted to reflect receipt of gross proceeds from this offering prior to deducting offering expenses and prior to securing a debt financing commitment. |
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(2) | | In order to fully capitalize the project, we will also need to obtain debt financing ranging from approximately $33,525,000 to $64,525,000 less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded. Our estimated long-term debt requirements are based upon our project coordinators’ past experience with similar projects, preliminary discussions with lenders and our independent research regarding capitalization requirements for similar ethanol plants. |
Our seed capital private placement was made directly by us without use of an underwriter or placement agent and without payment of commissions or other remuneration. The aggregate sales proceeds, after payment of offering expenses in immaterial amounts, were applied to our working capital and other development and organizational purposes.
With respect to the exemption from registration of issuance of securities claimed under Rule 504 and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, neither we, nor any person acting on our behalf offered or sold the securities by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising. Prior to making any offer or sale, we had reasonable grounds to believe and believed that each prospective investor was capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment and were able to bear the economic risk of the investment. Each purchaser represented in writing that the securities were being acquired for investment for such purchaser’s own account, and agreed that the securities would not be sold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption therefrom. Each purchaser agreed that a legend was placed on each certificate evidencing the securities stating the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and setting forth restrictions on their transferability.
DISTRIBUTION POLICY
We have not declared or paid any distributions on the units. We do not expect to generate earnings until the proposed ethanol plant is operational, which is expected to occur approximately 14-16 months after we close the offering. After operation of the proposed ethanol plant begins, it is anticipated, subject to any loan covenants or restrictions with any senior and term lenders, that we will distribute “net cash flow” to our members in proportion to the units that each member holds relative to the total number of units outstanding. “Net cash flow,” means our gross cash proceeds less any portion, as determined by the board of directors in their sole discretion, used to pay or establish reserves for operating expenses, debt payments, capital improvements, replacements and contingencies. However, there can be no assurance that we will ever be able to pay any distributions to the unit holders including you. Additionally, our lenders may further restrict our ability to make distributions during the initial period of the term debt.
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes important financial information from our March 31, 2005 unaudited financial statements. You should read this table in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
| | | | |
| | From Inception | |
| | (August 12, 2004) to | |
| | March 31, 2005 | |
Statement of Operations Data: | | | | |
Revenue | | $ | — | |
Operating expenses: | | | | |
Professional fees | | | 138,228 | |
General and administrative | | | 22,817 | |
| | | |
| | | 161,045 | |
Other Income (Expense): | | | — | |
| | | |
| | | | |
Net Loss | | $ | (161,045 | ) |
| | | |
| | | | |
| | March 31, 2005 | |
Balance Sheet Data: | | | | |
Assets: | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 751,821 | |
Net equipment | | | 3,579 | |
Deferred offering costs | | | 155,586 | |
Land options and other asset | | | 7,000 | |
| | | |
| | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 917,986 | |
| | | |
| | | | |
Liabilities and members’ equity: | | | | |
| | | | |
Current liabilities | | $ | 104,031 | |
| | | |
Total members’ equity | | | 813,955 | |
| | | |
Total liabilities and members’ equity | | $ | 917,986 | |
| | | |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS AND PLAN OF OPERATION
Overview
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. The following discussion of the financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
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We are a start-up Nebraska limited liability company formed on August 12, 2004, for the purpose of constructing an operating plant to produce ethanol and distillers grains near Jackson, Nebraska. We have obtained real estate options on three potential plant sites near Jackson, Nebraska. For more information about our potential plant sites, please refer to “Description of Business — Project Location and Proximity to Markets.” We do not expect to generate any revenue until the plant is completely constructed and operational. We expect to build the plant on a site located approximately one mile west of Jackson, Nebraska.Our board of directors reserves the right to change the location of the plant site, in their sole discretion, for any reason. We anticipate the final plant site will have access to both truck and rail transportation.
Based upon engineering specifications produced by Fagen, Inc., the plant will annually consume approximately 18.5 million bushels of corn and annually produce approximately 50 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol and 160,000 tons of distillers grains for animal feed. We currently estimate that it will take 14 to 16 months from the date that we close the offering, which includes obtaining our debt financing, and obtaining all necessary permits, to complete the construction of the plant.
We expect the project will cost approximately $80,500,000 to complete. This includes approximately $56,619,000 to build the plant and an additional $23,881,000 in other capital expenditures and working capital. Except for the letter of intent with Fagen, Inc., we do not have any binding or non-binding agreements with any contractor for the labor or materials necessary to build the plant. As a result, our anticipated total project cost is not a firm estimate and is expected to change from time to time as the project progresses. We are still in the development phase, and until the proposed ethanol plant is operational, we will generate no revenue. We anticipate that accumulated losses will continue to increase until the ethanol plant is operational.
Plan of Operations Until Start-Up of Ethanol Plant
We expect to spend at least the next 12 months focused on three primary activities: (1) project capitalization; (2) site acquisition and development; and (3) plant construction and start-up operations. Assuming the successful completion of this offering and the related debt financing, we expect to have sufficient cash on hand to cover all costs associated with construction of the project, including, but not limited to, site acquisition and development, utilities, construction and equipment acquisition. In addition, we expect our seed capital proceeds to supply us with enough cash to cover our costs through this period, including staffing, office costs, audit, legal, compliance and staff training. We estimate that we will need approximately $80,500,000 to complete the project.
Project capitalization
We will not close the offering until we have raised the minimum offering amount of $15,000,000. We have until August 8, 2006 to sell the minimum number of units required to raise the minimum offering amount. If we sell the minimum number of units prior to August 8, 2006, we may decide to continue selling units until we sell the maximum number of units or August 8, 2006, whichever occurs first. Even if we successfully close the offering by selling at least the minimum number of units by August 8, 2006,we will not release the offering proceeds from escrow until the cash proceeds in escrow equal $15,000,000 or more and we secure a written debt financing commitment for debt financing ranging from a minimum of $33,525,000 to a maximum of $64,525,000 depending on the level of equity raised, and the amount of bond financing and any grant funding and tax increment financing we may receive. We estimated the range of debt financing we will need by subtracting the minimum and maximum amount of equity in this offering and the $975,000 we raised as seed capital from the estimated total project cost of $80,500,000.
A debt financing commitment only obligates the lender to lend us the debt financing that we need if we satisfy all the conditions of the commitment. These conditions may include, among others, the total cost of the project being within a specified amount, the receipt of engineering and construction contracts acceptable to the lender, evidence of the issuance of all permits, acceptable insurance coverage and title commitment, the contribution of a specified amount of equity and attorney opinions. At this time, we do not know what business and financial conditions will be imposed on us. We may not satisfy the loan commitment conditions before closing, or at all. If this occurs we may:
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• | | commence construction of the plant using all or a part of the equity funds raised while we seek another debt financing source; |
|
• | | hold the equity funds raised indefinitely in an interest-bearing account while we seek another debt financing source; |
|
• | | return the equity funds, if any, to investors with accrued interest, after deducting the currently indeterminate expenses of operating our business or partially constructing the plant before we return the funds. |
While the foregoing alternatives may be available, we do not expect to begin substantial plant construction activity before satisfying the loan commitment conditions or closing the loan transaction because it is very likely that Fagen, Inc., and any lending institution will prohibit substantial plant construction activity until satisfaction of loan commitment conditions or loan closing. However, in the unlikely event that the loan commitment and Fagen, Inc. permit us to spend equity proceeds prior to closing the loan and obtaining loan proceeds, we may decide to spend equity proceeds on project development expenses, such as securing critical operating contracts or owner’s construction costs such as site development expenses. If we decided to proceed in that manner, we expect the minimum aggregate offering amount would satisfy our cash requirements for approximately three to four months and the maximum aggregate offering amount would satisfy our cash requirements for approximately six to seven months. We expect that proceeding with plant construction prior to satisfaction of the loan commitment conditions or closing the loan transaction could cause us to abandon the project or terminate operations. As a result, you could lose all or part of your investment.
We also do not expect to hold the equity funds indefinitely in an interest-bearing account while we seek another debt financing source because it is likely that Fagen, Inc. would not be willing to renew its letter of intent with us until we had secured a debt financing source. Our letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. terminates on December 31, 2006 unless we have secured financing. If we failed to find a new debt financing source and Fagen, Inc. refused a renewal or extension of its letter of intent with us, we would expect to return your investment with any accrued interest after deducting operating expenses. Please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled, “RISK FACTORS — Risks Related to Our Financing Plan,” on page 40 for a discussion of the risks involved in project capitalization.
Site acquisition and development
During and after the offering, we expect to continue working principally on the preliminary design and development of our proposed ethanol plant, the acquisition and development of a plant site in Dakota County, Nebraska, obtaining the necessary construction permits, identifying potential sources of debt financing and negotiating the corn supply, ethanol and distillers grains marketing, utility and other contracts. During this time, we may also negotiate and discuss an agreement for the provision of plant management services by another ethanol plant. We have purchased four real estate options on two potential site locations in and around Jackson, Nebraska. For more information on our potential plant site locations, please refer to “Description of Business — Project Location and Proximity to Markets.”
We plan to fund these activities and initiatives using the $975,000 of seed capital. We believe that our existing funds will permit us to continue our preliminary activities through the end of this offering. If we are unable to close on this offering by that time or otherwise obtain other funds, we may need to discontinue operations.
Plant construction and start-up of plant operations
We expect to complete construction of the proposed plant and commence operations approximately 14 to 16 months after construction commences. Our work will include completion of the final design and development of the plant. We also plan to negotiate and execute finalized contracts concerning the construction of the plant, provision of necessary electricity, natural gas and other power sources and marketing agreements for ethanol and distillers grains. If we determine to engage another ethanol plant to manage us, we plan to negotiate and execute a plant management agreement prior to commencement of plant operations. Assuming the successful completion of this offering and our obtaining the necessary debt financing, we expect to have sufficient cash on hand to cover construction and related start-up costs necessary to make the plant operational. We estimate that we will need
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approximately $56,619,000 to construct the plant and a total of approximately $80,500,000 to cover all capital expenditures necessary to complete the project, make the plant operational and produce revenue.
Trends and Uncertainties Impacting the Ethanol Industry and Our Future Operations
If we are able to build the plant and begin operations, we will be subject to industry-wide factors that affect our operating and financial performance. These factors include, but are not limited to, the available supply and cost of corn from which our ethanol and distillers grains will be processed; the cost of natural gas, which we will use in the production process; dependence on our ethanol marketer and distillers grains marketer to market and distribute our products; the intensely competitive nature of the ethanol industry; possible legislation at the federal, state and/or local level; changes in federal ethanol tax incentives and the cost of complying with extensive environmental laws that regulate our industry.
We expect ethanol sales to constitute the bulk of our future revenues. The supply of ethanol is currently outpacing ethanol demand. Recent market values for ethanol have fallen 30% to 40% from the values experienced in the last quarter. Demand increases may continue to lag production maintaining downward pressure on ethanol prices in the short to mid term. Based upon the number of new ethanol plants scheduled to begin production and the expansion of current plants, we do not expect a return to strong ethanol prices in the short to mid term. Areas where demand may increase are new markets in Atlanta, Nashville, Baton Rouge and Houston. Minnesota may also generate additional demand due to the recent passage of state legislation mandating a 20% ethanol blend in its gasoline.
Potential increases in demand do not include national implementation of a Renewable Fuels Standard or similar legislation, which could cause increases in demand to be greater than currently projected. If the use of MTBE is phased out on a national level in the next few years and the reformulated gasoline oxygenate requirement remains unchanged, the anticipated growth may yield increased ethanol demand sooner than currently anticipated. However, even as new markets develop, the industry continues to grow rapidly and national production is expected to rise by 750 million gallons over the next year from 3.4 billion gallons to 4.15 billion gallons annually. In addition, none of these new markets is assured nor is the timing of any other new demand in the ethanol industry.
We expect to benefit from federal ethanol supports and federal tax incentives. Changes to these supports or incentives could significantly impact demand for ethanol. In late July 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, containing a Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”). The RFS is a national flexible program that does not require that any renewable fuels be used in any particular area or state, allowing refiners to use renewable fuel blends in those areas where it is most cost-effective. The bill is now in the hands of President George W. Bush, who has indicated that he will sign the measure into law, however, there is no assurance or guarantee that he will do so.
We do not expect to qualify for any Nebraska ethanol supports or tax incentives. The current Nebraska ethanol incentive program is only available to ethanol plants in production as of June 30, 2004. Since our plant was not operational by June 30, 2004, we will not qualify for any Nebraska ethanol production tax credits.
Demand for ethanol may also increase as a result of increased consumption of E85 fuel. E85 fuel is a blend of 70% to 85% ethanol and gasoline. According to the Energy Information Administration, E85 consumption is projected to increase from a national total of 11 million gallons in 2003 to 47 million gallons in 2025. E85 is used as an aviation fuel and as a hydrogen source for fuel cells. In the U.S., there are currently about 3 million flexible fuel vehicles capable of operating on E85 and 400 retail stations supplying it. Automakers have indicated plans to produce an estimated 2 million more flexible fuel vehicles per year.
Ethanol production continues to grow as additional plants become operational. Demand for ethanol has been supported by higher oil prices and its refined components and by clean air standards mandated by federal agencies have required highly populated areas to blend ethanol into their gasoline supplies as an oxygenate. The intent of the air standards is to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere. These mandates have been challenged in several metropolitan areas, and are currently being reviewed by the courts. In the future, the combination of additional
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supply, successful challenges to the clean air standards and stagnant or reduced demand may damage our ability to generate revenues and maintain positive cash flows.
Technology Developments
A new technology has recently been introduced by Vortex Dehydration Technology of Hanover, Maryland, to remove corn oil from concentrated thin stillage (a by-product of “dry milling” ethanol processing facilities) which would be used as an animal feed supplement or possibly as an input for bio-diesel production. Although the recovery of oil from the thin stillage may be economically feasible, it fails to produce the advantages of removing the oil prior to the fermentation process. The FWS Group of Companies, headquartered out of Canada with offices in the United States, is currently working on a starch separation technology that would economically separate a corn kernel into its main components. The process removes the germ, pericarp and tip of the kernel leaving only the endosperm of kernel for the production of ethanol. This technology has the capability to reduce drying costs and the loading of volatile organic compounds. The separated germ would also be available through this process for other uses such as high oil feeds or bio-diesel production. Each of these new technologies is currently in its early stages of development. There is no guarantee that either technology will be successful or that we will be able to implement the technology in our ethanol plant.
Trends and Uncertainties Impacting the Corn and Natural Gas Markets and Our Future Cost of Goods Sold
We expect our future cost of goods sold will consist primarily of costs relating to the corn and natural gas supplies necessary to produce ethanol and distillers grains for sale. The 2004 corn crop was the largest corn crop on record with national production at approximately 11.8 billion bushels. The 2005 corn supply is expected to outpace demand by approximately 1 billion bushels. This has caused national corn prices to remain relatively low. However, as the summer corn growing season continues, we expect the grain market to focus on prospects for the 2005 corn crop. Variables such as rainfall, and temperatures will likely cause market uncertainty and create corn price volatility throughout the year. Although we do not expect to begin operations until spring 2007, we expect these same factors will continue to cause volatility in the price of corn, which will significantly impact our cost of goods sold.
Natural gas is also an important input commodity to our manufacturing process. We estimate that our natural gas usage will be approximately 10% to 15% of our annual total production cost. We use natural gas to dry our distillers grain products to moisture contents at which they can be stored for long periods of time, and can be transported greater distances. Dried distillers grains have a much broader market base, including the western cattle feedlots, and the dairies of California and Florida. Recently, the price of natural gas has risen along with other energy sources. Natural gas prices are considerably higher than the 10-year average. We look for continued volatility in the natural gas market. Any ongoing increases in the price of natural gas will increase our cost of production and negatively impact our future profit margins.
Employees
We have one full-time employee, Jean Beach, who receives annual compensation of $31,200. We expect to hire approximately 32 full-time employees before plant operations begin.
Recent Private Placement to Raise Seed Capital
In August through November 2004, we sold a total of 195 of our membership units to our seed capital investors at a price of $5,000 per unit and received aggregate proceeds of $975,000. We determined the offering price per unit of $5,000 based upon the capitalization requirements necessary to fund our development, organization and financing activities as a development-stage company. We did not rely upon any independent valuation, book value or other valuation criteria in determining the seed capital offering price per unit. We expect our seed capital offering proceeds to provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund the developmental, organizational and financing activities necessary to advance our project. All of the seed capital proceeds were immediate at-risk capital at the time of investment. We increased the public offering price per unit based upon the differences in risk and the development stage of our project at the time of investment.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2005, we had total assets of $917,986 consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2005, we had current liabilities of $104,031 consisting primarily of our accounts payable. Since our inception through March 31, 2005, we have an accumulated deficit of $161,045. Total members’ equity as of March 31, 2005, was $813,955. Since our inception, we have generated no revenue from operations. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, we have a net loss of $102,622, primarily due to start-up business costs.
Based on our business plan and current construction cost estimates, we believe the total project will cost approximately $80,500,000. We are seeking to raise a minimum of $15,000,000 and a maximum of $46,000,000 of equity in this offering. Depending on the level of equity raised in this offering, the amount of bond financing received and the amount of grants awarded to us, we expect to require debt financing ranging from a minimum of $33,525,000 to a maximum of $64,525,000 less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded.
We hope to attract senior debt financing from a major bank (with participating loans from other banks) or bond financing to construct the proposed ethanol plant. We expect the senior debt financing will be secured by all of our real property, including receivables and inventories. We plan to pay near prime rate on this loan, plus annual fees for maintenance and observation of the loan by the lender, guarantor or trustee, however, there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain the senior debt financing or that adequate debt financing will be available on the terms we currently anticipate. Our senior debt financing may also include bond financing issued through a governmental entity, such as Dakota County, Nebraska or bonds guaranteed by a governmental agency, such as Farmer Mac. We do not have any contracts or commitments with any governmental entity or underwriter for bond financing and there is no assurance that we will be able to secure bond financing as part of the senior debt financing for the project. If we are unable to obtain senior debt in an amount necessary to fully capitalize the project, we may have to seek subordinated debt financing which would increase the cost of debt and could require us to issue warrants. The increased cost of the subordinated debt financing and issuance of warrants could reduce the value of our units.
We do not have contracts or commitments with any bank, lender, underwriter, governmental entity or financial institution for debt financing. We have started identifying and interviewing potential lenders, however, we have not signed any commitment or contract for debt financing. Completion of the project relies entirely on our ability to attract these loans and close on this offering.
We are discussing with Dakota County, Nebraska the potential issuance of tax-exempt bonds that are subordinate to the senior debt financing. The issuance of these bonds could reduce the amount of equity and/or term debt financing required to fully capitalize our project. However, we do not have any contracts or commitments with Dakota County, Nebraska to provide tax-exempt bond financing and there is no assurance that Dakota County, Nebraska or any other governmental entity will facilitate the tax-exempt bond financing. In addition, even if tax-exempt bond financing becomes available, there is no assurance that it will be on terms favorable to us.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management uses 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. Significant estimates include the deferral of expenditures for offering costs, which are dependent upon successful financing of the project. We defer the costs incurred to raise equity financing until that financing occurs. At the time we issue new equity, we will net these costs against the equity proceeds received. Alternatively, if the equity financing does not occur, we will expense the offering costs. It is at least reasonably possible that this estimate may change in the near term.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
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Grants, Government Programs and Tax Increment Financing
We are seeking approximately $3,000,000 in tax increment financing from the Village of Jackson, Nebraska. Tax increment financing is a program created by state statute and provides city councils the power to use all of the real property tax resulting from the increase in taxable valuation due to the construction of new industrial or commercial facilities to provide economic incentives. We must obtain approval from the city council of the Village of Jackson, Nebraska, or any other governing body of the city or village in which we locate the plant in order to receive tax increment financing. There is no guarantee that the city council will approve tax increment financing for our project.
The Commodity Credit Corporation Bioenergy Program reimburses eligible ethanol producers of less than 65 million gallons of ethanol, one bushel of corn for every two and one-half bushels of corn used for the increased production of ethanol. No eligible producer may receive more than $7,500,000 annually under the program. The Bioenergy Program is scheduled to continue through September 2006. Unless the program is extended, it is unlikely that our plant will be eligible for payments under the program since our current anticipated completion date is Spring 2007. Our capitalization plan does not assume we will receive any Bioenergy program payments. However, if the Bioenergy program is extended and we become operational before the program expires, we expect to be an eligible producer because we intend to annually utilize 18.5 million bushels of corn in the increased production of ethanol. The maximum award to any eligible producer is currently $7,500,000. However, this maximum award is based upon Congress funding the program with the maximum annual amount of $150,000,000. If Congress does not fully fund the program for a particular fiscal year, payments under the program will be reduced. In addition, any payments we are eligible to receive may be reduced based upon the volume of applications from other eligible producers. According to the Farm Service Agency, payments under the program in fiscal year 2004 totaled nearly $150,000,000 and approved federal funding for fiscal year 2005 is set at $100,000,000.
We have applied for participation in the Nebraska Employment and Investment Growth Act, which is a tax incentive program used in the State of Nebraska to promote economic development. If we make a capital investment of at least $3,000,000 and create at least 30 new full-time jobs, we expect to receive a 10% investment tax credit and 5% annual job credit. These tax credits may be used against income and/or sales tax. In addition, the program allows a refund on sales tax for capital investments qualified for participation in the program. There is no assurance that we will be eligible to participate in this program or, if approved, that we will receive the benefits currently anticipated.
We plan to apply for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant, which must be used for infrastructure costs. We are also in the process of negotiating a rail infrastructure grant of approximately $500,000 with the Nebraska Northeastern Railroad Company. We have not yet received firm commitments or approvals for either of these grants and we have no assurance that these funds will be available to us.
Last year we applied and were rejected for a project development grant from the USDA in the amount of $400,000. We believe we failed to meet all of the eligibility criteria for the grant because of the early development stage of our project at the time of application. We are eligible to re-apply and did so in June 2005. This grant is highly competitive and we cannot predict whether our reapplication will be successful. Although we may apply under several programs simultaneously and may be awarded grants or other benefits from more than one program, it must be noted that some combinations of programs are mutually exclusive. Under some state and federal programs, awards are not made to applicants in cases where construction on the project has started prior to the award date. There is no guarantee that applications will result in awards of grants or loans.
The state of Nebraska has established a production tax credit of 18 cents per gallon of ethanol produced during a 96 consecutive month period by newly constructed facilities in production prior to June 30, 2004. The tax credit is only available to offset Nebraska motor fuels excise taxes. The tax credit is transferable to third parties. No producer is eligible to receive tax credits for more than 15,625,000 gallons of ethanol produced in one year and no producer will receive tax credits for more than 125 million gallons of ethanol produced over the consecutive 96 month period. As the program is currently structured, we are not eligible for these production tax credits since our plant did not become operational by the June 30, 2004 production deadline. This may cause our plant to be less
26
competitive than other Nebraska plants that are eligible to participate in the program and receive tax credits or cash payments in exchange for transfer of the credits. The program is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2012.
A legislative bill was introduced in the 2005 Nebraska legislature that offered Nebraska ethanol producers a tax credit of 8 cents per gallon of ethanol up to 75 million gallons over 72 consecutive months with a maximum credit of $6,000,000 per plant. The bill has been carried over by the Revenue Committee of the Nebraska Legislature until the 2006 legislative session when it will again be considered by the Nebraska legislature. There is no assurance that the Nebraska legislature will re-introduce similar legislation or any other type of ethanol incentive legislation in its next session or that such legislation, if introduced, will be approved. In addition, we cannot guarantee that our project will be able to benefit from any ethanol incentive program that may be enacted by the Nebraska legislature.
ESTIMATED SOURCES OF FUNDS
The following tables set forth various estimates of our sources of funds, depending upon the amount of units sold to investors and based upon various levels of equity that our lenders may require. The information set forth below represents estimates only and actual sources of funds could vary significantly due to a number of factors, including those described in the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” and elsewhere in this prospectus.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Maximum 4,600 | | | Percent of | |
Sources of Funds(1), (2) and (3) | | Units Sold | | | Total | |
Unit Proceeds | | $ | 46,000,000 | | | | 57.14 | % |
Seed Capital Proceeds | | $ | 975,000 | | | | 1.21 | % |
Term Debt Financing | | $ | 33,525,000 | | | | 41.65 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total Sources of Funds | | $ | 80,500,000 | | | | 100.00 | % |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | If 3,220 | | | Percent of | |
Sources of Funds(1), (2) and (3) | | Units Sold | | | Total | |
Unit Proceeds | | $ | 32,200,000 | | | | 40.00 | % |
Seed Capital Proceeds | | $ | 975,000 | | | | 1.21 | % |
Term Debt Financing | | $ | 47,325,000 | | | | 58.79 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total Sources of Funds | | $ | 80,500,000 | | | | 100.00 | % |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Minimum 1,500 | | | Percent of | |
Sources of Funds(1) , (2) and (3) | | Units Sold | | | Total | |
Unit Proceeds | | $ | 15,000,000 | | | | 18.63 | % |
Seed Capital Proceeds | | $ | 975,000 | | | | 1.21 | % |
Term Debt Financing | | $ | 64,525,000 | | | | 80.16 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total Sources of Funds | | $ | 80,500,000 | | | | 100.00 | % |
| | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | We may receive tax increment financing of $3,000,000, however, we have not yet entered into any written definitive agreements for the tax increment financing anticipated to be provided by the Village of Jackson, Nebraska. If we receive tax increment financing, we expect to reduce the amount of term debt financing necessary for our capitalization by the same amount. |
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(2) | | We may receive grants of $500,000 from each of Northeastern Nebraska Railroad Company and the Community Development Block Grant Program, however, we have not yet entered into any written definitive agreements for these grants. If we receive these grants, we expect to reduce the amount of term debt financing necessary for our capitalization by the same amount. |
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(3) | | We have not assumed any bond financing for purposes of the estimated sources of funds. If we are successful in obtaining bond financing, the amount of bond financing may reduce the level of equity proceeds or term debt financing required to capitalize the project. |
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ESTIMATED USE OF PROCEEDS
The gross proceeds from this offering, before deducting offering expenses, will be $15,000,000 if the minimum amount of equity offered is sold, and $46,000,000 if the maximum number of units offered is sold for $10,000 per unit. We estimate the offering expenses to be approximately $325,0001. Therefore, we estimate the net proceeds of the offering to be $14,675,000 if the minimum amount of equity is raised, and $45,675,000 if the maximum number of units offered is sold.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Maximum Offering | | | Minimum Offering | |
Offering Proceeds ($10,000 per unit) | | $ | 46,000,000 | | | $ | 15,000,000 | |
Less Estimated Offering Expenses | | $ | 325,000 | | | $ | 325,000 | |
Net Proceeds from Offering | | $ | 45,675,000 | | | $ | 14,675,000 | |
We intend to use the net proceeds of the offering to construct and operate a 50 million gallon per year ethanol plant. We must supplement the proceeds of this offering with debt financing to meet our stated goals. We estimate that the total capital expenditures for the construction of the plant will be approximately $80,500,000. The total project cost is a preliminary estimate primarily based upon the experience of our general contractor, Fagen, Inc., with ethanol plants similar to the plant we intend to construct and operate. We expect the total project cost will change from time to time as the project progresses.
The following table describes our proposed use of proceeds. The actual use of funds is based upon contingencies, such as the estimated cost of plant construction, the suitability and cost of the proposed site, the regulatory permits required and the cost of debt financing and inventory costs, which are driven by the market. Therefore, the following figures are intended to be estimates only, and the actual use of funds may vary significantly from the descriptions given below depending on contingencies such as those described above. However, we anticipate that any variation in our use of proceeds will occur in the level of proceeds attributable to a particular use (as set forth below) rather than a change from one of the uses set forth below to a use not identified in this prospectus.
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Percent of | |
Use of Proceeds | | Amount | | | Total | |
|
Plant construction | | $ | 56,619,000 | | | | 70.33 | % |
Land & site development costs | | | 5,230,000 | | | | 6.50 | % |
Railroad | | | 2,760,000 | | | | 3.43 | % |
Fire Protection/Water Supply | | | 2,480,000 | | | | 3.08 | % |
Administrative Building | | | 265,000 | | | | 0.33 | % |
Office Equipment | | | 66,000 | | | | 0.08 | % |
Computers, Software, Network | | | 140,000 | | | | 0.17 | % |
Construction Manager Fees | | | 80,000 | | | | 0.10 | % |
Construction insurance costs | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.12 | % |
Construction contingency | | | 2,810,000 | | | | 3.49 | % |
Capitalized interest | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1.37 | % |
Rolling stock | | | 290,000 | | | | 0.36 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
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| | |
1 | | All of the following offering expenses are estimated, except for the registration fee and blue sky filing fees. |
| | | | |
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee | | $ | 5,415 | |
Legal fees and expenses | | | 150,000 | |
Consulting fees | | | 30,000 | |
Accounting fees | | | 50,000 | |
Blue Sky filing fees | | | 15,500 | |
Printing expenses | | | 15,000 | |
Advertising | | | 56,050 | |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 3,035 | |
| | | |
Total | | $ | 325,000 | |
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| | | | | | | | |
Start up costs: | | | | | | | | |
Financing costs | | | 610,000 | | | | 0.76 | % |
Organization costs(1) | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1.24 | % |
Pre Production period costs | | | 750,000 | | | | 0.93 | % |
Inventory — Spare parts | | | 500,000 | | | | 0.62 | % |
Working capital | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3.73 | % |
Inventory — corn | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1.49 | % |
Inventory — chemicals and ingredients | | | 250,000 | | | | 0.31 | % |
Inventory — Ethanol and DDGS | | | 750,000 | | | | 0.93 | % |
Inventory — Corn Hedged | | | 500,000 | | | | 0.62 | % |
|
Total | | $ | 80,500,000 | | | | 100% | (2) |
| | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Includes estimated offering expenses of $325,000. |
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(2) | | Actual total equals 99.99% due to rounding. |
We expect the total funding required for the plant to be $80,500,000, which includes $56,619,000 to build the plant and $23,881,000 for other project development costs including land, site development, utilities, start-up costs, capitalized fees and interest, inventories and working capital. Our use of proceeds is measured from our date of inception and we have already incurred some of the related expenditures. If the plant is constructed near Jackson, Nebraska, we expect the land to cost approximately $850,000 and site development to cost an additional $4,380,000. Site development primarily consists of site improvements such as dirt work and soil compaction which is currently estimated at approximately $3,050,000. We expect the site to require significant soil compaction in order to provide adequate stabilization for construction of the ethanol facility. Site development also includes utility infrastructure costs of approximately $750,000, and engineering, fencing, hard roads, maintenance and permitting costs of approximately $580,000.
The construction of the plant itself is by far the single largest expense at $56,619,000. We expect Fagen, Inc. will design and build the plant using ICM, Inc., technology. We have a letter of intent with Fagen, Inc., but we have not yet signed a binding definitive agreement for plant construction. Neither Fagen, Inc., nor ICM, Inc., is an affiliate.
If the plant is constructed near Jackson, Nebraska, rail improvements, such as siding and switches may need to be installed at an estimated cost of $2,760,000. The estimated cost of the administration building and furnishings is $265,000. Total estimated construction costs including bringing utilities and rail to the site are $67,089,000 or $1.34 per gallon of annual denatured ethanol production capacity, assuming full capacity production.
In addition to the cost to build the ethanol plant and bring rail and utilities to the site, we will need to incur other significant costs to build and operate the facility successfully. Start-up inventories of ethanol, corn, distillers grains, chemicals, yeast, denaturant and spare parts are estimated to be $3,200,000. Other start-up costs, including working capital, are estimated at $3,750,000. We are estimating funds under the heading, “Construction Insurance and Construction Contingency” to cover anticipated costs associated with insurance coverage and construction contingencies of approximately $2,910,000. These amounts are based on estimates only and our actual costs may exceed the budgeted amount.
For purposes of estimating capitalized interest and financing costs, we have assumed debt financing of approximately $43,325,000. We determined this amount of debt financing based upon an assumed equity amount of $32,200,000, grants totaling $1,000,000, tax increment financing of $3,000,000 and seed capital proceeds of $975,000. If any of these assumptions changed, we would need to revise the level of term debt accordingly. Loan interest during construction will be capitalized and is estimated to be approximately $1,100,000, based upon term debt of $43,325,000. We have estimated our financing costs of $570,000 based upon this same level of term debt. In this section of the prospectus, we have estimated our debt financing at approximately $43,325,000, rather than $47,325,000 for purposes of estimating our capitalized interest and financing costs, since we believe it is likely that we will receive grants of $1,000,000 and tax increment financing of $3,000,000, which will reduce our total debt
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financing by $4,000,000. Any change in our assumptions, including the amount of tax increment financing and/or grants we receive, could result in higher than estimated capitalized interest and financing costs.
Organizational costs, including, but not limited to offering expenses of $325,000, are estimated to be $1,000,000. The total project cost is estimated at $80,500,000 or $1.61 per gallon of annual denatured ethanol production capacity at 50 million gallons per year.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
We are a development-stage Nebraska limited liability company formed on August 12, 2004 for the purpose of raising capital to develop, construct, own and operate a 50 million gallon dry mill corn-based ethanol plant near Jackson, Nebraska. Based upon engineering specifications from Fagen, Inc., we expect the ethanol plant to process approximately 18.5 million bushels of corn per year into 50 million gallons of denatured fuel grade ethanol, 160,000 tons of dried distillers grains with solubles and 110,200 tons of raw carbon dioxide gas.
The following diagram from Fagen, Inc. depicts the plant we anticipate building:

1. | | Ethanol storage tanks: Two ethanol storage tanks. Three tanks used for 190 proof ethanol and 200 proof undenatured ethanol and denaturant. All of the described tanks will be within a retention berm. |
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2. | | Administration Building: This building will have brick and/or siding on the exterior and will be approximately 2,700 square feet. |
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3. | | DDGS Building: This will be a steel sided building and will be 21,875 square feet. All dry distillers grain will be stored in this building. |
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4. | | Grain Receiving Building: The building will be a steel sided building 165 feet long by 65 feet wide and approximately 40 feet tall. There will be two truck bays and one rail bay. |
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5. | | Cement Corn Silos:Two 200,000 bushel silos and two 15,000 bushel per hour legs. |
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6. | | Fermentation Tanks:Three fermentation tanks and one beer well. |
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7. | | Main Process Building:Structural steel frame building housing tanks, pumps and heat exchangers as well as a control room and laboratory. Total square footage is approximately 25,000 feet. |
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8. | | Two Methanator Tanks. |
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9. | | Thermal Oxidizer Stack: Approximately 125 feet tall. The exact height will depend on air modeling and input from the DNR. |
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10. | | Distillation and Evaporation Center.
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11. | | Stillage and Syrup Tanks. |
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12. | | Energy Center: Structural steel building totaling approximately 13,750 square feet housing both of the DDGS dryers and the Thermal Oxidizer. |
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13. | | Cooling Tower: Four cell induced draft cooling tower. |
Primary Product — Ethanol
Ethanol is a chemical produced by the fermentation of sugars found in grains and other biomass. Ethanol can be produced from a number of different types of grains, such as wheat and milo, as well as from agricultural waste products such as rice hulls, cheese whey, potato waste, brewery and beverage wastes and forestry and paper wastes. However, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, approximately 85 percent of ethanol in the United States today is produced from corn, and approximately 90 percent of ethanol is produced from a corn and other input mix. Corn produces large quantities of carbohydrates, which convert into glucose more easily than most other kinds of biomass. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated domestic ethanol production at approximately 3.25 billion gallons in 2004. We anticipate entering into an agreement with a company to market our ethanol, however, we have not yet negotiated or discussed the terms of an ethanol marketing agreement with any ethanol marketing company.
