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Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

x      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009

 

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                 to                 

 

Commission file number: 0-50714

 

Western Plains Energy, L.L.C.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Kansas

 

48-1247506

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

3022 County Road 18, Oakley, Kansas

 

67748

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (785) 672-8810

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  Class A Capital Units

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes o No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes o No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes o No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Small reporting company o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the capital units held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2009 was $49,735,000, computed by reference to the price at which membership units were last sold prior to that date.  There is no established public trading market for our securities.

 

As of December 28, 2009, 16,002 Class A Capital Units, 12,068 Class B Capital Units and 350 Class C Capital Units of the registrant were outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:  The Definitive Proxy Statement for the next annual meeting of members is incorporated by reference herein into Part III, Items 10-14.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1:

BUSINESS

1

ITEM 1A:

RISK FACTORS

11

ITEM 1B:

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

17

ITEM 2:

PROPERTIES

17

ITEM 3:

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

18

ITEM 4:

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

18

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5:

MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

19

ITEM 6:

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

20

ITEM 7:

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

21

ITEM 8:

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

36

ITEM 9:

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

36

ITEM 9A(T):

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

36

ITEM 9B:

OTHER INFORMATION

36

 

 

 

 

PART III

37

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

ITEM 15:

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

37

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

38

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Additional Information

 

Descriptions in this report are qualified by reference to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document described herein and are not necessarily complete.  Reference is made to each such contract, agreement or document filed as an exhibit to this report, or incorporated by reference as permitted by regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  For more information regarding these documents, see the section titled “Exhibits” in this report.

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Please see the note under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a description of special factors potentially affecting forward-looking statements included in this report.

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

Item 1.  Business.

 

Overview.

 

Our business focuses on the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products.  Ethanol is a type of alcohol which in the United States, which we refer to as the U.S., is typically produced from corn, but may be produced from other grains and biomass.  Ethanol is primarily used as a blend component for gasoline, and is typically added by refiners or distributors to increase octane and reduce tailpipe emissions from vehicles.  The ethanol industry has grown significantly over the past few years, increasing production capacity in the U.S. by approximately 308% between 2003 and 2008The industry grew approximately 10.5% in 2009 and is projected to grow as much as an additional 18% in 2010. Production capacity in operation during 2009 decreased slightly due to the financial crisis of 2009.  This capacity has largely come back on-line as operating margins have improved in recent months. We believe that E85 and other blends greater than 10% (see “Our Products and Their Markets,” below) will also become increasingly important over time as an alternative to unleaded gasoline.

 

We produce fuel grade ethanol by processing corn and milo utilizing what is known as “dry-milling” technology.  The grain is received by semitrailer truck, weighed and cleaned of rocks and debris before it is conveyed to storage silos. The grain is then transported to a hammer mill or grinder where it is ground into flour and conveyed into a slurry tank for processing. We add water, heat and enzymes to break the ground grain into a mash. The mash is heat sterilized and pumped into a tank where other enzymes are added to convert the starches into glucose sugars. Next, the mash is pumped into one of four fermenters, where yeast is added to begin a 48 to 55 hour batch fermentation process. A distillation process vaporizes the alcohol from the mash. The alcohol is further dried in a rectifier and molecular sieve. The resulting 200 proof-alcohol is then pumped to shift tanks and blended to achieve a mixture consisting of approximately 97.8% ethanol and 2.2% gasoline as it is pumped into denatured ethanol storage tanks.

 

Grain mash exiting the distillation process is pumped into one of several centrifuges. Water from the centrifuges, called thin stillage, is condensed into a thicker syrup called condensed solubles. The solids that exit the centrifuge are called distillers wet grains (“WDGS”). A portion of these distillers wet grains are sold in that form and a portion are subsequently dried and mixed with condensed solubles to produce distillers grains with solubles, which may be used as animal feed and are known as distillers dry grains (“DDGS”).  See “Our Products and Their Markets,” below.  During our 2009 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2009, we produced 48,659,282 gallons of fuel grade ethanol, 393,051 tons of WDGS and 15,766 tons of DDGS.

 

History.

 

We were organized as a Kansas limited liability company in 2001.  We completed the initial public distribution of our membership units in 2003, raising proceeds of $19,330,000.  In 2008, we declared a forward split of our outstanding units on a seven (7) for one (1) basis.

