The components of property and equipment at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
The components of other assets at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, pursuant to the terms of the construction loan agreement with GE Capital (“the Bank”), Levelland Hockley converted its construction loan into a permanent term loan. Beginning with the first monthly payment on June 30, 2008, payments are due in 59 equal monthly payments of principal plus accrued interest with the principal portion calculated based on a 120 month amortization schedule. One final installment will be required on the maturity date (June 30, 2013) for the remaining unpaid principal balance with accrued interest. The term loan bears interest at a floating rate of 400 basis points above LIBOR (4.4% at July 31, 2010), adjusted monthly through the maturity date. Borrowings are secured by all of the assets of Levelland Hockley. This debt is recourse only to Levelland Hockley and not to REX American Resources Corporation or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries. As of July 31, 2010, approximately $35.0 million was
outstanding on the term loan. Levelland Hockley is also subject to certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including required levels of EBITDAR, debt service coverage ratio requirements, net worth requirements and other common covenants. On September 1, 2010, Levelland Hockley amended its loan agreement with the Bank to adjust certain covenants and to waive defaults occurring prior to July 1, 2010. As a condition of the modification of the loan agreement, REX agreed to increase its line of credit facility to Levelland Hockley from $3.0 million to $4.0 million (inclusive of a $1.0 million letter of credit) through January 31, 2011. In exchange for REX increasing the line of credit facility, REX received a warrant which entitles REX to subscribe for and purchase from Levelland Hockley 324,675 membership units at an exercise price of $3.08 per membership unit.
Management believes, based on forecasts which are primarily based on estimates of plant production, prices of ethanol, milo, distillers grains and natural gas as well as other assumptions management believes to be reasonable, that Levelland Hockley will be able to maintain compliance with the covenants for at least the next 12 months. Management believes that cash flow from operating activities together with working capital will be sufficient to meet Levelland Hockley’s liquidity needs. However, if a material adverse change in the financial position or operations of Levelland Hockley should occur, or if actual sales, the availability of milo or if expenses are substantially different than forecasted, Levelland Hockley’s liquidity and ability to fund future operating and capital requirements and compliance with debt covenants could be negatively impacted.
Levelland Hockley paid approximately $3.5 million in financing costs related to the term loan. These costs are recorded as prepaid loan fees and are amortized ratably over the term of the loan.
The Company’s proportionate share of restricted assets related to Levelland Hockley was $10.8 million and $13.2 million at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010, respectively. Levelland Hockley’s restricted assets total approximately $19.2 million and $23.6 million at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010, respectively. Such assets may not be paid in the form of dividends or advances to the parent company or other members of Levelland Hockley per the terms of the loan agreement with the Bank.
One Earth Energy Subsidiary Level Debt
In September 2007, One Earth entered into a $111,000,000 financing agreement consisting of a construction loan agreement for $100,000,000 together with a $10,000,000 revolving loan and a $1,000,000 letter of credit with First National Bank of Omaha (the “Bank”). The construction loan was converted into a term loan on July 31, 2009 as all of the requirements, for such conversion, of the construction and term loan agreement were fulfilled. The term loan bears interest at variable interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 300 basis points to LIBOR plus 310 basis points (3.4% -3.5% at July 31, 2010). Beginning with the first quarterly payment on October 8, 2009, payments are due in 20 quarterly payments of principal plus accrued interest with the principal portion calculated based on a 120 month amortization schedule. One final installment will be required on the maturity date (July 31, 2014) for the remaining unpaid principal balance with accrued interest.
Borrowings are secured by all of the assets of One Earth. This debt is recourse only to One Earth and not to REX American Resources Corporation or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries. As of July 31, 2010, approximately $83.2 million was outstanding on the term loan. One Earth is also subject to certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including required levels of EBITDA, debt service coverage ratio requirements, net worth requirements and other common covenants. One Earth
17
was in compliance with all covenants at July 31, 2010. One Earth paid approximately $1.4 million in financing costs. These costs are recorded as prepaid loan fees and are amortized ratably over the term of the loan.
The Company’s proportionate share of restricted assets related to One Earth was $56.1 million and $47.9 million at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010, respectively. One Earth’s restricted assets, which are less than 100% of total net assets, total approximately $76.1 million and $65.0 million at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010, respectively. Such assets may not be paid in the form of dividends or advances to the parent company or other members of One Earth per the terms of the loan agreement with the Bank.
One Earth entered into two forward interest rate swaps in the notional amounts of $50.0 million and $25.0 million with the Bank. The swap settlements commenced as of July 31, 2009; the $50.0 million swap terminates on July 8, 2014 and the $25.0 million swap terminates on July 31, 2011. The $50.0 million swap fixed a portion of the variable interest rate of the term loan subsequent to the plant completion date at 7.9% while the $25.0 million swap fixed the rate at 5.49%. At July 31, 2010, the Company recorded a liability of $6.2 million related to the fair value of the swaps. The change in fair value is recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.
Note 9. Financial Instruments
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate exposure at One Earth by fixing the interest rate on a portion of the entity’s variable rate debt. The Company does not engage in trading activities involving derivative contracts for which a lack of marketplace quotations would necessitate the use of fair value estimation techniques. As of July 31, 2010, the notional value of the One Earth interest rate swaps was $69.5 million. At July 31, 2010, the Company has recorded a liability of $6.2 million related to the fair value of the swaps.
The notional amounts and fair values of derivatives, all of which are not designated as cash flow hedges at July 31, 2010, are summarized in the table below (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | |
| | Notional Amount | | Fair Value Liability | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | 69,508 | | $ | 6,219 | |
As the interest rate swaps are not designated as cash flow hedges, the unrealized gain and loss on the derivatives is reported in current earnings. The Company reported losses of $1,878,000 and $108,000 in the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company reported losses of $2,045,000 and $665,000 in the first six months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively.
In the normal course of its ethanol business, the Company enters into forward pricing agreements for the purchase of grain and for the sale of ethanol and distillers grains for delivery in future periods. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815,Derivatives and Hedging.
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Levelland Hockley and One Earth have combined forward purchase contracts for 4,388,000 bushels of sorghum and corn, the principal raw materials for their ethanol plants. Levelland Hockley and One Earth expect to take delivery of the grain through August 2010. The unrealized gain of such contracts was approximately $555,000 at June 30, 2010.
Levelland Hockley and One Earth have combined sales commitments for 10.4 million gallons of ethanol and 105,000 tons of distiller grains. Levelland Hockley and One Earth expect to deliver the ethanol and distiller grains through December 2010. The unrealized gain of such contracts was approximately $576,000 at June 30, 2010.