We anticipate that our business will be that of the production and marketing of ethanol and distillers dried grains. We do not have any other lines of business or other sources of revenue if we are unable to complete the construction and operation of the plant, or if we are not able to market ethanol and its by-products.
Description of Dry Mill Process
Our plant will produce ethanol by processing corn. The corn will be received by rail and by truck, then weighed and unloaded in a receiving building. It will then be transported to storage bins. Thereafter, it will be converted to a scalper to remove rocks and debris before it is transported to a hammermill or grinder where it is grounded into a mash and conveyed into a slurry tank for enzymatic processing. Then, water, heat and enzymes are added to break the ground grain into a fine slurry. The slurry will be heated for sterilization and pumped to a liquefaction tank where additional enzymes are added. Next, the grain slurry is pumped into fermenters, where yeast is added, to begin a batch fermentation process. A vacuum distillation system will divide the alcohol from the grain mash. Alcohol is then transported through a rectifier column, a side stripper and a molecular sieve system where it is dehydrated. The 200 proof alcohol is then pumped to farm shift tanks and blended with five percent denaturant, usually gasoline, as it is pumped into storage tanks. The 200 proof alcohol and five percent denaturant constitute ethanol.
Corn mash from the distillation stripper is pumped into one of several decanter-type centrifuges for dewatering. The water (“thin stillage”) is then pumped from the centrifuges to an evaporator where it is dried into thick syrup. The solids that exit the centrifuge or evaporators (the “wet cake”) are conveyed to the distillers dried grains dryer system. Syrup is added to the wet cake as it enters the dryer, where moisture is removed. The process will produce distillers grains, which is processed corn mash that can be used as animal feed.
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The following chart provided by the Renewable Fuels Association, illustrates the dry mill process:
Thermal Oxidizer
Ethanol plants such as ours may produce odors in the production of ethanol and its primary by-product, distillers dried grains with solubles, which some people may find to be unpleasant. We intend to eliminate odors by routing dryer emissions through thermal oxidizers. Based upon materials and information from ICM, Inc., we expect thermal oxidation to significantly reduce any unpleasant odors caused by the ethanol and distillers grains manufacturing process. We expect thermal oxidation, which burns emissions, will eliminate a significant amount of the volatile organic carbon compounds in emissions that cause odor in the drying process and allow us to meet the applicable permitting requirements. We also expect this addition to the ethanol plant to reduce the risk of possible nuisance claims and any related negative public reaction against us.
By-Products
The principal by-product of the ethanol production process is distillers grains, a high protein, high-energy animal feed supplement primarily marketed to the dairy and beef industry. Distillers grains contain bypass protein that is superior to other protein supplements such as cottonseed meal and soybean meal. According to a 1986 study by the University of Nebraska reported in “Nebraska Company Extension Study MP51 — Distillers Grains,” bypass proteins are more digestible to the animal, thus generating greater lactation in milk cows and greater weight gain in beef cattle. Dry mill ethanol processing creates three forms of distillers grains: distillers wet grains with solubles (“distillers wet grains”), distillers modified wet grains with solubles (“distillers modified wet grains”) and distillers dry grains. Distillers wet grains is processed corn mash that contains approximately 70% moisture and has a shelf life of approximately three days. Therefore, it can be sold only to farms within the immediate vicinity of an ethanol plant. Distillers modified wet grains are distillers wet grains that have been dried to approximately 50% moisture. It has a slightly longer shelf life of approximately three weeks and is often sold to nearby markets. Distillers dried
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grains are distillers wet grains that have been dried to 10% moisture. Distillers dried grains has an almost indefinite shelf life and may be sold and shipped to any market regardless of its proximity to an ethanol plant.
We plan to initially market our distillers grains to the local livestock markets surrounding the plant, however, if the local livestock markets prove insufficient to absorb our distillers grains at the prices we desire, we will engage a company to market our distillers grains nationally. We have not yet discussed or negotiated the terms of a distillers grains marketing agreement with any distillers grains marketing company.
The plant is expected to produce approximately 110,200 tons annually of raw carbon dioxide as another by-product of the ethanol production process according to Fagen, Inc.’s engineering specifications. At this time, we do not intend to capture and market our carbon dioxide gas.
Corn Feedstock Supply
We anticipate that our plant will need approximately 18.5 million bushels of grain per year for our dry milling process. The corn supply for our plant will be obtained primarily from local markets. Traditionally, corn grown in the area has been fed locally to livestock or exported for feeding or processing. Our feasibility study indicated that in the year 2003, the six county area surrounding the anticipated location of our plant produced approximately 90.7 million bushels of corn. The chart below describes the amount of corn grown in Dakota and surrounding counties for 2000 through 2003 based upon the information gathered in our feasibility study:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2003 Corn | | 2002 Corn | | 2001 Corn | | 2000 Corn |
| | Production | | Production | | Production | | Production |
County | | (bushels) | | (bushels) | | (bushels) | | (bushels) |
Woodbury, IA | | | 28,100,000 | | | | 29,240,000 | | | | 23,528,000 | | | | 20,881,000 | |
Cedar, NE | | | 16,799,000 | | | | 13,273,000 | | | | 18,953,000 | | | | 15,842,000 | |
Dakota, NE | | | 8,626,000 | | | | 6,230,000 | | | | 7,526,000 | | | | 6,412,000 | |
Dixon, NE | | | 9,477,000 | | | | 8,773,000 | | | | 9,765,000 | | | | 9,025,000 | |
Thurston, NE | | | 13,008,000 | | | | 9,832,000 | | | | 11,166,000 | | | | 8,476,000 | |
Wayne, NE | | | 14,701,000 | | | | 11,362,000 | | | | 14,840,000 | | | | 8,874,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 90,711,000 | | | | 78,710,000 | | | | 85,778,000 | | | | 69,510,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
We will be dependent on the availability and price of corn. The price at which we will purchase corn will depend on prevailing market prices. Although the area surrounding the plant produces a significant amount of corn and we do not anticipate problems sourcing corn, there is no assurance that a shortage will not develop, particularly if there are other ethanol plants competing for corn, an extended drought or other production problem. In addition, our financial projections assume that we can purchase grain for prices near the ten-year average for corn in the area of the plant. Our feasibility study states that the average price of corn in this same six-county area over the last ten years is $2.26 per bushel. The following chart shows the ten-year average corn price in the six-county area surrounding our plant:
| | | | |
| | 10-Year Average | |
County | | Corn Price ($/Bu.) | |
Woodbury, IA | | $ | 2.26 | |
Cedar, NE | | $ | 2.32 | |
Dakota, NE | | $ | 2.30 | |
Dixon, NE | | $ | 2.20 | |
Thurston, NE | | $ | 2.23 | |
Wayne. NE | | $ | 2.25 | |
| | | |
Total / Avg. | | $ | 2.26 | |
| | | |
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Grain prices are primarily dependent on world feedstuffs supply and demand and on U.S. and global corn crop production, which can be volatile as a result of a number of factors, the most important of which are weather, current and anticipated stocks and prices, export prices and supports and the government’s current and anticipated agricultural policy. We note that historical grain pricing information indicates that the price of grain has fluctuated significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future. Because the market price of ethanol is not related to grain prices, ethanol producers are generally not able to compensate for increases in the cost of grain feedstock through adjustments in prices charged for their ethanol. We, therefore, anticipate that our plant’s profitability will be negatively impacted during periods of high corn prices.
Grain origination and risk management
We anticipate establishing ongoing business relationships with local farmers and grain elevators to acquire the corn needed for the project. We have no contracts, agreements or understandings with any grain producer in the area. Although we anticipate procuring grains from these sources, there can be no assurance that such grains can be procured on acceptable terms, or if at all.
We expect to hire a commodities manager to ensure the consistent scheduling of corn deliveries and to establish and fill forward contracts through grain elevators. The commodities manager will utilize forward contracting and hedging strategies, including certain derivative instruments such as futures and option contracts, to manage our commodity risk exposure and optimize finished product pricing on our behalf. We anticipate that most of our grain will be acquired in this manner. Forward contracts allow us to purchase corn for future delivery at fixed prices without using the futures market. The corn futures market allows us to trade in standard units of corn for delivery at specific times in the future. Option contracts consist of call options (options to purchase a fixed amount of a commodity) and put options (options to sell a fixed amount of a commodity). We expect to use a combination of these derivative instruments in our hedging strategies to help guard against corn price volatility. Hedging means protecting the price at which we buy corn and the price at which we will sell our products in the future. It is a way to attempt to reduce the risk caused by price fluctuation. The effectiveness of such hedging activities will depend on, among other things, the cost of corn and our ability to sell enough ethanol and distillers grains to use all of the corn subject to futures and option contracts we have purchased as part of our hedging strategy. Although we will attempt to link hedging activities to sales plans and pricing activities, such hedging activities themselves can result in costs because price movements in corn contracts are highly volatile and are influenced by many factors that are beyond our control. We may incur such costs and they may be significant.
Ethanol Markets
Ethanol has important applications. Primarily, ethanol can be used as an oxygenate capable of reducing air pollution and improving automobile performance. The ethanol industry is heavily dependent on several economic incentives to produce ethanol.
Local ethanol markets
Local markets will be limited and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Although local markets will be the easiest to service, they may be oversold, which depresses the ethanol price.
Regional ethanol markets
Typically, a regional market is one that is outside of the local market, yet within the neighboring states. It is our belief that the regional markets will be located within a 450-mile radius of the ethanol plant and will be serviced by rail. Because ethanol use results in less air pollution than regular gasoline, regional markets typically include large cities that are subject to anti-smog measures in either carbon monoxide or ozone non-attainment areas, such as Chicago, St. Louis, Denver, and Minneapolis. We expect to reach these regional markets by delivering ethanol to the Williams Pipeline Terminal located in Sioux City, Iowa, which is approximately 20 miles from our prospective plant site. The Williams Pipeline Terminal blends ethanol to E-10 and E-85 gasoline and transports the blended
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gasoline to retail outlets in these regional markets. We expect to use the terminal to deliver ethanol to its end-users rather than selling our ethanol to a broker at the terminal. We intend to use a group-marketing program because of management’s belief that group marketing programs are better equipped to negotiate and handle transportation logistics and achieve competitive netback prices for our ethanol.
Regional pricing tends to follow national pricing less the freight difference. As with national markets, the use of a group-marketing program or a broker is advantageous, especially in the first one to three years of operation.
In addition to rail, we may try to service this market by truck. Occasionally, there are opportunities to obtain backhaul rates from local trucking companies. These are rates that are reduced since the truck is loaded both ways. Normally, the trucks drive to the refined fuels terminals empty and load gasoline product for delivery. A backhaul is the opportunity to load the truck with ethanol to return to the terminal.
National ethanol markets
After implementing a methyl tertiary butyl ether (“MTBE”) ban to curtail further water contamination, the states of California, New York and Connecticut now account for more than 1.4 billion gallons of annual ethanol demand. MTBE is a commonly used oxygenate used in fuels for compliance with Federal Clean Air Act mandates, and is a major competitor of ethanol. Ethanol is the most readily available substitute for MTBE in this market. Twenty other state legislatures have phased out MTBE. We expect ethanol to replace MTBE as the oxygenate in the federal reformulated gasoline program, however, other MTBE replacements may capture a portion or all of these potential markets.
In June 2001, California requested a waiver from the reformulated gasoline (“RFG”) oxygenate requirement under the Clean Air Act. This means that rather than using ethanol as an alternative oxygenate to MTBE, California is seeking to be released from federal requirements to use any oxygenates at all. The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) initially denied the request. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s July 2003 decision overturned that denial and remanding the decision back to the EPA for further review. Since the Court’s decision, California has reissued its appeal to the EPA. In June 2005, the EPA denied California’s waiver request after determining that the petition for waiver submitted by California failed to meet the waiver requirements outlined in the Clean Air Act.
The states of New York and Georgia have also filed requests for waiver of the oxygenate requirement. New York’s waiver request was denied in June 2005, because its waiver petition failed to meet the waiver requirements outlined in the Clean Air Act. The EPA denied Georgia’s request for a waiver. Georgia has appealed the decision in both the district court and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. In November 2004, the district court affirmed the EPA’s decision to impose a RFG requirement in Atlanta but stayed the program until the 11th Circuit Court could hear the state’s appeal. The cases have been consolidated and a ruling is anticipated by the end of 2005. Until a ruling is issued, the RFG program in Atlanta will be delayed. Atlanta’s ethanol market is currently estimated to be approximately 250 million gallons per year.
General Ethanol Demand and Supply
Today’s ethanol demand of more than 3.57 billion gallons per year is expected to grow to at least 4 billion gallons per year by the year 2012 under current law according to the National Corn Growers Association. This increase in demand does not include the implementation of a Renewable Fuels Standard or similar legislation, which could cause the increase in demand to be greater than currently projected. If the use of MTBE is phased out on a national level in the next few years and the RFG oxygenate requirement remains unchanged, the anticipated growth may yield an increase in ethanol demand sooner than currently anticipated.
We expect to benefit from federal ethanol supports and federal tax incentives. Changes to these supports or incentives could significantly impact demand for our ethanol. If a Renewable Fuels Standard (“RFS”) bill or similar legislation is signed into law, we expect it will create a substantial long-term market for our ethanol as required volumes increase over time. As of the date of this prospectus, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 containing an RFS standard. The RFS requires the use of 4.0
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billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2006, increasing to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. The bill has been sent to President Bush, who has indicated that he will sign the measure into law, however, there is no assurance or guarantee that he will do so.
Demand for ethanol may also increase as a result of increased consumption of E85 fuel. E85 fuel is a blend of 70% to 85% ethanol and gasoline. According to the Energy Information Administration, E85 consumption is projected to increase from a national total of 11 million gallons in 2003 to 47 million gallons in 2025. E85 is used as an aviation fuel and as a hydrogen source for fuel cells. In the U.S., there are currently about 3 million flexible fuel vehicles capable of operating on E85 and 400 retail stations supplying it. Automakers have indicated plans to produce an estimated 2 million more flexible fuel vehicles per year.
The following chart illustrates the Energy Information Administration’s estimated ethanol demand through year 2025, assuming no Renewable Fuels Standard legislation is enacted. These estimates could change significantly depending on changes in federal and state legislation and other market forces:
Ethanol production and consumption have been steadily increasing over the last six years. Within the last 18 months, the increase has accelerated as additional plants became operational. The chart below, prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy, illustrates the increase in ethanol stocks and consumption since 1996:
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In the future, the combination of additional supply, successful challenges to the clean air standards and stagnant or reduced demand may adversely affect our profit margin and our ability to maintain positive cash flows. Figure 100 illustrates the Energy Information Administration’s projected ethanol production through year 2025 including ethanol produced from cellulose biomass such as wood and agricultural residues:

Ethanol supply is also affected by ethanol produced or processed in certain countries in Central America and the Caribbean region. Ethanol produced in these countries is eligible for tariff reduction or elimination upon importation to the United States under a program known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (“CBI”). Large ethanol producers, such as Cargill, have expressed interest in building dehydration plants in participating Caribbean Basin countries, such as El Salvador, which would convert ethanol into fuel-grade ethanol for shipment to the United States. Ethanol imported from Caribbean Basin countries may be a less expensive alternative to domestically produced ethanol. The International Trade Commission recently announced the 2005 CBI import quota of 240.4
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million gallons of ethanol. Last year, legislation was introduced in the Senate that would limit the transshipment of ethanol through the CBI. It is possible that similar legislation will be introduced this year, however, there is no assurance or guarantee that such legislation will be introduced or that it will be successfully passed.
Ethanol Pricing
Ethanol prices tend to track the wholesale gasoline price plus the federal tax incentive, which is currently 51 cents per gallon. Ethanol price histories for the nearby regional markets for our proposed plant are presented in the following chart and table:
In March 2005, the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”) began trading Denatured Fuel Ethanol futures contracts. The ethanol contract was created by the CBOT to provide a transparent price discovery mechanism to address the growing demand for an effective hedging instrument for domestically produced ethanol. Since we expect to engage a third party marketing firm to sell all of our ethanol we do not expect to directly use the new ethanol futures contract. However, it is possible that any ethanol marketing firm we engage may use the new ethanol futures contracts to manage ethanol price volatility.
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Federal Ethanol Supports
Ethanol has important applications, primarily as a high quality octane enhancer and an oxygenate capable of reducing air pollution and improving automobile performance. Ethanol contains 35% oxygen by weight. When combined with gasoline, ethanol acts as an oxygenate. As a result, the gasoline burns cleaner, and releases less carbon monoxide and other exhaust emissions into the atmosphere. The federal government encourages the use of oxygenated gasoline as a measure to protect the environment. Oxygenated gasoline is commonly referred to as reformulated gasoline.
The ethanol industry is heavily dependent on several economic incentives to produce ethanol, including federal ethanol supports. Ethanol sales have been favorably affected by the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990, particularly the Federal Oxygen Program which became effective November 1, 1992. The Federal Oxygen Program requires the sale of oxygenated motor fuels during the winter months in certain major metropolitan areas to reduce carbon monoxide pollution. Ethanol use has increased due to a second Clean Air Act program, the Reformulated Gasoline Program. This program became effective January 1, 1995, and requires the sale of reformulated gasoline in nine major urban areas to reduce pollutants, including those that contribute to ground level ozone, better known as smog. Increasingly stricter EPA regulations are expected to increase the number of metropolitan areas deemed in non-compliance with Clean Air Standards, which could increase the demand for ethanol.
The 109th Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and it has been sent to President Bush for signing. He has indicated that he will sign the bill, however, there is no guarantee that he will do so. The bill contains a RFS requiring the use of 4 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2006, increasing to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. The RFS would be largely met by adding ethanol to gasoline.
The government’s regulation of the environment changes constantly. It is possible that more stringent federal or state environmental rules or regulations could be adopted, which could increase our operating costs and expenses. It also is possible that federal or state environmental rules or regulations could be adopted that could have an adverse effect on the use of ethanol. For example, changes in the environmental regulations regarding the required oxygen content of automobile emissions could have an adverse effect on the ethanol industry. Furthermore, plant operations likely will be governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). OSHA regulations may change such that the costs of the operation of the plant may increase. Any of these regulatory factors may result in higher costs or other materially adverse conditions effecting our operations, cash flows and financial performance.
The use of ethanol as an oxygenate to blend with fuel to comply with federal mandates also has been aided by federal tax policy. The Energy Tax Act of 1978 exempted ethanol blended gasoline from the federal gas tax as a means of stimulating the development of a domestic ethanol industry and mitigating the country’s dependence on foreign oil. As amended, the federal tax exemption allowed the market price of ethanol to compete with the price of domestic gasoline. The exemption for a 10% ethanol blend was the equivalent of providing a per gallon “equalization” payment that allowed blenders to pay more for ethanol than the wholesale price of gasoline and still retain profit margins equal to those received upon the sale of gasoline that is not blended with ethanol. The federal gasoline tax exemption for a 10% ethanol blend was 5.2 cents per gallon. This exemption was scheduled to gradually drop to 5.1 cents per gallon in 2005, however, as of January 1, 2005, this federal tax incentive has been replaced by a new volumetric ethanol excise tax credit discussed below.
On October 22, 2004, President Bush signed H.R. 4520, which contained the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (“VEETC”) and amended the federal excise tax structure effective as of January 1, 2005. Prior to VEETC, ethanol-blended fuel was taxed at a lower rate than regular gasoline (13.2 cents on a 10% blend). Under VEETC, the ethanol excise tax exemption has been eliminated, thereby allowing the full federal excise tax of 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline to be collected on all gasoline and allocated to the highway trust fund. This is expected to add approximately $1.4 billion to the highway trust fund revenue annually. In place of the exemption, the bill creates a new volumetric ethanol excise tax credit of 5.1 cents per gallon of ethanol blended at 10%. Refiners and gasoline blenders apply for this credit on the same tax form as before only it is a credit from general revenue, not the highway trust fund. Based on volume, the VEETC is expected to allow much greater refinery flexibility in blending ethanol since it makes the tax credit available on all ethanol blended with all gasoline, diesel and ethyl tertiary butyl ether
39
(“ETBE”), including ethanol in E-85 and the proposed E-20 in Minnesota. The VEETC is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010.
The ethanol industry and our business depend upon continuation of the federal ethanol supports discussed above. These incentives have supported a market for ethanol that might disappear without the incentives. Alternatively, the incentives may be continued at lower levels than at which they currently exist. The elimination or reduction of such federal ethanol supports would make it more costly for us to sell our ethanol and would likely reduce our net income and the value of your investment.
Project Location and Proximity to Markets
We anticipate building our plant near Jackson, Nebraska, in eastern Nebraska.We reserve the right, in the sole discretion of our board of directors, to select a different location for the plant. We have purchased three real estate options on three separate parcels that we expect will constitute our final plant site. On November 5, 2004, we acquired a real estate option from Charles Wenther, a resident of Nebraska, to purchase approximately 50 acres of land one mile west of Jackson, Nebraska. We paid $1,000 for this option. Under the option agreement, we may purchase up to 50 acres at a purchase price of $8,000 per acre. We have until December 31, 2005 to exercise the option. On February 16, 2005, we acquired another real estate option from Mr. Wenther for approximately another seven acres, including a residence and other farm buildings, adjacent to the 50-acre parcel for which we previously purchased an option on. We paid $2,500 for this option and we have until December 31, 2005, to exercise the option, which allows us to purchase the seven acre parcel with the residence and farm buildings for a total purchase price of $250,000. On January 7, 2005, we purchased a real estate option from John R. Ryan, a resident of Nebraska, to purchase approximately eight acres of land adjacent to the Wenther real estate at a price of $8,000 per acre. We paid $1,000 for this option which expires on December 31, 2005. We also paid Mr. Ryan $1,500 to compensate him for the loss of cash rent on the parcel during the upcoming 2005 crop year. The Ryan option was necessary to accommodate the rail infrastructure we expect will be necessary to connect the plant to the mainline railway. Each of these options allows us the discretion to extend the option period for two 90-day periods. Each of the agreements also allows us to apply the option price towards the total purchase price in the event we exercise the option, provided that we do so prior to December 31, 2005. If we extend the option on the real estate containing a residence and farm buildings owned by Mr. Wenther, we must compensate him an additional $2,000 for each 90-day extension period that we utilize.
We purchased these options making up our anticipated plant site because of the site’s location relative to existing grain production, accessibility to road and rail transportation, and its proximity to major population centers. The site is near a rail line serviced by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad through its shortline partner Nebraska Northeastern Railway. In addition, the site is also in close proximity to State Highway 20, which runs across the northern half of Nebraska. On November 12, 2004, we also purchased from Gary Nelson, a resident of Nebraska, a real estate option on an alternative potential plant site approximately 4 miles west of Jackson, Nebraska. We paid $1,000 for this real estate option which allows us to purchase approximately 33 acres at a purchase price of $8,500 per acre. This option expires in December 2005. We currently do not expect to exercise this option: however, we reserve the right to change our project location if we think it is in our best interest to do so.
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The map below shows the approximate location of our proposed plant site:
The following is a map of our proposed plant site in greater detail:
41
There can be no assurance that we will not encounter environmental hazardous conditions such as groundwater or other subsurface contamination at the plant site. We are relying on Fagen, Inc. to determine the adequacy of the site for construction of the ethanol plant. We may encounter environmental hazardous conditions at the chosen site that may delay the construction of the ethanol plant. We do not expect that Fagen, Inc. will be responsible for any environmental hazardous conditions encountered at the site. Upon encountering an environmental hazardous condition, Fagen, Inc. may suspend work in the affected area. If we receive notice of an environmental hazardous condition, we may be required to correct the condition prior to continuing construction. The presence of an environmental hazardous condition will likely delay construction of the ethanol plant and may require significant expenditure of our resources to correct the condition. In addition, it is anticipated that Fagen, Inc. will be entitled to an adjustment in price if it has been adversely affected by the environmental hazardous condition. If we encounter any environmental hazardous conditions during construction that require time or money to correct, such event may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial performance.
Transportation and delivery
The plant will have the facilities to receive grain by truck and rail and to load ethanol and distillers grains onto trucks and rail cars. We expect that the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad/Nebraska Northeastern Railway will provide rail service to the proposed site. However, we will still need to establish rail access directly to the plant from the main rail line. The estimated cost of this rail infrastructure is approximately $2,160,000, which includes a 35 car-length ethanol pick-up track. We anticipate that the Nebraska Northeastern Railway may provide us with a rail infrastructure grant or construct the rail infrastructure and allow us to use it at no cost in exchange for our commitment to use the Nebraska Northeastern Railway to ship ethanol from the plant. We have discussed with the Nebraska Northeastern Railway the terms of a proposed agreement but we have not yet entered into any written agreement with the Nebraska Northeastern Railway and there is no assurance that they will provide us with a grant or with the use of any rail infrastructure they may install.
We have engaged Antioch International, Inc. of Elkhorn, Nebraska, to assist us with the rail engineering and design services necessary to install rail infrastructure for a 50 million gallon per year ethanol plant. The three phases of rail engineering services include Phase 1 — Study and Report, Phase 2 — Preliminary Design and Phase 3- Final Design. Phase 1 services will be paid on an hourly basis not to exceed a total of $5,000. Phase 2 and 3 services will be a fixed fee totaling 3% of track construction costs estimated for a 50 million gallon per year ethanol plant as described in the Phase 1 Study and Report. We expect the Phase 3 Final Design to be sufficient to obtain approval from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and Nebraska Northeastern Railway, however, there is no assurance or guarantee that we will obtain the necessary approval.
Utilities
The production of ethanol is a very energy intensive process that uses significant amounts of electricity and natural gas. Water supply and quality are also important considerations. We plan to enter into agreements with local gas, electric, and water utilities to provide our needed energy and water. There can be no assurance that those utilities will be able to reliably supply the gas, electricity, and water that we need.
If there is an interruption in the supply of energy or water for any reason, such as supply, delivery, or mechanical problems, we may be required to halt production. If production is halted for an extended period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, and financial performance.
Natural gas
The plant will produce process steam from its own boiler system and dry the distillers dried grains by-product via a direct gas-fired dryer. According to engineering specifications, we anticipate that our plant will require a natural gas supply of approximately 4,400 Million British Thermal Units (“MMBtu”) per day when drying. If the direct gas-fired dryer operates 100% of the time for an entire year, the plant could consume approximately 1,600,000 MMBtu per year.
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We expect to enter into an agreement with Northern Natural Gas to provide natural gas to the plant, however, we have not yet negotiated, reviewed or executed any natural gas agreement. To access sufficient supplies of natural gas to operate the plant, a dedicated lateral pipeline from the Northern Natural Gas interstate natural gas pipeline located near the property will be necessary. Natural gas prices have historically fluctuated dramatically, which could significantly affect the profitability of our operations. Natural gas accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of the total production cost of ethanol. Recently, natural gas prices have risen from approximately $3.00/mcf to nearly $5.00/mcf. Overall, this change in price has added about $0.08 per gallon to the production cost of ethanol. Based upon our anticipated usage volumes, we expect our natural gas costs will be approximately $8,000,000 per year.
Electricity
Based on engineering specifications, we anticipate the proposed plant will require approximately 4.5 million kilowatt of electricity at peak demand. In the State of Nebraska, electricity is supplied by Nebraska Public Power District, a utility owned by the people of Nebraska. Nebraska Public Power District has high voltage 69kV level transmission lines located on easements on our anticipated plant site that may be available to supply us with an on-site substation at primary voltage. We have not yet negotiated, reviewed or executed any agreement with Nebraska Public Power District to provide electricity to the site. We have entered into an agreement with U.S. Energy Services, Inc. to help manage our energy supplies. The price at which we will be able to purchase electric services has not yet been determined.
Water
We will require a significant supply of water. Engineering specifications show our plant water requirements to be approximately 384 gallons per minute. That is approximately 552,960 gallons per day. We anticipate drilling two 700 gallon per minute wells at the site to handle our water needs. Soil borings performed at each prospective plant location indicate the presence of an adequate water supply. We have also reviewed state well logs for each site that document a shallow aquifer available at a depth of 8 to 25 feet and the Dakota Acquifer that is accessible at depths of 100 to 200 feet.
Much of the water used in an ethanol plant is recycled back into the process. There are, however, certain areas of production where fresh water is needed. Those areas include boiler makeup water and cooling tower water. Boiler makeup water is treated on-site to minimize all elements that will harm the boiler and recycled water cannot be used for this process. Cooling tower water is deemed non-contact water because it does not come in contact with the mash, and, therefore, can be regenerated back into the cooling tower process. The makeup water requirements for the cooling tower are primarily a result of evaporation. Depending on the type of technology utilized in the plant design, much of the water can be recycled back into the process, which will minimize the discharge water. This will have long-term effect of lowering wastewater treatment costs. Many new plants today are zero or near zero effluent facilities. We anticipate our plant design incorporating the ICM/Phoenix Bio-Methanator wastewater treatment process resulting in a zero discharge of plant process water. Based upon the water quality in Dakota County, we estimate that there will be 75 gallons per minute of non-contact cooling water discharge.
Methane Gas
We believe our location west of Jackson, Nebraska, may provide a unique opportunity to utilize methane gas as an energy source in operating our plant. Our prospective plant site property is adjacent to the third largest landfill in Nebraska, which currently contains over two and one-half million tons of methane producing solid waste. Based upon our investigation of other methane gas powered facilities including a methane gas powered ethanol plant owned by Abengoa Bioenergy Corp., near Colwich, Kansas, methane gas can be effectively transported a distance of up to 10 miles from its source location. Accordingly, if we decide to locate the plant at our alternative site which is four miles from the landfill, we believe that we could transport the methane gas from the landfill to the alternative site.
The collection and utilization of methane gas may provide a clean-burning energy source that would reduce emissions from the landfill and provide an alternative energy source for our plant. Landfill gas is created as solid
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waste decomposes in a landfill. This gas consists of about 50% methane, the primary component of natural gas, about 50% carbon dioxide and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds. Instead of allowing the landfill gas to escape into the air, it can be captured, converted and used as an energy source by extracting the gas from the landfill using a series of wells and a blower/flare or vacuum system. This system directs the collected gas to a central point where it can be process and treated depending on the ultimate use of the gas. The use of the less costly methane gas could offset a portion of the higher cost of the natural gas required for thermal applications such as the thermal oxidizer. Although our plant will be initially designed to operate primarily on natural gas, it will also have the capability to utilize methane produced by the plant in its production process. We believe there is minimal additional cost to design and operate gas-fired equipment with methane gas from other sources. We will continue to explore the feasibility of this option.
Our Primary Competition
We will be in direct competition with numerous other ethanol producers, many of whom have greater resources than we do. We also expect that additional ethanol producers will enter the market if the demand for ethanol continues to increase. Our plant will compete with other ethanol producers on the basis of price, and to a lesser extent, delivery service. We believe that we can compete favorably with other ethanol producers due to our proximity to the Williams Pipeline Terminal, rail access and ample grain supplies at favorable prices. Our proximity to a large local livestock market may also allow us to compete favorably in marketing our distillers grains as animal feed ingredients.
According to the Renewable Fuels Association, during the last 20 years, ethanol production capacity in the United States has grown from almost nothing to an estimated 3.9 billion gallons per year. Plans to construct new plants or to expand existing plants have been announced which would increase capacity by approximately 1,002 million gallons per year. This increase in capacity may continue in the future. We cannot determine the effect of this type of an increase upon the demand or price of ethanol.
The ethanol industry has grown to over 90 production facilities in the United States. The largest ethanol producers include Abengoa Bioenergy Corp., Archer Daniels Midland, Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc., Cargill, Inc., New Energy Corp. and VeraSun Energy Corporation, all of which are capable of producing more ethanol than we expect to produce. In addition, there are several regional entities recently formed, or in the process of formation, of similar size and with similar resources to ours. Nebraska currently has 11 ethanol plants producing an aggregate of 527 million gallons of ethanol per year.
The following table identifies most of the producers in the United States along with their production capacities.