 

We constructed our facility, located in western Kansas, during 2003 and began production of ethanol in January 2004.  Our initial nameplate (estimated) production capacity was 30 million gallons of ethanol per year.  During our 2005 fiscal year, we completed construction of an expansion of our facility to give us nameplate capacity of 40 million gallons of ethanol per year.  During our 2007 fiscal year, we completed capital improvements to our plant giving us increased storage capacity for grain which enables us to further manage our increased production capacity.  For a more detailed discussion, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.

 

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Recent Developments.

 

The financial crisis of 2009 was a challenging time for our company.  However, our conservative business model, our focus upon continuous operational improvements, and our lack of debt combined to result in positive returns to our investors.  At a time of negative returns on investment experienced throughout large sectors of the U.S. economy, we continued to provide distributions to our members.

 

The continued increase in production capacity in the ethanol industry during fiscal 2008 had a significant impact on our business.  Many ethanol producers completed construction of new plants or expansion of production capacity at existing plants.  We believe the increased production capacity helped drive grain prices higher and ethanol prices lower.  Record production capacity in the industry contributed to increasing the supply of ethanol to an amount approximately equal to anticipated demand in the market.  During most of fiscal year 2008, we continued to experience record-high grain prices and lower ethanol prices compared to prior years. These metrics adversely affected the entire ethanol industry during the second half of calendar 2007 and into the first part of 2008.

 

The ethanol industry also continued to undergo demographic changes during the last fiscal year.  In addition to dramatic growth in the number of operating and proposed ethanol plants which are locally owned and operated, the industry also continued to experience a trend toward consolidation.  A few large ethanol producers expanded their businesses by constructing or acquiring additional ethanol plants in new markets, developing their own marketing and resale services and changing their organizational form to a corporate structure to allow their equity to be publicly traded on national securities exchanges.  Some examples of these companies are Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc. and US BioEnergy Corporation.

 

U.S. financial markets experienced a severe downturn in 2009, the full impact of which is still being realized.  Businesses across many sectors experienced a lack of access to credit causing a series of liquidity crises.  A contraction in the local, national and global economies resulted from this downturn.  This situation, coupled with increased production capacity in our industry, caused a wide array of businesses, including some of our competitors, suppliers and customers, to experience difficulty in continuing operations. In addition, in connection with the market downturn, commodities prices, including corn, ethanol and petroleum gasoline, have decreased dramatically, which will likely affect our fiscal 2010 operations.

 

Although the markets seem to be stabilizing following the financial crisis of 2009, the demand for fuels on a global scale remains repressed.  The ethanol industry appears to have stabilized and moderate profitability has returned to the industry in general.  However, the uncertainty around any recovery in the financial system and its lasting effects requires us to take a conservative view of the market place moving forward.

 

Our Competitive Strengths.

 

Plant technology and efficiency.  At September 30, 2009, our plant was producing ethanol at or above nameplate capacity, primarily due to capital improvements we made in addition to our plant expansion.  We have continued to focus on finding ways to improve the production process and will upgrade equipment as necessary in order to achieve maximum production goals.  We believe we will continue to compete as a low-cost producer of ethanol in the future, due to the improved efficiency from our equipment upgrades.We continue to focus upon per gallon improvements to costs on all inputs, resulting in larger gross operating margins.

 

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During fiscal 2009 and 2008, we worked with a prominent seed company to identify potential benefits in utilizing a new corn variety to introduce enzymes into the ethanol production process through the feed stock.  We believe this technology holds a great deal of promise for our operating efficiencies.  We are currently working toward an agreement with this company to utilize this technology commercially for production of ethanol if the United States Department of Agriculture, which we refer to as the USDA, determines to deregulate its use.

 

Absence of significant debt.  In June 2006, we paid off the outstanding balance on our term loan with our principal lender.  While we do maintain a revolving line of credit, the absence of term debt positions us favorably vis-a-vis other competitors who have long-term debt and who are required to service that debt from operations.  As a result of our reduced leverage, we may be less sensitive to fluctuations in revenue as a result of changes in the price of ethanol or the costs of our raw materials as compared to similarly-situated ethanol plants that are required to make payments under long-term debt contracts.  Additionally, our cash flow allows us to have more flexibility in determining how to use working capital.