Note 10. Stock Option Plans
The Company has stock-based compensation plans under which stock options have been granted to directors, officers and key employees at the market price on the date of the grant. No options have been granted since fiscal year 2004.
The fair values of options granted were estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2005: risk-free interest rate of 4.7%, expected volatility of 65.4% and a weighted average stock option life of nine years for all option grants.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, resulting in tax deductions to realize benefits of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The following table summarizes options granted, exercised and canceled or expired during the six months ended July 31, 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) | |
| |
|
| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
Outstanding at January 31, 2010 | | | 824,421 | | $ | 10.14 | | | | | | | |
Exercised | | | (92,518 | ) | $ | 9.78 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding and exercisable at July 31, 2010 | | | 731,903 | | $ | 10.19 | | | 1.6 | | $ | 4,288 | |
At July 31, 2010, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options.
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Note 11.Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to REX Common Shareholders
The following table reconciles the computation of basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, 2010 | | Six Months Ended July 31, 2010 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Income | | Shares | | Per Share | | Income | | Shares | | Per Share | |
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| |
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| |
Basic income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders | | $ | 450 | | | 9,790 | | $ | 0.05 | | $ | 3,951 | | | 9,815 | | $ | 0.40 | |
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| |
Effect of stock options | | | — | | | 186 | | | | | | — | | | 195 | | | | |
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|
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| |
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| | | | |
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders | | $ | 450 | | | 9,976 | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 3,951 | | | 10,010 | | $ | 0.39 | |
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As there was a loss from continuing operations for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2009, basic loss per share from continuing operations equals diluted loss per share from continuing operations. For the three and six months ended July 31, 2009, a total of 2,571,521 shares subject to outstanding options were not included in the common equivalent shares outstanding calculation as the effect from these shares is antidilutive.
Note 12.Investments and Restricted Deposits
The following table summarizes investments in debt securities at January 31, 2010 (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment | | | Coupon Rate | | Maturity | | Classification | | Fair Market Value | | Initial Investment | |
| | |
| |
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| |
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| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC Convertible Note | | | 16.00 | % | 11/25/2011 | | Available for Sale | | $ | 1,014 | | $ | 933 | |
| | | | | | | | |
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| |
|
| |
Unrealized holding gains were $81,000 ($49,000 net of income taxes) at January 31, 2010. During fiscal year 2010, Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC (“Patriot”) repaid the Company the outstanding principal balance and accrued interest on the note.
The Company has approximately $743,000 at July 31, 2010, and January 31, 2010 on deposit with the Florida Department of Financial Services to secure its obligation to fulfill future obligations related to extended warranty contracts sold in the state of Florida. As such, this deposit is restricted from use for general corporate purposes. The deposits earned 2.5% and 2.7% at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010, respectively.
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In addition to the deposit with the Florida Department of Financial Services, the Company has $857,000 and $1,357,000 at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010, respectively, invested in a money market mutual fund to satisfy Florida Department of Financial Services regulations. As such, this investment is restricted from use for general corporate purposes. This investment earned 0.1% at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010.
The following table summarizes equity method investments at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 (amounts in thousands):
Equity Method Investments July 31, 2010
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Entity | | | Ownership Percentage | | Carrying Amount | | Initial Investment | |
| | |
| |
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| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Big River Resources, LLC | | | 10 | % | $ | 26,819 | | $ | 20,025 | |
Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC | | | 23 | % | | 20,310 | | | 16,000 | |
NuGen Energy, LLC | | | 48 | % | | 13,966 | | | 13,966 | |
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|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Equity Method Investments | | | | | $ | 61,095 | | $ | 49,991 | |
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|
| |
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| |
Equity Method Investments January 31, 2010
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Entity | | | Ownership Percentage | | Carrying Amount | | Initial Investment | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Big River Resources, LLC | | | 10 | % | $ | 25,660 | | $ | 20,025 | |
Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC | | | 23 | % | | 18,411 | | | 16,000 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Equity Method Investments | | | | | $ | 44,071 | | $ | 36,025 | |
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| |
During the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded income of $627,000 and $83,000, respectively as its share of earnings from Big River. During the first six months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded income of $1,961,000 and $174,000 respectively as its share of earnings from Big River.
During the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded income of $456,000 and $101,000, respectively as its share of earnings from Patriot. During the first six months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded income of $1,969,000 and a loss of $251,000, respectively as its share of earnings or loss from Patriot. Undistributed earnings of equity method investees totaled approximately $10.0 million at July 31, 2010, and $6.8 million at January 31, 2010.
Effective June 30, 2010, the Company purchased a 48% equity interest in NuGen Energy, LLC (“NuGen”) which operates an ethanol producing facility in Marion, South Dakota with an annual nameplate capacity of 100 million gallons. The Company’s investment included $2,410,361 paid at closing to the then sole shareholder of NuGen and $6,805,055 contributed directly to Nugen. An additional $6,451,300 is due based upon cash distributions from NuGen that the Company is entitled to
21
until such balance is paid (“Contingent Consideration”). At July 31, 2010, the Company determined that the fair value of the Contingent Consideration was $4,750,000, of which $374,000 is included in other current liabilities and $4,376,000 is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet. The results of NuGen are recognized by the Company on a delayed basis of one month. Consequently, no income or expense from Nugen’s operations has been recorded under the equity method of accounting for the quarter and six months ended July 31, 2010.
The Company has an option to purchase for a purchase price of $1,138,389, (which is payable in cash, partially based upon cash distributions from NuGen that the Company is entitled to) additional ownership units from NuGen’s majority shareholder, which, if exercised, would result in the Company owning 51% of the total outstanding voting and economic interests of NuGen on a fully diluted basis.