U.S. FUEL ETHANOL PRODUCTION CAPACITY
million gallons per year (mmgy)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Under |
| | | | | | Current | | Construction/ |
| | | | | | Capacity | | Expansions |
COMPANY | | LOCATION | | FEEDSTOCK | | (mmgy) | | (mmgy) |
Abengoa Bioenergy Corp. | | York, NE | | Corn/milo | | | 55 | | | | | |
| | Colwich, KS | | | | | 25 | | | | | |
| | Portales, NM | | | | | 15 | | | | 15 | |
ACE Ethanol, LLC | | Stanley, WI | | Corn | | | 30 | | | | | |
Adkins Energy, LLC* | | Lena, IL | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
AGP* | | Hastings, NE | | Corn | | | 52 | | | | | |
Agra Resources Coop. d.b.a. EXOL* | | Albert Lea, MN | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Agri-Energy, LLC* | | Luverne, MN | | Corn | | | 21 | | | | | |
Alchem Ltd. LLLP | | Grafton, ND | | Corn | | | 10.5 | | | | | |
Al-Corn Clean Fuel* | | Claremont, MN | | Corn | | | 30 | | | | | |
Amaizing Energy, LLC*^ | | Denison, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 40 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Under |
| | | | | | Current | | Construction/ |
| | | | | | Capacity | | Expansions |
COMPANY | | LOCATION | | FEEDSTOCK | | (mmgy) | | (mmgy) |
Archer Daniels Midland | | Decatur, IL | | Corn | | | 1070 | | | | | |
| | Cedar Rapids, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | | |
| | Clinton, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | | |
| | Columbus, NE | | Corn | | | | | | | | |
| | Marshall, MN | | Corn | | | | | | | | |
| | Peoria, IL | | Corn | | | | | | | | |
| | Wallhalla, ND | | Corn/barley | | | | | | | | |
Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc. | | Pekin, IL | | Corn | | | 100 | | | | | |
| | Aurora, NE | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Badger State Ethanol, LLC* | | Monroe, WI | | Corn | | | 48 | | | | | |
Big River Resources, LLC * | | West Burlington, IA | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Broin Enterprises, Inc. | | Scotland, SD | | Corn | | | 9 | | | | | |
Bushmills Ethanol*^ | | Atwater, MN | | Corn | | | | | | | 40 | |
Cargill, Inc. | | Blair, NE | | Corn | | | 85 | | | | | |
| | Eddyville, IA | | Corn | | | 35 | | | | | |
Central Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC*^ | | Goldfield, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 50 | |
Central MN Ethanol Coop* | | Little Falls, MN | | Corn | | | 20.5 | | | | | |
Central Wisconsin Alcohol | | Plover, WI | | Seed corn | | | 4 | | | | | |
Chief Ethanol | | Hastings, NE | | Corn | | | 62 | | | | | |
Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.* | | Benson, MN | | Corn | | | 45 | | | | | |
Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC* | | Hopkinsville, KY | | Corn | | | 23 | | | | | |
Corn Plus, LLP* | | Winnebago, MN | | Corn | | | 44 | | | | | |
Dakota Ethanol, LLC* | | Wentworth, SD | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
DENCO, LLC* | | Morris, MN | | Corn | | | 21.5 | | | | | |
East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC*^ | | Garnett, KS | | Corn | | | 35 | | | | | |
ESE Alcohol Inc. | | Leoti, KS | | Seed corn | | | 1.5 | | | | | |
Ethanol2000, LLP* | | Bingham Lake, MN | | Corn | | | 30 | | | | | |
Frontier Ethanol, LLC^ | | Gowrie, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 60 | |
Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC* | | Watertown, SD | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
Golden Cheese Company of California* | | Corona, CA | | Cheese whey | | | 5 | | | | | |
Golden Grain Energy L.L.C.* | | Mason City, IA | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Golden Triangle Energy, LLC* | | Craig, MO | | Corn | | | 20 | | | | | |
Grain Processing Corp. | | Muscatine, IA | | Corn | | | 20 | | | | | |
Granite Falls Energy, LLC^ | | Granite Falls, MN | | Corn | | | | | | | 45 | |
Great Plains Ethanol, LLC* | | Chancellor, SD | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
Hawkeye Renewables, LLC | | Iowa Falls, IA | | Corn | | | 45 | | | | 50 | |
| | Fairbank, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 100 | |
Heartland Corn Products* | | Winthrop, MN | | Corn | | | 36 | | | | | |
Heartland Grain Fuels, LP* | | Aberdeen, SD | | Corn | | | 8 | | | | | |
| | Huron, SD | | Corn | | | 14 | | | | | |
Horizon Ethanol, LLC^ | | Jewell, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 60 | |
Husker Ag, LLC* | | Plainview, NE | | Corn | | | 24 | | | | | |
Illinois River Energy, LLC^ | | Rochelle, IL | | Corn | | | | | | | 50 | |
Iowa Ethanol, LLC* | | Hanlontown, IA | | Corn | | | 55 | | | | | |
James Valley Ethanol, LLC | | Groton, SD | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
KAAPA Ethanol, LLC* | | Minden, NE | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Land O’ Lakes* | | Melrose, MN | | Cheese whey | | | 2.6 | | | | | |
Lincolnland Agri-Energy, LLC* | | Palestine, IL | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Lincolnway Energy, LLC*^ | | Nevada, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 50 | |
Liquid Resources of Ohio^ | | Medina, OH | | Waste beverage | | | 3 | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Under |
| | | | | | Current | | Construction/ |
| | | | | | Capacity | | Expansions |
COMPANY | | LOCATION | | FEEDSTOCK | | (mmgy) | | (mmgy) |
Little Sioux Corn Processors, LP* | | Marcus, IA | | Corn | | | 49 | | | | | |
Merrick/Coors | | Golden, CO | | Waste beer | | | 1.5 | | | | | |
MGP Ingredients, Inc. | | Pekin, IL | | Corn/wheat starch | | | 78 | | | | | |
| | Atchison, KS | | | | | | | | | | |
Michigan Ethanol, LLC | | Caro, MI | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc.* | | Malta Bend, MO | | Corn | | | 45 | | | | | |
Midwest Grain Processors* | | Lakota, IA | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | 45 | |
Midwest Renewable Energy, LLC | | Sutherland, NE | | Corn | | | 15 | | | | | |
Miller Brewing Co. | | Olympia, WA | | Brewery waste | | | 0.7 | | | | | |
Minnesota Energy* | | Buffalo Lake, MN | | Corn | | | 18 | | | | | |
New Energy Corp. | | South Bend, IN | | Corn | | | 102 | | | | | |
North Country Ethanol, LLC* | | Rosholt, SD | | Corn | | | 20 | | | | | |
Northeast Missouri Grain, LLC* | | Macon, MO | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Northern Lights Ethanol, LLC* | | Big Stone City, SD | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
Northstar Ethanol, LLC^ | | Lake Crystal, MN | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
Otter Creek Ethanol, LLC* | | Ashton, IA | | Corn | | | 55 | | | | | |
Panhandle Energies of Dumas, LP^ | | Dumas, TX | | Corn/Grain Sorghum | | | | | | | 30 | |
Parallel Products | | Louisville, KY | | Beverage Waste | | | 5.4 | | | | | |
| | R. Cucamonga, CA | | | | | | | | | | |
Permeate Refining | | Hopkinton, IA | | Sugars & starches | | | 1.5 | | | | | |
Phoenix Biofuels^ | | Goshen, CA | | Corn | | | | | | | 25 | |
Pine Lake Corn Processors, LLC* | | Steamboat Rock, IA | | Corn | | | 20 | | | | | |
Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, L.L.C. | | Central City, NE | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Pro-Corn, LLC* | | Preston, MN | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
Quad-County Corn Processors* | | Galva, IA | | Corn | | | 23 | | | | | |
Red Trail Energy, LLC | | Richardson, ND | | Corn | | | | | | | 50 | |
Reeve Agri-Energy | | Garden City, KS | | Corn/milo | | | 12 | | | | | |
Siouxland Energy & Livestock Coop* | | Sioux Center, IA | | Corn | | | 22 | | | | | |
Sioux River Ethanol, LLC* | | Hudson, SD | | Corn | | | 55 | | | | | |
Sterling Ethanol, LLC^ | | Sterling, CO | | Corn | | | | | | | 42 | |
Tall Corn Ethanol, LLC* | | Coon Rapids, IA | | Corn | | | 49 | | | | | |
Tate & Lyle | | Loudon, TN | | Corn | | | 67 | | | | | |
Trenton Agri Products, LLC | | Trenton, NE | | Corn | | | 30 | | | | | |
United WI Grain Producers, LLC* | | Friesland, WI | | Corn | | | 40 | | | | | |
US BioEnergy Corp. ^ | | Albert City, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 100 | |
U.S. Energy Partners, LLC | | Russell, KS | | Milo/wheat starch | | | 40 | | | | | |
Utica Energy, LLC | | Oshkosh, WI | | Corn | | | 48 | | | | | |
VeraSun Energy Corporation | | Aurora, SD | | Corn | | | 102 | | | | | |
VeraSun Fort Dodge, LLC^ | | Ft. Dodge, IA | | Corn | | | | | | | 110 | |
Voyager Ethanol, LLC* | | Emmetsburg, IA | | Corn | | | 50 | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Under |
| | | | | | Current | | Construction/ |
| | | | | | Capacity | | Expansions |
COMPANY | | LOCATION | | FEEDSTOCK | | (mmgy) | | (mmgy) |
Western Plains Energy, LLC* | | Campus, KS | | Corn | | | 45 | | | | | |
Western Wisconsin Renewable Energy, LLC*^ | | Boyceville, WI | | Corn | | | | | | | 40 | |
Wyoming Ethanol | | Torrington, WY | | Corn | | | 5 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Existing Capacity | | | | | | | 3903.7 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Under Construction/ Expansions | | | | | | | | | | | 1002.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Capacity | | | | | | | 4905.7 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
* farmer-owned | | Renewable Fuels Association |
^ under construction | | Last Updated: July 2005 |
Competition from Alternative Fuel Additives
Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and ethanol production methods are continually under development by ethanol and oil companies with far greater resources. New ethanol products or methods of ethanol production developed by larger and better-financed competitors could provide them competitive advantages and harm our business.
We will also compete with producers of other gasoline additives having similar octane and oxygenate values as ethanol. Ethers are composed of isobutylene, which is a product of the refining industry, and ethanol or methanol. The products are ethyl tertiary butyl ether (“ETBE”), or methyl tertiary butyl ether (“MTBE”). We expect to compete with producers of MTBE, a petrochemical derived from methanol that costs less to produce than ethanol. MTBE is a commonly used oxygenate used in fuels for compliance with Federal Clean Air Act mandates, and is a major competitor of ethanol. Many major oil companies produce MTBE and because it is petroleum-based, its use is strongly supported by major oil companies. Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and alternative ethanol production methods are also continually under development. The major oil companies have significantly greater resources than we have to market MTBE, to develop alternative products, and to influence legislation and public perception of MTBE and ethanol. Despite this fact, the use of MTBE may become legally restricted as a pollutant in several, and possibly most, states, according to a study prepared by the Renewable Fuels Association entitled, “Infrastructure Requirements for an Expanded Ethanol Industry.” California already banned the use of MTBE as of January 1, 2004. Twenty other states have enacted legislation prohibiting the sale of gasoline containing certain levels of MTBE or phasing out the use of MTBE.
Based upon information from industry sources, including the Renewable Fuels Association, we expect the demand for ethanol to rise, as ethanol is the most readily available substitute for MTBE in these markets. Additional ethanol production capacity would need to come from existing plant expansions and new plant construction. Furthermore, the United States’ petroleum industry is pursuing a repeal of all federal oxygenated fuel requirements. In late July 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which includes provisions calling for the repeal of the oxygenate requirement of the reformulated gasoline program. If President Bush signs the bill, the demand for ethanol would not increase and could diminish. However, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 also contains renewable fuel use mandates ranging from 4 to 7.5 billion gallons per year by 2012. We expect that the mandates will be satisfied mainly by the use of ethanol, which may mitigate the effect repealing the oxygenate requirement has on ethanol demand.
ETBE’s advantages over ethanol include its low affinity for water and low vapor pressure. Because petroleum pipelines and storage tanks contain water in various amounts, ETBE’s low affinity for water allows it to be distributed through existing pipeline systems, as contrasted with ethanol, which is best shipped via transport truck or rail car. In addition, blending ETBE with gasoline reduces the overall vapor pressure of the blend thereby reducing the normal volatile organic compound evaporative emissions. ETBE is not widely commercially available yet, and it may suffer from the same negative environmental effects as MTBE. Scientific research to better define the properties of ETBE as it relates to the environment is underway.
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Employees
Prior to completion of the plant construction and commencement of operations, we intend to hire approximately 32 full-time employees. We expect approximately nine of our employees will be involved primarily in management and administration and the remainder will be involved primarily in plant operations. These numbers may vary if we decide to engage another ethanol plant to manage our plant operations. We are still exploring this possibility and have not yet entered into any letter of intent or agreement for the provision of these services.
In January, we hired our office manager, Jean Beach. Ms. Beach is an at-will employee. At this time, we do not offer an employee benefit package. Our executive officers, Tom Lynch, Pam Miller, John Kingsbury and Doug Garwood, are not employees and do not currently receive any compensation for their services. Two of our directors, Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs, have been engaged as independent contractors to provide project development services in exchange for a combination of cash and equity compensation.
The following table represents some of the anticipated positions within the plant and the minimum number of individuals we expect will be full-time personnel:
| | | | |
Position | | # Full-Time Personnel | |
General Manager | | | 1 | |
Plant Manager | | | 1 | |
Commodities Manager | | | 1 | |
Controller | | | 1 | |
Lab Manager | | | 1 | |
Lab Technician | | | 2 | |
Secretary/Clerical | | | 3 | |
Shift Supervisors | | | 4 | |
Office Manager | | | 1 | |
Maintenance Supervisor | | | 1 | |
Maintenance Craftsmen | | | 4 | |
Plant Operators | | | 12 | |
TOTAL | | | 32 | |
The positions, titles, job responsibilities and number allocated to each position may differ when we begin to employ individuals for each position.
We intend to enter into written confidentiality and assignment agreements with our officers and employees. Among other things, these agreements will require such officers and employees to keep all proprietary information developed or used by us in the course of our business strictly confidential.
Our success will depend in part on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel at a competitive wage and benefit level. We must hire qualified managers, accounting, human resources and other personnel. We operate in a rural area with low unemployment. There is no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel at a wage and benefit structure at or below those we have assumed in our project. If we are unsuccessful in this regard, we may not be competitive with other ethanol plants and your investment may lose value.
Strategic Partners
Fagen, Inc.
We have entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. in connection with the design, construction and operation of the proposed plant. Fagen, Inc. has been involved in the construction of more ethanol plants than any other company in this industry. The expertise of Fagen, Inc. in integrating process and facility design into a construction and operationally efficient facility is very important. Fagen, Inc. also has knowledge and support to
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assist our management team in executing a successful start-up. Fagen, Inc. is a meaningful project participant because of its investment and desire to facilitate the project’s successful transition from start-up to day-to-day profitable operation.
Letter of intent with Fagen, Inc.
We have not entered into any legally binding agreements with Fagen, Inc. or ICM, Inc. We have executed a letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. who has agreed to enter into good faith negotiations with us to prepare definitive agreements for financial, design and construction services. We expect to pay Fagen, Inc. $56,619,000 in exchange for the following services:
| • | | Providing a preliminary design and construction schedule and a guaranteed maximum price for the design and construction of the plant; |
| • | | Assisting us with site evaluation and selection; |
| • | | Designing and building the plant; and |
| • | | Assisting us in locating appropriate operational management for the plant. |
We will be responsible for fees and expenses related to financing, such as printing and publication expenses, legal fees, ratings, credit enhancements, trustee or agent fees and any registration fees.
ICM, Inc.
ICM, Inc. is a full-service engineering, manufacturing and merchandising firm based in Colwich, Kansas and is expected to be the principal subcontractor for the plant. ICM, Inc. is expected to provide the process engineering operations for Fagen, Inc. ICM, Inc.’s merchandising operation currently procures and markets various grain products.
ICM, Inc. personnel have over 60 years of combined dry and wet mill operation and design experience. They have been involved in the research, design and construction of ethanol plants for many years. Principals of ICM, Inc. have over twenty years of experience in the ethanol industry and have been involved in the design, fabrication and operations of many ethanol plants.
Construction and timetable for completion of the project
Assuming this offering is successful, and we are able to complete the debt portion of our financing, we estimate that the project will be completed approximately 14 to 16 months after we close on this offering. This schedule further assumes that two months of detailed design will occur prior to closing and a 14 month construction schedule followed by two months of commissioning. This schedule also assumes that weather, interest rates, and other factors beyond our control do not upset our timetable. There can be no assurance that the timetable that we have set will be followed, and factors or events beyond our control could hamper our efforts to complete the project in a timely fashion.
Regulatory Permits
We will be subject to extensive air, water and other environmental regulations and we will need to obtain a number of environmental permits to construct and operate the plant. In addition, it is likely that our senior debt financing will be contingent on our ability to obtain the various required environmental permits. We have engaged ICM, Inc. to coordinate and assist us with obtaining certain environmental permits, and to advise us on general environmental compliance. HDR Engineering, Inc. has been retained to obtain-NPDES permits. We expect the cost of environmental compliance to be approximately $200,000.
Of the permits described below, we must obtain the Minor Source Construction Permit for air emissions and the Construction Storm Water Discharge Permit prior to starting construction. The remaining permits will be required shortly before or shortly after we can begin to operate the plant. If for any reason any of these permits are not granted, construction costs for the plant may increase, or the plant may not be constructed at all. In addition to the
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state requirements, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) could impose conditions or other restrictions in the permits that are detrimental to us or which increase permit requirements or the testing protocols and methods necessary to obtain a permit either before, during or after the permitting process. The State of Nebraska and the EPA could also modify the requirements for obtaining a permit. Any such event would likely have a material adverse impact on our operations, cash flows and financial performance.
Even if we receive all required permits from the State of Nebraska, we may also be subject to regulatory oversight from the EPA. Currently, the EPA’s statutes and rules do not require us to obtain separate EPA approval in connection with the construction and operation of the proposed plant. Nebraska is authorized to enforce the EPA’s federal emissions program. However, the EPA does retain authority to take action if it decides that Nebraska is not correctly enforcing its emissions program. Additionally, environmental laws and regulations, both at the federal and state level, are subject to change, and changes can be made retroactively. Consequently, even if we have the proper permits at the present time, we may be required to invest or spend considerable resources to comply with future environmental regulations or new or modified interpretations of those regulations to the detriment of our financial performance.
Minor construction permit for air emissions
Our preliminary estimates indicate that this facility will be considered a minor source of regulated air pollutants. There are a number of emission sources that are expected to require permitting. These sources include the boiler, ethanol process equipment, storage tanks, scrubbers, and baghouses. The types of regulated pollutants that are expected to be emitted from our plant include PM10, CO, NOx and VOCs. The activities and emissions mean that we are expected to obtain a minor source construction permit for the facility emissions. Because of regulatory requirements, we anticipate that we will agree to limit production levels to a certain amount, which may be slightly higher than the production levels described in this document (currently projected at 50 million gallons per year at the nominal rate with the permit at a slightly higher rate) in order to avoid having to obtain Title V air permits. These production limitations will be a part of the minor source construction permit. If we exceed these production limitations, we could be subjected to very expensive fines, penalties, injunctive relief and civil or criminal law enforcement actions. Exceeding these production limitations could also require us to pursue a Title V air permit. There is also a risk that further analysis prior to construction, a change in design assumptions or a change in the interpretation of regulations may require us to file for a Title V air permit. If we must obtain a Title V air permit, then we will experience significantly increased expenses and a significant delay in obtaining a subsequently sought Title V air permit. There is also a risk that the State might reject a Title V air permit application and request additional information, further delaying startup and increasing expenses. Even if we obtain a minor source construction permit prior to construction, the air quality standards may change, thus forcing us to later apply for a Title V air permit. There is also a risk that the area in which the plant is situated may be determined to be a nonattainment area for a particular pollutant. In this event, the threshold standards that require a Title V permit may be changed, thus requiring us to file for and obtain a Title V air permit. The cost of complying and documenting compliance should a Title V air permit be required is also higher. It is also possible that in order to comply with applicable air regulations or to avoid having to obtain a Title V permit, we would have to install additional air pollution control equipment such as additional or different scrubbers.
Air pollution standard
There are a number of standards which may effect the construction and operation of the plant going forward. The Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) regulation creates more stringent and complicated permit review procedures for construction permits. It is possible, but not expected, that the plant may exceed applicable PSD levels for NOx, CO, and VOCs.
Waste Water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits (INPDES Permit)
We expect that we will use water to cool our closed circuit systems in the proposed plant based upon engineering specifications. Although the water in the cooling system will be re-circulated to decrease facility water demands, a certain amount of water will be continuously replaced to make up for evaporation and to maintain a high quality of water in the cooling tower. In addition, there will be occasional blowdown water that will have to be
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discharged. Depending upon the water quality, approximately 63,000 gallons of non-contact cooling and blowdown water and 180,000 gallons of other non-process waste water from the reverse osmosis process will be discharged per day. These figures could increase substantially depending on the quality of the water. We expect to apply for a Nebraska Pretreatment Permit (NPP) for the discharge of the non-process waste water. We expect to file for a permit to allow the discharge of wastewater from a manufacturing or commercial operation. We expect to apply for an NPDES wastewater construction site permit prior to construction. This permit will require submission of plans and specifications with the Nebraska DEQ. We do not expect to require a permit for the land application or discharge of process wastewater based on the design proposed by our engineers. There can be no assurances that these permits will be granted to us. If these permits are not granted, then our plant may not be allowed to operate. However, we anticipate receiving the permits. Because Nebraska has no statute or regulation governing or limiting the withdrawal of water from wells, and because we will not be transferring water from one waste district or basin to another, no well withdrawal permit will be sought or required.
We have engaged HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska, to assist us with obtaining the necessary water discharge permits. HDR Engineering, Inc. is expected to provide us with preliminary evaluations of our waste water discharge system, field investigations, follow-up waste management options screening and assistance with permit applications as well as other on-call services. We will pay HDR Engineering, Inc. for these services on an hourly basis plus reimbursable expenses. HDR Engineering, Inc. will provide monthly invoices to us itemizing their services and the corresponding billable rates and hours.
Storm Water Discharge Permit and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (General NPDES Permits)
Before we can begin construction of our proposed ethanol plant, we must obtain a construction storm water discharge permit from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (“General Permit NER100000”). This permit application must be filed 90 days before construction begins. In connection with this permit, we must have a Pollution Prevention Plan in place that outlines various measures we plan to implement to prevent storm water pollution. The plan must be submitted, but need not be approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. We anticipate, but there can be no assurances, that we will be able to obtain a General Permit NER100000. We must also file a separate application for a General Permit NER000000 for industrial storm water discharges. The application for the General Permit for industrial storm water discharges, NER000000, must be filed 24 hours prior to the start of operations. We anticipate, but there can be no assurances, that we will be able to obtain a General Permit NER000000 storm water discharge permit. HDR Engineering, Inc. is expected to assist us in obtaining this permit.
New source performance standards
The plant will be subject to New Source Performance Standards for both the plant’s distillation processes and the storage of volatile organic compounds used in the denaturing process. These duties include initial notification, emissions limits, compliance, monitoring requirements, and record keeping requirements.
Spill prevention, control, and countermeasures plan
Before we can begin operations, we must prepare and implement a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (“SPCC”) plan in accordance with the guidelines contained in 40 CFR § 112. This plan will address oil pollution prevention regulations and must be reviewed and certified by a professional engineer. The SPCC must be reviewed and updated every three years.
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Requirements
Before we can begin operations, we must comply with applicable Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (formerly the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) regulations. These regulations require that we first make application for and obtain an alcohol fuel producer’s permit. The application must include information identifying the principal persons involved in our venture and a statement as to whether any of them have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor under federal or state law. The term of the permit is indefinite until terminated, revoked or suspended. The permit also requires that we maintain certain security measures. We must also secure an operations
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bond pursuant to 27 CFR § 19.957. There are other taxation requirements related to special occupational tax and a special stamp tax.
Risk management plan
We are currently in the process of determining whether anhydrous ammonia or aqueous ammonia will be used in our production process. Pursuant to § 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act, stationary sources with processes that contain more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance are required to prepare and implement a Risk Management Plan. If we use anhydrous ammonia, we must establish a plan to prevent spills or leaks of the ammonia and an emergency response program in the event of spills, leaks, explosions or other events that may lead to the release of the ammonia into the surrounding area. The same requirement may also be true for denaturant. This determination will be made as soon as the exact chemical makeup of the denaturant is obtained. We will need to conduct a hazardous assessment and prepare models to assess the impact of an ammonia and/or denaturant release into the surrounding area. The program will be presented at one or more public meetings. However, if we use aqueous ammonia, the risk management program will only be needed for the denaturant. In addition, it is likely that we will have to comply with the prevention requirements under OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standard. These requirements are similar to the Risk Management Plan requirements. The Risk Management Plan should be filed before use.
Environmental Protection Agency
Even if we receive all Nebraska environmental permits for construction and operation of the plant, we will also be subject to oversight activities by the EPA. There is always a risk that the EPA may enforce certain rules and regulations differently than Nebraska’s environmental administrators. Nebraska or EPA rules and regulations are subject to change, and any such changes may result in greater regulatory burdens.
Nuisance
Ethanol production has been known to produce an odor to which surrounding residents could object. Ethanol production may also increase dust in the area due to operations and the transportation of grain to the plant and ethanol and distillers dried grains from the plant. Such activities may subject us to nuisance, trespass, or similar claims by employees or property owners or residents in the vicinity of the plant. To help minimize the risk of nuisance claims based on odors related to the production of ethanol and its by-products, we intend to install a thermal oxidizer in the plant.See“DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS — Thermal Oxidizer” for additional information. Nonetheless, any such claims or increased costs to address complaints may have a material adverse effect on us, our operations, cash flows, and financial performance.
We are not currently involved in any litigation involving nuisance or any other claims.
Endangered Species
Nebraska’s Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act requires that the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources review a proposed site to determine if it will have a negative impact on endangered species. It is possible that this review will result in requirements being imposed in order to reduce or eliminate the impact on an endangered or threatened species. It is possible that such requirements might increase costs and reduce our profitability and the value of your investment.
Archaeological and Historical Sites
State Historic Preservation Office of the Nebraska State Historical Society will be asked to review the site plan and proposed use of the site to determine if it will negatively impact any archeological or historical sites. It is possible that this review will result in requirements being imposed in order to reduce or eliminate the impact on an archaeological or historical site. It is possible that such requirements might increase costs and reduce our profitability and the value of your investment.
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DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
Our operating agreement provides that our board of directors will be comprised of no fewer than seven and no more than 15 members. However, the total number of directors may exceed 15 depending on the number of directors appointed by members purchasing 200 or more units in this offering. Regardless of the total number of directors, a majority of our board must be elected by the members. Any member eligible to appoint a director cannot vote in the general election. Appointed directors serve until removed by the member appointing them, so long as such member owns 200 or more units. We have 12 directors on our initial board of directors. The initial board of directors will serve until the first members’ meeting following substantial completion of the ethanol plant. If our project suffers delays due to financing or construction, our initial board of directors could serve for an extended period of time. In that event, your only recourse to replace these directors would be through an amendment to our operating agreement which could be difficult to accomplish.
The operating agreement further provides for a staggered board of directors, where, upon the expiration of the initial board, the first group of directors shall serve for one year, the second group shall serve for two years, and the third group shall serve for three years. The successors for each group of directors shall be elected for a 3-year term and at that point, one-third of the total number of directors will be elected by the members each year. The directors shall be placed into groups by resolution of the initial board of directors prior to the expiration of the initial term. Because the determination of which directors will serve in each respective class will take place at a later date, each director’s group is not known at this time.
Identification of Directors, Executive Officers and Significant Employees
The following table shows the directors and officers of Siouxland Ethanol, LLC as of the date of this prospectus:
| | |
Board Member | | Office |
Tom Lynch | | Chairman, President and Director |
Pam Miller | | Vice Chairperson, Vice President and Director |
John Kingsbury | | Treasurer and Director |
Doug Garwood | | Secretary and Director |
Ronald Wetherell | | Director |
Darrell Downs | | Director |
Shennen Saltzman | | Director |
Donald Meisner | | Director |
Mark Peterson | | Director |
Matt Sederstrom | | Director |
Bill Riechers | | Director |
Craig Ebberson | | Director |
All of our directors have held their positions since the formation of Siouxland Ethanol. All officers serve at the board’s discretion and will continue serving until the earlier of their resignation or removal from office by the board.
Business Experience of Directors and Officers
The following is a brief description of the business experience and background of our officers and directors.
Tom Lynch, Chairman, President and Director,Age 64
Mr. Lynch retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Road in July of 1995 where he held the position of General Superintendent of Operations. For the past five years and continuing through the present, he manages
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Lynch Properties, Inc., a family owned farm and recreational property in Dakota County, Nebraska. Mr. Lynch also serves on the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Jackson, Nebraska.
Pam Miller, Vice Chairperson, Vice President and Director,Age 45
Ms. Miller has been employed by Northeast Community College since January of 2005 as the South Sioux City Education Center Coordinator. In addition, since January of 2003, she has also been employed on a part-time basis as the Dakota County Commissioner. Ms. Miller also owns a construction company with her husband in Homer, Nebraska. Beginning in August of 1996 through December of 2004, she was an adjunct facility member at Morningside College. Ms. Miller was also an adjunct faculty member at Western Iowa Tech Community College from June of 1997 until May of 2004. Ms. Miller serves on several boards in the region, including the Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D, Dakota County Interagency Team (DCIT), South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO), and Siouxland Regional Economic Development Committee.
John Kingsbury, Director and Treasurer,Age 57
Mr. Kingsbury is the President and CEO of the Bank of Dixon County since 1997. The Bank of Dixon County has several locations throughout northeast Nebraska, including a branch in Jackson. Mr. Kingsbury also is the principal owner of BDC Insurance since 1974. Mr. Kingsbury also serves on the Nebraska Department of Roads Highway Commission. He is a member of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Doug Garwood, Secretary and Director, Age 61
Since January of 1999, Mr. Garwood has been the co-owner and operator of Garwood Enterprises, which consists of a 2,400 acre farming operation and trucking company. Mr. Garwood currently serves on the Dakota County Economic Development Committee, South Sioux Chamber of Commerce, and the Nebraska Boys and Girls Home Board of Directors.
Ronald Wetherell, Director,Age 60
Mr. Wetherell is the current chairman of the board of directors of Little Sioux Corn Processors, LLC in Marcus, Iowa. Little Sioux Corn Processors, LLC is a public company and files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He is also the owner and operator of Wetherell Manufacturing Company in Cleghorn, Iowa and has been for 40 years. Mr. Wetherell is currently the chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Supervisors. He also owns numerous farming operations throughout northwest Iowa.
Darrell Downs, Director,Age 67
Prior to his retirement in 1994, Mr. Downs was employed by Moorman Manufacturing Company for 38 years. He has also been the mayor of Marcus, Iowa for the past 6 years and he has served as a consultant for Cherokee County Economic Development in Cherokee County, Iowa since 2003. Mr. Downs is on the board of directors of Little Sioux Corn Processors, LLC in Marcus, Iowa. Little Sioux Corn Processors, LLC is a public company and files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Downs also rents out farmland throughout northwest Iowa and has been doing this for 20 years.
Shennen Saltzman, Director,Age 38
Since August of 1997, Mr. Saltzman has been the owner of SEP, LLC, which owns and operates 12 Burger King restaurants with locations in Sioux City, Iowa; Yuma, Arizona; and Imperial Valley, California. He has also been a farmer/rancher who owns farmland in Dakota County since 2001. Beginning in December 1989 until he purchased SEP, LLC in August of 1997, Mr. Saltzman was an executive vice president at Pioneer Bank in Sioux City, Iowa. He serves on the Pioneer Bank Board of Directors, Briar Cliff University Board of Trustees, the Siouxland Initiative, and the Dakota County Economic Development Committee.
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Donald ‘Skip’ Meisner, Director,Age 69
Since March of 2001, Mr. Meisner has operated Meisner Management Services, LLC, which provides management of public works projects for local units of government. Examples of activities of Meisner Management Services, LLC include working to coordinate and manage flood control projects, bridges and housing developments and facilitating strategic planning for governments and their agencies. For the five years prior to March of 2001, Mr. Meisner served as Executive Director of the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO). He currently serves on the board of the Siouxland Community Foundation and the Tri-State Graduate Study Center. Meisner owns ground in Knox County, Nebraska.
Mark Peterson, Director,Age 47
Mr. Peterson served as senior vice president of IBP/Tyson from March of 1983 until July of 2004. In addition, he is a farmer/rancher with operations in Dakota County, Nebraska, other parts of Nebraska, northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota and has been since 1985. Mr. Peterson currently serves on the board of trustees for the University of South Dakota and is a principal and board member of Liberty National Bank of Sioux City, Iowa.
Matt Sederstrom, Director,Age 32
Mr. Sederstrom is employed by Fagen, Inc. as a project developer for fuel ethanol facilities and has been since June of 2001. Prior to his employment with Fagen, Inc., he was employed by Schott Corporation beginning in 1999 as a marketing representative.
Bill Riechers, Director, Age 53
Mr. Riechers is a project coordinator and consultant for Value Add Ventures, LLC and has been since December 2001. As a project coordinator and consultant, he coordinates the project financing associated with the construction of ethanol plants. The following are the ethanol projects for which Mr. Riechers has served as a project coordinator: Big River Resources, LLC; Golden Grain Energy, LLC; Amaizing Energy, LLC; Western Wisconsin Renewable Energy; Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC; United Wisconsin Grain Producers, LLC; Granite Falls Energy, LLC; and E Energy Adams, LLC. In 2000 and 2001, Mr. Riechers worked for Agri Sales Associates and Farnam Companies in agricultural sales in the upper Midwest and Canada. Since February of 2002, Mr. Riechers has had a consulting agreement with Fagen, Inc. As a part of this consulting agreement, Mr. Riechers receives a monthly fee of $2,000 from Fagen, Inc.
Craig Ebberson, Director, Age 51
Mr. Ebberson operates a 10,000 acre farm in northeast Nebraska which consists of corn, soybeans and alfalfa since 1970. He also owned and operated a 6,000 head commercial cattle feed yard since 1970. Mr. Ebberson also owns Kerloo Creek Ranch, Inc., a family owned ranch and Wynot River Farms, LLC. He is a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, Nebraska Corn Association and Nebraska Soybean Association.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our units as of July 15, 2005, by each person or entity known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding units:
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Amount and nature | | |
Title of Class | | Name and Address | | of beneficial owner | | Percent of Class |
Membership Unit | | Ronald and Sandra Wetherell(1) PO Box 188 Cleghorn, IA 51014 | | 10 units | | | 5.13 | % |
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| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Amount and nature | | |
Title of Class | | Name and Address | | of beneficial owner | | Percent of Class |
Membership Unit | | Mark R. Peterson(2) 891 Two Rivers Dr. Suite 100 Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 | | 10 units | | | 5.13 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Membership Unit | | Shen-Dae-Man Properties, LLC(3) 729 E. 7th Street, Suite 2 South Sioux City, NE 68776 | | 20 units | | | 10.26 | % |
(1) | | Ron Wetherell is a director on our board of directors. |
|
(2) | | Mark Peterson is a director on our board of directors. |
|
(3) | | Shennen Saltzman, principal owner of Shen-Dae-Man, LLC, is a director on our board of directors. |
Security Ownership of Management
As of the date of this prospectus, our directors and officers own membership units as follows:
UNITS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage of Total After the Offering |
| | Name and Address | | Amount and Nature | | Percent of Class | | Maximum Units Sold | | Minimum Units Sold |
Title of Class | | of Beneficial Owner | | of Beneficial Owner | | Prior to Offering | | in Offering | | in Offering |
Membership Units | | Tom Lynch Director/President 1221 Monona Blvd Jackson, NE 68743 | | | 4 | | | | 2.05 | % | | | 0.08 | % | | | 0.24 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | Pam Miller Director/Vice President 414 Howard St. Homer, NE 68030 | | | 4 | | | | 2.05 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 0.24 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | John Kingsbury Director/Treasurer PO Box 570 Ponca, NE 68770 | | | 8 | | | | 4.10 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 0.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | Doug Garwood Director/Secretary 520 Timberline Drive South Sioux City, NE 68776 | | | 6 | | | | 3.08 | | | | 0.13 | | | | 0.35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | Ronald Wetherell Director PO Box 188 Cleghorn, IA 51014 | | | 10 | | | | 5.13 | | | | 0.21 | | | | 0.59 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage of Total After the Offering |
| Name and Address | | Amount and Nature | | Percent of Class | | Maximum Units Sold | | Minimum Units Sold |
Title of Class | | of Beneficial Owner | | of Beneficial Owner | | Prior to Offering | | in Offering | | in Offering |
Membership Units | | Darrell Downs Director PO Box 103 Marcus, IA 51035 | | | 4 | | | | 2.05 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 0.24 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | Shennen Saltzman Director 729 E. 7th Street, Suite 2 South Sioux City, NE 68776 | | | 20 | | | | 10.26 | | | | 0.42 | | | | 1.18 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | Donald “Skip” Meisner Director 3116 Everett St. Sioux City, IA 51106 | | | 7 | | | | 3.59 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.41 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership Units | | Mark Peterson Director 891 Two Rivers Dr. Suite 100 Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 | | | 10 | | | | 5.13 | | | | 0.21 | | | | 0.59 | |
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Membership Units | | Matt Sederstrom Director 1005 Boxelder Avenue Marshall, MN 56258 | | | 4 | | | | 2.05 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 0.24 | |
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Membership Units | | Bill Riechers Director 504 Astrachan Volga, SD 57071 | | | 4 | | | | 2.05 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 0.24 | |
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Membership Units | | Craig Ebberson Director 56521 870th Road Belden, NE 68716 | | | 8 | | | | 4.10 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 0.47 | |
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Membership Units | | All Directors and Officers as a Group | | | 89 | | | | 45.64 | % | | | 1.86 | % | | | 5.26 | % |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Tom Lynch is currently serving as our chairman and president and Pam Miller is currently serving as our vice chairperson and vice president. John Kingsbury is our treasurer, and Doug Garwood is our secretary. None of these officers have received any compensation from us or act under any written contract to provide services to us.