 

Plant expansion and improvements.  We expanded the nameplate capacity of our ethanol plant in fiscal 2005 to 40 million gallons per year.  The expansion included, among other things, a 750,000 gallon beer well, expansion of our existing cooling towers by one cell, a new cooling pump, a new style burner and a new centrifuge.  The expansion was built on our existing plant site and did not require the acquisition of any additional property.  Our expansion was placed into service during the second quarter of fiscal 2005.  In 2006 and 2007, we also increased our grain storage capacity approximately 1.5 million bushels by purchasing the grain elevator adjacent to our plant and constructing two 250,000 bushel grain bins. We believe our increase in production and storage capacity positions us favorably in the marketplace and provides increased operating flexibility.  We have recently entered into a contract with ICM Inc. to build an additional fermenter at our plant.  This addition is not intended to increase nameplate capacity but rather increase the operating efficiency of the existing fermenters by lengthening the amount of residence time per fermenter.

 

Proximity to grain.  The proximity of our plant to producers of the grain we utilize to produce ethanol favors us over some of our competitors.  Local growers generally produce more than enough grain to meet our requirements, and the close proximity for delivery can result in competitively favorable prices for us.  Additionally, many local grain producers are members of our company who supply us at competitive prices.

 

Our Products and Their Markets.

 

Ethanol.  We produce ethanol to be used as a fuel component that serves as:

 

·                  An octane enhancer in fuels;

·                  An oxygenated fuel additive that can reduce carbon monoxide vehicle emissions; and

·                  A non-petroleum-based gasoline extender.

 

Ethanol in its primary form is mostly used for blending with unleaded gasoline and other fuel products. The implementation of the federal Clean Air Act has made ethanol fuels an important domestic renewable fuel additive. According to the American Coalition for Ethanol (“ACE”), approximately 70% of all gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with ethanol. Most of the ethanol is blended as E10, a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% petroleum gasoline. This fuel is covered by warranty for use in all makes and models of vehicles. Some ethanol is blended as E85, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This mixture is used in flexible fuel vehicles (“FFVs”), which are increasingly becoming available to consumers as auto companies produce more FFV models.  Additional studies using a blend of 20% ethanol are currently

 

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being conducted. Used as a fuel oxygenate, ethanol provides a means to reduce carbon monoxide vehicle emissions.

 

Currently the EPA is reviewing a waiver request to allow ethanol to be blended up to 15% into gasoline (E15).  If this request is approved, we anticipate a slight increase in the demand for ethanol, as E15 theoretically would replace E10 in the market place.  Blenders are also becoming more willing to continue to blend ethanol permissively, even at lower margins.

 

The principal purchasers of ethanol are generally the refined and wholesale gasoline marketer or blender.  The principal end markets for our ethanol are petroleum terminals on the east and west coasts of the U.S.  During our 2009 fiscal year, 79% of our net revenue was derived from the sale of ethanol, and we expect the sale of ethanol to comprise a substantial majority of our revenue in the future.  The remainder of our revenue is derived from the sale of distillers grains, discussed in more detail below.

 

Distillers Grains.  A principal co-product of the ethanol production process is distillers grains, which is a high-protein, high-energy animal feed supplement primarily marketed to the dairy and beef industry.  By using the dry-milling ethanol production process with a dryer system that can produce two moisture levels, we are able to produce both WDGS and DDGS.  WDGS are processed grain mash and condensed solubles that contain approximately 65% moisture.  It has a shelf life slightly longer than three days and is sold to markets in proximity to our plant.  DDGS are mash that has been dried to 10% moisture.  It has an almost indefinite shelf life and is sold and shipped via truck or railcar to many markets regardless of their vicinity to our ethanol plant.  During the 2009 fiscal year, approximately 21% of our net revenue was derived from the sale of distillers grains, and we expect the sale of distillers grains to continue to comprise a minority of our revenue in the future as compared to our revenue from ethanol.  An overall reduction in the demand for meat products during the prior year reduced the number of animals being maintained on feed. As a result, demand for distillers grains decreased in 2009.  In recent months, demand has slowly risen as the effects of the financial crisis of 2009 have somewhat stabilized.