Summarized balance sheet information for NuGen is presented in the following table as of July 31, 2010 (amounts in thousands):
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| | | | |
Current assets | | $ | 25,098 | |
Long-term assets | | | 86,526 | |
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| |
Total assets | | $ | 111,624 | |
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| | | | |
Current liabilities | | $ | 3,663 | |
Long-term liabilities | | | 93,241 | |
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| |
Total liabilities | | $ | 96,904 | |
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| |
Summarized income statement information for Patriot and Big River is presented in the following table for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009 (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, 2010 | | Six Months Ended July 31, 2010 | |
| | Patriot | | Big River | | Patriot | | Big River | |
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Net sales and revenue | | $ | 50,665 | | $ | 157,620 | | $ | 107,609 | | $ | 314,537 | |
Gross profit | | $ | 5,354 | | $ | 12,275 | | $ | 14,998 | | $ | 26,595 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 1,957 | | $ | 6,453 | | $ | 8,442 | | $ | 20,167 | |
Net income | | $ | 1,957 | | $ | 6,453 | | $ | 8,442 | | $ | 20,167 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, 2009 | | Six Months Ended July 31, 2009 | |
| | Patriot | | Big River | | Patriot | | Big River | |
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Net sales and revenue | | $ | 51,187 | | $ | 64,628 | | $ | 98,681 | | $ | 132,280 | |
Gross profit | | $ | 4,946 | | $ | 26 | | $ | 8,302 | | $ | 2,994 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | 433 | | $ | 847 | | $ | (1,077 | ) | $ | 1,787 | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 433 | | $ | 847 | | $ | (1,077 | ) | $ | 1,787 | |
Patriot, Big River and NuGen have debt agreements that limit and restrict amounts the companies can pay in the form of dividends or advances to owners. The restricted net assets of Patriot and Big River combined at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 are approximately $313,783,000 and $298,076,000, respectively. The Company’s proportionate share of restricted net assets of Patriot and Big River combined at July 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 are approximately $41,046,000 and $38,926,000, respectively. The restricted net assets of NuGen at July 31, 2010 are approximately $14,720,000. The Company’s proportionate share of restricted net assets of NuGen at July 31, 2010 is approximately $7,066,000.
Note 13.Restructuring and Other
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with Appliance Direct, Inc. pursuant to which (i) the Company agreed to sell certain appliance inventory, furniture, fixtures and equipment at the store locations to be taken over by Appliance Direct and (ii) subsidiaries of Appliance Direct leased 37 retail store locations owned by the Company.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of approximately $4.2 million related to (i) a workforce reduction of a majority of employees located at its corporate headquarters, retail stores and distribution facilities and (ii) certain costs associated with the transition of the Company’s retail business to Appliance Direct.
On September 30, 2009, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Appliance Direct pursuant to which (i) Appliance Direct agreed to vacate all properties leased from the Company and turn over possession of the leased premises to the Company and (ii) the Company and Appliance Direct agreed to release and discharge each other from all claims or causes of action whatsoever.
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The Company substantially completed its exit of the retail business as of July 31, 2009. The following is a summary of restructuring charges and payments for the six months ended July 31, 2010 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Employee Severance and Bonus Costs | | Lease Termination Costs | | Total Restructuring Accrual | |
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Balance, January 31, 2010 | | $ | 219 | | $ | 439 | | $ | 658 | |
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Restructuring charges | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Payment of restructuring liabilities | | | (7 | ) | | (75 | ) | | (82 | ) |
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Balance, April 30, 2010 | | | 212 | | | 364 | | | 576 | |
Restructuring charges | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Payment of restructuring liabilities | | | (30 | ) | | (71 | ) | | (101 | ) |
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Balance, July 31, 2010 | | $ | 182 | | $ | 293 | | $ | 475 | |
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All of the total accrual balance of $475,000 is classified within current liabilities. The restructuring charges are all classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations. The accrued balances at July 31, 2010 are management’s best estimate of the amounts to be incurred for the related categories.
The following is a summary of restructuring charges and payments for the six months ended July 31, 2009 (in thousands):
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| | Employee Severance and Bonus Costs | | Lease Termination Costs | | Investment Banker Fees | | ESP Credit | | Total Restructuring Accrual | |
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Balance, January 31, 2009 | | $ | 2,839 | | $ | — | | $ | 834 | | $ | 498 | | $ | 4,171 | |
Restructuring charges | | | — | | | 1,460 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,460 | |
Payment of restructuring liabilities | | | (436 | ) | | (409 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (845 | ) |
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Balance, April 30, 2009 | | | 2,403 | | | 1,051 | | | 834 | | | 498 | | | 4,786 | |
Restructuring charges | | | 28 | | | 1,492 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,520 | |
Restructuring benefits | | | (706 | ) | | — | | | (325 | ) | | (287 | ) | | (1,318 | ) |
Payment of restructuring liabilities | | | (838 | ) | | (975 | ) | | — | | | (211 | ) | | (2,024 | ) |
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Balance, July 31, 2009 | | $ | 887 | | $ | 1,568 | | $ | 509 | | $ | 0 | | $ | 2,964 | |
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Note 14.Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on consolidated pre-tax income or loss from continuing operations was 36.0% for the six months ended July 31, 2010, 33.5% for the year ended January 31, 2010 and 26.1% for the six months ended July 31, 2009. The provision for state taxes is approximately 5% for the six months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009. The provision for state taxes was approximately 4% for the year ended January 31, 2010.
The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended January 31, 2007 and prior. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
| | | | |
Unrecognized tax benefits, February 1, 2010 | | $ | 2,338 | |
Changes for prior years’ tax positions | | | 45 | |
Changes for current year tax positions | | | — | |
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Unrecognized tax benefits, July 31, 2010 | | $ | 2,383 | |
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Note 15.Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
During fiscal year 2009, the Company completed the exit of its retail business. Accordingly, all operations of the Company’s former retail segment and certain sold properties have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Once real estate property has been sold, and no continuing involvement is expected, the Company classifies the results of the operations as discontinued operations. The results of operations were previously reported in the Company’s retail or real estate segment, depending on when the store ceased operations. Below is a table reflecting certain items of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations that were reclassified as discontinued operations for the period indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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| | (In Thousands) | |
Net sales and revenue | | $ | 2,085 | | $ | 5,926 | | $ | 4,437 | | $ | 29,780 | |
Cost of sales | | | 284 | | | 3,527 | | | 778 | | | 22,377 | |
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Income before income taxes | | | 1,189 | | | 2,017 | | | 2,250 | | | 1,062 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (424 | ) | | (745 | ) | | (798 | ) | | (372 | ) |
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Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | | $ | 765 | | $ | 1,272 | | $ | 1,452 | | $ | 690 | |
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Gain on disposal | | | 30 | | | 395 | | | 30 | | | 193 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (11 | ) | | (146 | ) | | (11 | ) | | (71 | ) |
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Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax | | $ | 19 | | $ | 249 | | $ | 19 | | $ | 122 | |
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The Company has classified one property with a carrying value of approximately $92,000 as held for sale at July 31, 2010, which is included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet.
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Note 16.Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. After taking into consideration legal counsels’ evaluations of such actions, management is of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements.