Two of our directors, Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs are also serving as our project coordinators, and are getting compensated as such. Mr. Riechers received a one-time cash payment of $25,000 upon execution of the agreement and will receive a weekly payment of $300 per day up to and not exceeding $1,500 per week. In addition, if we are able to secure adequate debt financing to capitalize the project, Mr. Riechers will receive a one-time cash bonus of $35,000 and four units in Siouxland Ethanol upon loan funding. Mr. Downs received a one-time cash payment of $5,000 upon execution of the agreement and will receive a weekly payment of $150 per day up to and not exceeding $750 per week. In addition, if we are able to secure adequate debt financing to capitalize the project, Mr. Downs will receive a one-time cash bonus of $5,000 and two units in Siouxland Ethanol upon loan funding.
We do not have any other compensation arrangements for our directors and officers.
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Employment Agreements
Other than the project coordinators agreement we entered into with Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs, we have no employment agreements with any executive officer or director. In the future, we may enter into employment agreements with our executive officers or other employees that we may hire, however, we have not yet negotiated or proposed any employment agreement to any employee.
Reimbursement of Expenses
We reimburse our officers and directors for expenses incurred in connection with their service. Our reimbursement policy is to reimburse our officers and directors for out-of-pocket expenses.
INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Our operating agreement provides that none of our directors or members will be liable to us for any breach of their fiduciary duty. This could prevent both us and our unit holders from bringing an action against any director for monetary damages arising out of a breach of that director’s fiduciary duty. This provision does not affect possible legal remedies to enforce a director’s liability where such director has been adjudged liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of such director’s duty or to enforce a director’s duty of loyalty for acts or omissions not taken in good faith or for any transaction from which the director derived an improper financial benefit. It also does not eliminate or limit a director’s liability for participating in unlawful payments or distributions or redemptions, or for violations of state or federal securities laws. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the small business issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is contrary to public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Under Nebraska law, no member or director will be liable for any of our debts, obligations or liabilities merely because he or she is a member or director. In addition, Nebraska law permits, and our operating agreement contains, extensive indemnification provisions which require us to indemnify any officer or director who was or is party, or who is threatened to be made a party to a current or potential legal action because he or she is our director or officer. We must also indemnify against expenses, including attorney fees, judgments, claims, costs and liabilities actually and reasonably incurred by these individuals in connection with any legal proceedings, including legal proceedings based upon violations of the Securities Act of 1933 or state securities laws. Our indemnification obligations may include criminal or other proceedings.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with Fagen, Inc.
On October 29, 2004, we entered into a letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. in which Fagen, Inc. would design and build an ethanol plant for a price of $56,619,000. Matt Sederstrom, an employee of Fagen, Inc., is a member and director of Siouxland Ethanol. We have not paid and we do not intend to pay any compensation to Matt Sederstrom in connection with the letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. It is our belief that the terms of our letter of intent with Fagen, Inc. are comparable to those that we could have obtained from an unaffiliated third party. Under the terms of the letter of intent, Fagen, Inc. agrees to enter into definitive agreements to provide design and construction related services to us. The letter of intent does not constitute a binding agreement, but the parties are obligated to enter into good faith negotiations to prepare definitive agreements. Prior to negotiating definitive agreements, any party could withdraw from the terms of the letter of intent. Under the letter of intent, Fagen, Inc. agrees to provide services to us in the following areas:
| • | | Providing a preliminary schedule and guaranteed maximum price and design-build agreement for the design and construction of our plant; |
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| • | | Assisting in all phases of the permitting process, including taking a lead role in obtaining all required permits for the construction and operation of the proposed plant; |
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| • | | Designing and building the proposed plant in accordance with a design-build contract, based upon the Design-Build Institute of America form contract; and |
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| • | | Assisting in identifying appropriate operational management for our plant. |
Transactions with directors, Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs
In January 2005, we entered into a consulting agreement with Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs to serve as our project coordinators in developing, financing and constructing our plant. Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs are directors of our Company. Under the terms of the agreement, they will:
| • | | Assist in negotiations of contracts with various service and product providers; |
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| • | | Assist in the planning of our equity marketing effort, including preparation of written and visual equity marketing materials and training our officers and directors to conduct our equity marketing effort; |
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| • | | Assist in the securing of debt financing for, and commencement of, construction of our plant; |
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| • | | Assist in the education of local lenders including, the preparation of a “banker’s book” tailored to our project; and |
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| • | | Perform such other reasonably necessary duties as we may request for the timely and successful securing of debt financing and commencement of construction of the project. |
Mr. Riechers received a one-time cash payment of $25,000 upon execution of the agreement and will receive a weekly payment of $300 per day up to and not exceeding $1,500 per week. In addition, if we are able to secure adequate debt financing to capitalize the project, Mr. Riechers will receive a one-time cash bonus of $35,000 and four units in Siouxland Ethanol upon loan funding.
Mr. Downs received a one-time cash payment of $5,000 upon execution of the agreement and will receive a weekly payment of $150 per day up to and not exceeding $750 per week. In addition, if we are able to secure adequate debt financing to capitalize the project, Mr. Downs will receive a one-time cash bonus of $5,000 and two units in Siouxland Ethanol upon loan funding.
We believe that the terms of the consulting agreement with Bill Riechers and Darrell Downs are comparable to those that we could have obtained from an unaffiliated third party.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Before purchasing any units, an investor must execute a subscription agreement, a promissory note and security agreement and sign our operating agreement. The subscription agreement will contain, among other provisions, an acknowledgement that the investor received a prospectus, such as this, and that the investor agrees to be bound by our operating agreement. All subscriptions are subject to approval by our directors and we reserve the right to reject any subscription agreement.
The Offering
We are offering, on a best efforts basis, a maximum of 4,600 units and a minimum of 1,500 units at a purchase price of $10,000 per unit. You must purchase a minimum of two units to participate in the offering. You may purchase any number of additional units subject to the 40% ownership limitation provided in our operating agreement. Our board of directors determined the offering price for the units arbitrarily, without any consultation with third parties. The offering price of the units is not, therefore, based on customary valuation or pricing techniques for new issuances.
We anticipate our directors, as listed on page 4 of this prospectus, will sell our units in this offering, without the use of an underwriter. We will not pay commissions to our directors for these sales. Our directors will rely on the
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safe harbor from federal broker-dealer registration as set forth in Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We will rely on similar safe harbors from broker-dealer registration in the states of Iowa and South Dakota. We will register in Nebraska as an issuer-dealer and two of our authorized directors will be registered issuer-dealer agents for purposes of selling our units in Nebraska.
Our minimum offering amount is $15,000,000 and our maximum offering amount is $46,000,000. The offering will end no later than August 8, 2006. If we sell the maximum number of units prior to August 8, 2006, the offering will end as of the date the maximum number of units is sold. We may choose to end the offering any time prior to August 8, 2006, after we sell the minimum number of units. If we abandon the project for any reason, we will terminate the offering. We may abandon the offering for any number of reasons including the occurrence of events that make our products obsolete or too costly to produce and sell. Events such as significant changes in the prices of corn, natural gas or ethanol, technological developments or changes in government support and regulations may render our project uneconomical.
Even if we successfully close the offering by selling the minimum number of units by August 8, 2006, we may still be required to return the offering proceeds to investors if we are unable to satisfy the conditions for releasing funds from escrow, which include our receipt of a written debt financing commitment. After the offering, there will be 4,795 units issued and outstanding if we sell the maximum number of units offered in this offering and 1,695 units issued and outstanding if we sell the minimum number of units offered in this offering. This includes 195 seed capital units issued in our previous seed capital private placement.
Our directors and officers will be allowed to purchase the units that are being offered, subject to the limitation in our operating agreement that no member can own more than 40% of the total issued and outstanding units. These units may be purchased for the purpose of satisfying the minimum amount of units required to close the offering. Units purchased by these individuals and entities will be subject to the same restrictions regarding transferability as described in this prospectus and our operating agreement, and will, therefore, be purchased for investment, rather than resale.
You should not assume that we will sell the $15,000,000 minimum only to unaffiliated third party investors. We may sell units to affiliated or institutional investors that may acquire enough units to influence the manner in which Siouxland Ethanol is managed. These investors may influence the business in a manner more beneficial to them than to other investors.
We plan to register the offering only with the Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota state securities regulatory bodies. We may also offer or sell our units in other states in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the laws of those other states. However, we may not generally solicit investors in any jurisdictions other than Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. This limitation may result in the offering being unsuccessful.
We are expecting to incur offering expenses in the amount of approximately $325,000 to complete this offering.
Suitability of Investors
Investing in the units offered hereby involves a high degree of risk. Accordingly, the purchase of units is suitable only for persons of substantial financial means that have no need for liquidity in their investments and can bear the economic risk of loss of any investment in the units. Units will be sold only to persons that meet these and other requirements. You cannot invest in this offering unless you meet one of the following 2 suitability tests: (1) You have annual income from whatever source of at least $45,000 and you have a net worth of at least $45,000 exclusive of home, furnishings and automobiles; or (2) you have a net worth of at least $100,000 exclusive of home, furnishings and automobiles. For married persons, the tests will be applied on a joint husband and wife basis regardless of whether the purchase is made by one spouse or the husband and wife jointly. Even if you represent that you meet the suitability standards set forth above, the board of directors reserves the right to reject any subscription for any reason, including if the board determines that the units are not a suitable investment for you.
Each subscriber must make written representations that he/she/it:
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| • | | is purchasing such units for the purpose of investment and not for resale; |
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| • | | has been encouraged to rely upon the advice of such subscriber’s legal counsel and accountants or other financial advisers with respect to the tax and other considerations relating to the purchase of units; and |
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| • | | will acquire the units for the subscriber’s own account without a view to public distribution or resale and that such subscriber has no contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any units or any portion thereof to any other person. |
Subscription Period
The offering must close upon the earlier occurrence of (1) our acceptance of subscriptions for units equaling the maximum amount of $46,000,000; or (2) August 8, 2006. However, we may close the offering any time prior to August 8, 2006 upon the sale of the minimum aggregate offering amount of $15,000,000. If we abandon the project for any reason, we will terminate the offering. Even if we successfully close the offering by selling at least the minimum number of units prior to August 8, 2006,the offering proceeds will remain in escrow until we satisfy the conditions for releasing funds from escrow, including our receipt of a written debt financing commitment. We may admit members to Siouxland Ethanol and continue to offer any remaining units to reach the maximum number to be sold until the offering closes. We reserve the right to cancel or modify the offering, to reject subscriptions for units in whole or in part and to waive conditions to the purchase of units. Additionally, in our sole discretion, we may also determine that it is not necessary to sell all available units. If we sell subscriptions for all of the available units, we have the discretion to reject any subscriptions, in whole or in part, for any reason.
This offering may be terminated for a variety of reasons, most of which are discussed in detail in the section entitled “RISK FACTORS.” In the event of termination of this offering prior to its successful closing, funds invested with us will be returned with interest, less escrow fees. We intend to return those funds by the close of the next business day or as soon as possible after the termination of the offering.
Subscription Procedures
Before purchasing any units, you must complete the subscription agreement included as exhibit C to this prospectus, draft a check payable to “U.S. Bank, Escrow Agent for Siouxland Ethanol, LLC” in the amount of not less than 10% of the amount due for the units for which subscription is sought, which amount will be deposited in the escrow account; sign a full recourse promissory note and security agreement for the remaining 90% of the total subscription price; and deliver to us these items and an executed copy of the signature page of our operating agreement. In the subscription application, an investor must make representations to us concerning, among other things, that he or she has received our prospectus and any supplements, agrees to be bound by the operating agreement and understands that the units are subject to significant transfer restrictions. The subscription application also requires information about the nature of your desired ownership, your state of residence, and your taxpayer identification or Social Security Number. We encourage you to read the subscription agreement carefully.
Once we receive subscriptions for the minimum amount of the offering, we will mail written notice to our investors that full payment under the promissory note is due within 20 days. We will deposit funds paid in satisfaction of the promissory notes into our escrow account where they will be held until we satisfy the conditions for releasing funds from escrow. Unpaid amounts will accrue interest at a rate of 12% per year and each investor will agree to reimburse us for amounts we must spend to collect the outstanding balance. In the event that a subscriber defaults on the promissory note, we intend to pursue that defaulting subscriber for payments of the amount due by any legal means, including, but not limited to, retention of the initial 10% payment and acquisition of a judgment against the subscriber. This means that if you are unable to pay the 90% balance on your investment within 20 days of our notice, you may have to forfeit your 10% cash deposit.
If you subscribe to purchase units after we have received subscriptions for the aggregate minimum offering amount of $15,000,000, you will be required to pay the full purchase price immediately upon subscription.
We might not consider acceptance or rejection of your application until after we have received applications totaling at least $15,000,000 from investors or until a future date near the end of this offering. If we accept your
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subscription and meet the conditions for releasing funds from escrow, your subscription will be credited to your capital account in accordance with our operating agreement and we will issue to you a membership unit certificate signifying the ownership of your membership units. If we reject your subscription, we will return your subscription, check, and signature page within 30 days of rejection.
Changes in the offering’s material terms after the registration statement’s effectiveness will terminate the original offer and subscribers would then be entitled to a refund. Material changes include the following: (1) extension of the offering beyond the year currently contemplated; (2) change in the offering price other than that disclosed in this prospectus; (3) change in the minimum purchase required of investors; (4) change in the amount of proceeds necessary to release the proceeds in escrow; and (5) material change in the application of proceeds.
If you are deemed the beneficial owners of 5% or more of our issued and outstanding units you may have reporting obligations under Section 13 and Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act. If you anticipate being a beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding units you should consult legal counsel to determine what filing and reporting obligations may be required under the federal securities laws.
Escrow Procedures
Proceeds from subscriptions for the units will be deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account that we have established with the U.S. Bank, as escrow agent under a written escrow agreement. We will not release funds from the escrow account until specific conditions are satisfied. The conditions are (1) cash proceeds from unit sales deposited in the escrow account equals or exceeds $15,000,000, exclusive of interest; (2) our receipt of a written debt financing commitment for debt financing ranging from $33,525,000 to $64,525,000 less any grants and/or tax increment financing we are awarded, depending on the amount necessary to fully capitalize the project; (3) we elect, in writing, to terminate the escrow agreement; (4) the escrow agent provides to each state securities department in which the Company has registered its securities for sale an affidavit stating that the foregoing requirements (1), (2) and (3) have been satisfied; and (5) the state securities commissioners have consented to release of the funds on deposit.
Pursuant to our escrow agreement with U.S. Bank, the escrow funds will be invested in a First American Government Obligation Money Market Fund Class Y. Even if we are successful in releasing funds from escrow, we intend to allow the offering to continue until August 8, 2006 or some earlier date, at our discretion. We must sell the minimum number of units and collect 10% of the minimum offering amount in cash prior to August 8, 2006.If we sell the minimum number of units, collect 10% of the minimum offering amount in cash and notify our purchasers of their obligations to remit the 90% purchase price balance prior to August 8, 2006, the escrow account will continue for 3 months from that date to allow us sufficient time to collect the 90% balance. Cash proceeds from unit sales deposited in the escrow account must equal or exceed the minimum offering amount of $15,000,000 at the end of the 3 month period or we will be forced to terminate the escrow account and promptly return your investment to you.
We may terminate the offering prior to closing the offering in which event we will return your investment, with interest, less escrow fees, by the close of the next business day or as soon as possible after the termination of the offering under the following scenarios:
| • | | If we determine in our sole discretion to terminate the offering prior to August 8, 2006; or |
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| • | | If we do not raise the $15,000,000 minimum aggregate offering amount by August 8, 2006. |
If either of these scenarios occurs and we have to return your investment, you will receive your investment, with interest, less escrow fees. In the event the interest earned on our escrow account is insufficient to pay the escrow fees, we will be responsible for paying the difference so that you will receive no less than your original investment.
Delivery of Unit Certificates
If we satisfy the conditions for releasing funds from escrow, we will issue certificates for the units subscribed in the offering upon such release. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the subscription agreement, we will issue
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certificates for any subscription signed by more than one subscriber as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship. We will imprint the certificates with a conspicuous legend referring to the restrictions on transferability and sale of the units.See“DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP UNITS — Restrictive Legend on Membership Certificates.”
Summary of Promotional and Sales Material
In addition to and apart from this prospectus, we may use certain sales material in connection with this offering. The material may include a brochure, question-and-answer booklet, speech for public seminars, invitations to seminars, news articles, public advertisements and audio-visual materials. In certain jurisdictions, such sales materials may not be available. This offering is made only by means of this prospectus and other than as described herein, we have not authorized the use of any other sales material. Although the information contained in such sales materials does not conflict with any of the information contained in this prospectus, such material does not purport to be complete and should not be considered as a part of this prospectus or of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or as incorporated in this prospectus or the registration statement by reference.
DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP UNITS
An investor in us is both a holder of units and a member of the limited liability company at the time of acceptance of the investment. As a unit holder, an investor will be entitled to certain economic rights, such as the right to the distributions that accompany the units. As a member of the limited liability company, an investor will be entitled to certain other rights, such as the right to vote at our member meetings. Although an investor will usually play both the role of member and unit holder, these roles may be separated upon termination of membership in the limited liability company. The separation of such roles may include the loss of certain rights, such as voting rights.
Membership Units
Ownership rights in us are evidenced by units. There is one class of membership unit in Siouxland Ethanol. Each unit represents a pro rata ownership interest in our capital, profits, losses and distributions. Unit holders who are also members have the right to vote and participate in our management as provided in the operating agreement. We maintain a membership register at our principal office setting forth the name, address, capital contribution and number of units held by each member.
Restrictive Legend on Membership Certificate
We will place restrictive legends on your membership certificate or any other document evidencing ownership of our units. The language of the legend will be similar to the following:
| | | The transferability of the units represented by this certificate is restricted. Such units may not be sold, assigned, or transferred, nor will any assignee, vendee, transferee or endorsee thereof be recognized as having acquired any such units for any purposes, unless and to the extent such sale, transfer, hypothecation or assignment is permitted by, and is completed in strict accordance with, applicable state and federal law and the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement and agreed to by each member. |
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| | | The securities represented by this certificate may not be sold, offered for sale or transferred in the absence of an effective registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under applicable state securities laws, or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such transaction is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under applicable state securities laws. |
Maximum Ownership Percentage
Under our operating agreement, no member may own more than 40% of the total issued and outstanding units of Siouxland Ethanol. The calculation of a 40% limitation includes the number of units owned by the investor and
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his or her spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters and any units owned by any corporation, partnership or other entity in which the investor or his/her family members owns or controls a majority of the voting power. The maximum ownership percentage serves to delay or prevent a change in control of Siouxland Ethanol.
Voting Limitations
Each member is entitled to one vote per unit owned. Members may vote units in person or by proxy at a meeting of the unit holders, on all matters coming before a member vote. Members do not have cumulative voting or pre-emptive rights.
Separable Interests
Although we are managed by our directors, our operating agreement provides that certain transactions, such as amending our operating agreement or dissolving the company, require member approval. Each member has the following rights:
| • | | To receive a share of our profits and losses; |
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| • | | To receive distributions of our assets, if and when declared by our directors; |
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| • | | To participate in the distribution of our assets in the event we are dissolved or liquidated; |
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| • | | To access information concerning our business and affairs at our place of business; and |
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| • | | To vote on matters coming before a vote of the members. |
Our operating agreement provides that if your membership is terminated, regardless of whether you transfer your units or we admit a substitute member, then you will lose all your rights to vote your units and the right to access information concerning our business and affairs at our place of business. Under our operating agreement, information that will be available exclusively to members includes state and federal tax returns and a current list of the names, addresses and capital account information of each member and unit holder. This information is available upon request by a member for purposes reasonably related to that person’s interest as a member. In addition, a member’s use of this information is subject to certain safety, security and confidentiality procedures established by us.
Unit holders who have only economic rights in our units but not voting rights will continue to have the right to a share of our profits and losses and the right to receive distributions of our assets and to participate in the distribution of our assets in the event we are dissolved or liquidated. Unit holders will also have access to company information that is periodically submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.See“DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.”
Your membership interest may be terminated in accordance with the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. In addition, if you are an individual, you will cease to be a member upon your death or if you have been declared incompetent by a court of law. If you are a corporation, trust, limited liability company, or partnership, you will cease to be a member at the time your existence is terminated. If you are an estate, then your membership will terminate when the fiduciary of the estate distributes all of your units. Accordingly, it is possible to be a unit holder of Siouxland Ethanol, but not a member.
If you transfer your units, and the transfer is permitted by the operating agreement, or has been approved by the board of directors, then the transferee will be admitted as a new member of Siouxland Ethanol only if the transferee:
| • | | Agrees to be bound by our operating agreement; |
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| • | | Pays or reimburses us for legal, filing and publication costs that we incur relating to admitting such transferee as a new member, if any; |
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| • | | Delivers, upon our request, any evidence of the authority such person or entity has to become a member of Siouxland Ethanol; and |
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| • | | Delivers, upon our request, any other materials needed to complete transferee’s transfer. |
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The board of directors, in its discretion, may prohibit the transferee from becoming a member if he or she does not comply with these requirements.
Distributions
Distributions are payable at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to the provisions of the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, our operating agreement and the requirements of our creditors. Our board has no obligation to distribute profits, if any, to members. We have not declared or paid any distributions on our units.
Unit holders are entitled to receive distributions of cash or property if and when a distribution is declared by our directors. Distributions will be made to investors in proportion to the number of units investors own as compared to all of our units that are then issued and outstanding. Our directors have the sole authority to authorize distributions based on available cash (after payment of expenses and resources), however, we will attempt to distribute an amount approximating the additional federal and state income tax attributable to investors as a result of profits allocated to investors.
We do not expect to generate revenues until the proposed plant is operational. After operation of the proposed plant begins, we anticipate, subject to any loan covenants or restrictions with our senior and subordinated lenders, distributing a portion of our net cash flow to our members in proportion to the units held and in accordance with our operating agreement. By net cash flow, we mean our gross cash proceeds received less any portion, as determined by our directors in their sole discretion, used to pay or establish reserves for our expenses, debt payments, capital improvements, replacements and contingencies. Our board may elect to retain future profits to provide operational financing for the plant, debt retirement and possible plant expansion.
We do not know the amount of cash that we will generate, if any, once we begin operations. At the start, we will generate no revenues and do not expect to generate any operating revenue until the proposed ethanol plant is operating fully. Cash distributions are not assured, and we may never be in a position to make distributions. Whether we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow from our business to make distributions to members will depend on numerous factors, including:
| • | | Successful and timely completion of construction since we will not generate any revenue until our plant is constructed and operational; |
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| • | | Required principal and interest payments on any debt and compliance with applicable loan covenants which will reduce the amount of cash available for distributions; |
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| • | | Our ability to operate our plant at full capacity which directly impacts our revenues; |
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| • | | Adjustments and amounts of cash set aside for reserves and unforeseen expenses; and |
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| • | | State and federal regulations and subsidies, and support for ethanol generally which can impact our profitability and the cash available for distributions. |
Capital Accounts and Contributions
The purchase price paid for our units constitutes a capital contribution for purposes of becoming a unit holder and will be credited to your capital account. As a unit holder, your capital account will be increased according to your share of our profits and other applicable items of income or gain specially allocated to you pursuant to the special allocation rules described below. In addition, we will increase your capital account for the amount of any of our liabilities that are assumed by you or are secured by any property which we distribute to you. We will decrease your capital account for your share of our losses and other applicable items of expenses or losses specially allocated to you pursuant to the special allocation rules described below. We will also decrease your capital account in an amount equal to the value of any property we distribute to you. In addition, we will decrease your capital account for the amount of any of your liabilities that are assumed by us or are secured by property you have contributed to us. In the event you transfer your units and we have approved such transfer, then your capital account, to the extent it relates to the units transferred, will be transferred to the transferee. Our operating agreement does not require you to make additional capital contributions to us. Interest will not accrue on your capital contributions, and you have no right to withdraw or be repaid your capital contributions made to us.
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Allocation of Profits and Losses
Except as otherwise provided in the special allocation rules described below, profits and losses that we recognize will be allocated to you in proportion to the number of units you hold. Our profits and losses will be determined by our directors on either a daily, monthly, quarterly or other basis permitted under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and corresponding Treasury Regulations.
Special Allocation Rules
The amount of profits and losses that we allocate to you is subject to a number of exceptions referred to as special allocations. These include special allocations required by the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations aimed at highly leveraged limited liability companies that allocate taxable losses in excess of a unit holder’s actual capital contributions. Our operating agreement also requires that our directors make offsetting special allocations in any manner they deem appropriate that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each unit holder’s capital account balance is equal to the capital account balance that that unit holder would have had if special allocations required by the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations were not made to that unit holder’s capital account.
Restrictions on Transfers of Units
The units will be subject to certain restrictions on transfers pursuant to our operating agreement. In addition, transfers of the units may be restricted by state securities laws. As a result, investors may not be able to liquidate their investments in the units and therefore may be required to assume the risks of investing in us for an indefinite period of time. Investment in us should be undertaken only by those investors who can afford an illiquid investment.
We have restricted the ability to transfer units to ensure that Siouxland Ethanol is not deemed a “publicly traded partnership” and thus taxed as a corporation. Under our operating agreement, no transfer may occur without the approval of the board of directors. The board of directors will only permit transfers that fall within “safe harbors” contained in the publicly traded partnership rules under the Internal Revenue Code, to include the following:
| • | | Transfers by gift to the member’s descendants; |
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| • | | Transfers upon the death of a member; and |
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| • | | Certain other transfers provided that for the applicable tax year, the transfers in the aggregate do not exceed 2% of the total outstanding units. |
Any transfer in violation of the publicly traded partnership requirements or our operating agreement will be null and void. Furthermore, there is no public or other market for these securities. We do not anticipate such a market will develop.
The units are unsecured equity interests in Siouxland Ethanol and are subordinate in right of payment to all of our current and future debt. In the event of our insolvency, liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of our affairs, all of our debts, including winding-up expenses, must be paid in full before any payment is made to the unit holders. There is no assurance that there would be any remaining funds for distribution to the unit holders, after the payment of all of our debts.
SUMMARY OF OUR OPERATING AGREEMENT
Statements contained in this section of the prospectus regarding the contents of our Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, which is discussed as our operating agreement throughout this prospectus, are not necessarily complete, and reference is made to the copy of our Amended and Restated Operating Agreement filed as exhibit B to this prospectus.
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Binding Nature of the Agreement
We will be governed primarily according to the provisions of our operating agreement and the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. Among other items, our operating agreement contains provisions relating to the election of directors, restrictions on transfers, member voting, and other company governance matters. If you invest in Siouxland Ethanol, you will be bound by the terms of this agreement. Its provisions may not be amended without the approval the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the units constituting a quorum, represented either in person or by proxy or mail ballot, at any regular or special meeting of the members.
Management
Our operating agreement provides that Siouxland Ethanol is exclusively managed by our board of directors. Our initial board of directors consists of 12 individuals. The current directors and their business experience are set out in further detail in “DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, AND CONTROL PERSONS.”
Directors are elected by the members, however, each member purchasing 200 or more units in this registered offering has the right to appoint one director to our board. The board shall consist of a minimum of seven to a maximum of 15 directors, however, the actual size of the board will depend on how many directors may be appointed by members purchasing 200 or more units in this registered offering. The majority of our board must be elected at large by the members regardless of how many directors are appointed by members purchasing 200 or more of our units in this registered offering. Directors are elected by plurality vote of the members which means that the nominees receiving the greatest number of votes relative to all other nominees are elected as directors.
Nominations for directors may be made by the nominating committee of the board of directors or by the board of directors as a whole. Members may also nominate candidates for our board by giving advance written notice to Siouxland Ethanol with information about the nominee and the nominating member. Any board nomination made by a member must be accompanied by a nominating petition signed by unit holders representing at least 5% of our outstanding units.
Our initial board of directors will serve until the first members’ meeting following substantial completion of the plant. If our project suffers delays due to financing or construction, our initial board of directors could serve for an extended period of time. In that event, your only recourse to replace these directors would be through an amendment to our operating agreement which could be difficult to accomplish. At that members’ meeting, the board of directors will be elected to serve staggered three-year terms. Prior to that meeting, our initial board will separately identify the director positions to be elected and will classify each position as Group I, Group II or Group III. Group I directors will serve an initial term of one year with successor directors elected to three year terms. Group II directors will serve an initial term of two years with successor directors elected to three year terms. Group III directors will serve an initial term of three years with successor directors elected to three year terms.
Due to the development-stage nature of our company, each of our directors has been directly involved in our formation, organization and development. Accordingly, none of our directors is considered independent within the definition provided by the North American Securities Administrators Association. We expect to add independent directors to our board when we hold our first election of directors to replace the initial board of directors.
No matter may be submitted to the members for approval without the prior approval of the board of directors. This means that the board of directors controls virtually all of our affairs. We do not expect to develop a vacancy on the board of directors until after substantial completion of the plant.
Our operating agreement is unlike the articles of incorporation or bylaws of typical public companies whose shares trade on NASDAQ or a stock exchange. Our units do not trade on an exchange and we are not governed by the rules of NASDAQ or a stock exchange concerning company governance.
The directors must elect a chairman who will preside over any meeting of the board of directors, and a vice-chairman who shall assume the chairman’s duties in the event the chairman is unable to act.
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According to our operating agreement, the directors may not take the following actions without the unanimous consent of the members:
| • | | Cause or permit Siouxland Ethanol to engage in any activity that is inconsistent with our purposes; |
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| • | | Knowingly act in contravention or the operating agreement or act in a manner that would make it impossible for us to carry on our ordinary business, except as otherwise provided in the operating agreement; |
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| • | | Possess our property or assign rights in specific company property other than for Siouxland Ethanol’s purpose; or |
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| • | | Cause us to voluntarily take any action that would cause our bankruptcy. |
In addition, without the consent of a majority of the membership voting interests the directors do not have the authority to cause Siouxland Ethanol to:
| • | | Merge, consolidate, exchange or otherwise dispose of at one time, all or substantially all of our property, except for a liquidating sale of the property in connection with our dissolution; |
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| • | | Confess a judgment against us in an amount in excess of $500,000; |
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| • | | Issue units at a purchase price of less than $5,000 per unit; |
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| • | | Issue more than 7,000 units; or |
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| • | | Elect to dissolve the Company. |
Members’ Meetings and Other Members’ Rights
There will be an annual meeting of members at which the board of directors will give our annual company report. Members will address any appropriate business including the election of directors to those director seats becoming vacant under the then adopted staggered term format. In addition, members owning an aggregate of 30% of the units may demand in writing that the board call a special meeting of members for the purpose of addressing appropriate member business. The board of directors may also call a special meeting of members at any time.
Member meetings shall be at the place designated by the board or members calling the meeting. Members of record will be given notice of member meeting neither more than 60 days nor less than five days in advance of such meetings.
In order to take action at a meeting, members holding at least 25% of the outstanding units must be represented in person, by proxy or by mail ballot. Voting by proxy or by mail ballot shall be permitted on any matter if it is authorized by our directors. Assuming a quorum is present, members take action by a vote of the majority of the units represented at the meeting (in person, by proxy or by mail ballot) and entitled to vote on the matter, unless the vote of a greater or lesser proportion or numbers is otherwise required by our operating agreement or by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act.
For the purpose of determining the members entitled to notice of or to vote at any members’ meeting, members entitled to receive payment of any distribution, or to make a determination of members for any other purpose, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed (or otherwise delivered) or the date on which the resolution declaring the distribution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for determination of the members.
Members do not have dissenter’s rights. This means that in the event we merge, consolidate, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our property, unit holders do not have the right to dissent and seek payment for their units.
We will maintain our books, accountings and records at our principal office. A member may inspect them during normal business hours. Our books and accountings will be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
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Unit Transfer Restrictions
A unit holder’s ability to transfer units is restricted under the operating agreement. Unit holders may not transfer their units prior to the time that our ethanol plant is substantially operational unless such transfer is:
| • | | To the investor’s administrator or trustee to whom such units are transferred involuntarily by operation of law, such as death; or |
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| • | | Made without consideration to or in trust for the investor’s descendants or spouse. |
Once we begin substantial operation of the proposed ethanol plant, investors may transfer their units to any person or organization only if such transfer meets the conditions precedent to a transfer under our operating agreement and:
| • | | Has been approved by our directors in accordance with the terms of the operating agreement; or |
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| • | | The transfer is made to any other member or to any affiliate or related party of another member or the transferring member. |
To maintain partnership tax status, the units may not be traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market. We do not intend to list the units on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other stock exchange. To help ensure that a market does not develop, our operating agreement prohibits transfers without the approval of the directors. The directors will generally approve transfers so long as the transfers fall within “safe harbors” contained in the publicly traded partnership rules under the Internal Revenue Code. If any person transfers units in violation of the publicly traded partnership rules or without our prior consent, the transfer will be null and void. These restrictions on transfer could reduce the value of an investor’s units.
Amendments
Our operating agreement may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the units constituting a quorum, represented either in person or by proxy or mail ballot, at any regular or special meeting of the members. No amendment may adversely affect a member’s economic interest or modify the liability of a member, without that member’s consent. The operating agreement defines economic interest as a member’s share of profits and losses, the right to receive distributions of the company’s assets and the right to information concerning the business and affairs of the company.
Dissolution
Our operating agreement provides that a voluntary dissolution of Siouxland Ethanol may be affected only upon the prior approval of a 75% super majority of all units entitled to vote.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING OUR UNITS
This section of the prospectus describes some of the more important federal income tax risks and consequences of your participation in Siouxland Ethanol. No information regarding state and local taxes is provided.Each prospective member should consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the impact that his or her investment in Siouxland Ethanol may have on his or her federal income tax liability and the application of state and local income and other tax laws to his or her investment in Siouxland Ethanol.Although we will furnish unit holders with such information regarding Siouxland Ethanol as is required for income tax purposes, each unit holder will be responsible for preparing and filing his or her own tax returns.
The following discussion of the tax aspects of an investment in our units is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), existing Treasury Department regulations (“Regulations”), and administrative rulings and judicial decisions interpreting the Code. Significant uncertainty exists regarding certain tax aspects of limited liability companies. Such uncertainty is due, in part, to continuing changes in federal tax law that have not been fully interpreted through regulations or judicial decisions. Tax legislation may be enacted in the future that
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will affect Siouxland Ethanol and a unit holder’s investment in Siouxland Ethanol. Additionally, the interpretation of existing law and regulations described here may be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service during an audit of our information return. If successful, such a challenge likely would result in adjustment of a unit holder’s individual return.
The tax opinion contained in this section and the opinion attached as exhibit 8.1 to the registration statement constitutes the opinion of our tax counsel, Brown, Winick, Graves, Gross, Baskerville & Schoenebaum, P.L.C., regarding our classification for federal income tax purposes. An opinion of legal counsel represents an expression of legal counsel’s professional judgment regarding the subject matter of the opinion. It is neither a guarantee of any indicated result nor an undertaking to defend any indicated result should that result be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service. This opinion is in no way binding on the Internal Revenue Service or on any court of law.
In the opinion attached as exhibit 8.1 to the registration statement, our tax counsel has also confirmed as correct their representation to us that the statements and legal conclusions contained in this section regarding general federal income tax consequences of owning our units as a result of our partnership tax classification are accurate in all material respects. The tax consequences to us and our members are highly dependent on matters of fact that may occur at a future date and are not addressed in our tax counsel’s opinion. With the exception of our tax counsel’s opinion that we will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, this section represents an expression of our tax counsel’s professional judgment regarding general federal income tax consequences of owning our units, insofar as it relates to matters of law and legal conclusions. This section is based on the assumptions and qualifications stated or referenced in this section. It is neither a guarantee of the indicated result nor an undertaking to defend the indicated result should it be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service. No rulings have been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service concerning any of the tax matters we describe. Accordingly, you should know that the opinion of our tax counsel does not assure the intended tax consequences because it is in no way binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any court of law. The Internal Revenue Service or a court may disagree with the following discussion or with any of the positions taken by us for federal income tax reporting purposes, and the opinion of our tax counsel may not be sufficient for an investor to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties relating to a substantial understatement of income tax under Section 6662(d).See“FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING OUR UNITS — Interest on Underpayment of Taxes; Accuracy-Related Penalties; Negligence Penalties” below.
Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax and financial situations, including the application and effect of state, local and other tax laws, and any possible changes in the tax laws after the date of this prospectus. This section is not to be constructed as a substitute for careful tax planning.
Partnership Status
Our tax counsel has opined that, assuming we do not elect to be treated as a corporation, we will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. This means that we will not pay any federal income tax and the unit holders will pay tax on their shares of our net income. Under recently revised Treasury regulations, known as “check-the-box” regulations, an unincorporated entity such as a limited liability company will be taxed as partnership unless the entity is considered a publicly traded limited partnership or the entity affirmatively elects to be taxed as a corporation.
We will not elect to be taxed as a corporation and will endeavor to take steps as are feasible and advisable to avoid classification as a publicly traded limited partnership. Congress has shown no inclination to adopt legislation that would jeopardize the tax classification of the many entities that have acted in reliance on the check-the-box regulations.
As a partnership, if we fail to qualify for partnership taxation, we would be treated as a “C corporation” for federal income tax purposes. As a C corporation, we would be taxed on our taxable income at corporate rates, currently at a maximum rate of 35%. Distributions would generally be taxed again to unit holders as corporate dividends. In addition, unit holders would not be required to report their shares of our income, gains, losses or deductions on their tax returns until such are distributed. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporate
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entity, the cash available for distribution to unit holders would be reduced by the amount of tax paid, in which case the value of the units would be reduced.
Publicly Traded Partnership Rules
To qualify for taxation as a partnership, we cannot be a publicly traded partnership under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, Section 7704 provides that a partnership will be classified as a publicly traded partnership and will be taxed as a corporation if its interests are:
| • | | Traded on an established securities market; or |
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| • | | Readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent. |
Although there is no legal authority on whether a limited liability company is subject to these rules, in the opinion of our counsel, it is probable that we are subject to the testing under the publicly traded partnership rules because we elected to be classified and taxed as a partnership.
��We will seek to avoid being treated as a publicly traded partnership. Under Section 1.7704-1(d) of the Treasury Regulations, interests in a partnership are not considered traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market unless the partnership participates in the establishment of the market or the inclusion of its interests in a market, or the partnership recognizes any transfers made on the market by redeeming the transferor partner or admitting transferee as a partner.
We do not intend to list the units on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other stock exchange. In addition, our operating agreement prohibits any transfer of units without the approval of our directors. Our directors intend to approve transfers that fall within safe harbor provisions of the Treasury Regulations, so that we will not be classified as a publicly traded partnership. These safe harbor provisions generally provide that the units will not be treated as readily tradable on a secondary market, or the substantial equivalent, if the interests are transferred:
| • | | In “private” transfers; |
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| • | | Pursuant to a qualified matching service; or |
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| • | | In limited amounts that satisfy a 2% test. |
Private transfers include, among others:
| • | | Transfers by gifts in which the transferee’s tax basis in the units is determined by reference to the transferor’s tax basis in the interests transferred; |
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| • | | Transfers at death, including transfers from an estate or testamentary trust; |
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| • | | Transfers between members of a family as defined in Section 267(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code; |
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| • | | Transfers from retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or an IRA; and |
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| • | | “Block transfers.” A block transfer is a transfer by a unit holder and any related persons as defined in the Internal Revenue Code in one or more transactions during any thirty-calendar-day period of units that in the aggregate represents more than two percent of the total interests in partnership capital or profits. |
Transfers through a qualified matching service are also disregarded in determining whether interests are readily tradable. A matching service is qualified only if:
| • | | It consists of a computerized or printed system that lists customers’ bid and/or ask prices in order to match unit holders who want to sell with persons who want to buy; |
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| • | | Matching occurs either by matching the list of interested buyers with the list of interested sellers or through a bid and ask process that allows interested buyers to bid on the listed interest; |
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| • | | The seller cannot enter into a binding agreement to sell the interest until the 15th calendar day after his interest is listed, which time period must be confirmable by maintenance of contemporaneous records; |
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| • | | The closing of a sale effectuated through the matching service does not occur prior to the 45th calendar day after the interest is listed; |
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| • | | The matching service displays only quotes that do not commit any person to buy or sell an interest at the quoted price (nonfirm price quotes), or quotes that express an interest in acquiring an interest without an accompanying price (nonbinding indications of interest), and does not display quotes at which any person is committed to buy or sell an interest at the quoted price; |
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| • | | The seller’s information is removed within 120 days of its listing and is not reentered into the system for at least 60 days after its deletion; and |
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| • | | The sum of the percentage interests transferred during the entity’s tax year, excluding private transfers, cannot exceed ten percent of the total interests in partnership capital or profits. |
In addition, interests are not treated as readily tradable if the sum of the percentage of the interests transferred during the entity’s tax year, excluding private transfers, do not exceed two percent of the total interests in partnership capital or profits. We expect to use a combination of these safe harbor provisions to avoid being treated as a publicly traded partnership.
Tax Treatment of our Operation; Flow-Through Taxable Income and Loss; Use of Calendar Year
We will pay no federal income tax. Instead, as unit holders, investors will be required to report on their income tax return their allocable share of the income, gains, losses and deductions we have recognized without regard to whether they receive cash distributions.
Because we will be taxed as a partnership, we will have our own taxable year that is separate from the taxable years of our unit holders. Unless a business purpose can be established to support a different taxable year, a partnership must use the “majority interest taxable year” which is the taxable year that conforms to the taxable year of the holders of more than 50% of its interests. In this case, the majority interest taxable year is the calendar year.
Tax Consequences to Our Unit Holders
As a unit holder, for your taxable year with which or within which our taxable year ends you will be required to report on your own income tax return, your distributive share of our income, gains, losses and deductions regardless of whether you receive any cash distributions. To illustrate, a unit holder reporting on a calendar year basis will include his or her share of our 2005 taxable income or loss on his or her 2005 income tax return. A unit holder with a June 30 fiscal year will report his share of our 2005 taxable income or loss on his income tax return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. We will provide each unit holder with an annual Schedule K-1 indicating such unit holder’s share of our income, loss and separately stated components.
Tax Treatment of Distributions
Distributions made by us to a unit holder generally will not be taxable to the unit holder for federal income tax purposes as long as distributions do not exceed the unit holder’s basis in his units immediately before the distribution. Cash distributions in excess of unit basis, which is unlikely to occur, are treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the units under the rules described below for unit dispositions.
Initial Tax Basis of Units and Periodic Basis Adjustments
Under Section 722 of the Internal Revenue Code, investors’ initial basis in the units investors purchase will be equal to the sum of the amount of money investors paid for investors’ units. Here, an investor’s initial basis in each unit purchased will be $10,000.
An investor’s initial basis in the units will be increased to reflect the investor’s distributive share of our taxable income, tax-exempt income, gains and any increase in the investor’s
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share of recourse and qualified non-recourse indebtedness. If the investor makes additional capital contributions at any time, the adjusted basis of the investor’s units will be increased by the amount of any cash contributed or the adjusted basis in any property contributed if additional units are not distributed to investors.
The basis of an investor’s units will be decreased, but not below zero, by:
| • | | The amount of any cash we distribute to the investors; |
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| • | | The basis of any other property distributed to the investor; |
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| • | | The investor’s distributive share of losses and nondeductible expenditures that are “not properly chargeable to capital account;” and |
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| • | | Any reduction in the investor’s share of certain items of Siouxland Ethanol’s debt. |
The unit basis calculations are complex. A member is only required to compute unit basis if the computation is necessary to determine his tax liability, but accurate records should be maintained. Typically, basis computations are necessary at the following times:
| • | | The end of a taxable year during which we suffered a loss, for the purpose of determining the deductibility of the member’s share of the loss; |
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| • | | Upon the liquidation or disposition of a member’s interest, or |
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| • | | Upon the non-liquidating distribution of cash or property to an investor, in order to ascertain the basis of distributed property or the taxability of cash distributed. |
Except in the case of a taxable sale of a unit or Siouxland Ethanol’s liquidation, exact computations usually are not necessary. For example, a unit holder who regularly receives cash distributions that are less than or equal to his or her share of our taxable income will have a positive unit basis at all times. Consequently, no computations are necessary to demonstrate that cash distributions are not taxable under Section 731(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the basis adjustments is to keep track of a member’s tax investment in us, with a view toward preventing double taxation or exclusion from taxation of income items upon ultimate disposition of the units.
Tax Credits to Unit Holders
Small Ethanol Producer Tax Credit
“Small Ethanol Producers” are allowed a 10-cents-per-gallon production income tax credit on up to 15 million gallons of production annually. Under current law, small ethanol producers are those ethanol producers producing less than 30 million gallons per year. We do not expect to be classified as a small ethanol producer for purposes of the tax credit because we expect to produce approximately 50 million gallons of ethanol per year. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, if signed by President Bush, would expand the definition of a “small ethanol producer” from 30 million gallons per year to 60 million gallons per year. If this legislation is passed, we would qualify for the small ethanol producer tax credit. President Bush has indicated that he will sign the bill, however there is no guarantee or assurance that he will do so.
Historically, the small ethanol producer tax credit did not apply to reduce the alternative minimum tax, “AMT.” As a result, although the tax credit would otherwise apply, certain unit holders did not realize the full benefit of the tax credit due to the application of the AMT. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 changed the tax law for tax years beginning after December 31, 2004, to allow the credit to reduce the AMT.
Under current law, unit holders utilizing the small ethanol producer tax credit would be required to increase taxable income by the amount of the credit in their gross income before utilizing the credit to reduce any tax on their passive income. This means that although the credits may reduce the tax liability resulting from a unit holder’s passive income, the net result would not reduce the unit holder’s total tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Instead, the net-benefit would be a lesser amount. Unit holders in higher marginal income tax brackets generally would benefit less than unit holders in lower marginal tax brackets. The proposed tax legislation, if enacted, would repeal the present rule requiring the amount of the credit to be included in income. However, there is no assurance that the tax legislation will be passed by the Congress or enacted into law by the President.
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The small ethanol producers tax credit originally scheduled to expire in 2007 has been extended through 2010. Although Congress may further extend or make permanent the credit, there is no assurance that the tax credit will be extended beyond 2010.
Deductibility of Losses; At-Risk Passive Loss Limitations
Generally, a unit holder may deduct losses allocated to him, subject to a number of restrictions. An investor’s ability to deduct any losses we allocate to the investor is determined by applying the following three limitations dealing with basis, at-risk and passive losses:
| • | | Basis. An investor may not deduct an amount exceeding the investor’s adjusted basis in the investor’s units pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 704(d). If the investor’s share of the Company’s losses exceed the investor’s basis in the investor’s units at the end of any taxable year, such excess losses, to the extent that they exceed the investor’s adjusted basis, may be carried over indefinitely and deducted to the extent that at the end of any succeeding year the investor’s adjusted basis in the investor’s units exceeds zero. |
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| • | | At-Risk Rules. Under the “at-risk” provisions of Section 465 of the Internal Revenue Code, if an investor is an individual taxpayer, including an individual partner in a partnership, or a closely-held corporation, the investor may deduct losses and tax credits from a trade or business activity, and thereby reduce the investor’s taxable income from other sources, only to the extent the investor is considered “at risk” with respect to that particular activity. The amount an investor is considered to have “at risk” includes money contributed to the activity and certain amounts borrowed with respect to the activity for which the investor may be liable. |
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| • | | Passive Loss Rules. Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code may substantially restrict an investor’s ability to deduct losses and tax credits from passive activities. Passive activities generally include activities conducted by pass-through entities, such as a limited liability company, certain partnerships or S corporations, in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. Generally, losses from passive activities are deductible only to the extent of the taxpayer’s income from other passive activities. Passive activity losses that are not deductible may be carried forward and deducted against future passive activity income or may be deducted in full upon disposition of a unit holder’s entire interest in us to an unrelated party in a fully taxable transaction. It is important to note that “passive activities” do not include dividends and interest income that normally is considered to be “passive” in nature. For unit holders who borrow to purchase their units, interest expense attributable to the amount borrowed will be aggregated with other items of income and loss from passive activities and subjected to the passive activity loss limitation. To illustrate, if a unit holder’s only passive activity is our limited liability company, and if we incur a net loss, no interest expense on the related borrowing would be deductible. If that unit holder’s share of our taxable income were less than the related interest expense, the excess would be nondeductible. In both instances, the disallowed interest would be suspended and would be deductible against future passive activity income or upon disposition of the unit holder’s entire interest in our limited liability company to an unrelated party in a fully taxable transaction. |
Passive Activity Income
If we are successful in achieving our investment and operating objectives, investors may be allocated taxable income from us. To the extent that an investor’s share of our net income constitutes income from a passive activity, as described above, such income may generally be offset by the investor’s net losses and credits from investments in other passive activities.
Alternative Minimum Tax
Individual taxpayers are subject to an “alternative minimum tax” if such tax exceeds the individual’s regular income tax. Generally, alternative minimum taxable income is the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income increased by the amount of certain preference items less certain itemized deductions. We may generate certain preference items. Depending on a unit holder’s other items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit, the impact of the alternative
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minimum tax on a unit holder’s overall federal income tax liability may vary from no impact to a substantial increase in tax. Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult with his tax advisor regarding the impact of an investment in Siouxland Ethanol on the calculation of his alternative minimum tax, as well as on his overall federal income tax liability.
Allocations of Income and Losses
Your distributive share of our income, gain, loss or deduction for federal income tax purposes generally is determined in accordance with our operating agreement. Under Section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, however, the Internal Revenue Service will respect our allocation, or a portion of it, only if it either has “substantial economic effect” or is in accordance with the “partner’s interest in the partnership.” If the allocation or portion thereof contained in our operating agreement does not meet either test, the Internal Revenue Service may reallocate these items in accordance with its determination of each member’s economic interest in us. Treasury Regulations contain guidelines as to whether partnership allocations have substantial economic effect. The allocations contained in the operating agreement are intended to comply with the Treasury Regulations’ test for having substantial economic effect. New unit holders will be allocated a proportionate share of income or loss for the year in which they became unit holders. The operating agreement permits our directors to select any method and convention permissible under Internal Revenue Code Section 706(d) for the allocation of tax items during the time any person is admitted as a unit holder. In addition, the operating agreement provides that upon the transfer of all or a portion of a unit holder’s units, other than at the end of the fiscal year, the entire year’s net income or net loss allocable to the transferred units will be apportioned between the transferor and transferee.
Tax Consequences Upon Disposition of Units
Gain or loss will be recognized on a sale of our units equal to the difference between the amount realized and the unit holder’s basis in the units sold. The amount realized includes cash and the fair market value of any property received plus the member’s share of certain items of our debt. Although unlikely, since certain items of our debt are included in an investor’s basis, it is possible that an investor could have a tax liability upon the sale of the investor’s units that exceeds the proceeds of sale.
Gain or loss recognized by a unit holder on the sale or exchange of a unit held for more than one year generally will be taxed as long-term capital gain or loss. A portion of this gain or loss, however, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under Internal Revenue Code Section 751 to the extent attributable to depreciation recapture or other “unrealized receivables” or “substantially appreciated inventory” owned by us. We will adopt conventions to assist those members that sell units in apportioning the gain among the various categories.
Effect of Tax Code Section 754 Election on Unit Transfers
The adjusted basis of each unit holder in his units, “outside basis,” initially will equal his proportionate share of our adjusted basis in our assets, “inside basis.” Over time, however, it is probable that changes in unit values and cost recovery deductions will cause the value of a unit to differ materially from the unit holder’s proportionate share of the inside basis. Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code permits a partnership to make an election that allows a transferee who acquires units either by purchase or upon the death of a unit holder to adjust his share of the inside basis to fair market value as reflected by the unit price in the case of a purchase or the estate tax value of the unit in the case of an acquisition upon death of a unit holder. Once the amount of the transferee’s basis adjustment is determined, it is allocated among our various assets pursuant to Section 755 of the Internal Revenue Code.
A Section 754 election is beneficial to the transferee when his outside basis is greater than his proportionate share of the entity’s inside basis. In this case, a special basis calculation is made solely for the benefit of the transferee that will determine his cost recovery deductions and his gain or loss on disposition of property by reference to his higher outside basis. The Section 754 election will be detrimental to the transferee if his outside basis is less than his proportionate share of inside basis.
If we make a Section 754 election, Treasury Regulations require us to make the basis adjustments. In addition, these regulations place the responsibility for reporting basis adjustments on us. We must report basis adjustments by
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attaching statements to our partnership returns. In addition, we are required to adjust specific partnership items in light of the basis adjustments. Consequently, amounts reported on the transferee’s Schedule K-1 are adjusted amounts.
Transferees are subject to an affirmative obligation to notify us of their bases in acquired interests. To accommodate concerns about the reliability of the information provided, we are entitled to rely on the written representations of transferees concerning either the amount paid for the partnership interest or the transferee’s basis in the partnership interest under Section 1014 of the Internal Revenue Code, unless clearly erroneous.
Our operating agreement provides our directors with authority to determine whether or not a Section 754 election will be made. Depending on the circumstances, the value of units may be affected positively or negatively by whether or not we make a Section 754 election. If we decide to make a Section 754 election, the election will be made on a timely filed partnership income tax return and is effective for transfers occurring in the taxable year of the return in which the election is made. Once made, the Section 754 election is irrevocable unless the Internal Revenue Service consents to its revocation.
Our Dissolution and Liquidation may be Taxable to Investors, Unless our Properties are Distributed In-Kind
Our dissolution and liquidation will involve the distribution to investors of the assets, if any, remaining after payment of all of our debts and liabilities. Upon dissolution, investors’ units may be liquidated by one or more distributions of cash or other property. If investors receive only cash upon the dissolution, gain would be recognized by investors to the extent, if any, that the amount of cash received exceeds investors’ adjusted bases in investors’ units. We will recognize no gain or loss if we distribute our own property in a dissolution event. However, since our primary asset will likely be the ethanol plant, it is unlikely that we will make a distribution in kind.
Reporting Requirements
The IRS requires a taxpayer who sells or exchanges a membership unit to notify Siouxland Ethanol in writing within 30 days, or for transfers occurring on or after December 16 of any year, by January 15 of the following year. Although the IRS reporting requirement is limited to Section 751(a) exchanges, it is likely that any transfer of a Siouxland Ethanol membership unit will constitute a Section 751(a) exchange. The written notice required by the IRS must include the names and addresses of both parties to the exchange, the identifying numbers of the transferor, and if known, of the transferee, and the exchange date. Currently the IRS imposes a penalty of $50 for failure to file the written notice unless reasonable cause can be shown.
Tax Information to Members
We will annually provide each member with a Schedule K-1 (or an authorized substitute). Each member’s Schedule K-1 will set out the holder’s distributive share of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit to be separately stated. Each member must report all items consistently with Schedule K-1 or, if an inconsistent position is reported, must notify the IRS of any inconsistency by filing Form 8062 “Notice of Inconsistent Treatment or Administrative Adjustment Request” with the original or amended return in which the inconsistent position is taken.
Audit of Income Tax Returns
The Internal Revenue Service may audit our income tax returns and may challenge positions taken by us for tax purposes and may seek to change our allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction to investors. If the IRS were successful in challenging our allocations in a manner that reduces loss or increases income allocable to investors, investors may have additional tax liabilities. In addition, such an audit could lead to separate audits of an investor’s tax returns, especially if adjustments are required, which could result in adjustments on an investors’ tax returns. Any of these events could result in additional tax liabilities, penalties and interest to investors, and the cost of filing amended tax returns.
Generally, investors are required to file their tax returns in a manner consistent with the information returns filed by us, such as Schedule K-1, or investors may be subject to possible penalties, unless they file a statement with
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their tax returns describing any inconsistency. In addition, we will select a “tax matters member” who will have certain responsibilities with respect to any Internal Revenue Service audit and any court litigation relating to us. Investors should consult their tax advisors as to the potential impact these procedural rules may have on them.
Prior to 1982, regardless of the size of a partnership, adjustments to a partnership’s items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit had to be made in separate proceedings with respect to each partner individually. Because a large partnership sometimes had many partners located in different audit districts, adjustments to items of income, gains, losses, deductions or credits of the partnership had to be made in numerous actions in several jurisdictions, sometimes with conflicting outcomes. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (“TEFRA”) established unified audit rules applicable to all but certain small partnerships. These rules require the tax treatment of all “partnership items” to be determined at the partnership, rather than the partner, level. Partnership items are those items that are more appropriately determined at the partnership level than at the partner level, as provided by regulations. Since we will be taxed as a partnership, the TEFRA rules are applicable to our members and us.
The Internal Revenue Service may challenge the reporting position of a partnership by conducting a single administrative proceeding to resolve the issue with respect to all partners. But the Internal Revenue Service must still assess any resulting deficiency against each of the taxpayers who were partners in the year in which the understatement of tax liability arose. Any partner of a partnership can request an administrative adjustment or a refund for his own separate tax liability. Any partner also has the right to participate in partnership-level administrative proceedings. A settlement agreement with respect to partnership items binds all parties to the settlement. The TEFRA rules establish the “Tax Matters Member” as the primary representative of a partnership in dealings with the Internal Revenue Service. The Tax Matters Member must be a “member-manager” which is defined as a company member who, alone or together with others, is vested with the continuing exclusive authority to make the management decisions necessary to conduct the business for which the organization was formed. In our case, this would be a member of the board of directors who is also a unit holder of the company. Our operating agreement provides for board designation of the Tax Matters Member. Currently, Tom Lynch is serving as our Tax Matters Member. The Internal Revenue Service generally is required to give notice of the beginning of partnership- level administrative proceedings and any resulting administrative adjustment to all partners whose names and addresses are furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Interest on Underpayment of Taxes; Accuracy-Related Penalties; Negligence Penalties
If we incorrectly report an investor’s distributive share of our net income, such may cause the investor to underpay his taxes. If it is determined that the investor underpaid his taxes for any taxable year, the investor must pay the amount of taxes he underpaid plus interest on the underpayment and possibly penalties from the date the tax was originally due. Under recent law changes, the accrual of interest and penalties may be suspended for certain qualifying individual taxpayers if the IRS does not notify an investor of amounts owing within 18 months of the date the investor filed his income tax return. The suspension period ends 21 days after the Internal Revenue Service sends the required notice. The rate of interest is compounded daily and is adjusted quarterly.
Under Section 6662 of the Internal Revenue Code, penalties may be imposed relating to the accuracy of tax returns that are filed. A 20% penalty is imposed with respect to any “substantial understatement of income tax” and with respect to the portion of any underpayment of tax attributable to a “substantial valuation misstatement” or to “negligence.” All those penalties are subject to an exception to the extent a taxpayer had reasonable cause for a position and acted in good faith.
The Internal Revenue Service may impose a 20% penalty with respect to any underpayment of tax attributable to negligence. An underpayment of taxes is attributable to negligence if such underpayment results from any failure to make a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of the Code, or any careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of the federal income tax rules or regulations. In addition, regulations provide that the failure by a taxpayer to include on a tax return any amount shown on an information return is strong evidence of negligence. The disclosure of a position on the taxpayer’s return will not necessarily prevent the imposition of the negligence penalty.
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State and Local Taxes
In addition to the federal income tax consequences described above, investors should consider the state and local tax consequences of an investment in us. This prospectus makes no attempt to summarize the state and local tax consequences to an investor. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding state and local tax obligations.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the units offered and the validity of the disclosure relating to the principal federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the units offered will be passed upon for us by Brown, Winick, Graves, Gross, Baskerville & Schoenebaum, P.L.C.
Siouxland Ethanol is not a party to any pending legal proceedings.
EXPERTS
Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell & Co., P.L.L.P., an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements at September 30, 2004, as set forth in their report appearing in this prospectus and registration statement. We have included our financial statements in the prospectus and elsewhere in this registration statement in reliance on the report from Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell & Co., P.L.L.P., given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
TRANSFER AGENT
We will serve as our transfer agent and registrar.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form SB-2 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act, with respect to the offer and sale of membership units pursuant to this prospectus. This prospectus, filed as a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules thereto in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission and no reference is hereby made to such omitted information. Statements made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are summaries of the terms of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not necessarily complete. Reference is made to each such exhibit for a more complete description of the matters involved and such statements shall be deemed qualified in their entirety by such reference. The registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto filed with the Commission may be inspected, without charge, and copies may be obtained at prescribed rates, at the public reference facility maintained by the Commission at its principal office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission also maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission.
As of effectiveness of our registration statement, we will be required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our quarterly reports will be made on Form 10-QSB, and our annual reports are made on Form 10-KSB. As of the date of this prospectus, our filings will be made pursuant to Regulation S-B for small business filers. We will also make current reports on Form 8-K. Except for our duty to deliver audited annual financial statements to our members pursuant to our operating agreement, we are not required to deliver an annual report to security holders and currently have no plan to do so. However, each filing we make with the SEC is immediately available to the public for inspection and
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copying at the Commission’s public reference facilities and the web site of the Commission referred to above or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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| | Page | |
| | | F-2 | |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | | | |
| | | F-3 | |
| | | F-4 | |
| | | F-5 | |
| | | F-6 | |
| | | F-7 | |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Audit Committee and
Board of Governors
Siouxland Ethanol, LLC
Jackson, Nebraska
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Siouxland Ethanol, LLC (a development stage company), as of September 30, 2004, and the related statements of operations, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for the period from inception (August 12, 2004) to September 30, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, (a development stage company) as of September 30, 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from inception (August 12, 2004) to September 30, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell & Co. P.L.L.P.
Certified Public Accountants
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 15, 2005
F-2
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Balance Sheet
| | | | | | | | |
|
| | March 31, | | | September 30, | |
ASSETS | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
|
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Audited) | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 751,821 | | | $ | 47,213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property and Equipment | | | | | | | | |
Office equipment | | | 3,715 | | | | — | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | (136 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Net property and equipment | | | 3,579 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other Assets | | | | | | | | |
Deferred offering costs | | | 155,586 | | | | 3,274 | |
Land options and other asset | | | 7,000 | | | | — | �� |
| | | | | | |
| | | 162,586 | | | | 3,274 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 917,986 | | | $ | 50,487 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
| | March 31, | | | September 30, | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
|
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Audited) | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 101,043 | | | $ | 33,404 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 2,988 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 104,031 | | | | 33,404 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and Contingencies | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Members’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Member contributions, 195 and 10 units outstanding at March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2004, respectively | | | 975,000 | | | | 50,000 | |
Deficit accumulated during development stage | | | (161,045 | ) | | | (32,917 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Total members’ equity | | | 813,955 | | | | 17,083 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity | | $ | 917,986 | | | $ | 50,487 | |
| | | | | | |
Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
F-3
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | Six Months Ended | | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | From Inception | |
| | March 31, | | | September 30, | | | (August 12, 2004) | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | to March 31, 2005 | |
|
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Audited) | | | (Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Professional fees | | | 105,598 | | | | 32,630 | | | | 138,228 | |
General and administrative | | | 22,530 | | | | 287 | | | | 22,817 | |
Total | | | 128,128 | | | | 32,917 | | | | 161,045 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Loss | | | (128,128 | ) | | | (32,917 | ) | | | (161,045 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Loss | | $ | (128,128 | ) | | $ | (32,917 | ) | | $ | (161,045 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Loss Per Unit (155, 10 and 125 weighted average units outstanding, respectively) | | $ | (826.63 | ) | | $ | (3,291.70 | ) | | $ | (1,288.36 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
F-4
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Period from August 12, 2004 (Date of Inception) to March 31, 2005
Statement of Changes in Members’ Equity
| | | | |
Balance — August 12, 2004 | | $ | — | |
Capital contributions — 10 units, $5,000 per unit, August 2004 | | | 50,000 | |
Net loss for the year ended September 30, 2004 | | | (32,917 | ) |
| | | |
Balance — September 30, 2004 — Audited | | | 17,083 | |
Capital contributions — 185 units, $5,000 per unit, November 2004 | | | 925,000 | |
Net loss for the period ended March 31, 2005 | | | (128,128 | ) |
| | | |
Balance — March 31, 2005 — Unaudited | | $ | 813,955 | |
| | | |
Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
F-5
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Cash Flows
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | Six Months Ended | | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | From Inception | |
| | March 31, | | | September 30, | | | (August 12, 2004) | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | to March 31, 2005 | |
|
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Audited) | | | (Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (128,128 | ) | | $ | (32,917 | ) | | $ | (161,045 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | 136 | | | | — | | | | 136 | |
Change in assets and liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | | 18,951 | | | | 31,380 | | | | 50,331 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 2,988 | | | | — | | | | 2,988 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (106,053 | ) | | | (1,537 | ) | | | (107,590 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payment for land options and other asset | | | (7,000 | ) | | | — | | | | (7,000 | ) |
Capital expenditures | | | (3,715 | ) | | | — | | | | (3,715 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (10,715 | ) | | | — | | | | (10,715 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Member contributions | | | 925,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 975,000 | |
Payments for deferred offering costs | | | (103,624 | ) | | | (1,250 | ) | | | (104,874 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 821,376 | | | | 48,750 | | | | 870,126 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Cash | | | 704,608 | | | | 47,213 | | | | 751,821 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash — Beginning of Period | | | 47,213 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash — End of Period | | $ | 751,821 | | | $ | 47,213 | | | $ | 751,821 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable | | $ | 50,712 | | | $ | 2,024 | | | $ | 50,712 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
F-6
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2004
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business
Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, (a Nebraska Limited Liability Company) was organized to pool investors to build a 50 million gallon annual production ethanol plant in Dakota County, Nebraska. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2005 with expected completion in spring 2007. As of March 31, 2005, the Company is in the development stage with its efforts being principally devoted to equity raising and organizational activities.
Fiscal Reporting Period
The Company had adopted a fiscal year ending September 30 for reporting financial operations.
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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates include the deferral of expenditures for offering costs which are dependent upon successful financing and project development, as discussed below. It is at least reasonably possible that these estimates may change in the near term.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the fair value.
The Company maintains its accounts primarily at one financial institution. At times throughout the year, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balances may exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Equipment
Equipment is stated at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. Depreciation is provided over an estimated useful life by use of the straight line depreciation method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized.
Deferred Offering Costs
The Company defers the costs incurred to raise equity financing until that financing occurs. At such time that the issuance of new equity occurs, these costs will be netted against the proceeds received; or if the financing does not occur, they will be expensed.
Income Taxes
Siouxland Ethanol, LLC is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead its earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of its members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements.
F-7
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2004
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued Statement No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”.The Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments.
Management does not expect the implementation of this pronouncement to have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.
2. DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE
The Company was formed on August 12, 2004 to have a perpetual life. The Company was initially capitalized by members who contributed an aggregate of $100,000 for 20 membership units. Additionally, the Company was further capitalized by additional members, contributing an aggregate of $875,000 for 175 units. These additional contributions were pursuant to a private placement memorandum in which the Company offered a maximum of 180 units of securities at a cost of $5,000 per unit for a maximum of $900,000. Each investor was required to purchase a minimum of four units for a minimum investment of $20,000 and increments of one unit thereafter. This offering was closed and the units were issued in November 2004.
Income and losses are allocated to all members based upon their respective percentage of units held. See Note 3 for further discussion of members’ equity.
3. MEMBERS’ EQUITY
As specified in the Company’s operating agreement, the Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of membership units. The Company has one class of membership units, which include certain transfer restrictions as specified in the operating agreement and pursuant to applicable tax and securities laws. The Company is preparing Form SB-2 Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Offering is expected to be for a minimum of 1,500 and up to 4,600 membership units for sale at $10,000 per unit.
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Design build letter of intent
The total cost of the project, including the construction of the ethanol plant and start-up expenses, is expected to approximate $80,500,000. The Company has signed a letter of intent with a contractor, a related party, to design and build the ethanol plant at a total contract price of approximately $56,619,000. The letter of intent shall terminate on December 31, 2005 unless the basic size and design of the facility have been agreed upon, a specific site or sites have been determined and agreed upon, and at least 10% of the necessary equity has been raised. Further, the letter of intent terminates at December 31, 2006 unless financing for the facility has been secured. Either of the termination dates may be extended upon mutual written agreement. The Company anticipates funding the development of the ethanol plant by raising additional equity of at least $15,000,000 and securing financing for up to $64,525,000. The amount of debt financing needed depends on the amount of equity raised in the Offering. An employee of the contractor is a member and director of the Company.
Land contracts
In November 2004, the Company entered into a contract to have the option to purchase approximately 50 acres of land in Dakota County Nebraska, for $8,000 per acre. The Company deposited $1,000 of earnest money with an unrelated party for this option. The initial option shall extend until December 31, 2005, and the optionee has the right to extend the option for up to two additional ninety day terms. If the option is exercised during the time permitted, the $1,000 deposit will be applied to the purchase price. The Company’s comprehensive plan for
F-8
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2004
construction of an ethanol plant contemplates using this site, in conjunction with the two sites discussed below. These three sites are adjacent to each other and are anticipated to be the site of the ethanol plant.
In January 2005, the Company entered into a contract to have the option to purchase approximately 8 acres of land in Dakota County Nebraska, for $8,000 per acre. The Company deposited $1,000 of earnest money with an unrelated party for this option. The initial option shall extend until December 31, 2005, and the optionee has the right to extend the option for up to two additional ninety day terms. If the option is exercised during the time permitted, the $1,000 deposit will be applied to the purchase price.
In February 2005, the Company entered into a contract to have the option to purchase approximately 7 acres of land in Dakota County Nebraska, for a total purchase price of $250,000, including the purchase of the residence and one acre of land for $175,000 and the remaining buildings and 6 acres of land for an additional $75,000. The Company deposited $2,500 of earnest money with an unrelated party for this option. The initial option shall extend until December 31, 2005, and the optionee has the right to extend the option for up to two additional ninety day terms, and each extended option will include an additional option fee of $2,000. If the option is exercised during the time permitted, the $2,500 deposit and any subsequent option fees will be applied to the purchase price.
The Company entered into another option to purchase land in November 2004, for approximately 33 acres of land in Dakota County Nebraska, for $8,500 per acre. The Company deposited $1,000 of earnest money with an unrelated party for this option. The initial option shall extend until December 31, 2005, and the optionee has the right to extend the option for up to two additional ninety day terms. If the option is exercised during the time permitted, the deposit will be applied to the purchase price. This option contract is for a back-up site for the ethanol plant, in the event that the site with the three land option contracts discussed above is not feasible.
Consulting contracts
In October 2004, the Company entered into a consulting agreement, beginning November 1, 2004 and continuing until twelve months after the completion date, with an unrelated party to provide consulting and project management services for supplies of natural gas and electricity to the plant. The agreement shall be month-to-month after the initial term until either party, with 30 days written notice, terminates the agreement. For these services, the Company will pay $2,900 per month plus pre-approved travel expenses.