 

Raw Materials.

 

Grain Procurement.  Ethanol in the U.S. is made primarily from grain, principally corn.  We have the advantage of having access to and the ability to utilize sorghum or milo, the latter of which we often can obtain at a lower price than corn.  During the 2009 fiscal year, we used approximately 17.9 million bushels of corn and milo to produce ethanol. We obtained a majority of this grain from producers in western Kansas, where our plant is located.  We believe that grain producers in proximity to our plant will produce sufficient grain for our needs for the foreseeable future.  In the event such producers are unable to fulfill our requirements, we believe an adequate supply is available from producers in other states, such as Nebraska and Colorado.

 

The increase in the number of ethanol plants in the nation that was adversely affecting the availability and price of corn, milo and other grain products during fiscal 2008 stabilized during fiscal 2009.  As a result, the pressure on local grain markets was greatly reduced which allowed for a greater supply of grains in the local market.  According to the Renewable Fuels Association (“RFA”), between January 2004 and January 2009, the number of ethanol plants producing fuel grade ethanol in the U.S. increased from 72 to 170 and an additional 20 ethanol plants are currently under construction.  However, these numbers do not account for plants where production has been temporarily idled.  Some of these plants are located in Kansas, eastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska and they may compete with us for procurement of local grain.  On a national level, the emergence of new ethanol plants will increase competition for our grain requirements and we may be forced to satisfy our requirements from other parts of the country.

 

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We enter into hedging transactions in an effort to stabilize the price that we pay for grain.  Hedging involves the acquisition of option and futures contracts, designed as hedges of specific volumes of grain expected to be used in our production process. We also use derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure to price risk related to grain purchases. At September 30, 2009, we had open long and short positions in option contracts, which positions were recorded in our financial statements at fair value. As a result, we recorded $1,058,866 of unrealized gains for the year ended September 30, 2009 with respect to option and future contracts.

 

Production processes using feed stocks other than grain to make ethanol are continually being developed.  We expect to continue to focus our production using grain for the foreseeable future.  However, we are monitoring the developments in the industry regarding the economic viability of alternative feedstocks and may consider converting from grain-based ethanol at some future date.

 

The price and availability of corn and milo are subject to significant fluctuations depending upon a number of factors which affect grain commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, pestilence, weather, supply and demand, speculation, government programs and foreign purchases. 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 through adjustments and prices charged for ethanol.  In contrast, the price for distillers grains tends to track with corn prices, and generally we are able to increase the price we charge for our distillers grains concurrent with increased corn prices.

 

We continued to experience volatility in grain prices during the 2009 fiscal year as the price of corn trended lower than in 2008.  For a more detailed discussion, please see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.

 

The ability to purchase and store large quantities of grain helps us manage our grain costs.  We completed an expansion of our storage facilities in 2007 and the new storage capacity enables us to take advantage of lower grain prices by allowing us to acquire a significant portion of our requirements during times when prices are favorable. In addition, we completed our fourth grain receiving pit and related conveyance equipment to enhance our grain receiving ability from the local farmers during the corn and milo harvests.  Construction of the receiving pit was completed in mid-October, just prior to the start of the fall harvest.

 

Drought and other environmental occurrences could adversely affect the production and availability of corn, milo and other grain products in the future.  Because of its relative aridity, the western United States is more susceptible to drought than certain other areas of the country.  The drought experienced in the western United States during 2002 was partially mitigated between 2003 and 2006, but there is no assurance that the conditions during 2002 will not repeat.  In that event, we anticipate that our grain requirements could be satisfied from other parts of the country, although transportation costs would be significantly higher.

 

All of the corn and milo we purchase is tested and must meet high quality control standards to ensure the efficient operation and quality production of our plant.  We use the United States Department of Agriculture’s grade requirements for U.S. Number Two Corn and U.S. Number Two Grain Sorghum. From time to time, we also accept grain that does not meet the criteria for U.S. Number Two Corn or U.S. Number Two Grain Sorghum or is otherwise substandard. When we do, we discount the price or make other allowances to account for the lesser grade quality or condition at delivery.