Note 17.Segment Reporting
Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company realigned its reportable business segments to be consistent with changes to its management structure and reporting. The Company has two segments: alternative energy and real estate. In prior years, the real estate segment was formerly included in the retail segment and historical amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year segment reporting presentation. For stores and warehouses closed for which the Company has a retained interest in the related real estate, operations are presented in the real estate segment when retail operations cease. Former retail operations results are classified as discontinued operations. The Company evaluates the performance of each reportable segment based on segment profit. Segment profit excludes income taxes, indirect interest expense, discontinued operations, indirect interest income and certain other items that are included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Segment profit includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments. The following table summarizes segment and other results and assets (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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Net sales and revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 64,801 | | $ | 16,810 | | $ | 135,823 | | $ | 30,927 | |
Real estate | | | 329 | | | 324 | | | 597 | | | 454 | |
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Total net sales and revenues | | $ | 65,130 | | $ | 17,134 | | $ | 136,420 | | $ | 31,381 | |
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Segment gross profit (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 5,333 | | $ | 1,209 | | $ | 13,795 | | $ | 1,441 | |
Real estate | | | (673 | ) | | (20 | ) | | (1,033 | ) | | 88 | |
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Total gross profit | | $ | 4,660 | | $ | 1,189 | | $ | 12,762 | | $ | 1,529 | |
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26
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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Segment profit (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 2,223 | | $ | (558 | ) | $ | 10,705 | | $ | (2,354 | ) |
Real estate | | | (716 | ) | | (87 | ) | | (1,146 | ) | | (51 | ) |
Corporate expense | | | (746 | ) | | (464 | ) | | (1,450 | ) | | (937 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (47 | ) | | (52 | ) | | (149 | ) | | (253 | ) |
Investment income | | | 79 | | | 73 | | | 207 | | | 181 | |
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Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests | | $ | 793 | | $ | (1,088 | ) | $ | 8,167 | | $ | (3,414 | ) |
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| | | | | | | |
| | July 31, | | January 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2010 | |
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Assets: | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 306,592 | | $ | 302,228 | |
Real estate | | | 30,712 | | | 31,796 | |
Corporate | | | 99,116 | | | 117,481 | |
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Total assets | | $ | 436,420 | | $ | 451,505 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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Sales of products alternative energy segment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ethanol | | | 83 | % | | 80 | % | | 83 | % | | 77 | % |
Dried distiller grains | | | 14 | % | | 10 | % | | 14 | % | | 11 | % |
Wet distiller grains | | | 3 | % | | 10 | % | | 3 | % | | 12 | % |
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Total | | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales of services real estate segment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lease revenue | | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
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Certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, employee benefits and other shared services are allocated to the business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from amounts that would be incurred if such services were purchased separately by the business segment. Corporate assets are primarily cash and deferred income tax benefits.
Cash, except for cash held by Levelland Hockley and One Earth, is considered to be fungible and available for both corporate and segment use dependent on liquidity requirements. Cash of approximately $15.6 million held by Levelland Hockley and One Earth will be used to fund working capital needs for those entities and to provide for approximately $5 million in grain storage additions at One Earth in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2010.
27
Note 18.Subsequent Events
See Note 8 for a discussion of a subsequent event affecting Levelland Hockley’s long term debt.
The company evaluated all subsequent event activity through September 9, 2010 (the issue date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) and concluded that no additional subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the financial statements.
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
Historically, we were a specialty retailer in the consumer electronics/appliance industry serving small to medium-sized towns and communities. In addition, we have been an investor in various alternative energy entities beginning with synthetic fuel partnerships in 1998 and later ethanol production facilities beginning in 2006.
In fiscal year 2007 we began to evaluate strategic alternatives for our retail segment with a focus on closing unprofitable or marginally profitable retail stores and monetizing our retail-related real estate assets. We did not believe that we were generating an adequate return from our retail business due to the competitive nature of the consumer electronics and appliance industry and the overall economic conditions in the United States. Reflecting this focus, in fiscal year 2008, we commenced an evaluation of a broad range of alternatives intended to derive value from the remaining retail operations and our real estate portfolio. We engaged an investment banking firm to assist us in analyzing and ultimately marketing our retail operations. As part of those marketing efforts, late in fiscal year 2008 we leased 37 owned store locations to a third party. During fiscal year 2009, the lease agreements were terminated. We are marketing the vacant properties to lease or sell.
We completed our exit of the retail business as of July 31, 2009. Going forward, we expect that our only retail related activities will consist of the administration of previously sold extended service plans and the payment of related claims. All activities related to extended service plans are classified as discontinued operations.
We currently have approximately $125 million of equity and debt investments in five ethanol limited liability companies, two of which we have a majority ownership interest in. We may consider making additional investments in the alternative energy segment during fiscal year 2010.
Our ethanol operations are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, sorghum, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. As a result of price volatility for these commodities, our operating results can fluctuate substantially. The price and availability of corn and sorghum are subject to significant fluctuations depending upon a number of factors that affect commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, weather, federal policy and foreign trade. Because the market price of ethanol is not always directly related to corn and sorghum prices, at times ethanol prices may lag movements in corn prices and, in an environment of higher prices, reduce the overall margin structure
28
at the plants. As a result, at times, we may operate our plants at negative or marginally positive operating margins.
We expect our ethanol plants to produce approximately 2.8 gallons of denatured ethanol for each bushel of grain processed in the production cycle. We refer to the difference between the price per gallon of ethanol and the price per bushel of grain (divided by 2.8) as the “crush spread.” Should the crush spread decline, it is possible that our ethanol plants will generate operating results that do not provide adequate cash flows for sustained periods of time. In such cases, production at the ethanol plants may be reduced or stopped altogether in order to minimize variable costs at individual plants. We expect these decisions to be made on an individual plant basis, as there are different market conditions at each of our ethanol plants.
We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of grain and ethanol prices by utilizing forward grain purchase and forward ethanol and distillers grain sale contracts. We attempt to match quantities of ethanol and distillers grains sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts is not a mature market. Consequently, we generally execute contracts for no more than three months into the future at any given time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in the crush spread for more than three months; thus, we are unable to predict the likelihood or amounts of future income or loss from the operations of our ethanol facilities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
During the three fiscal months ended July 31, 2010, we did not change any of our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2010. All other accounting policies used in preparing our interim fiscal 2010 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K.
Fiscal Year
All references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to REX’s fiscal year ended January 31. For example, “fiscal year 2010” means the period February 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011.
We are no longer presenting the comparable prior year quarter end balance sheet (July 31, 2009) which was included in prior year quarterly filings. With the exit of the retail business, and the lack of seasonality of working capital balances in the alternative energy and real estate segments, we believe such information is no longer useful to understand trends in our business.