In January 2005, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with two related parties to provide services relating to contract negotiation, marketing, and the securing of debt financing. The Company will pay the first consultant a one-time fee of $25,000 and $1,500 per week commencing at six weeks prior to the time the Company is legally authorized to sell its equity under the Offering as described in Note 3. Additionally, the Company will pay a one-time cash bonus of $35,000 and issue four units in equity securities upon the Company’s successful execution of a definitive debt financing agreement of a binding commitment for debt financing and the loan transaction contemplated by such commitment closes and is funded. The agreement has no term, but may be terminated at any time by either party upon fourteen days notice. This consultant is a member and director of the Company as well as engaged as a consultant for the Company’s general contractor. The second consultant will receive a one time payment of $5,000 and $750 per week commencing upon the date two weeks prior to the time the Company becomes legally authorized to sell its equity. The Company will also pay the second consultant a one-time cash bonus of $5,000 and issue two units in equity securities upon the Company’s successful execution of a definitive debt financing agreement of a binding commitment for debt financing and the loan transaction contemplated by such commitment closes and is funded. The agreement has no term, but may be terminated at any time by either party upon fourteen days notice. As of March 31, 2005 the Company has paid one-time fees totaling $30,000. This second consultant is also a member and director of the Company.
F-9
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2004
Utility and construction contracts
In November 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated party to assist in coordinating and negotiating with the mainline railroad as well as providing other railroad consulting services.
In December 2004, the Company signed an agreement with an unrelated party for a national pollution discharge permit system and well permitting assistance and other on call services for the project at hourly agreed upon rates as set forth in the agreement for work performed through 2005.
In December 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated party for environmental permitting for the plant. The agreement sets forth hourly rates for services and fees for specified services, and requires all payments to be made within 30 days or outstanding balances are subject to a 1.5% service charge. The Company may terminate this agreement with out cause with 30 day written notice. The consultant may terminate this agreement upon seven days written notice.
In March 2005, the Company signed a letter of agreement with an unrelated party to provide a geotechnical investigation for the project for a fee of $20,750.
F-10
Exhibit A
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
OF
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
Pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, we, the undersigned, do hereby adopt the following Articles of Organization for the purpose of forming a Nebraska limited liability company:
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this limited liability company is Siouxland Ethanol, LLC (the “Company”).
ARTICLE II
BUSINESS PURPOSE
The Company is organized to perform any and all lawful acts pertaining to the management of any lawful business as well as to engage in and to do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and any amendments thereto.
The Company shall primarily engage in the development, construction and operation of an ethanol production facility. However, the Company shall not be limited to this scope.
ARTICLE III
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
The Company’s principal place of business is located at: 1221 Monona Blvd., Jackson, Nebraska 68743.
ARTICLE IV
REGISTERED AGENT
The Company shall continuously maintain an agent in the State of Nebraska for service of process who is an individual residing in said state. The name and address of the initial registered agent shall be: Doug Garwood, 520 Timberline Drive, South Sioux City, Nebraska 68776.
ARTICLE V
CONTRIBUTIONS, CAPITAL, AND VALUE
The total amount of cash contributed to the stated capital of the Company is $1.00. The Company has $1.00 of capital or contributed cash.
No Member shall be obligated to make any contribution to the Company except those specifically set forth in the Operating Agreement adopted by the Members of the Company.
ARTICLE VI
MEMBERSHIP
The Company shall accept the application of new members pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Operating Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
MANAGEMENT
The Company’s business and affairs shall be managed by a Board of Directors. For purposes of the Act, the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be the board of managers of the Company, and each director shall be deemed to be a manager. The names and addresses of the initial Directors are as follows:
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| NAME | | ADDRESS |
| | |
| Tom Lynch President | | 1221 Monona Blvd. Jackson, Nebraska 68743 |
| | |
| Pam Miller Vice President | | 414 Howard St. Homer, Nebraska 68030 |
| | |
| Nancy Kirkholm Secretary | | 831 137th St. South Sioux City, Nebraska 68776 |
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| John Kingsbury Treasurer | | PO Box 570 Ponca, Nebraska 68770 |
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| Doug Garwood | | 520 Timberline Drive South Sioux City, Nebraska 68776 |
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| | | |
| NAME | | ADDRESS |
| | | |
| Shennen Saltzman | | PO Box 3085 Sioux City, Iowa 51102 |
| | |
| Don Meisner | | 3116 Everett St. Sioux City, Iowa 51106 |
| | |
| Ronald Wetherell | | PO Box 188 Cleghorn, Iowa 51014 |
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| Darrell Downs | | PO Box 103 Marcus, Iowa 51035 |
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| Jim Warner | | 505 5th Street Sioux City, Iowa 51101 |
Each director shall serve until such time as specified by the Operating Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization as of this 30th day of July, 2004.
| | | | |
| | |
| /s/ Tom Lynch | |
| Tom Lynch, Organizer | |
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Exhibit B
AMENDED AND RESTATED
OPERATING AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED
OPERATING AGREEMENT
OF
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
Dated February 24, 2005
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | | | |
| | Page | |
SECTION 1: THE COMPANY | | | 1 | |
1.1 Formation | | | 1 | |
1.2 Name | | | 1 | |
1.3 Purpose; Powers | | | 1 | |
1.4 Principal Place of Business | | | 2 | |
1.5 Term | | | 2 | |
1.6 Title to Property | | | 2 | |
1.7 Payment of Individual Obligations | | | 2 | |
1.8 Independent Activities; Transactions With Affiliates | | | 2 | |
1.9 Definitions | | | 3 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 2. CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS | | | 9 | |
2.1 Original Capital Contributions | | | 9 | |
2.2 Additional Capital Contributions; Additional Units | | | 9 | |
2.3 Capital Accounts | | | 9 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 3. ALLOCATIONS | | | 10 | |
3.1 Profits | | | 10 | |
3.2 Losses | | | 10 | |
3.3 Special Allocations | | | 10 | |
3.4 Curative Allocations | | | 12 | |
3.5 Loss Limitation | | | 12 | |
3.6 Other Allocation Rules | | | 12 | |
3.7 Tax Allocations: Code Section 704(c) | | | 13 | |
3.8 Tax Credit Allocations | | | 13 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 4. DISTRIBUTIONS | | | 13 | |
4.1 Net Cash Flow | | | 13 | |
4.2 Amounts Withheld | | | 14 | |
4.3 Limitations on Distributions | | | 14 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 5. MANAGEMENT | | | 14 | |
5.1 Directors | | | 14 | |
5.2 Number of Total Directors | | | 14 | |
5.3 Election of Directors | | | 14 | |
5.4 Committees | | | 16 | |
5.5 Authority of Directors | | | 17 | |
5.6 Director as Agent | | | 18 | |
5.7 Restriction on Authority of Directors | | | 18 | |
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| | | | |
| | Page | |
5.8 Director Meetings and Notice | | | 19 | |
5.9 Action Without a Meeting | | | 20 | |
5.10 Quorum; Manner of Acting | | | 20 | |
5.11 Voting; Potential Financial Interest | | | 20 | |
5.12 Duties and Obligations of Directors | | | 20 | |
5.13 Chairman and Vice Chairman | | | 20 | |
5.14 President and Chief Executive Officer | | | 21 | |
5.15 Chief Financial Officer | | | 21 | |
5.16 Secretary; Assistant Secretary | | | 21 | |
5.17 Vice President | | | 21 | |
5.18 Delegation | | | 21 | |
5.19 Execution of Instruments | | | 22 | |
5.20 Limitation of Liability; Indemnification of Directors | | | 22 | |
5.21 Compensation; Expenses of Directors | | | 22 | |
5.22 Loans | | | 23 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 6. ROLE OF MEMBERS | | | 23 | |
6.1 One Membership Class | | | 23 | |
6.2 Members | | | 23 | |
6.3 Additional Members | | | 23 | |
6.4 Rights or Powers | | | 23 | |
6.5 Voting Rights of Members | | | 23 | |
6.6 Member Meetings | | | 24 | |
6.7 Conduct of Meetings | | | 24 | |
6.8 Notice of Meetings; Waiver | | | 24 | |
6.9 Quorum and Proxies | | | 24 | |
6.10 Voting; Action by Members | | | 24 | |
6.11 Record Date | | | 24 | |
6.12 Termination of Membership | | | 24 | |
6.13 Continuation of the Company | | | 25 | |
6.14 No Obligation to Purchase Membership Interest | | | 25 | |
6.15 Waiver of Dissenters Rights | | | 25 | |
6.16 Limitation on Ownership | | | 25 | |
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SECTION 7. ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS | | | 25 | |
7.1 Accounting, Books and Records | | | 25 | |
7.2 Delivery to Members and Inspection | | | 25 | |
7.3 Reports | | | 26 | |
7.4 Tax Matters | | | 26 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 8. AMENDMENTS | | | 27 | |
8.1 Amendments | | | 27 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 9. TRANSFERS | | | 27 | |
9.1 Restrictions on Transfers | | | 27 | |
9.2 Permitted Transfers | | | 27 | |
9.3 Conditions Precedent to Transfers | | | 28 | |
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| | Page | |
9.4 Prohibited Transfers | | | 29 | |
9.5 No Dissolution or Termination | | | 29 | |
9.6 Prohibition of Assignment | | | 30 | |
9.7 Rights of Unadmitted Assignees | | | 30 | |
9.8 Admission of Substituted Members | | | 30 | |
9.9 Representations Regarding Transfers | | | 30 | |
9.10 Distribution and Allocation in Respect of Transferred Units | | | 31 | |
9.11 Additional Members | | | 32 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 10. DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP | | | 32 | |
10.1 Dissolution | | | 32 | |
10.2 Winding Up | | | 32 | |
10.3 Compliance with Certain Requirements of Regulations; Deficit Capital Accounts | | | 33 | |
10.4 Deemed Distribution and Recontribution | | | 33 | |
10.5 Rights of Unit Holders | | | 33 | |
10.6 Allocations During Period of Liquidation | | | 33 | |
10.7 Character of Liquidating Distributions | | | 34 | |
10.8 The Liquidator | | | 34 | |
10.9 Forms of Liquidating Distributions | | | 34 | |
| | | | |
SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS | | | 34 | |
11.1 Notices | | | 34 | |
11.2 Binding Effect | | | 34 | |
11.3 Construction | | | 34 | |
11.4 Headings | | | 35 | |
11.5 Severability | | | 35 | |
11.6 Incorporation By Reference | | | 35 | |
11.7 Variation of Terms | | | 35 | |
11.8 Governing Law | | | 35 | |
11.9 Waiver of Jury Trial | | | 35 | |
11.10 Counterpart Execution | | | 35 | |
11.11 Specific Performance | | | 35 | |
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AMENDED AND RESTATED
OPERATING AGREEMENT
OF
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT(the “Agreement”) is entered into and shall be effective as of the 24th day of February, 2005, by and among Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), each of the Persons (as hereinafter defined) who are identified as Members on the attached Exhibit “A” and who have executed a counterpart of this Agreement and a Subscription Agreement, and any other Persons as may from time-to-time be subsequently admitted as a Member of the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.9.
WHEREAS, the Members of the Company have adopted an Operating Agreement of the Company dated August 16, 2004, pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Members desire to amend and restate the Operating Agreement to revise and to more fully set forth their respective rights, duties, and responsibilities with respect to the Company and its business and affairs.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. THE COMPANY
1.1Formation. The initial Members formed the Company as a Nebraska limited liability company by filing Articles of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 12, 2004 pursuant to the provisions of the Act. To the extent that the rights or obligations of any Member are different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than they would be in the absence of such provision, this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by the Act, control.
1.2Name. The name of the Company shall be “Siouxland Ethanol, LLC” and all business of the Company shall be conducted in such name.
1.3Purpose; Powers. The nature of the business and purposes of the Company are: (i) to own, construct, operate, lease, finance, contract with, and/or invest in ethanol production and co-product production facilities as permitted under the applicable laws of the State of Nebraska; (ii) to engage in the processing of corn, grains and other feedstock into ethanol and any and all related co-products, and the marketing of all products and co-products from such processing; and (iii) to engage in any other business and investment activity in which a Nebraska limited liability
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company may lawfully be engaged, as determined by the Directors. The Company has the power to do any and all acts necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental or convenient to or in furtherance of the purpose of the Company as set forth in this Section 1.3 and has, without limitation, any and all powers that may be exercised on behalf of the Company by the Directors pursuant to Section 5 hereof.
1.4Principal Place of Business. The Company shall continuously maintain an office in Nebraska. The principal office of the Company shall be at 110 East Elk Street, Jackson, Nebraska 68743, or elsewhere in the State of Nebraska as the Directors may determine. Any documents required by the Act to be kept by the Company shall be maintained at the Company’s principal office.
1.5Term. The term of the Company commenced on the date the Articles of Organization (the “Articles”) of the Company were filed with the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State, and shall continue until the winding up and liquidation of the Company and its business is completed following a Dissolution Event as provided in Section 10 hereof.
1.6Title to Property. All Property owned by the Company shall be owned by the Company as an entity and no Member shall have any ownership interest in such Property (as hereinafter defined) in his/her/its individual name. Each Member’s interest in the Company shall be personal property for all purposes. At all times after the Effective Date, the Company shall hold title to all of its Property in the name of the Company and not in the name of any Member.
1.7Payment of Individual Obligations. The Company’s credit and assets shall be used solely for the benefit of the Company, and no asset of the Company shall be Transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Member.
1.8Independent Activities; Transactions With Affiliates. The Directors shall be required to devote such time to the affairs of the Company as may be necessary to manage and operate the Company, and shall be free to serve any other Person or enterprise in any capacity that the Director may deem appropriate in such Director’s discretion. Neither this Agreement nor any activity undertaken pursuant hereto shall (i) prevent any Member or Director or its Affiliates, acting on its own behalf, from engaging in whatever activities it chooses, whether the same are competitive with the Company or otherwise, and any such activities may be undertaken without having or incurring any obligation to offer any interest in such activities to the Company or any Member; or (ii) require any Member or Director to permit the Company or Director or Member or its Affiliates to participate in any such activities, and as a material part of the consideration for the execution of this Agreement by each Member, each Member hereby waives, relinquishes, and renounces any such right or claim of participation. To the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Directors are hereby authorized to cause the Company to purchase Property from, sell Property to or otherwise deal with any Member (including any Member who is also a Director), acting on its own behalf, or any Affiliate of any Member; provided that any such purchase, sale or other transaction shall be made on terms and conditions which are no less favorable to the Company than if the sale, purchase or other transaction had been made with an independent third party.
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1.9Definitions. Capitalized words and phrases used in this Agreement have the following meanings:
(a) “Act” means the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provision or provisions of any succeeding law).
(b) “Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to any Unit Holder, the deficit balance, if any, in such Unit Holder’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant Fiscal Year, after giving effect to the following adjustments: (i) Credit to such Capital Account any amounts which such Unit Holder is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the next to the last sentences in Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Regulations; and (ii) Debit to such Capital Account the items described in Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6) of the Regulations. The foregoing definition is intended to comply with the provisions of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person: (i) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person; (ii) any officer, director, general partner, member or trustee of such Person; or (iii) any Person who is an officer, director, general partner, member or trustee of any Person described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this sentence. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” or “under common control with” shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, or the power to elect at least 50% of the directors, members, or persons exercising similar authority with respect to such Person or entities.
(d) “Agreement” means this Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, as amended from time to time.
(e) “Articles” means the Articles of Organization of the Company filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State, as same may be amended from time to time.
(f) “Assignee” means a transferee of Units who is not admitted as a substituted member pursuant to Section 9.8.
(g) “Capital Account” means the separate capital account maintained for each Unit Holder in accordance with Section 2.3.
(h) “Capital Contributions” means, with respect to any Member, the amount of money (US Dollars) and the initial Gross Asset Value of any assets or property (other than money) contributed by the Member (or such Member’s predecessor in interest) to the Company (net of liabilities secured by such contributed property that the Company is considered to assume or take subject to under Code Section 752) with respect to the Units in the Company held or purchased by such Member, including additional Capital Contributions.
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(i) “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
(j) “Company” means Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company.
(k) “Company Minimum Gain” has the meaning given the term “partnership minimum gain” in Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d) of the Regulations.
(l) “Debt” means (i) any indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property as evidenced by a note, bonds, or other instruments; (ii) obligations as lessee under capital leases; (iii) obligations secured by any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind existing on any asset owned or held by the Company whether or not the Company has assumed or become liable for the obligations secured thereby; (iv) any obligation under any interest rate swap agreement; (v) accounts payable; and (vi) obligations under direct or indirect guarantees of (including obligations (contingent or otherwise) to assure a creditor against loss in respect of) indebtedness or obligations of the kinds referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), above provided that Debt shall not include obligations in respect of any accounts payable that are incurred in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and are not delinquent or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
(m) “Depreciation” means, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for such Fiscal Year, except that if the Gross Asset Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such Fiscal Year, Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Gross Asset Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for such Fiscal Year bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that if the adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes of an asset at the beginning of such Fiscal Year is zero, Depreciation shall be determined with reference to such beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the Directors.
(n) “Director” means any Person who (i) is referred to as such in Section 5.1 of this Agreement or has become a Director pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) has not ceased to be a Director pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. “Directors” means all such Persons. For purposes of the Act, the Directors shall be deemed to be the “managers” (as such term is defined and used in the Act) of the Company.
(o) “Dissolution Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1 hereof.
(p) “Effective Date” means February 24, 2005.
(q) “Facilities” shall mean the ethanol production and co-product production facilities in Nebraska or such other location as may be determined by the Directors to be constructed and operated by the Company pursuant to the Company’s business plan.
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(r) “Fiscal Year” means (i) any twelve-month period commencing on October 1 and ending on September 30 and (ii) the period commencing on the immediately preceding October 1 and ending on the date on which all Property is distributed to the Unit Holders pursuant to Section 10 hereof, or, if the context requires, any portion of a Fiscal Year for which an allocation of Profits or Losses or a distribution is to be made.
(s) “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States of America from time to time.
(t) “Gross Asset Value” means with respect to any asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows: (i) The initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross fair market value of such asset, as determined by the Directors provided that the initial Gross Asset Values of the assets contributed to the Company pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof shall be as set forth in such section; (ii) The Gross Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values (taking Code Section 7701(g) into account), as determined by the Directors as of the following times: (A) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Company by any new or existing Member in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (B) the distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de minimis amount of Company property as consideration for an interest in the Company; and (C) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), provided that an adjustment described in clauses (A) and (B) of this paragraph shall be made only if the Directors reasonably determine that such adjustment is necessary to reflect the relative economic interests of the Members in the Company; (iii) The Gross Asset Value of any item of Company assets distributed to any Member shall be adjusted to equal the gross fair market value (taking Code Section 7701(g) into account) of such asset on the date of distribution as determined by the Directors; and (iv) The Gross Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) and subparagraph (vi) of the definition of “Profits” and “Losses” or Section 3.3(c) hereof; provided, however, that Gross Asset Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) to the extent that an adjustment pursuant to subparagraph (ii) is required in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this subparagraph (iv). If the Gross Asset Value of an asset has been determined or adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (ii) or (iv), such Gross Asset Value shall thereafter be adjusted by the Depreciation taken into account with respect to such asset, for purposes of computing Profits and Losses.
(u) “Issuance Items” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(h) hereof.
(v) “Liquidation Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.6 hereof.
(w) “Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.8 hereof.
(x) “Losses” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Profits” and “Losses.”
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(y) “Member” means any Person (i) whose name is set forth as such on Exhibit “A” initially attached hereto or has become a Member pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) who is the owner of one or more Units.
(z) “Members” means all such Members.
(aa) “Membership Economic Interest” means collectively, a Member’s share of “Profits” and “Losses,” the right to receive distributions of the Company’s assets, and the right to information concerning the business and affairs of the Company provided by the Act. The Membership Economic Interest of a Member is quantified by the unit of measurement referred to herein as “Units.”
(bb) “Membership Interest” means collectively, the Membership Economic Interest and Membership Voting Interest.
(cc) “Membership Register” means the membership register maintained by the Company at its principal office or by a duly appointed agent of the Company setting forth the name, address, the number of Units, and Capital Contributions of each Member of the Company, which shall be modified from time to time as additional Units are issued and as Units are transferred pursuant to this Agreement.
(dd) “Membership Voting Interest” means collectively, a Member’s right to vote as set forth in this Agreement or required by the Act. The Membership Voting Interest of a Member shall mean as to any matter to which the Member is entitled to vote hereunder or as may be required under the Act, the right to one (1) vote for each Unit registered in the name of such Member as shown in the Membership Register.
(ee) “Net Cash Flow” means the gross cash proceeds of the Company less the portion thereof used to pay or establish reserves for all Company expenses, debt payments, capital improvements, replacements, and contingencies, all as reasonably determined by the Directors. “Net Cash Flow” shall not be reduced by depreciation, amortization, cost recovery deductions, or similar allowances, but shall be increased by any reductions of reserves previously established.
(ff) “Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.704-2(b)(1) of the Regulations.
(gg) “Nonrecourse Liability” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.704-2(b)(3) of the Regulations.
(hh) “Officer” or “Officers” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.18 hereof.
(ii) “Permitted Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 hereof.
(jj) “Person” means any individual, partnership (whether general or limited), joint venture, limited liability company, corporation, trust, estate, association, nominee or other entity.
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(kk) “Profits and Losses” mean, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income or loss for such Fiscal Year, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss, or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments (without duplication): (i) Any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition of “Profits” and “Losses” shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) Any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(b) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(b) expenditures pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition of “Profits” and “Losses” shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss; (iii) In the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraphs (ii) or (iii) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses; (iv) Gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Property with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Gross Asset Value of the Property disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such Property differs from its Gross Asset Value; (v) In lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such Fiscal Year, computed in accordance with the definition of Depreciation; (vi) To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) is required, pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Unit Holder’s interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses; and (vii) Notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 hereof shall not be taken into account in computing Profits or Losses. The amounts of the items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction available to be specially allocated pursuant to Sections 3.3 and Section 3.4 hereof shall be determined by applying rules analogous to those set forth in subparagraphs (i) through (vi) above.
(ll) “Property” means all real and personal property acquired by the Company, including cash, and any improvements thereto, and shall include both tangible and intangible property.
(mm) “Regulations” means the Income Tax Regulations, including Temporary Regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations are amended from time to time.
(nn) “Regulatory Allocations” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 hereof.
(oo) “Related Party” means the adopted or birth relatives of any Person and such Person’s spouse (whether by marriage or common law), if any, including without limitation
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great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thereof, and such Person’s (and such Person’s spouse’s) brothers, sisters, and cousins and their respective lineal ancestors and descendants, and any other ancestors and/or descendants, and any spouse of any of the foregoing, each trust created for the exclusive benefit of one or more of the foregoing, and the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, personal representatives and estates of any of the foregoing.
(pp) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(qq) “Subsidiary” means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other entity in which such Person owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities or interests, the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of such entity.
(rr) “Tax Matters Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4 hereof.
(ss) “Transfer” means, as a noun, any voluntary or involuntary transfer, sale, pledge or hypothecation or other disposition and, as a verb, voluntarily or involuntarily to transfer, give, sell, exchange, assign, pledge, bequest or hypothecate or otherwise dispose of.
(tt) “Units” or “Unit” means an ownership interest in the Company representing a Capital Contribution made as provided in Section 2 in consideration of the Units, including any and all benefits to which the holder of such Units may be entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(uu) “Unit Holders” means all Unit Holders.
(vv) “Unit Holder” means the owner of one or more Units.
(ww) “Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt” has the same meaning as the term “partner nonrecourse debt” in Section 1.704-2(b)(4) of the Regulations.
(xx) “Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain” means an amount, with respect to each Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Company Minimum Gain that would result if such Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(3) of the Regulations.
(yy) “Unit Holder Nonrecourse Deductions” has the same meaning as the term “partner nonrecourse deductions” in Sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2) of the Regulations.
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SECTION 2. CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
2.1Original Capital Contributions. The name, original Capital Contribution, and initial Units quantifying the Membership Interest of each Member are set out in Exhibit A attached hereto, and shall also be set out in the Membership Register.
2.2Additional Capital Contributions; Additional Units. No Unit Holder shall be obligated to make any additional Capital Contributions to the Company or to pay any assessment to the Company, other than any unpaid amounts on such Unit Holder’s original Capital Contributions, and no Units shall be subject to any calls, requests or demands for capital. Subject to Section 5.7, additional Membership Economic Interests quantified by additional Units may be issued in consideration of Capital Contributions as agreed to between the Directors and the Person acquiring the Membership Economic Interest quantified by the additional Units. Each Person to whom additional Units are issued shall be admitted as a Member in accordance with this Agreement. Upon such Capital Contributions, the Directors shall cause the Membership Register as maintained by the Company at its principal office and incorporated herein by this reference, to be appropriately amended and such amendments shall not be considered amendments to this Agreement for purposes of Section 8.1 hereof.
2.3Capital Accounts. A Capital Account shall be maintained for each Unit Holder in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) To each Unit Holder’s Capital Account there shall be credited (i) such Unit Holder’s Capital Contributions; (ii) such Unit Holder’s distributive share of Profits and any items in the nature of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4; and (iii) the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by such Unit Holder or which are secured by any Property distributed to such Unit Holder;
(b) To each Unit Holder’s Capital Account there shall be debited (i) the amount of money and the Gross Asset Value of any Property distributed to such Unit Holder pursuant to any provision of this Agreement; (ii) such Unit Holder’s distributive share of Losses and any items in the nature of expenses or losses which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 3.3 and 3.4 hereof; and (iii) the amount of any liabilities of such Unit Holder assumed by the Company or which are secured by any Property contributed by such Unit Holder to the Company;
(c) In the event Units are Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the Transferred Units; and
(d) In determining the amount of any liability for purposes of subparagraphs (a) and (b) above there shall be taken into account Code Section 752(c) and any other applicable provisions of the Code and Regulations.
The foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b), and shall be
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interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Regulations. In the event the Directors shall determine that it is prudent to modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any debits or credits thereto (including, without limitation, debits or credits relating to liabilities which are secured by contributed or distributed property or which are assumed by the Company or any Unit Holders), are computed in order to comply with such Regulations, the Directors may make such modification, provided that it is not likely to have a material effect on the amounts distributed to any Person pursuant to Section 10 hereof upon the dissolution of the Company. The Directors also shall (i) make any adjustments that are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the Capital Accounts of the Unit Holders and the amount of capital reflected on the Company’s balance sheet, as computed for book purposes, in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q), and (ii) make any appropriate modifications in the event unanticipated events might otherwise cause this Agreement not to comply with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b).
SECTION 3. ALLOCATIONS
3.1Profits. After giving effect to the special allocations in Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 hereof, Profits for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated among the Unit Holders in proportion to Units held.
3.2Losses. After giving effect to the special allocations in Section 3.3 and 3.4 hereof, Losses for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated among the Unit Holders in proportion to Units held.
3.3Special Allocations. The following special allocations shall be made in the following order:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.704-2(f) of the Regulations, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3, if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year, each Unit Holder shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to such Unit Holder’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Unit Holder pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2) of the Regulations. This Section 3.3(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Section 1.704-2(f) of the Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(b) Unit Holder Minimum Gain Chargeback. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.704-2(i)(4) of the Regulations, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3, if there is a net decrease in Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to a Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt during any Fiscal Year, each Unit Holder who has a share of the Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Regulations, shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to such Unit Holder’s share of the net decrease in Unit Holder
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Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Unit Holder pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2) of the Regulations. This Section 3.3(b) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Section 1.704-2(i)(4) of the Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Qualified Income Offset. In the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6) of the Regulations, items of Company income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as soon as practicable, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 3.3(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that the Member would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Section 3 have been tentatively made as if this Section 3.3(c) were not in the Agreement.
(d) Gross Income Allocation. In the event any Member has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Member is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement; and (ii) the amount such Member is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Regulations, each such Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 3.3(d) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Section 3 have been made as if Section 3.3(c) and this Section 3.3(d) were not in this Agreement.
(e) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year or other period shall be specially allocated among the Members in proportion to Units held.
(f) Unit Holder Nonrecourse Deductions. Any Unit Holder Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated to the Unit Holder who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt to which such Unit Holder Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(1).
(g) Section 754 Adjustments. To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset, pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is required, pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as the result of a distribution to a Unit Holder in complete liquidation of such Unit Holder’s interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment to Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Unit Holders in accordance with their interests in the Company in the
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event Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) applies, or to the Unit Holder to whom such distribution was made in the event Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) applies.
(h) Allocations Relating to Taxable Issuance of Company Units. Any income, gain, loss or deduction realized as a direct or indirect result of the issuance of Units by the Company to a Unit Holder (the “Issuance Items”) shall be allocated among the Unit Holders so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such Issuance Items, together with all other allocations under this Agreement to each Unit Holder shall be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Unit Holder if the Issuance Items had not been realized.
3.4Curative Allocations. The allocations set forth in Sections 3.3(a), 3.3(b), 3.3(c), 3.3(d), 3.3(e), 3.3(f), 3.3(g) and 3.5 (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Regulations. It is the intent of the Members that, to the extent possible, all Regulatory Allocations shall be offset either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to this Section 3.4. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3 (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Directors shall make such offsetting special allocations of Company income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it determines appropriate so that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each Member’s Capital Account balance is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Member would have had if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of the Agreement and all Company items were allocated pursuant to Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3(h).
3.5Loss Limitation. Losses allocated pursuant to Section 3.2 hereof shall not exceed the maximum amount of Losses that can be allocated without causing any Unit Holder to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year. In the event some but not all of the Unit Holders would have Adjusted Capital Account Deficits as a consequence of an allocation of Losses pursuant to Section 3.2 hereof, the limitation set forth in this Section 3.5 shall be applied on a Unit Holder by Unit Holder basis and Losses not allocable to any Unit Holder as a result of such limitation shall be allocated to the other Unit Holders in accordance with the positive balances in such Unit Holder’s Capital Accounts so as to allocate the maximum permissible Losses to each Unit Holder under Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations.
3.6Other Allocation Rules.
(a) For purposes of determining the Profits, Losses, or any other items allocable to any period, Profits, Losses, and any such other items shall be determined on a daily, monthly, or other basis, as determined by the Directors using any permissible method under Code Section 706 and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) The Unit Holders are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this Section 3 and hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of this Section 3 in reporting their shares of Company income and loss for income tax purposes.
(c) Solely for purposes of determining a Unit Holder’s proportionate share of the “excess nonrecourse liabilities” of the Company within the meaning of Regulations Section
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1.752-3(a)(3), the Unit Holders’ aggregate interests in Company profits shall be deemed to be as provided in the capital accounts. To the extent permitted by Section 1.704-2(h)(3) of the Regulations, the Directors shall endeavor to treat distributions of Net Cash Flow as having been made from the proceeds of a Nonrecourse Liability or a Unit Holder Nonrecourse Debt only to the extent that such distributions would cause or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit for any Unit Holder.
(d) Allocations of Profits and Losses to the Unit Holders shall be allocated among them in the ratio which each Unit Holder’s Units bears to the total number of Units issued and outstanding.
3.7Tax Allocations: Code Section 704(c). In accordance with Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder, income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to any Property contributed to the capital of the Company shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the Unit Holders so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such Property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its initial Gross Asset Value (computed in accordance with the definition of Gross Asset Value). In the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (ii) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder. Any elections or other decisions relating to such allocations shall be made by the Directors in any manner that reasonably reflects the purpose and intention of this Agreement. Allocations pursuant to this Section 3.7 are solely for purposes of federal, state, and local taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Unit Holder’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, other items, or distributions pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
3.8Tax Credit Allocations. All credits against income tax with respect to the Company’s property or operations shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective membership interests in the Company for the Fiscal Year during which the expenditure, production, sale, or other event giving rise to the credit occurs. This Section 3.8 is intended to comply with the applicable tax credit allocation principles of section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii) of the Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
SECTION 4. DISTRIBUTIONS
4.1Net Cash Flow. The Directors, in their discretion, shall make distributions of Net Cash Flow, if any, to the Members. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10 hereof, Net Cash Flow, if any, shall be distributed to the Unit Holders in proportion to Units held subject to, and to the extent permitted by, any loan covenants or restrictions on such distributions agreed to by the Company in any loan, credit or any other debt financing agreements with the Company’s lenders and creditors from time to time in effect. In determining Net Cash Flow, the Directors shall endeavor to provide for cash distributions at such times and in such amounts as will permit the Unit Holders to make timely payment of income taxes.
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4.2Amounts Withheld. All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any provision of any state, local or foreign tax law with respect to any payment, distribution or allocation to the Company or the Unit Holders shall be treated as amounts paid or distributed, as the case may be, to the Unit Holders with respect to which such amount was withheld pursuant to this Section 4.2 for all purposes under this Agreement. The Company is authorized to withhold from payments and distributions, or with respect to allocations to the Unit Holders, and to pay over to any federal, state and local government or any foreign government, any amounts required to be so withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of any other federal, state or local law or any foreign law, and shall allocate any such amounts to the Unit Holders with respect to which such amount was withheld.
4.3Limitations on Distributions. The Company shall make no distributions to the Unit Holders except as provided in this Section 4 and Section 10 hereof. Notwithstanding any other provision, no distribution shall be made if it is not permitted to be made under the Act.
SECTION 5. MANAGEMENT
5.1Directors. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Directors shall direct the business and affairs of the Company, and shall exercise all of the powers of the Company except such powers as are by this Agreement conferred upon or reserved to the Members. The Directors shall adopt such policies, rules, regulations, and actions not inconsistent with law or this Agreement as it may deem advisable. The amendment or repeal of this section or the adoption of any provision inconsistent therewith shall require the approval of a majority of the Membership Voting Interests.
5.2Number of Total Directors. The total number of Directors of the Company shall be a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of fifteen (15) subject to the number of Directors appointed pursuant to Section 5.3(c). The total number of Directors shall depend upon the number of Directors appointed pursuant to Section 5.3(c) in relation to the required number of elected Directors necessary to maintain a majority of elected Directors on the Board. Subject to the election and appointment of Directors pursuant to the terms of this Operating Agreement, the Members may increase or decrease the number of Directors last approved and may change from a variable range to a fixed number or visa versa by vote at any annual or special meeting. However, the relative ratio of the number of elected Directors to appointed Directors shall always result in a majority of elected Directors.
5.3Election of Directors.
(a) Election of Directors and Terms. The initial Directors, appointed by the initial Members, shall be the individuals set forth on Exhibit “B” attached hereto. The initial Directors shall serve until the first annual or special meeting of the Members following substantial completion of the construction of the Facilities, and in all cases until a successor is elected and qualified, or until the earlier death, resignation, removal or disqualification of any such Director. After the expiration of the initial terms of the Directors, at each annual meeting of the Members, Directors shall be elected by the Members for staggered terms of three (3) years and until a successor is elected and qualified; provided however, that any Member who is authorized to
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appoint a Director pursuant to Section 5.3(c) shall not be entitled to vote for the election of any other Directors that the Members are entitled to elect, and the Units held by such Member shall not be included in determining a majority of the Membership Voting Interests for purposes of electing Directors. The initial Directors shall, by resolution adopted prior to the expiration of their initial term, separately identify the Director positions to be elected and shall classify each such Director position as Group I, Group II or Group III, with such classification to serve as the basis for the staggering of terms among the elected Directors. The terms of Group I Directors shall expire first (initial term of one year with successors elected to three year terms thereafter), followed by those of Group II Directors (initial term of two years with successors elected to three year terms thereafter), and then Group III Directors (initial and subsequent terms of three years). Except for the special right of appointment of certain Directors as provided in subsection (c) hereof, Directors shall be elected by a plurality vote of the Members so that the nominees receiving the greatest number of votes relative to all other nominees are elected as Directors.