 

Other Raw Materials.  The other critical raw materials for the production of ethanol are water and natural gas. Water is mixed with the processed grain to begin the fermentation process. Natural gas is used to heat the resulting mixture in conjunction with the fermentation process.

 

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An adequate supply of water is important to our ethanol business.  We currently have water wells to the north and east of our plant site from which we pipe water to our facility.  There are two additional wells located on our property which are not currently permitted for industrial use. We believe that we have sufficient water to operate our plant.  However, should we require more water, we believe that we can obtain it from the existing wells on our property. See “Item 2. Properties.”  We have received all necessary permits to obtain water and believe that we currently are operating in compliance with all regulations of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources.

 

In order to be assured of a steady source of natural gas, we entered into a Natural Gas Service Agreement with Midwest Energy, Inc. (“Midwest”) in September 2003 pursuant to which they deliver natural gas to our plant.  We purchase the gas from another third party. This agreement supplements a previous agreement with Kinder Morgan Energy Partners and Kinder Morgan Interstate Gas Transmission LLC to deliver the gas to Midwest.  In exchange for our agreement not to bypass its local gas distribution system, Midwest agreed to install and maintain a gas main directly to our property in Gove County, Kansas.  We pay a monthly charge based on the amount of gas utilized each month.  The rates were fixed through December 31, 2008, and are subject to change thereafter based on increases or decreases applicable to distribution services generally and subject to review by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Our contract with Midwest has been extended through December 31, 2013.

 

We also contract with Post Rock Gas, LLC (“PRG”) to acquire the gas that is transported by Midwest to our plant.  Our agreement with PRG commenced in December 2003 and is terminable by either party on not less than 30 days’ advance notice.  The price we paid for gas during the 2009 fiscal year was determined by reference to a published “spot” price. We believe our agreements with PRG, Kinder Morgan and Midwest will provide an ample supply of natural gas for the foreseeable future.

 

Our agreement with PRG helps us manage our risk from natural gas price fluctuations.  Due to uncertainty in gas prices, we periodically evaluate our gas requirements and expectations of future prices and may purchase forward contracts and implement derivative instruments on a portion of our requirements to allow us to benefit in the event natural gas prices decline.  After declining from the increased levels set by hurricane-related shortages in late 2005 and early 2006, natural gas prices had been relatively stable.  However, prices were subject to extreme volatility in fiscal 2008, increasing nearly 100% as compared to prior periods during the summer months of 2008 before decreasing again proximate to our fiscal year end.  In fiscal 2009, prices trended lower through the year.  As a result we showed realized losses on natural gas hedges of $843,965 for fiscal 2009.  We currently have contracts in place to supply approximately 20% of our natural gas for the first quarter, none for the second quarter, and 20% for each of the remaining quarters of fiscal 2010.

 

We have entered into an agreement with U.S. Energy Service, Inc. under which U.S. Energy Service provides consulting services to us to help us manage our energy use and costs.  The agreement was effective through August 31, 2009 and automatically renewed through August 31, 2010.  The agreement will renew for additional one-year terms unless terminated by either party with 30 days advance notice.

 

Customers.

 

We sell essentially all of our products to two marketing firms, which in turn sell to other purchasers.  We have executed an exclusive marketing agreement to market the ethanol produced at our plant with Ethanol Products LLC d/b/a POET Ethanol Products (“POET-Ethanol Products”) of Wichita, Kansas.  Under the terms of the agreement which commenced February 1, 2009, POET-Ethanol Products has agreed to purchase all of the ethanol that is produced at our plant and is solely responsible for determining the price and terms at which the ethanol acquired from our plant is sold and to whom it will be sold.  The

 

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administrative fee paid to POET-Ethanol Products will equal 1% of the net-back sales price per gallon of ethanol sold.  The agreement is for a five-year term and is automatically renewable for subsequent five-year terms unless terminated by either party prior to expiration.  In the event that our relationship with POET-Ethanol Products is interrupted for any reason, we believe that we would be able to locate another entity to market our ethanol. However, any interruption could temporarily disrupt the sale of our principal product and adversely affect our operating results.