Results of Operations
For a detailed analysis of period to period changes, see the segment discussion that follows this section as this is how management views and monitors our business.
29
Comparison of Three Months and Six Months Ended July 31, 2010 and 2009
Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended July 31, 2010 were $65.1 million compared to $17.1 million in the prior year’s second quarter, representing an increase of $48.0 million. Net sales and revenue do not include sales from retail and real estate operations classified as discontinued operations. The increase was primarily caused by higher sales in our alternative energy segment of $48.0 million. Net sales and revenue from our real estate segment were consistent with the prior year’s second quarter.
Net sales and revenue for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 were $136.4 million compared to $31.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. This represents an increase of $105.0 million. The increase was primarily caused by higher sales in our alternative energy segment of $104.9 million.
The following table reflects the approximate percent of net sales for each major product and service group for the following periods:
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| | | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
Product Category | | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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Ethanol | | | 82.5 | % | | 77.8 | % | | 83.0 | % | | 75.8 | % |
Distiller grains | | | 16.8 | | | 19.7 | | | 16.3 | | | 22.2 | |
Leasing | | | 0.5 | | | 1.9 | | | 0.4 | | | 1.4 | |
Other | | | 0.2 | | | 0.6 | | | 0.3 | | | 0.6 | |
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Total | | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
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Gross profit of $4.7 million (7.2% of net sales and revenue) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 was approximately $3.5 million higher than the $1.2 million (6.9% of net sales and revenue) recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 increased by $4.1 million compared to the prior year from our alternative energy segment. Gross loss for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 increased by $0.7 million compared to the prior year from our real estate segment.
Gross profit for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 was $12.8 million (9.4% of net sales and revenue) which was approximately $11.3 million higher compared to $1.5 million (4.9% of net sales and revenue) for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. Gross profit for the six months ended July 31, 2010 increased by $12.4 million compared to the prior years as a result of operations in the alternative energy segment. Gross profit for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 decreased by $1.1 million compared to the prior year from our real estate segment.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 were $1.9 million (2.9% of net sales and revenue), an increase of $0.3 million from $1.6 million (9.5% of net sales and revenue) for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.0 million (2.9% of net sales and revenue) for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 representing an increase of $1.2 million from $2.8 million (8.8% of net sales and revenue) for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. For the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, these expenses increased
30
approximately $0.3 million compared to the prior year in the corporate and other category. For the first six months of fiscal year 2010, these expenses increased approximately $0.7 million and $0.5 million compared to the prior year in the alternative energy segment and the corporate and other category, respectively.
Interest income was $124,000 and $114,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. Interest income was $238,000 and $259,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. We expect interest income to remain consistent with the prior year results for the remainder of fiscal year 2010.
Interest expense was $1.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, an increase of $0.5 million over the prior year second quarter. Interest expense was $2.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 compared to $1.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009, an increase of $1.1 million. The increases were primarily attributable to the alternative energy segment as we had higher amounts of average debt outstanding upon the completion of construction of One Earth’s ethanol plant. We expect interest expense, subsequent to the quarter ended July 31, 2010 to be consistent with prior year amounts as the construction of One Earth’s ethanol plant was completed prior to the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Consequently, we ceased capitalizing interest related to such construction during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.
During the first six months of fiscal year 2010, we paid off real estate related debt prior to its maturity. As a result, we incurred prepayment penalties and the write off of prepaid loan fees of approximately $48,000 compared to $100,000 incurred during the first six months of fiscal year 2009.
During the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, we recognized income of approximately $1,083,000 and $184,000, respectively, from our equity investments in Big River and Patriot. During the first six months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, we recognized income of approximately $3,930,000 and a loss of $77,000, respectively, from our equity investments in Big River and Patriot. Big River has a 92 million gallon plant which has been in operation since 2004. Big River opened an additional 100 million gallon plant during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 and acquired a 50.5% ownership in a 100 million gallon plant in August 2009. Patriot completed construction of its 100 million gallon plant during the second quarter of fiscal year 2008.
Due to the inherent volatility of the crush spread, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River and Patriot being similar to fiscal year 2010 results.
We recognized losses of approximately $1.9 million and $0.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to forward starting interest rate swap agreements that One Earth and Levelland Hockley entered into during fiscal year 2007. We recognized a loss related to the swaps of approximately $2.0 million during the first six months of fiscal year 2010 compared to $0.7 million during the first six months of fiscal year 2009. Levelland Hockley’s swap expired in April 2010 while One Earth’s swaps will expire in July 2011 and July 2014. In general, declining interest rates have a negative effect on our interest rate swaps as our swaps fixed the interest rate of variable rate debt. Should interest rates continue to decline, we would expect to experience continued losses on the interest rate swaps. We would expect to incur gains on the interest rate swaps
31
should interest rates increase. We cannot predict the future movements in interest rates; thus, we are unable to predict the likelihood or amounts of future gains or losses related to interest rate swaps.
Our effective tax rate was 60.9% and 19.1% for the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 was 36.0% compared to 26.1% for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. Our effective tax rate increased, as the noncontrolling interests in the income or loss of consolidated subsidiaries is presented in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations after the income tax provision or benefit. The noncontrolling interests in the income or loss of Levelland and One Earth were a higher proportion of pre-tax loss in fiscal year 2009 compared to the pre-tax income for fiscal year 2010. In addition, the provision for uncertain tax positions reduced the tax benefit recognized during fiscal year 2009.
As a result of the foregoing, income from continuing operations including noncontrolling interests was $0.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 versus a loss of $0.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Income from continuing operations including noncontrolling interests was $5.2 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 versus a loss of $2.5 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009.
During fiscal year 2009, we closed our remaining retail store and warehouse operations and reclassified all retail related results as discontinued operations. As a result of these closings and certain other retail store and real estate property closings from prior years, we had income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of approximately $0.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 compared to $1.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. We had income from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit, of approximately $1.5 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 compared to $0.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. The improvement in profitability in the current year six months results from the recognition of deferred income on our extended service plans and that there were no unprofitable retail operations in the current year since we exited the retail business during fiscal year 2009. Going forward, we expect current year results to be lower than historical results as our extended warranty policies continue to expire, thus reducing the related recognition of deferred income. Two properties classified as discontinued operations were sold during the first six months of fiscal year 2010, resulting in gains, net of taxes of $19,000, compared to gains, net of tax of $122,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2009.