(b) Nominations for Directors. One or more nominees for Director positions up for election shall be named by the then current Directors or by a nominating committee established by the Directors. Nominations for the election of Directors may also be made by any Member entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors. However, any Member that intends to nominate one or more persons for election as Directors at a meeting may do so only if written notice of such Member’s intent to make such nomination or nominations has been given, either by personal delivery or by United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Company not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting of the Company. Each such notice to the Secretary shall set forth:
| (i) | | the name and address of record of the Member who intends to make the nomination; |
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| (ii) | | a representation that the Member is a holder of record of Units of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; |
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| (iii) | | the name, age, business and residence addresses, and principal occupation or employment of each nominee; |
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| (iv) | | a description of all arrangements or understandings between the Member and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the Members; |
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| (v) | | such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such Member as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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| (vi) | | the consent of each nominee to serve as a Director of the Company if so elected; and |
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| (vii) | | a nominating petition signed and dated by the holders of at least five percent (5%) of the then outstanding Units and clearly setting forth the proposed nominee as a candidate of the Director’s seat to be filled at the next election of Directors. |
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The Company may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a Director of the Company. The presiding Officer of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded. The amendment or repeal of this Section or the adoption of any provision inconsistent therewith shall require the approval of a majority of the Membership Voting Interests. Whenever a vacancy occurs other than from expiration of a term of office or removal from office, a majority of the remaining Directors shall appoint a new Director to fill the vacancy for the remainder of such term.
(c) Special Right of Appointment of Directors for Certain Members. Commencing with the first annual or special meeting of the Members following Financial Closing, each Member who holds two hundred (200) or more Units, all of which were purchased by such Member from the Company during the Company’s initial registered offering (“Appointing Members”), shall be entitled to appoint one (1) Director, so long as the Appointing Member is the holder of two hundred (200) or more Units. Units held by an Affiliate or Related Party of a Member shall be included in the determination of whether the Member holds the requisite number of Units for purposes of this section. Only Members who acquire two hundred (200) or more Units from the Company in its initial registered offering are granted appointment rights hereunder. Accordingly, any Member who subsequently acquires two hundred (200) or more Units other than by acquisition from the Company in its initial registered offering, shall not be entitled to appoint any Directors, regardless of the number of Units held by such Member. A Director appointed by a Member under this section shall serve indefinitely at the pleasure of the Member appointing him or her until a successor is appointed, or until the earlier death, resignation, or removal of the Director. Any Director appointed under this section may be removed for any reason by the Member appointing him or her, upon written notice to the Board of Directors, which notice may designate and appoint a successor Director to fill the vacancy, and which notice may be given at a meeting of the Board of Directors attended by the person appointed to fill the vacancy. Any such vacancy shall be filled within thirty days of its occurrence by the Member having the right of appointment. In the event that the number of Units held by a Member falls below the threshold of 200 Units, the term of any Director appointed by such Member shall terminate, the seat will dissolve, and the Member shall elect Directors collectively with the other Members in accordance with Section 5.3(a).
5.4Committees. A resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors may establish committees having the authority of the Directors in the management of the business of the Company to the extent consistent with this Agreement and provided in the resolution. A committee shall consist of one or more persons appointed by affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present. A majority of the committee members shall be Directors but not every committee member is required to be a Director. Committees may include a compensation committee and/or an audit committee, in each case consisting of one or more independent Directors or other independent persons. Committees are subject to the direction and control of the Directors, and vacancies in the membership thereof shall be filled by the Directors. A majority of the members of the committee present at a meeting is a quorum for the transaction
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of business, unless a larger or smaller proportion or number is provided in a resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present.
5.5Authority of Directors. Subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in this Agreement, the Directors shall direct the management of the business and affairs of the Company and shall have all of the rights and powers which may be possessed by a “manager” under the Act including, without limitation, the right and power to do or perform the following and, to the extent permitted by the Act or this Agreement, the further right and power by resolution of the Directors to delegate to the Officers or such other Person or Persons to do or perform the following:
(a) Conduct its business, carry on its operations and have and exercise the powers granted by the Act in any state, territory, district or possession of the United States, or in any foreign country which may be necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which it is organized;
(b) Acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise any real or personal property which may be necessary, convenient, or incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company;
(c) Operate, maintain, finance, improve, construct, own, grant operations with respect to, sell, convey, assign, mortgage, and lease any real estate and any personal property necessary, convenient, or incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company;
(d) Execute any and all agreements, contracts, documents, certifications, and instruments necessary or convenient in connection with the management, maintenance, and operation of the business, or in connection with managing the affairs of the Company, including, executing amendments to this Agreement and the Articles in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, both as Directors and, if required, as attorney-in-fact for the Members pursuant to any power of attorney granted by the Members to the Directors;
(e) Borrow money and issue evidences of indebtedness necessary, convenient, or incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company, and secure the same by mortgage, pledge, or other lien on any Company assets;
(f) Execute, in furtherance of any or all of the purposes of the Company, any deed, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, mortgage note, promissory note, bill of sale, contract, or other instrument purporting to convey or encumber any or all of the Company assets;
(g) Prepay in whole or in part, refinance, recast, increase, modify, or extend any liabilities affecting the assets of the Company and in connection therewith execute any extensions or renewals of encumbrances on any or all of such assets;
(h) Care for and distribute funds to the Members by way of cash income, return of capital, or otherwise, all in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and perform all matters in furtherance of the objectives of the Company or this Agreement;
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(i) Contract on behalf of the Company for the employment and services of employees and/or independent contractors, such as lawyers and accountants, and delegate to such Persons the duty to manage or supervise any of the assets or operations of the Company;
(j) Engage in any kind of activity and perform and carry out contracts of any kind (including contracts of insurance covering risks to Company assets and Directors’ and Officers’ liability) necessary or incidental to, or in connection with, the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company, as may be lawfully carried on or performed by a limited liability company under the laws of each state in which the Company is then formed or qualified;
(k) Take, or refrain from taking, all actions, not expressly proscribed or limited by this Agreement, as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of the Company;
(l) Institute, prosecute, defend, settle, compromise, and dismiss lawsuits or other judicial or administrative proceedings brought on or in behalf of, or against, the Company, the Members or the Directors or Officers in connection with activities arising out of, connected with, or incidental to this Agreement, and to engage counsel or others in connection therewith;
(m) Purchase, take, receive, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or otherwise dispose of, and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares or other interests in or obligations of domestic or foreign corporations, associations, general or limited partnerships, other limited liability companies, or individuals or direct or indirect obligations of the United States or of any government, state, territory, government district or municipality or of any instrumentality of any of them;
(n) Agree with any Person as to the form and other terms and conditions of such Person’s Capital Contribution to the Company and cause the Company to issue Membership Economic Interests and Units in consideration of such Capital Contribution; and
(o) Indemnify a Member or Directors or Officers, or former Members or Directors or Officers, and to make any other indemnification that is authorized by this Agreement in accordance with, and to the fullest extent permitted by, the Act.
5.6Director as Agent. Notwithstanding the power and authority of the Directors to manage the business and affairs of the Company, no Director shall have authority to act as agent for the Company for the purposes of its business (including the execution of any instrument on behalf of the Company) unless the Directors have authorized the Director to take such action. The Directors may also delegate authority to manage the business and affairs of the Company (including the execution of instruments on behalf of the Company) to such Person or Persons (including to any Officers) designated by the Directors, and such Person or Persons (or Officers) shall have such titles and authority as determined by the Directors.
5.7Restrictions on Authority of Directors.
(a) The Directors shall not have authority to, and they covenant and agree that they shall not, do any of the following acts without the unanimous consent of the Members:
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| (i) | | Cause or permit the Company to engage in any activity that is not consistent with the purposes of the Company as set forth in Section 1.3 hereof; |
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| (ii) | | Knowingly do any act in contravention of this Agreement or which would make it impossible to carry on the ordinary business of the Company, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement; |
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| (iii) | | Possess Company Property, or assign rights in specific Company Property, for other than a Company purpose; or |
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| (iv) | | Cause the Company to voluntarily take any action that would cause a bankruptcy of the Company. |
(b) The Directors shall not have authority to, and they covenant and agree that they shall not cause the Company to, without the consent of the Members:
| (i) | | Merge, consolidate, exchange or otherwise dispose of at one time all or substantially all of the Property, except for a liquidating sale of the Property in connection with the dissolution of the Company; |
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| (ii) | | Confess a judgment against the Company in an amount in excess of $500,000; |
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| (iii) | | Issue Units at a purchase price of less than $5,000 per Unit; |
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| (iv) | | Issue more than an aggregate of 7,000 Units; and |
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| (v) | | Cause the Company to acquire any equity or debt securities of any Director or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise make loans to any Director or any of its Affiliates. |
The actions specified herein as requiring the consent of the Members shall be in addition to any actions by the Directors that are specified in the Act as requiring the consent or approval of the Members. Any such required consent or approval may be given by the number of votes necessary to constitute Member action pursuant to Section 6.10 herein.
5.8Director Meetings and Notice. Meetings of the Directors shall be held at such times and places as shall from time to time be determined by the Directors. Meetings of the Directors may also be called by the Chairman of the Company or by any two or more Directors. If the date, time, and place of a meeting of the Directors has been announced at a previous meeting, no notice shall be required. In all other cases, five (5) days’ written notice of meetings, stating the date, time, and place thereof and any other information required by law or desired by the Person(s) calling such meeting, shall be given to each Director. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting. A waiver of notice by a Director is effective whether given before, at, or after
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the meeting, and whether given orally, in writing, or by attendance. The attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, unless such Director objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of business on the grounds that the meeting is now lawfully called or convened and does not participate thereafter in the meeting.
5.9Action Without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Directors may also be taken by a written action signed by a super majority of seventy-five percent (75%) of all Directors authorized to vote on the matter as provided by this Agreement, provided that a copy of such written action shall be promptly given to all such Directors. The Directors may participate in any meeting of the Directors by means of telephone conference or similar means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear each other.
5.10Quorum; Manner of Acting. Not less than fifty percent (50%) of the Directors of each class of Directors authorized to vote on a matter as provided by this Agreement shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Directors’ meeting. Each Director shall have one (1) vote at meetings of the Directors. The Directors shall take action by the vote of a majority of the number of Directors constituting a quorum as provided by this Agreement.
5.11Voting; Potential Financial Interest. No Director shall be disqualified from voting on any matter to be determined or decided by the Directors solely by reason of such Director’s (or his/her Affiliate’s) potential financial interest in the outcome of such vote, provided that the nature of such Director’s (or his/her Affiliate’s) potential financial interest was reasonably disclosed to the Board of Directors on behalf of the Company at the time of such vote.
5.12Duties and Obligations of Directors. The Directors shall cause the Company to conduct its business and operations separate and apart from that of any Director or any of its Affiliates. The Directors shall take all actions which may be necessary or appropriate (i) for the continuation of the Company’s valid existence as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska and each other jurisdiction in which such existence is necessary to protect the limited liability of Members or to enable the Company to conduct the business in which it is engaged, and (ii) for the accomplishment of the Company’s purposes, including the acquisition, development, maintenance, preservation, and operation of Company Property in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable laws and regulations. Each Director shall have the duty to discharge the foregoing duties in good faith, in a manner the Director believes to be in the best interests of the Company, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances. The Directors shall be under no other fiduciary duty to the Company or the Members to conduct the affairs of the Company in a particular manner.
5.13Chairman and Vice Chairman. Unless provided otherwise by a resolution adopted by the Directors, the Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Members and the Directors; shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Directors are carried into effect; may maintain records of and certify proceedings of the Directors and Members; and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Directors. The Vice Chairman shall, in the absence or disability of the Chairman, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairman and
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shall perform such other duties as the Directors or the Chairman may from time to time prescribe. The Directors may designate more than one Vice Chairmen, in which case the Vice Chairmen shall be designated by the Directors so as to denote which is most senior in office.
5.14President and Chief Executive Officer. Until provided otherwise by a resolution of the Directors, the Chairman shall also act as the interim President and CEO of the Company (herein referred to as the “President”; the titles of President and CEO shall constitute a reference to one and the same office and Officer of the Company), and the Chairman may exercise the duties of the office of Chairman using any such designations. The Directors shall appoint someone other than the Chairman as the President of the Company not later than the commencement of operations of the Facilities, and such President shall perform such duties as the Directors may from time to time prescribe, including without limitation, the management of the day-to-day operations of the Facilities.
5.15Chief Financial Officer. Unless provided otherwise by a resolution adopted by the Directors, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall be the Treasurer of the Company and shall keep accurate financial records for the Company; shall deposit all monies, drafts, and checks in the name of and to the credit of the Company in such banks and depositories as the Directors shall designate from time to time; shall endorse for deposit all notes, checks, and drafts received by the Company as ordered by the Directors, making proper vouchers therefore; shall disburse Company funds and issue checks and drafts in the name of the Company as ordered by the Directors, shall render to the President and the Directors, whenever requested, an account of all such transactions as Chief Financial Officer and of the financial condition of the Company, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Directors or the President from time to time.
5.16Secretary; Assistant Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Directors and of the Members and shall maintain records of, and whenever necessary, certify all proceedings of the Directors and of the Members. The Secretary shall keep the required records of the Company, when so directed by the Directors or other person or person authorized to call such meetings, shall give or cause to be given notice of meetings of the Members and of meetings of the Directors, and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Chairman or the Directors may prescribe from time to time. An Assistant Secretary, if any, shall perform the duties of the Secretary during the absence or disability of the Secretary.
5.17Vice President. The Company may have one or more Vice Presidents. If more than one, the Directors shall designate which is most senior. The most senior Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
5.18Delegation. By written resolution approved by the Directors, the President, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Secretary (individually, an “Officer” and collectively, “Officers”) may delegate in writing some or all of the duties and powers of such Officer’s management position to other Persons. An Officer who delegates the duties or powers of an office remains subject to the standard of conduct for such Officer with respect to the discharge of all duties and powers so delegated.
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5.19Execution of Instruments. All deeds, mortgages, bonds, checks, contracts and other instruments pertaining to the business and affairs of the Company shall be signed on behalf of the Company by (i) the Chairman; or (ii) when authorized by resolutions(s) of the Directors, the President; or (iii) by such other person or persons as may be designated from time to time by the Directors.
5.20Limitation of Liability; Indemnification of Directors. To the maximum extent permitted under the Act and other applicable law, no Member, Director or Officer of this Company shall be personally liable for any debt, obligation or liability of this Company merely by reason of being a Member, Director, Officer or all of the foregoing. No Director or Officer of this Company shall be personally liable to this Company or its Members for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty by such Director or Officer; provided that this provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a Director or Officer for any of the following: (i) for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the Company or its Members; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law; or (iii) for a transaction from which the Director or Officer derived an improper personal benefit or a wrongful distribution in violation of the Act. To the maximum extent permitted under the Act and other applicable law, the Company, its receiver, or its trustee (in the case of its receiver or trustee, to the extent of Company Property) shall indemnify, save and hold harmless, and pay all judgments and claims against each Director or Officer relating to any liability or damage incurred by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by such Director, or Officer, in connection with the business of the Company, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by such Director in connection with the defense of any action based on any such act or omission, which attorneys’ fees may be paid as incurred, including all such liabilities under federal and state securities laws as permitted by law. To the maximum extent permitted under the Act and other applicable law, in the event of any action by a Unit Holder against any Director or Officer, including a derivative suit, the Company shall indemnify, save harmless, and pay all costs, liabilities, damages and expenses of such Director or Officer, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in the defense of such action. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, no Director or Officer shall be indemnified by the Company to the extent prohibited or limited (but only to the extent limited) by the Act. The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any Person in such Person’s official capacity against any liability asserted against and incurred by such Person in or arising from that capacity, whether or not the Company would otherwise be required to indemnify the Person against the liability.
5.21Compensation; Expenses of Directors. No Member or Director shall receive any salary, fee, or draw for services rendered to or on behalf of the Company merely by virtue of their status as a Member or Director, it being the intention that, irrespective of any personal interest of any of the Directors, the Directors shall have authority to establish reasonable compensation of all Directors for services to the Company as Directors, Officers, or otherwise. Except as otherwise approved by or pursuant to a policy approved by the Directors, no Member or Director shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by such Member of Director on behalf of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, by resolution by the Directors, the Directors may be paid as reimbursement therefor, their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Directors. In addition, the Directors, by resolution, may approve from time to time, the salaries and other compensation packages of the Officers of the Company.
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5.22Loans. Any Member or Affiliate may, with the consent of the Directors, lend or advance money to the Company. If any Member or Affiliate shall make any loan or loans to the Company or advance money on its behalf, the amount of any such loan or advance shall not be treated as a contribution to the capital of the Company but shall be a debt due from the Company. The amount of any such loan or advance by a lending Member or Affiliate shall be repayable out of the Company’s cash and shall bear interest at a rate not in excess of the prime rate established, from time to time, by any major bank selected by the Directors for loans to its most creditworthy commercial borrowers, plus four percent (4%) per annum. If a Director, or any Affiliate of a Director, is the lending Member, the rate of interest and the terms and conditions of such loan shall be no less favorable to the Company than if the lender had been an independent third party. None of the Members or their Affiliates shall be obligated to make any loan or advance to the Company.
SECTION 6. ROLE OF MEMBERS
6.1One Membership Class. There shall initially be one class of Membership Interests and one class of Units.
6.2Members. Each Person who desires to become a Member must complete and execute a signature page to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit “C” attached hereto and such other documents as may be required by the Directors. Each prospective Member must be approved and admitted to the Company by the Board of Directors. The Membership Interests of the Members shall be set forth on the Membership Register as maintained by the Company at its principal office and by this reference is incorporated herein.
6.3Additional Members. No Person shall become a Member without the approval of the Directors. The Directors may refuse to admit any Person as a Member in their sole discretion. Any such admission must comply with the requirements described in this Agreement and will be effective only after such Person has executed and delivered to the Company such documentation as determined by the Directors to be necessary and appropriate to effect such admission including the Member’s agreement to be bound by this Agreement. Upon the admission of a Member the Directors shall cause the Membership Register to be appropriately amended. Such amendments shall not be considered amendments pursuant to Section 8.1 of this Agreement and will not require Member action for purposes of Section 8.1.
6.4Rights or Powers. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, the Members shall not have any right or power to take part in the management or control of the Company or its business and affairs or to act for or bind the Company in any way.
6.5Voting Rights of Members. The Members shall have voting rights as defined by the Membership Voting Interest of such Member and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Members do not have a right to cumulate their votes for any matter entitled to a vote of the Members, including election of Directors.
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6.6Member Meetings. Meetings of the Members shall be called by the Directors, and shall be held at the principal office of the Company or at such other place as shall be designated by the person calling the meeting. Members representing an aggregate of not less than thirty percent (30%) of the Membership Voting Interests may also in writing demand that the Directors call a meeting of the Members. Regular meetings of the Members shall be held not less than once per Fiscal Year.
6.7Conduct of Meetings. Subject to the discretion of the Directors, the Members may participate in any meeting of the Members by means of telephone conference or similar means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear and speak with each other.
6.8Notice of Meetings; Waiver. Notice of the meeting, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, shall be given to each Member in accordance with Section 11.1 hereof at least five (5) days and no more than sixty (60) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held. A Member may waive the notice of meeting required hereunder by written notice of waiver signed by the Member whether given before, during or after the meeting. Attendance by a Member at a meeting is waiver of notice of that meeting, unless the Member objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and thereafter does not participate in the meeting.
6.9Quorum and Proxies. The presence (in person or by proxy or mail ballot) of Members representing an aggregate of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Membership Voting Interests is required for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Members. Voting by proxy or by mail ballot shall be permitted on any matter if authorized by the Directors.
6.10Voting; Action by Members. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Membership Voting Interests represented at a meeting of the Members (in person, by proxy, or by mail ballot) and entitled to vote on the matter shall constitute the act of the Members, unless the vote of a greater or lesser proportion or numbers is otherwise required by this Agreement.
6.11Record Date. For the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Members or any adjournment of the meeting, or Members entitled to receive payment of any distribution, or to make a determination of Members for any other purpose, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed (or otherwise delivered) or the date on which the resolution declaring the distribution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for determination of Members.
6.12Termination of Membership. The membership of a Member in the Company shall terminate upon the occurrence of events described in the Act, including resignation and withdrawal. If for any reason the membership of a Member is terminated, the Member whose membership has terminated loses all Membership Voting Interests and shall be considered merely as Assignee of the Membership Economic Interest owned before the termination of membership, having only the rights of an unadmitted Assignee provided for in Section 9.7 hereof.
6.13Continuation of the Company. The Company shall not be dissolved upon the occurrence of any event that is deemed to terminate the continued membership of a Member. The Company’s affairs shall not be required to be wound up. The Company shall continue without dissolution.
6.14No Obligation to Purchase Membership Interest. No Member whose membership in the Company terminates, nor any transferee of such Member, shall have any right to demand or receive a return of such terminated Member’s Capital Contributions or to require the purchase or redemption of the Member’s Membership Interest. The other Members and the Company shall not have any obligation to purchase or redeem the Membership Interest of any such terminated Member or transferee of any such terminated Member.
6.15Waiver of Dissenters Rights. Each Member hereby disclaims, waives and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law or the Act, not to assert dissenters’ or similar rights under the Act.
6.16Limitation on Ownership. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no Member shall directly or indirectly own or control more than forty percent (40%) of the issued and outstanding Units at any time. Units under indirect ownership or control by a Member shall include Units owned or controlled by such Member’s Related Parties, Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
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6.6Member Meetings. Meetings of the Members shall be called by the Directors, and shall be held at the principal office of the Company or at such other place as shall be designated by the person calling the meeting. Members representing an aggregate of not less than thirty percent (30%) of the Membership Voting Interests may also in writing demand that the Directors call a meeting of the Members. Regular meetings of the Members shall be held not less than once per Fiscal Year.
6.7Conduct of Meetings. Subject to the discretion of the Directors, the Members may participate in any meeting of the Members by means of telephone conference or similar means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear and speak with each other.
6.8Notice of Meetings; Waiver. Notice of the meeting, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, shall be given to each Member in accordance with Section 11.1 hereof at least five (5) days and no more than sixty (60) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held. A Member may waive the notice of meeting required hereunder by written notice of waiver signed by the Member whether given before, during or after the meeting. Attendance by a Member at a meeting is waiver of notice of that meeting, unless the Member objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and thereafter does not participate in the meeting.
6.9Quorum and Proxies. The presence (in person or by proxy or mail ballot) of Members representing an aggregate of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Membership Voting Interests is required for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Members. Voting by proxy or by mail ballot shall be permitted on any matter if authorized by the Directors.
6.10Voting; Action by Members. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Membership Voting Interests represented at a meeting of the Members (in person, by proxy, or by mail ballot) and entitled to vote on the matter shall constitute the act of the Members, unless the vote of a greater or lesser proportion or numbers is otherwise required by this Agreement.
6.11Record Date. For the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Members or any adjournment of the meeting, or Members entitled to receive payment of any distribution, or to make a determination of Members for any other purpose, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed (or otherwise delivered) or the date on which the resolution declaring the distribution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for determination of Members.
6.12Termination of Membership. The membership of a Member in the Company shall terminate upon the occurrence of events described in the Act, including resignation and withdrawal. If for any reason the membership of a Member is terminated, the Member whose membership has terminated loses all Membership Voting Interests and shall be considered merely as Assignee of the Membership Economic Interest owned before the termination of membership, having only the rights of an unadmitted Assignee provided for in Section 9.7 hereof.
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6.13Continuation of the Company. The Company shall not be dissolved upon the occurrence of any event that is deemed to terminate the continued membership of a Member. The Company’s affairs shall not be required to be wound up. The Company shall continue without dissolution.
6.14No Obligation to Purchase Membership Interest. No Member whose membership in the Company terminates, nor any transferee of such Member, shall have any right to demand or receive a return of such terminated Member’s Capital Contributions or to require the purchase or redemption of the Member’s Membership Interest. The other Members and the Company shall not have any obligation to purchase or redeem the Membership Interest of any such terminated Member or transferee of any such terminated Member.
6.15Waiver of Dissenters Rights. Each Member hereby disclaims, waives and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law or the Act, not to assert dissenters’ or similar rights under the Act.
6.16Limitation on Ownership. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no Member shall directly or indirectly own or control more than forty percent (40%) of the issued and outstanding Units at any time. Units under indirect ownership or control by a Member shall include Units owned or controlled by such Member’s Related Parties, Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
SECTION 7. ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS
7.1Accounting, Books and Records. The books and records of the Company shall be kept, and the financial position and the results of its operations recorded, in accordance with GAAP. The books and records shall reflect all the Company transactions and shall be appropriate and adequate for the Company’s business. The Company shall maintain at its principal office all of the following: (i) A current list of the full name and last known business or residence address of each Member and Assignee set forth in alphabetical order, together with the Capital Contributions, Capital Account and Units of each Member and Assignee; (ii) The full name and business address of each Director; (iii) A copy of the Articles and any and all amendments thereto together with executed copies of any powers of attorney pursuant to which the Articles or any amendments thereto have been executed; (iv) Copies of the Company’s federal, state, and local income tax or information returns and reports, if any, for the six most recent taxable years; (v) A copy of this Agreement and any and all amendments thereto together with executed copies of any powers of attorney pursuant to which this Agreement or any amendments thereto have been executed; and (vi) Copies of the financial statements of the Company, if any, for the six most recent Fiscal Years. The Company shall use the accrual method of accounting in preparation of its financial reports and for tax purposes and shall keep its books and records accordingly.
7.2Delivery to Members and Inspection. Any Member or its designated representative shall have reasonable access during normal business hours to the information and documents kept by the Company pursuant to Section 7.1. The rights granted to a Member pursuant to this Section 7.2 are expressly subject to compliance by such Member with the safety, security and confidentiality procedures and guidelines of the Company, as such procedures and guidelines may be established from time to time. Upon the request of any Member for purposes reasonably
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related to the interest of that Person as a Member, the Directors shall promptly deliver to the requesting Member, at the expense of the requesting Member, a copy of the information required to be maintained under Section 7.1. Each Member has the right, upon reasonable request for purposes reasonably related to the interest of the Person as a Member and for proper purposes, to: (i) inspect and copy during normal business hours any of the Company records described in Section 7.1; and (ii) obtain from the Directors, promptly after their becoming available, a copy of the Company’s federal, state, and local income tax or information returns for each Fiscal Year. Each Assignee shall have the right to information regarding the Company only to the extent required by the Act.
7.3Reports. The chief financial officer of the Company shall be responsible for causing the preparation of financial reports of the Company and the coordination of financial matters of the Company with the Company’s accountants. The Company shall cause to be delivered to each Member the financial statements listed below, prepared, in each case (other than with respect to Member’s Capital Accounts, which shall be prepared in accordance with this Agreement) in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. As soon as practicable following the end of each Fiscal Year (and in any event not later than one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of such Fiscal Year) and at such time as distributions are made to the Unit Holders pursuant to Section 10 hereof following the occurrence of a Dissolution Event, a balance sheet of the Company as of the end of such Fiscal Year and the related statements of operations, Unit Holders’ Capital Accounts and changes therein, and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, together with appropriate notes to such financial statements and supporting schedules, all of which shall be audited and certified by the Company’s accountants, and in each case, to the extent the Company was in existence, setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year end (in the case of the balance sheet) and the two (2) immediately preceding Fiscal Years (in the case of the statements).
7.4Tax Matters. The Directors shall, without any further consent of the Unit Holders being required (except as specifically required herein), make any and all elections for federal, state, local, and foreign tax purposes as the Directors shall determine appropriate and represent the Company and the Unit Holders before taxing authorities or courts of competent jurisdiction in tax matters affecting the Company or the Unit Holders in their capacities as Unit Holders, and to file any tax returns and execute any agreements or other documents relating to or affecting such tax matters, including agreements or other documents that bind the Unit Holders with respect to such tax matters or otherwise affect the rights of the Company and the Unit Holders. The Directors shall designate a Person to be specifically authorized to act as the “Tax Matters Member” under the Code and in any similar capacity under state or local law; provided, however, that the Directors shall have the authority to designate, remove and replace the Tax Matters Member who shall act as the tax matters partner within the meaning of and pursuant to Regulations Sections 301.6231(a)(7)-1 and -2 or any similar provision under state or local law. Necessary tax information shall be delivered to each Unit Holder as soon as practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Company but not later than three (3) months after the end of each Fiscal Year.
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SECTION 8. AMENDMENTS
8.1Amendments. Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed by the Board of Directors or any Member. Following such proposal, the Board of Directors shall submit to the Members a verbatim statement of any proposed amendment, providing that counsel for the Company shall have approved of the same in writing as to form, and the Board of Directors shall include in any such submission a recommendation as to the proposed amendment. The Board of Directors shall seek the written vote of the Members on the proposed amendment or shall call a meeting to vote thereon and to transact any other business that it may deem appropriate. Except as otherwise provided under this Agreement, a proposed amendment shall be adopted and be effective as an amendment hereto only if approved by the number of votes necessary to constitute Member action as provided in Section 6.10 herein. Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 8.1 to the contrary, this Agreement shall not be amended without the consent of each Member adversely affected if such amendment would modify the limited liability of a Member, or alter the Membership Economic Interest of a Member.
SECTION 9. TRANSFERS
9.1Restrictions on Transfers. Except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, no Member shall Transfer all or any portion of its Units. In the event that any Member pledges or otherwise encumbers all or any part of its Units as security for the payment of a Debt, any such pledge or hypothecation shall be made pursuant to a pledge or hypothecation agreement that requires the pledgee or secured party to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Section 9. In the event such pledgee or secured party becomes the Unit Holder hereunder pursuant to the exercise of such party’s rights under such pledge or hypothecation agreement, such pledgee or secured party shall be bound by all terms and conditions of this Operating Agreement and all other agreements governing the rights and obligations of Unit Holders. In such case, such pledgee or secured party, and any transferee or purchaser of the Units held by such pledgee or secured party, shall not have any Membership Voting Interest attached to such Units unless and until the Directors have approved in writing and admitted as a Member hereunder, such pledgee, secured party, transferee or purchaser of such Units.
9.2Permitted Transfers. Subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in this Section 9, a Unit Holder may:
(a) at any time Transfer all or any portion of its Units:
| (i) | | to the transferor’s administrator or trustee to whom such Units are transferred involuntarily by operation of law or judicial decree, or; |
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| (ii) | | without consideration to or in trust for descendants or the spouse of a Member; and |
(b) at any time following the date on which substantial operations of the Facilities commences, Transfer all or any portion of its Units:
| (i) | | to any Person approved by the Directors in writing, |
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| (ii) | | to any other Member or to any Affiliate or Related Party of another Member; or |
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| (iii) | | to any Affiliate or Related Party of the transferor. |
Any such Transfer set forth in this Section 9.2 and meeting the conditions set forth in Section 9.3 below is referred to in this Agreement as a “Permitted Transfer.”
9.3Conditions Precedent to Transfers. In addition to the conditions set forth above, no Transfer of a Membership Interest shall be effective unless and until all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) Except in the case of a Transfer involuntarily by operation of law, the transferor and transferee shall execute and deliver to the Company such documents and instruments of Transfer as may be necessary or appropriate in the opinion of counsel to the Company to effect such Transfer. In the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, the Transfer shall be confirmed by presentation to the Company of legal evidence of such Transfer, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel to the Company. In all cases, the transferor and/or transferee shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses connected with the Transfer and the admission of the Transferee as a Member and incurred as a result of such Transfer, including but not limited to, legal fees and costs.
(b) The transferor and transferee shall furnish the Company with the transferee’s taxpayer identification number, sufficient information to determine the transferee’s initial tax basis in the Units transferred, and any other information reasonably necessary to permit the Company to file all required federal and state tax returns and other legally required information statements or returns. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to make any distribution otherwise provided for in this Agreement with respect to any transferred Units until it has received such information.
(c) Except in the case of a Transfer of any Units involuntarily by operation of law, either (i) such Units shall be registered under the Securities Act, and any applicable state securities laws, or (ii) the transferor shall provide an opinion of counsel, which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Directors, to the effect that such Transfer is exempt from all applicable registration requirements and that such Transfer will not violate any applicable laws regulating the Transfer of securities.
(d) Except in the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, the transferor shall provide an opinion of counsel, which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Directors, to the effect that such Transfer will not cause the Company to be deemed to be an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(e) Unless otherwise approved by the Directors and Members representing in the aggregate a 75% super majority of the Membership Voting Interests, no Transfer of Units shall be made except upon terms which would not, in the opinion of counsel chosen by and mutually acceptable to the Directors and the transferor Member, result in the termination of the Company within the meaning of Section 708 of the Code or cause the application of the rules of Sections
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168(g)(1)(B) and 168(h) of the Code or similar rules to apply to the Company. If the immediate Transfer of such Unit would, in the opinion of such counsel, cause a termination within the meaning of Section 708 of the Code, then if, in the opinion of such counsel, the following action would not precipitate such termination, the transferor Member shall be entitled to (or required, as the case may be) (i) immediately Transfer only that portion of its Units as may, in the opinion of such counsel, be transferred without causing such a termination and (ii) enter into an agreement to Transfer the remainder of its Units, in one or more Transfers, at the earliest date or dates on which such Transfer or Transfers may be effected without causing such termination. The purchase price for the Units shall be allocated between the immediate Transfer and the deferred Transfer or Transfers pro rata on the basis of the percentage of the aggregate Units being transferred, each portion to be payable when the respective Transfer is consummated, unless otherwise agreed by the parties to the Transfer. In the case of a Transfer by one Member to another Member, the deferred purchase price shall be deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account unless another method of securing the payment thereof is agreed upon by the transferor Member and the transferee Member(s).
(f) No notice or request initiating the procedures contemplated by Section 9.3 may be given by any Member after a Dissolution Event has occurred. No Member may sell all or any portion of its Units after a Dissolution Event has occurred.
(g) No Person shall Transfer any Unit if, in the determination of the Directors, such Transfer would cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” within the meaning of Section 7704(b) of the Code.
The Directors shall have the authority to waive any legal opinion or other condition required in this Section 9.3 other than the Member approval requirement set forth in Section 9.3(e).
9.4Prohibited Transfers. Any purported Transfer of Units that is not permitted under this Section shall be null and void and of no force or effect whatsoever; provided that, if the Company is required to recognize such a Transfer (or if the Directors, in their sole discretion, elect to recognize such a Transfer), the Units Transferred shall be strictly limited to the transferor’s Membership Economic Interests as provided by this Agreement with respect to the transferred Units, which Membership Economic Interests may be applied (without limiting any other legal or equitable rights of the Company) to satisfy any debts, obligations, or liabilities for damages that the transferor or transferee of such Interest may have to the Company. In the case of a Transfer or attempted Transfer of Units that is not permitted under this Section, the parties engaging or attempting to engage in such Transfer shall be liable to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the other Members from all cost, liability, and damage that any of such indemnified Members may incur (including, without limitation, incremental tax liabilities, lawyers’ fees and expenses) as a result of such Transfer or attempted Transfer and efforts to enforce the indemnity granted hereby.
9.5No Dissolution or Termination. The transfer of a Membership Interest pursuant to the terms of this Article shall not dissolve or terminate the Company. No Member shall have the right to have the Company dissolved or to have such Member’s Capital Contribution returned except as provided in this Agreement.