(Income) or loss related to noncontrolling interests was $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $(1.3) million and $0.8 million for the six months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and represents the owners’ (other than us) share of the income or loss of Levelland Hockley and One Earth.
As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 was $1.2 million, an increase of $0.4 million from $0.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 was $5.4 million, an increase of $6.3 million from net loss of $0.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009.
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Business Segment Results
During fiscal year 2009, we realigned our reportable business segments to be consistent with changes to our management structure and reporting. We have two segments: alternative energy and real estate. The real estate segment was formerly included in the retail segment. For former retail stores and warehouses closed which we have a retained interest in the related real estate, operations are currently presented in the real estate segment based upon when retail operations ceased. Historical results from retail store operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
The following sections discuss the results of operations for each of our business segments and corporate and other. As discussed in Note 17, our chief operating decision maker (as defined by ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”) evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a measure we call segment profit. Segment profit includes gains and losses on derivative financial instruments. Segment profit excludes income taxes, indirect interest expense, discontinued operations, indirect interest income and certain other items that are included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management believes these are useful financial measures; however, they should not be construed as being more important than other comparable GAAP measures.
Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made by corporate executives. Financing, divestiture and tax structure decisions are generally made by corporate executives. Excluding these items from our business segment performance measure enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance based upon current economic conditions.
33
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, sales and profits by segment (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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Net sales and revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 64,801 | | $ | 16,810 | | $ | 135,823 | | $ | 30,927 | |
Real estate | | | 329 | | | 324 | | | 597 | | | 454 | |
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Total net sales and revenues | | $ | 65,130 | | $ | 17,134 | | $ | 136,420 | | $ | 31,381 | |
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Segment gross profit (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 5,333 | | $ | 1,209 | | $ | 13,795 | | $ | 1,441 | |
Real estate | | | (673 | ) | | (20 | ) | | (1,033 | ) | | 88 | |
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Total gross profit | | $ | 4,660 | | $ | 1,189 | | $ | 12,762 | | $ | 1,529 | |
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Segment profit (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative energy | | $ | 2,223 | | $ | (558 | ) | $ | 10,705 | | $ | (2,354 | ) |
Real estate | | | (716 | ) | | (87 | ) | | (1,146 | ) | | (51 | ) |
Corporate expense | | | (746 | ) | | (464 | ) | | (1,450 | ) | | (937 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (47 | ) | | (52 | ) | | (149 | ) | | (253 | ) |
Investment income | | | 79 | | | 73 | | | 207 | | | 181 | |
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Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests | | $ | 793 | | $ | (1,088 | ) | $ | 8,167 | | $ | (3,414 | ) |
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Alternative Energy
The alternative energy segment includes the consolidated financial statements of Levelland Hockley and One Earth, our equity method and debt investments in ethanol facilities, the income related to those investments and certain administrative expenses. One Earth began limited production operations late in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 and became fully operational during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The following table summarizes sales from Levelland Hockley and One Earth by product group (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ethanol | | $ | 53,754 | | $ | 13,344 | | $ | 113,283 | | $ | 23,776 | |
Dried distiller grains | | | 9,259 | | | 1,580 | | | 18,517 | | | 3,160 | |
Wet distiller grains | | | 1,698 | | | 1,752 | | | 3,729 | | | 3,690 | |
Other | | | 90 | | | 134 | | | 294 | | | 301 | |
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Total | | $ | 64,801 | | $ | 16,810 | | $ | 135,823 | | $ | 30,927 | |
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34
The following table summarizes certain operating data from Levelland Hockley and One Earth:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended July 31, | | Six Months Ended July 31, | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
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Average selling price per gallon of ethanol | | $ | 1.56 | | $ | 1.62 | | $ | 1.64 | | $ | 1.59 | |
Average selling price per ton of dried distiller grains | | $ | 113.47 | | $ | 159.00 | | $ | 116.50 | | $ | 160.00 | |
Average selling price per ton of wet distiller grains | | $ | 33.26 | | $ | 54.00 | | $ | 32.31 | | $ | 51.00 | |
Average cost per bushel of grain | | $ | 3.62 | | $ | 3.38 | | $ | 3.67 | | $ | 3.56 | |
Average cost of natural gas (per mmbtu) | | $ | 4.47 | | $ | 4.71 | | $ | 5.04 | | $ | 5.36 | |
Segment Results – Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 Compared to Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2009
Net sales and revenue increased $48.0 million to $64.8 million primarily as a result of One Earth becoming fully operational during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The average selling price per gallon of ethanol declined slightly from the prior year level of $1.62 to $1.56 in the current year. Our sales were based upon 34.4 million gallons of ethanol in the current year compared to 8.2 million gallons of ethanol in the prior year. The average selling price per ton of dried distiller grains declined from the prior year level of $159.00 to $113.47 in the current year. Our sales were based upon 81,600 tons of dried distiller grains in the current year compared to 9,900 tons of dried distiller grains in the prior year. We expect that net sales and revenue in future periods will be based upon annual production of approximately 130 million to 140 million gallons of ethanol and approximately 300,000 tons to 330,000 tons of dried distiller grains per year. This expectation assumes that One Earth and Levelland will continue to operate at or near nameplate capacity, which is dependent upon the crush spread realized at each respective plant.
Gross profit from these sales was approximately $5.3 million during the current year compared to $1.2 million during the prior year. Gross profit improved primarily as a result of One Earth becoming fully operational subsequent to the second quarter of the prior year and the corresponding increase in production volume realized in fiscal year 2010. Given the inherent volatility in ethanol and grain prices, we cannot predict the trend of the spread between ethanol and grain prices in future periods compared to historical periods.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $1.1 million in the current year, consistent with the prior year.
Interest expense increased $0.5 million in the current year over the prior year to $1.3 million, as we no longer capitalize interest on the One Earth credit facility subsequent to the commencement of operations at the plant. In addition, One Earth borrowed approximately $49.0 million during fiscal year 2009 as it completed construction of its ethanol plant; the
35
resulting higher outstanding debt amount also contributed to the increase in interest expense. Based on current interest rates, we expect interest expense in future quarters to be consistent with the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2010 amounts based on current debt levels.
Income from equity method investments in Big River and Patriot increased from $0.2 million in the prior year to $1.1 million in the current year. We recognized $0.6 million of income from Big River in the current year compared to $0.1 million in the prior year. We recognized $0.5 million of income from Patriot in the current year compared to $0.1 million in the prior year. The improvement in Big River’s and Patriot’s profitability over the prior year levels is primarily a result of improved crush spreads. In addition, Big River benefitted from two of its plants being in operation during the current year which were not in operation during the prior year. Given the inherent volatility in the factors that affect the crush spread, we cannot predict the likelihood that the trend with respect to income from equity method investments will continue in future periods.