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9.6Prohibition of Assignment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article, Transfer of a Membership Interest may not be made if the Membership Interest sought to be sold, exchanged or transferred, when added to the total of all other Membership Interests sold, exchanged or transferred within the period of twelve (12) consecutive months prior thereto, would result in the termination of the Company under Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code. In the event of a transfer of any Membership Interests, the Members will determine, in their sole discretion, whether or not the Company will elect pursuant to Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding provisions of future law) to adjust the basis of the assets of the Company.
9.7Rights of Unadmitted Assignees. A Person who acquires Units but who is not admitted as a substituted Member pursuant to Section 9.8 hereof shall be entitled only to the Membership Economic Interests with respect to such Units in accordance with this Agreement, and shall not be entitled to the Membership Voting Interest with respect to such Units. In addition, such Person shall have no right to any information or accounting of the affairs of the Company, shall not be entitled to inspect the books or records of the Company, and shall not have any of the rights of a Member under the Act or this Agreement.
9.8Admission of Substituted Members. As to Permitted Transfers, a transferee of Units shall be admitted as a substitute Member provided that such transferee has complied with the following provisions: (a) The transferee of Units shall, by written instrument in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Directors; (i) accept and adopt the terms and provisions of this Agreement, including this Section 9, and (ii) assume the obligations of the transferor Member under this Agreement with respect to the transferred Units. The transferor Member shall be released from all such assumed obligations except (x) those obligations or liabilities of the transferor Member arising out of a breach of this Agreement, (y) in the case of a Transfer to any Person other than a Member or any of its Affiliates, those obligations or liabilities of the transferor Member based on events occurring, arising or maturing prior to the date of Transfer, and (z) in the case of a Transfer to any of its Affiliates, any Capital Contribution or other financing obligation of the transferor Member under this Agreement; (b) The transferee pays or reimburses the Company for all reasonable legal, filing, and publication costs that the Company incurs in connection with the admission of the transferee as a Member with respect to the Transferred Units; and (c) Except in the case of a Transfer involuntarily by operation of law, if required by the Directors, the transferee (other than a transferee that was a Member prior to the Transfer) shall deliver to the Company evidence of the authority of such Person to become a Member and to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the transferee and transferor shall each execute and deliver such other instruments as the Directors reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to effect, and as a condition to, such Transfer.
9.9Representations Regarding Transfers.
(a) Each Member hereby covenants and agrees with the Company for the benefit of the Company and all Members, that (i) it is not currently making a market in Units and will not in the future make a market in Units, (ii) it will not Transfer its Units on an established securities market, a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof) within the meaning of Code
30
Section 7704(b) (and any Regulations, proposed Regulations, revenue rulings, or other official pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department that may be promulgated or published thereunder), and (iii) in the event such Regulations, revenue rulings, or other pronouncements treat any or all arrangements which facilitate the selling of Company interests and which are commonly referred to as “matching services” as being a secondary market or substantial equivalent thereof, it will not Transfer any Units through a matching service that is not approved in advance by the Company. Each Member further agrees that it will not Transfer any Units to any Person unless such Person agrees to be bound by this Section 9 and to Transfer such Units only to Persons who agree to be similarly bound.
(b) Each Member hereby represents and warrants to the Company and the Members that such Member’s acquisition of Units hereunder is made as principal for such Member’s own account and not for resale or distribution of such Units. Each Member further hereby agrees that the following legend, as the same may be amended by the Directors in their sole discretion, may be placed upon any counterpart of this Agreement, the Articles, or any other document or instrument evidencing ownership of Units:
THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THE COMPANY UNITS REPRESENTED BY THIS DOCUMENT IS RESTRICTED. SUCH UNITS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, OR TRANSFERRED, NOR WILL ANY ASSIGNEE, VENDEE, TRANSFEREE, OR ENDORSEE THEREOF BE RECOGNIZED AS HAVING ACQUIRED ANY SUCH UNITS FOR ANY PURPOSES, UNLESS AND TO THE EXTENT SUCH SALE, TRANSFER, HYPOTHECATION, OR ASSIGNMENT IS PERMITTED BY, AND IS COMPLETED IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT AND AGREED TO BY EACH MEMBER.
THE UNITS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, OR TRANSFERRED IN ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND UNDER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
9.10Distribution and Allocations in Respect of Transferred Units. If any Units are Transferred during any Fiscal Year in compliance with the provisions of this Section 9, Profits, Losses, each item thereof, and all other items attributable to the Transferred Units for such Fiscal Year shall be divided and allocated between the transferor and the transferee by taking into account their varying interests during the Fiscal Year in accordance with Code Section 706(d), using any conventions permitted by law and selected by the Directors. All distributions on or before the date of such Transfer shall be made to the transferor, and all distributions thereafter shall be made to the transferee. Solely for purposes of making such allocations and distributions, the Company shall recognize such Transfer to be effective as of the first day of the month following the month in which all documents to effectuate the transfer have been executed and delivered to the Company, provided that, if the Company does not receive a notice stating the date such Units were transferred and such other information as the Directors may reasonably require within thirty (30) days after the end of the Fiscal Year during which the Transfer occurs, then all such items shall be allocated, and all distributions shall be made, to the Person who,
31
according to the books and records of the Company, was the owner of the Units on the last day of such Fiscal Year. Neither the Company nor any Member shall incur any liability for making allocations and distributions in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9.10, whether or not the Directors or the Company has knowledge of any Transfer of ownership of any Units.
9.11Additional Members. Additional Members may be admitted from time to time upon the approval of the Directors. Any such additional Member shall pay such purchase price for his/her/its Membership Interest and shall be admitted in accordance with such terms and conditions, as the Directors shall approve. All Members acknowledge that the admission of additional Members may result in dilution of a Member’s Membership Interest. Prior to the admission of any Person as a Member, such Person shall agree to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and shall sign and deliver an Addendum to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit C, attached hereto. Upon execution of such Addendum, such additional Members shall be deemed to be parties to this Agreement as if they had executed this Agreement on the original date hereof, and, along with the parties to this Agreement, shall be bound by all the provisions hereof from and after the date of execution hereof. The Members hereby designate and appoint the Directors to accept such additional Members and to sign on their behalf any Addendum in the form of Exhibit C, attached hereto.
SECTION 10. DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
10.1Dissolution. The Company shall dissolve and shall commence winding up and liquidating upon the first to occur of any of the following (each a “DISSOLUTION EVENT”): (i) The affirmative vote of a 75% super majority in interest of the Membership Voting Interests to dissolve, wind up, and liquidate the Company; or (ii) The entry of a decree of judicial dissolution pursuant to the Act. The Members hereby agree that, notwithstanding any provision of the Act, the Company shall not dissolve prior to the occurrence of a Dissolution Event.
10.2Winding Up. Upon the occurrence of a Dissolution Event, the Company shall continue solely for the purposes of winding up its affairs in an orderly manner, liquidating its assets, and satisfying the claims of its creditors and Members, and no Member shall take any action that is inconsistent with, or not necessary to or appropriate for, the winding up of the Company’s business and affairs, PROVIDED that all covenants contained in this Agreement and obligations provided for in this Agreement shall continue to be fully binding upon the Members until such time as the Property has been distributed pursuant to this Section 10.2 and the Articles have been canceled pursuant to the Act. The Liquidator shall be responsible for overseeing the prompt and orderly winding up and dissolution of the Company. The Liquidator shall take full account of the Company’s liabilities and Property and shall cause the Property or the proceeds from the sale thereof (as determined pursuant to Section 10.8 hereof), to the extent sufficient therefor, to be applied and distributed, to the maximum extent permitted by law, in the following order: (a) First, to creditors (including Members and Directors who are creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law) in satisfaction of all of the Company’s Debts and other liabilities (whether by payment or the making of reasonable provision for payment thereof), other than liabilities for which reasonable provision for payment has been made; and (b) Second, except as provided in this Agreement, to Members in satisfaction of liabilities for distributions pursuant to the Act; (c) Third, the balance, if any, to the Unit Holders in accordance with the positive balance in their
32
Capital Accounts calculated after making the required adjustment set forth in clause (t) of the definition of Gross Asset Value in Section 1.10 of this Agreement, after giving effect to all contributions, distributions and allocations for all periods.
10.3Compliance with Certain Requirements of Regulations; Deficit Capital Accounts. In the event the Company is “liquidated” within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), (a) distributions shall be made pursuant to this Section 10 to the Unit Holders who have positive Capital Accounts in compliance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2). If any Unit Holder has a deficit balance in his Capital Account (after giving effect to all contributions, distributions and allocations for all Fiscal Years, including the Fiscal Year during which such liquidation occurs), such Unit Holder shall have no obligation to make any contribution to the capital of the Company with respect to such deficit, and such deficit shall not be considered a debt owed to the Company or to any other Person for any purpose whatsoever. In the discretion of the Liquidator, a pro rata portion of the distributions that would otherwise be made to the Unit Holders pursuant to this Section 10 may be: (a) Distributed to a trust established for the benefit of the Unit Holders for the purposes of liquidating Company assets, collecting amounts owed to the Company, and paying any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company. The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the Unit Holders from time to time, in the reasonable discretion of the Liquidator, in the same proportions as the amount distributed to such trust by the Company would otherwise have been distributed to the Unit Holders pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof; or (b) Withheld to provide a reasonable reserve for Company liabilities (contingent or otherwise) and to reflect the unrealized portion of any installment obligations owed to the Company, provided that such withheld amounts shall be distributed to the Unit Holders as soon as practicable.
10.4Deemed Distribution and Recontribution. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 10, in the event the Company is liquidated within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) but no Dissolution Event has occurred, the Property shall not be liquidated, the Company’s Debts and other liabilities shall not be paid or discharged, and the Company’s affairs shall not be wound up.
10.5Rights of Unit Holders. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Unit Holder shall look solely to the Property of the Company for the return of its Capital Contribution and has no right or power to demand or receive Property other than cash from the Company. If the assets of the Company remaining after payment or discharge of the debts or liabilities of the Company are insufficient to return such Capital Contribution, the Unit Holders shall have no recourse against the Company or any other Unit Holder or Directors.
10.6
Allocations During Period of Liquidation. During the period commencing on the first day of the Fiscal Year during which a Dissolution Event occurs and ending on the date on which all of the assets of the Company have been distributed to the Unit Holders pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof (the “Liquidation Period”), the Unit Holders shall continue to share Profits, Losses, gain, loss and other items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction in the manner provided in Section 3 hereof.
33
10.7Character of Liquidating Distributions. All payments made in liquidation of the interest of a Unit Holder in the Company shall be made in exchange for the interest of such Unit Holder in Property pursuant to Section 736(b)(1) of the Code, including the interest of such Unit Holder in Company goodwill.
10.8The Liquidator. The “Liquidator” shall mean a Person appointed by the Directors(s) to oversee the liquidation of the Company. Upon the consent of a majority in interest of the Members, the Liquidator may be the Directors. The Company is authorized to pay a reasonable fee to the Liquidator for its services performed pursuant to this Section 10 and to reimburse the Liquidator for its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in performing those services. The Company shall indemnify, save harmless, and pay all judgments and claims against such Liquidator or any officers, Directors, agents or employees of the Liquidator relating to any liability or damage incurred by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by the Liquidator, or any officers, Directors, agents or employees of the Liquidator in connection with the liquidation of the Company, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Liquidator, officer, Director, agent or employee in connection with the defense of any action based on any such act or omission, which attorneys’ fees may be paid as incurred, except to the extent such liability or damage is caused by the fraud, intentional misconduct of, or a knowing violation of the laws by the Liquidator which was material to the cause of action.
10.9Forms of Liquidating Distributions. For purposes of making distributions required by Section 10.2 hereof, the Liquidator may determine whether to distribute all or any portion of the Property in-kind or to sell all or any portion of the Property and distribute the proceeds therefrom.
SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1Notices. Any notice, payment, demand, or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been delivered, given, and received for all purposes (i) if delivered personally to the Person or to an officer of the Person to whom the same is directed, or (ii) when the same is actually received, if sent by regular or certified mail, postage and charges prepaid, or by facsimile, if such facsimile is followed by a hard copy of the facsimile communication sent promptly thereafter by registered or certified mail, postage and charges prepaid, addressed as follows, or to such other address as such Person may from time to time specify by notice to the Members and the Directors: (a) If to the Company, to the address determined pursuant to Section 1.4 hereof; (b) If to the Directors, to the address set forth on record with the Company; (c) If to a Member, either to the address set forth in Section 2.1 hereof or to such other address that has been provided in writing to the Company.
11.2Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, every covenant, term, and provision of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Members and their respective successors, transferees, and assigns.
11.3
Construction. Every covenant, term, and provision of this Agreement shall be construed simply according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against any Member.
34
11.4Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent, or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
11.5Severability. Except as otherwise provided in the succeeding sentence, every provision of this Agreement is intended to be severable, and, if any term or provision of this Agreement is illegal or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remainder of this Agreement. The preceding sentence of this Section 11.5 shall be of no force or effect if the consequence of enforcing the remainder of this Agreement without such illegal or invalid term or provision would be to cause any Member to lose the material benefit of its economic bargain.
11.6Incorporation By Reference. Every exhibit, schedule, and other appendix attached to this Agreement and referred to herein is incorporated in this Agreement by reference unless this Agreement expressly otherwise provides.
11.7Variation of Terms. All terms and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to masculine, feminine, or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the Person or Persons may require.
11.8Governing Law. The laws of the State of Nebraska shall govern the validity of this Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties arising hereunder.
11.9Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the Members irrevocably waives to the extent permitted by law, all rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
11.10Counterpart Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if all of the Members had signed the same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one agreement.
11.11Specific Performance. Each Member agrees with the other Members that the other Members would be irreparably damaged if any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that monetary damages would not provide an adequate remedy in such event. Accordingly, it is agreed that, in addition to any other remedy to which the nonbreaching Members may be entitled, at law or in equity, the nonbreaching Members shall be entitled to injunctive relief to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and specifically to enforce the terms and provisions hereof in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any state thereof having subject matter jurisdiction thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and entered into this Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the Company as of the date first set forth above.
35
| | |
COMPANY:
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC | |
By: | /s/ Tom Lynch | |
| Tom Lynch |
|
Its: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
36
EXHIBIT “A”
Initial Membership List
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Initial Capital | |
Name of Initial Members | | Units | | | Contribution | |
|
Tom Lynch | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Earl and Pam Miller | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Kirkholm Farms Partnership | | | 8 | | | $ | 40,000 | |
|
John F. and Myra A. Kingsbury | | | 8 | | | $ | 40,000 | |
|
Douglas R. and Betty J. Garwood | | | 6 | | | $ | 30,000 | |
|
Shen-Dae-Man, LLC | | | 20 | | | $ | 100,000 | |
|
Donald M. and Kathryn A. Meisner | | | 7 | | | $ | 35,000 | |
|
Ronald and Sandra Wetherell | | | 10 | | | $ | 50,000 | |
|
Darrell and Doris Downs | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Jim Warner | | | 2 | | | $ | 10,000 | |
|
Matthew Sederstrom | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Larry D. and Janice M. Clark | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Wills One, LLC | | | 8 | | | $ | 40,000 | |
|
Mark R. Peterson | | | 10 | | | $ | 50,000 | |
|
Craig and Terry Ebberson | | | 8 | | | $ | 40,000 | |
|
Chuck and Sandra Beerman | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Julie and David Lazure | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Leonard P. Gill | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Thomas M. and Mary Kay Donlan | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Rod F. Lammers | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Robert E. and Katherine Brummels | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
37
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Initial Capital | |
Name of Initial Members | | Units | | | Contribution | |
|
Todd and Pam Wetherell | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
David A. and Connie K. Ladwig | | | 6 | | | $ | 30,000 | |
|
Robert G. and Pamela K. Curry | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Garry A. Barbara A. Bauman | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
David M. Armstrong | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
William L. Riechers | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Mark Rames | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Joe and Millie Gill | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Rick Sebade | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Patrick B. and Freda P. Maguire | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Craig J. and Christine E. Struve | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Ross G. and Linda M. Harden | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Scott T. and Carol L. Garwood | | | 6 | | | $ | 30,000 | |
|
Bousquet Dairy | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
Leslie A. Bebee | | | 4 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
|
| | | | | | |
|
TOTAL: | | | 195 | | | $ | 975,000 | |
| | | | | | |
38
EXHIBIT “B”
Initial Board of Directors
| | | |
Initial Board of Directors | | Addresses of Initial Board of Directors |
|
Tom Lynch, President | | 1221 Monona Blvd., Jackson, NE 68743 |
|
Pam Miller, Vice-President | | 414 Howard Street, Homer, NE 68030 |
|
Nancy Kirkholm, Secretary | | 831 137th Street, South Sioux City, NE 68776 |
|
John Kingsbury, Treasurer | | PO Box 570, Ponca, NE 68770 |
|
Doug Garwood, Registered Agent | | 520 Timberline Drive, South Sioux City, NE 68776 |
|
Shennen Saltzman | | PO Box 3085, Sioux City, IA 51102 |
|
Don ‘Skip’ Meisner | | 3116 Everett Street, Sioux City, IA 51106 |
|
Ronald Wetherell | | PO Box 188, Cleghorn, IA 51014 |
|
Darrell Downs | | PO Box 103, Marcus, IA 51035 |
|
Craig Ebberson | | 56521 870th Road, Belden, NE 68716 |
|
Mark Peterson | | 891 Two Rivers Drive, Ste. 100, Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 |
|
Bill Riechers | | 504 Astrachan, Volga, SD 57071 |
|
Matt Sederstrom | | 1005 Boxelder Avenue, Marshall, MN 56258 |
39
EXHIBIT “C”
MEMBER SIGNATURE PAGE
ADDENDA
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
OPERATING AGREEMENT OF
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
The undersigned does hereby represent and warrant that the undersigned, as a condition to becoming a Member in Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, has received a copy of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, dated February 24, 2005, and, if applicable, all amendments and modifications thereto, and does hereby agree that the undersigned, along with the other parties to the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, shall be subject to and comply with all terms and conditions of said Amended and Restated Operating Agreement in all respects as if the undersigned had executed said Amended and Restated Operating Agreement on the original date thereof and that the undersigned is and shall be bound by all of the provisions of said Amended and Restated Operating Agreement from and after the date of execution hereof.
| | |
Individuals: | | Entities: |
|
|
| | |
Name of Individual Member (Please Print) | | Name of Entity (Please Print) |
|
|
| | |
Signature of Individual | | Print Name and Title of Officer |
|
|
| | |
Name of Joint Individual Member (Please Print) | | Signature of Officer |
|
|
| | |
Signature of Joint Individual Member | | |
|
Agreed and accepted on behalf of the
Company and its Members:
| | |
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC | |
By: | | |
| | | |
Its: | | |
|
|
40
Exhibit C
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Limited Liability Company Membership Units
$10,000 per Unit
Minimum Investment of 2 Units ($20,000)
1 Unit Increments Thereafter ($10,000)
The undersigned subscriber, desiring to become a member of Siouxland Ethanol, LLC (“Siouxland”), a Nebraska limited liability company, with its principal place of business at 110 East Elk Street, Jackson, Nebraska 68743, hereby subscribes for the purchase of the membership interests of Siouxland, and agrees to pay the related purchase price, identified below.
A. SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION.Please print your individual or entity name and address. Joint subscribers should provide their respective names. Your name and address will be recorded exactly as printed below. Please provide your home, business and/or mobile telephone number. If desired, please also provide your email address.
| | | | | | |
| 1. | | | Subscriber’s Printed Name | | |
| 2. | | | Title, if applicable: | | |
| 3. | | | Subscriber’s Address: Street | | |
| | | | City, State, Zip Code | | |
| 4. | | | Email Address (optional): | | |
| 5. | | | Home Telephone Number: | | |
| 6. | | | Business Telephone Number: | | |
| 7. | | | Mobile Telephone Number: | | |
B. NUMBER OF UNITS PURCHASED.You must purchase at least 2 units. Your ownership interest may not exceed 40% of all our outstanding membership units. We currently have 195 units outstanding. Assuming we sell the minimum number of 1,500 units, we would have a total of 1,695 units outstanding and you would not be able to purchase more than 678 units.
C. PURCHASE PRICE.Indicate the dollar amount of your investment (minimum investment is $20,000).
| | | | | | | | |
1.Total Purchase Price ($10,000 Per Unit multiplied by the number in box B above.) | | = | | 2.1st Installment (10% of the Total Purchase Price) | | + | | 3.2nd Installment (90% of the Total Purchase Price) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | = | | | | + | | |
D. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBSCRIBERS:
You should read the Prospectus dated August 8, 2005 (the “Prospectus”) in its entirety including exhibits for a complete explanation of an investment in Siouxland Ethanol, LLC. To subscribe, you must:
INSTRUCTIONS IF YOU ARE SUBSCRIBINGPRIORTO THE COMPANY’S RELEASE OF FUNDS FROM ESCROW: If you are subscribing prior to the Company’s release of funds from escrow, you must follow Steps 1 through 5 below:
1
1. Complete all information required in this Subscription Agreement, and date and sign the Subscription Agreement on page 6 and the Member Signature Page to our Operating Agreement attached to this Subscription Agreement as Exhibit A.
2. Immediately provide your personal (or business) check for the first installment of ten percent (10%) of your investment amount made payable to U.S. Bank, escrow agent for Siouxland Ethanol LLC. You will determine this amount in box C.2 on page 1 of this Subscription Agreement.
3. Execute the Promissory Note and Security Agreement on page 7 of this Subscription Agreement evidencing your commitment to pay the remaining ninety percent (90%) due for the Units that is attached to this Subscription Agreement and grant Siouxland Ethanol, LLC a security interest in your Units.
4. Deliver each of the original executed documents referenced in Items 1 and 3 of these Instructions, together with your personal or business check described in Item 2 of these Instructions to the following:
Siouxland Ethanol, LLC
110 E. Elk Street
Jackson NE 68743
5. Upon written notice from Siouxland Ethanol, LLC stating that its sales of Units have exceeded the Minimum Offering amount of $15,000,000, you must, within twenty (20) days secure an additional personal (or business) check for the second installment of ninety percent (90%) of your investment amount made payable to U.S. Bank, NA escrow agent for Siouxland Ethanol, LLC in satisfaction of the Promissory Note and Security Agreement. You will determine this amount in box C.3 on page 1 of this Subscription Agreement. You must deliver this check to the same address set forth above in Instruction 4 within twenty (20) days of the date of Siouxland’s written notice. If you fail to pay the second installment pursuant to the Promissory Note and Security Agreement, Siouxland shall be entitled to retain your first installment and to seek other damages, as provided in the Promissory Note and Security Agreement. This means that if you are unable to pay the 90% balance of your investment amount within 20 days of our notice, you may have to forfeit the 10% cash deposit.
Your funds will be placed in Siouxland’s escrow account at U.S. Bank, NA. The funds will be released to Siouxland or returned to you in accordance with the escrow arrangements described in the Prospectus. Siouxland may, in its sole discretion, reject or accept any part or all of your subscription. If Siouxland rejects your subscription, your Subscription Agreement and investment will be promptly returned to you, plus nominal interest, minus escrow fees. Siouxland may not consider the acceptance or rejection of your subscription until a future date near the end of this offering.
INSTRUCTIONS IF YOU ARE SUBSCRIBINGAFTERTHE COMPANY’S RELEASE OF FUNDS FROM ESCROW:If you are subscribing after the Company’s release of funds from escrow, you must follow Steps 1 through 3 below:
1. Complete all information required in this Subscription Agreement, and date and sign the Subscription Agreement on page 6 and the Member Signature Page to our Operating Agreement attached to this Subscription Agreement as Exhibit A.
2. Immediately provide your personal (or business) check for the entire amount of your investment (as determined in Box C.1 on page 1) made payable to “Siouxland Ethanol, LLC.”
3. Deliver the original executed documents referenced in Item 1 of these Instructions, together with your personal or business check described in Item 2 of these Instructions to the following:
Siouxland Ethanol, LLC
110 East Elk Street
Jackson NE 68743
If you are subscribing after we have released funds from escrow and we accept your investment, your funds will be immediately at-risk as described in the Prospectus. Siouxland may, in its sole discretion, reject or accept any part or all of your subscription. If Siouxland rejects your subscription, your Subscription Agreement and investment
2
will be returned to you promptly, plus nominal interest, minus escrow fees. Siouxland may not consider the acceptance or rejection of your subscription until a future date near the end of this offering.
You may direct your questions to one of our directors listed below or to Siouxland at 402-632-2676.
| | | | | | | | |
Director | | Cell Number | | | Home Number | |
Tom Lynch | | | 712-251-3719 | | | | 402-632-4995 | |
Pam Miller | | | 712-251-0302 | | | | 402-698-2122 | |
Ronald Wetherell | | | 712-436-2266 | | | | 712-436-2488 | |
Shennen Saltzman | | | 712-203-1581 | | | | 402-494-7592 | |
E. Additional Subscriber Information.The subscriber, named above, certifies the following under penalties of perjury:
| 1. | | Form of Ownership.Check the appropriate box (one only) to indicate form of ownership. If the subscriber is a Custodian, Corporation, Partnership or Trust, please provide the additional information requested. |
| o | | Individual |
| o | | Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (Both signatures must appear on Page 6.) |
| o | | Corporation, Limited Liability Company or Partnership (Corporate Resolutions, Operating Agreement or Partnership Agreement must be enclosed.) |
| o | | Trust |
| | | Trustee’s Name: —————————————————————————————— |
| | | Trust Date: —————————————————————————————— |
| o | | Other: Provide detailed information in the space immediately below. |
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| 2. | | Subscriber’s Taxpayer Information.Check the appropriate box if you are a non-resident alien, a U.S. Citizen residing outside the United States or subject to backup withholding. Trusts should provide their taxpayer identification number. Custodians should provide the minor’s Social Security Number. All individual subscribers should provide their Social Security Number. Other entities should provide their taxpayer identification number. |
| o | | Check box if you are a non-resident alien |
| o | | Check box if you are a U.S. citizen residing outside of the United States |
| o | | Check this box if you are subject to backup withholding |
| | | Subscriber’s Social Security No. —————————————————————————— |
| | | Joint Subscriber’s Social Security No. —————————————————————————— |
| | | Taxpayer Identification No. —————————————————————————— |
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| 3. | | Member Report Address.If you would like duplicate copies of member reports sent to an address that is different than the address identified in section A, please complete this section. |
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| 4. | | State of Residence. |
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| | | State of Principal Residence: ———————————————— |
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| | | State where driver’s license is issued: ———————————————— |
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| | | State where resident income taxes are filed:————————————————— |
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| | | State(s) in which you have maintained your principal residence during the past three years: |
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5. | | Suitability Standards. You cannot invest in Siouxland unless you meet one of the following suitability tests (a or b) set forth below. Please review the suitability tests and check the box next to the following suitability test that you meet. For husbands and wives purchasing jointly, the tests below will be applied on a joint basis. |
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| a. o | | I (We) have annual income from whatever source of at least $45,000and a net worth of at least $45,000, exclusive of home, furnishings and automobiles; or |
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| b. o | | I (We) have a net worth of at least $100,000, exclusive of home, furnishings and automobiles. |
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6. | | Subscriber’s Representations and Warranties.You must read and certify your representations and warranties by placing your initials where indicated and by signing and dating this Subscription Agreement. Joint subscribers are also required to initial and sign as indicated. |
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(Initial here) | | By signing below the subscriber represents and warrants to Siouxland that he, she or it: |
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| | a. | | has received a copy of Siouxland’s Prospectus dated August 8, 2005 and the exhibits thereto; |
| | b. | | has been informed that the Units of Siouxland are offered and sold in reliance upon a federal securities registration; Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa securities registrations; and exemptions from securities registrations in various other states, and understands that the Units to be issued pursuant to this subscription agreement can only be sold to a person meeting requirements of suitability; |
| | c. | | has been informed that the securities purchased pursuant to this Subscription Agreement have not been registered under the securities laws of any state other than the States of Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa, and that Siouxland is relying in part upon the representations of the undersigned Subscriber contained herein; |
| | d. | | has been informed that the securities subscribed for have not been approved or disapproved by the Nebraska, South Dakota or Iowa Securities Departments or any other regulatory authority, nor has any regulatory authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Prospectus; |
| | e. | | intends to acquire the Units for his/her/its own account without a view to public distribution or resale and that he/she/it has no contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Units or any portion thereof to any other person; |
| | f. | | understands that there is no present market for Siouxland’s membership units, that the membership units will not trade on an exchange or automatic quotation system, that no such market is expected to develop in the future and that there are significant restrictions on the transferability of the membership units; |
| | g. | | has been encouraged to rely upon the advice of his legal counsel and accountants or other financial advisers with respect to the tax and other considerations relating to the purchase of units; |
| | h. | | has received a copy of the Siouxland Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, dated February 24, 2005, and understands that upon closing the escrow by Siouxland, the subscriber and the membership units will be bound by the provisions of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement which contains, among other things, provisions that restrict the transfer of membership units; |
| | i. | | understands that the Units are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer under state securities laws along with restrictions in the Siouxland Amended and Restated Operating Agreement and agrees that if the membership units or any part thereof are sold or distributed in the future, the subscriber shall sell or distribute them pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, and the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws; |
| | j. | | meets the suitability test marked in Item 5 above and is capable of bearing the economic risk of this investment, including the possible total loss of the investment; |
| | k. | | understands that Siouxland will place a restrictive legend on any certificate representing any unit containing substantially the following language as the same may be amended by the Directors of Siouxland in their sole discretion: |
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| | | THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THE UNITS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS RESTRICTED. SUCH UNITS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, OR TRANSFERRED, NOR WILL ANY ASSIGNEE, VENDEE, TRANSFEREE, OR ENDORSEE THEREOF BE RECOGNIZED AS HAVING ACQUIRED ANY SUCH UNITS FOR ANY PURPOSES, UNLESS AND TO THE EXTENT SUCH SALE, TRANSFER, HYPOTHECATION, OR ASSIGNMENT IS PERMITTED BY, AND IS COMPLETED IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH, APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAW AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT AS AGREED TO BY EACH MEMBER. |
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| | | THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF EITHER AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND UNDER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND UNDER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. |
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| | l. | | understands that, to enforce the above legend, Siouxland may place a stop transfer order with its registrar and stock transfer agent (if any) covering all certificates representing any of the membership units; |
| | m. | | has examined the information presented in the prospectus and exhibits and is competent to evaluate and establish that the investment is consistent with the subscriber’s risk tolerance and investment goals such that the subscriber can bear the economic risk of the purchase of Units including the total loss of the undersigned’s investment; |
| | n. | | may not transfer or assign this subscription agreement, or any of the subscriber’s interest herein; |
| | o. | | has written his, her, or its correct taxpayer identification number under Item 2 on this subscription agreement; |
| | p. | | is not subject to back up withholding either because he, she or it has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that he, she or it is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or the IRS has notified him, her or it that he is no longer subject to backup withholding (Note this clause (p) should be crossed out if the backup withholding box in Item 2 is checked); |
| | q. | | understands that execution of the attached Promissory Note and Security Agreement will allow Siouxland or its assigns to pursue the obligor for payment of the amount due thereon by any legal means, including, but not limited to, acquisition of a judgment against the obligor in the event that the subscriber defaults on that Promissory Note and Security Agreement; and |
| | r. | | acknowledges that Siouxland may retain possession of certificates representing subscriber’s Units to perfect its security interest in those Units. |
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Signature of Subscriber/Joint Subscriber: | | |
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Date: | | | |
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Individuals: | | Entities: |
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Name of Individual Subscriber (Please Print) | | Name of Entity (Please Print) |
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Signature of Individual | | Print Name and Title of Officer |
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Name of Joint Individual Subscriber (Please Print) | | Signature of Officer |
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Signature of Joint Individual Subscriber | | |
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ACCEPTANCE OF SUBSCRIPTION BY SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC:
Siouxland Ethanol, LLC hereby accepts the subscription for the above Units.
Dated this day of , 200 .
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
By:
Its:
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PROMISSORY NOTE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
Date of Subscription Agreement: , 200 .
$10,000 per Unit
Minimum Investment of 2 Units ($20,000), 1 Unit Increments Thereafter ($10,000)
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| | Number of Units subscribed |
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| | Total Purchase Price ($10,000 per Unit multiplied by number of Units subscribed) |
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( ) | | Less Initial Payment (10% of Principal Amount) |
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FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby promises to pay to the order of Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“Siouxland”), at its principal office located 110 East Elk Street, Jackson, Nebraska 68743, or at such other place as required by Siouxland, the Principal Balance set forth above in one lump sum to be paid without interest within 20 days following the call of the Siouxland Board of Directors, as described in the Subscription Agreement. In the event the undersigned fails to timely make any payment owed, the entire balance of any amounts due under this full recourse Promissory Note and Security Agreement shall be immediately due and payable in full with interest at the rate of 12% per annum from the due date and any amounts previously paid in relation to the obligation evidenced by this Promissory Note and Security Agreement may be forfeited at the discretion of Siouxland.
The undersigned agrees to pay to Siouxland on demand, all costs and expenses incurred to collect any indebtedness evidenced by this Promissory Note and Security Agreement, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees. This Promissory Note and Security Agreement may not be modified orally and shall in all respects be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska.
The provisions of this Promissory Note and Security Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Siouxland and its successors and assigns, which expressly reserves the right to pursue the undersigned for payment of the amount due thereon by any legal means in the event that the undersigned defaults on obligations provided in this Promissory Note and Security Agreement.
The undersigned waives presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor, notice of protest, and all other notices or demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance or default of this Promissory Note and Security Agreement.
The undersigned grants to Siouxland, and its successors and assigns (“Secured Party”), a purchase money security interest in all of the undersigned’s Membership Units of Siouxland now owned or hereafter acquired. This security interest is granted as non-exclusive collateral to secure payment and performance on the obligation owed Secured Party from the undersigned evidenced by this Promissory Note and Security Agreement. The undersigned further authorizes Secured Party to retain possession of certificates representing such Membership Units and to take any other actions necessary to perfect the security interest granted herein.
Dated: , 200 .
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OBLIGOR/DEBTOR: | | JOINT OBLIGOR/DEBTOR: |
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Printed or Typed Name of Obligor | | Printed or Typed Name of Joint Obligor |
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By: | | | By: |
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Officer Title if Obligor is an Entity | | |
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Address of Obligor | | |
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EXHIBIT “A”
MEMBER SIGNATURE PAGE
ADDENDA
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
OPERATING AGREEMENT OF
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
The undersigned does hereby represent and warrant that the undersigned, as a condition to becoming a Member in Siouxland Ethanol, LLC, has received a copy of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, dated February 24, 2005, and, if applicable, all amendments and modifications thereto, and does hereby agree that the undersigned, along with the other parties to the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, shall be subject to and comply with all terms and conditions of said Amended and Restated Operating Agreement in all respects as if the undersigned had executed said Amended and Restated Operating Agreement on the original date thereof and that the undersigned is and shall be bound by all of the provisions of said Amended and Restated Operating Agreement from and after the date of execution hereof.
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Individuals: | | Entities: |
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Name of Individual Member (Please Print) | | Name of Entity (Please Print) |
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Signature of Individual | | Print Name and Title of Officer |
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Name of Joint Individual Member (Please Print) | | Signature of Officer |
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Signature of Joint Individual Member | | |
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Agreed and accepted on behalf of the
Company and its Members:
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
By:
Its: ��
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MINIMUM 1,500 UNITS
MAXIMUM 4,600 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
August 8, 2005
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, units only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common shares.
No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the United States to permit a public offering of the units or possession or distribution of this prospectus in that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable to that jurisdiction.
Through and including November 7, 2005 (the 90th day after the effective date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.