Losses on derivative financial instruments held by One Earth and Levelland were $1.9 million in the current year compared to $0.1 million in the prior year driven by declining interest rates. Since the gains or losses on these derivative financial instruments are primarily a function of the movement in interest rates, we cannot predict the likelihood that such gains or losses in future periods will be consistent with current year results.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment profit increased to $2.2 million in the current year compared to a loss of $0.6 million in the prior year.
Segment Results – Six Months July 31, 2010 Compared to Six Months Ended July 31, 2009
Net sales and revenue in the current year increased $104.9 million, compared to the prior year, to $135.8 million primarily a result of One Earth becoming fully operational during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The average selling price per gallon of ethanol increased to $1.64 in the current year from $1.59 in the prior year. Our sales were based upon 68.9 million gallons of ethanol in the current year compared to 15.0 million gallons of ethanol in the prior year. The average selling price per ton of dried distiller grains declined from the prior year level of $160.00 to $116.50 in the current year. Our sales were based upon 159,000 tons of dried distiller grains in the current year compared to 20,600 tons of dried distiller grains in the prior year. We expect that net sales and revenue in future periods will be based upon annual production of approximately 130 million to 140 million gallons of ethanol and approximately 300,000 tons to 330,000 tons of dried distiller grains per year. This expectation assumes that One Earth and Levelland will continue to operate at or near nameplate capacity, which is dependent upon the crush spread realized at each respective plant.
Gross profit from these sales was approximately $13.8 million during the current year compared to $1.4 million during the prior year. Gross profit improved primarily as a result of One Earth becoming fully operational subsequent to the second quarter and the corresponding increase in production volume realized in fiscal year 2010. Given the inherent volatility in ethanol and grain prices, we cannot predict the likelihood that the spread between ethanol and
36
grain prices and the resulting gross profit in future periods will remain favorable or consistent compared to historical periods.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $2.4 million in the current year, a $0.7 million increase from $1.7 million in the prior year. Incentive compensation was the primary reason for the increase as this expense was approximately $0.6 million higher compared to the prior year, as profitability from this segment during the current year exceeded the prior year loss. In addition, depreciation expense was approximately $0.2 million higher than the prior year, primarily related to One Earth commencing production operations subsequent to the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.
Interest expense increased $1.2 million in the current year over the prior year to $2.6 million, as we no longer capitalize interest on the One Earth credit facility subsequent to the commencement of operations at the plant. In addition, One Earth borrowed approximately $49.0 million during fiscal year 2009 as it completed construction of its ethanol plant; the resulting higher outstanding debt amount also contributed to the increase in interest expense. Based on current interest rates, we expect interest expense in future quarters to be consistent with the first six months of fiscal year 2010 based on current debt levels.
Income from equity method investments in Big River and Patriot increased from a loss of $0.1 million in the prior year to $3.9 million of income in the current year. We recognized $1.9 million of income from Big River in the current year compared to $0.2 million in the prior year. We recognized $2.0 million of income from Patriot in the current year compared to a loss of $0.3 million in the prior year. The improvement in Big River’s and Patriot’s profitability over the prior year levels is primarily a result of improved crush spreads. In addition, Big River benefitted from two of its plants being in operation during the current year which were not in operation during the prior year. Given the inherent volatility in the factors that affect the crush spread, we cannot predict the likelihood that the trend with respect to income from equity method investments will continue in future periods.
Losses on derivative financial instruments held by One Earth and Levelland were $2.0 million in the current year compared to $0.7 million in the prior year. Since the gains or losses on these derivative financial instruments are primarily a function of the movement in interest rates, we cannot predict the likelihood that such gains or losses in future periods will be consistent with current year results.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment profit increased to $10.7 million in the current year compared to a loss of $2.4 million in the prior year.
Real Estate
The real estate segment includes all owned and sub-leased real estate including those previously used as retail store and distribution center operations, our real estate sales and leasing activities and certain administrative expenses. It excludes results from discontinued operations.
At July 31, 2010, we have lease or sub-lease agreements, as landlord, for all or parts of 12 former retail stores (136,000 square feet leased and 32,000 square feet vacant). We own 11 of these
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properties and are the tenant/sub landlord for one of the properties. We have 26 owned former retail stores (322,000 square feet), and one former distribution center (180,000 square feet), that are vacant at July 31, 2010. We are marketing these vacant properties for lease or sale. In addition, one former distribution center is partially leased (156,000 square feet), partially occupied by our corporate office personnel (10,000 square feet) and partially vacant (300,000 square feet).
Segment Results – Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 Compared to Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2009
Net sales and revenue of $329,000 were consistent with the prior year amount of $324,000. We expect lease revenue for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 to be consistent with the first six months of fiscal year 2010 based upon leases currently executed.
Gross loss in the current year was $673,000 compared to $20,000 in the prior year. The increase in gross loss compared to the prior year is primarily a result of impairment charges of approximately $440,000 related to two locations. Expenses associated with vacant properties, which were being used in our retail segment during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 also contributed to the increase in gross loss. We expect gross loss for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 to be consistent with the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 based upon leases currently executed. If we are successful in our marketing efforts related to vacant properties, we would expect gross profit (loss) to improve over the first six months of fiscal year 2010 results.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment loss increased to $716,000 in the current year from $87,000 in the prior year.
Segment Results – Six Months July 31, 2010 Compared to Six Months Ended July 31, 2009
Net sales and revenue increased in the current year to $597,000 from $454,000 in the prior year. This increase is primarily the result of a lease we entered into for a portion of one of our distribution centers which began during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009. We expect lease revenue for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 to be consistent with the first six months of fiscal year 2010 based upon leases currently executed.
Gross loss in the current year was $1.0 million compared to gross profit of $0.1 million in the prior year. Gross profit declined compared to the prior year as a result of expenses associated with vacant properties and impairment charges. A majority of the vacant properties were being used in our retail segment during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Impairment charges were $440,000 in fiscal year 2010 and related to two properties. We expect gross loss for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 to be consistent with the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 based upon leases currently executed. If we are successful in our marketing efforts related to vacant properties, we would expect gross profit (loss) to improve over the first six months of fiscal year 2010 results.
As a result of the factors discussed above, segment loss increased to $1,146,000 in the current year 2010 from $51,000 in the prior year.
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Corporate and Other
Corporate and other includes certain administrative expenses of the corporate headquarters, interest expense and investment income not directly allocated to the alternative energy or real estate segments.
Corporate and Other Results – Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 Compared to Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2009
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.7 million in the current year compared to $0.5 million in the prior year. Professional fees and insurance were the categories primarily responsible for the increase in expenses. We expect selling, general and administrative expenses for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 to be consistent with the first six months of fiscal year 2010 results.
Interest income and interest expense were consistent with the prior year amounts.
Corporate and Other Results – Six Months Ended July 31, 2010 Compared to Six Months Ended July 31, 2009
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.5 million in the current year compared to $0.9 million in the prior year. Professional fees and insurance were the categories primarily responsible for the increase in expenses. We expect selling, general and administrative expenses for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 to be consistent with the first six months of fiscal year 2010 results.
Interest income and interest expense were consistent with the prior year amounts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $16.0 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2010, compared to cash used of $3.8 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. For the first six months of fiscal year 2010, cash was provided by net income of $6.7 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $1.5 million, which consisted of depreciation and amortization, income from equity method investments, deferred income, losses on derivative financial instruments, the deferred income tax provision and other items. Dividends received from our equity method investees were $0.8 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2010. In addition, prepaid expense and other current and long term assets provided cash of $7.4 million, primarily a result of federal tax refunds received. Accounts receivable and inventory provided cash of $0.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, a result of normal variations in production and sales levels. The primary use of cash was a decrease in other liabilities of $2.2 million which is the result of paying certain real estate taxes and a decrease in accounts payable of $0.9 million which is a result of the timing of vendor payments and inventory receipts.
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $3.8 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. For the first six months of fiscal year 2009, cash was used by net loss of $1.7 million, net non-cash items of $7.9 million, which primarily consisted of deferred income and the deferred income tax provision, partially offset by depreciation and amortization, loss from equity method
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investments, gains on derivative financial instruments and other items. In addition, inventory and accounts receivable provided cash of $16.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, primarily a result of the wind down of our retail business. The primary use of cash was a decrease in accounts payable of $12.3 million as we finalized several outstanding retail vendor accounts associated with the wind down of our retail business. Other liabilities decreased $1.0 million as we paid certain payroll and other accrued expenses, such as restructuring reserves, in connection with the wind down of our retail business.
At July 31, 2010, working capital was $84.9 million compared to $101.2 million at January 31, 2010. This decrease is primarily a result of repayments of long term debt and our purchase of a minority interest in NuGen. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 3.4 to 1 at July 31, 2010 and 3.6 to 1 at January 31, 2010.
Cash of $7.2 million was used in investing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2010, compared to $32.0 million of cash used during the first six months of fiscal year 2009. We acquired a 48% interest in NuGen during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, which used $9.2 million of cash. During the first six months of fiscal year 2010, we had capital expenditures of approximately $0.9 million, primarily related to improvements at the Levelland Hockley ethanol plant and certain real estate properties. We received approximately $0.9 million from Patriot as repayments on their promissory note and received $1.5 million from proceeds of sales of real estate and property and equipment.
Cash of $32.0 million was used in investing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. During the first six months of fiscal year 2009, we received proceeds of $1.0 million from the sale of real estate and property and equipment. We had capital expenditures of approximately $31.9 million during the first six months of fiscal year 2009, primarily related to construction at the One Earth ethanol plant. We deposited approximately $1.0 million into a restricted account as collateral for a letter of credit on behalf of Levelland Hockley to secure grain purchasing.
Cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $19.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2010 compared to cash provided of $27.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. Cash was used by debt payments of $17.7 million, primarily on Levelland Hockley’s and One Earth’s term loans. Stock option activity generated cash of $1.4 million. In addition, cash of $3.3 million was used to repurchase approximately 187,000 shares of our common stock.
As of July 31, 2010, we had approximately 293,000 authorized shares remaining available for purchase under the stock buy-back program.
Cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $27.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2009. Cash of approximately $10.8 million was used to repay debt and capital lease obligations. Cash was provided by debt borrowings of $41.2 million on One Earth’s construction loan and stock option activity of $0.8 million. Cash of approximately $2.5 million was also used to acquire 281,000 shares of our common stock.
One Earth will be constructing additional grain storage silos at its ethanol plant, expected to cost approximately $5 million.
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We expect that our primary sources of cash for the remainder of the year will be cash generated by operations and cash and cash equivalents on hand. We expect that our ethanol plants’ uses of cash for the remainder of the year will include repayments of debt and related interest, capital expenditures and to fund working capital requirements. We plan to seek and evaluate various investment opportunities at the parent company level. We can make no assurances that we will be successful in our efforts to find such opportunities.
We believe we have sufficient working capital and credit availability to fund our commitments and to maintain our operations at their current levels for the next twelve months and foreseeable future.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains or may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned that there are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those referred to in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include among other things: the impact of legislative changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, sorghum, distiller grains, ethanol, gasoline and natural gas, ethanol plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, changes in the national or regional economies, weather, the effects of terrorism or acts of war and changes in real estate market conditions. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 (File No. 001-09097).
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
No material changes since January 31, 2010.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
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specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.Risk Factors
During the quarter ended July 31, 2010, there have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2010.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) | |
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May 1-31, 2010 | | | — | | $ | — | | | — | | | 480,701 | |
June 1-30, 2010 | | | 147,796 | | | 17.95 | | | 147,796 | | | 332,905 | |
July 1-31, 2010 | | | 39,474 | | | 15,92 | | | 39,474 | | | 293,431 | |
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Total | | | 187,270 | | $ | 17.52 | | | 187,270 | | | 293,431 | |
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(1) | On December 1, 2009, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization by an additional 500,000. At July 31, 2010, a total of 293,431 shares remained available to purchase under this authorization. |
Item 6.Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed with this report:
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| 3 | (a) | Certificate of Incorporation, as amended |
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| 4 | (a) | Eighth Amendment to Construction and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 2010 among Levelland Hockley County Ethanol, LLC, the Lenders party thereto, and GE Business Financial Services Inc., as Administrative Agent. |
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| 31 | | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications |
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| 32 | | Section 1350 Certifications |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | |
REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION Registrant |
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Signature | | Title | | Date |
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| | | | |
/s/ Stuart A. Rose | | Chairman of the Board | | September 9, 2010 |
| | (Chief Executive Officer) | | |
(Stuart A. Rose) | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman | | Vice President, Finance and Treasurer | | September 9, 2010 |
| | (Chief Financial Officer) | | |
(Douglas L. Bruggeman) | | | | |
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