 

We have also executed an exclusive agreement to market all of our distillers grains with United Bio Energy Ingredients, LLC (“UBE”), which was previously an affiliate of ICM, Inc.  ICM was the general contractor for our ethanol plant.  Under the terms of that agreement, we receive the gross selling price of all distillers grains sold by UBE, less applicable transportation costs and a fee of 2-2 1/2 % of the gross selling price depending on whether we sell DDGS or WDGS.  The agreement with UBE expires September 30, 2010 and is automatically renewed each year unless the agreement is terminated by either party following 90 days advance written notice.  As with the marketing arrangement with POET-Ethanol Products, any interruption in our relationship with UBE could temporarily affect our business, although we believe that we could find another entity to market our grains.

 

Transportation and Delivery.

 

The grain that we receive is delivered by trucks. Due to our proximity to Interstate 70, transportation to and from the plant is efficient.  Distillers grains are transported exclusively by semitruck. UBE, as our exclusive purchaser of distillers grains, selects the carrier.

 

Our plant was designed with a rail spur and connection to the Union Pacific railway system, which facilitates transporting our ethanol to national markets.  Our plant is also located adjacent to Interstate 70.  We ship our ethanol by rail and by truck, determined with reference to a review and analysis of the geographic destination, current market conditions, transportation costs and applicable environmental regulations. The target for rail-transported ethanol includes the State of California, the southwest and eastern United States.  Ethanol targeted for more proximate markets is transported by truck.

 

Legislation and Federal and State Supports or Subsidies.

 

Legislation.  Existing federal legislation will likely maintain or enhance the use of ethanol as a fuel additive for the foreseeable future.  The Energy Policy Act enacted in 2005 established the first ever Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) in federal law which mandated certain levels of usage of biofuels in the domestic fuel supply beginning in 2006 and continuing through 2012.  In December 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (“EISA”) was enacted.  This legislation further increased the amount of mandated biofuel usage to a maximum of 36 billion gallons a year by 2022.  For illustration purposes, the U.S. domestically produced approximately 9 billion gallons of fuel ethanol in 2008.  Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act and EISA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has promulgated rules requiring refineries, blenders, distributors and importers to introduce or sell volumes of biofuels, including corn-based ethanol and biodiesel fuel, into commerce in accordance with the annual RFS. The following table describes minimum biofuel use mandated for years 2009 through 2015:

 

Year

 

Biofuel usage
(in billions of gallons)

 

2009

 

11.10

 

2010

 

12.95

 

2011

 

13.95

 

2012

 

15.20

 

2013

 

16.55

 

2014

 

18.15

 

2015

 

20.50

 

 

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Under the RFS as modified by EISA, the mandate for corn-based ethanol is capped at 15 billion gallons in 2015 and continues at that level through 2022.  The remaining amount of biofuel required by the RFS must be derived from non-corn-based ethanol.

 

The EPA is currently reviewing a request to allow for blending of up to 15% ethanol into gasoline for normal use.  If granted, this waiver could have a positive impact upon demand as E15 may replace E10 as the base blend of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.  Additionally, the EPA is in the process of promulgating rules in connection with the implementation of EISA.

 

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 contained the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (“VEETC”).  This law amended the federal gasoline excise tax structure effective January 1, 2005.  As amended, the law creates a new volumetric ethanol excise tax credit of $0.51 per gallon of ethanol blended at 10%.  The credit provided by VEETC replaced an exemption which allowed ethanol blended fuel to be taxed at a lower rate than regular gasoline.  The use of ethanol as a fuel additive is enhanced by the availability of a credit from the federal gasoline excise tax. The credit is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.

 

In addition to the legislation discussed above, ethanol sales have been favorably affected by other legislation, including the Clear Air Act Amendments of 1990, particularly the federal oxygenation program, which became effective November 1, 1992.  The program requires the sale of oxygenated motor fuels during the fall and winter months in certain major metropolitan areas to reduce carbon monoxide pollution.  Ethanol use also 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 certain major urban areas to reduce pollutants, including those that contribute to ground level ozone, better known as smog.

 

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 United State’s dependence on foreign oil. As amended, the federal gasoline tax credit currently allows the market price of ethanol to compete with the price of domestic gasoline. Although the federal tax credit is not directly available to us, it allows us to sell our ethanol at prices that are competitive with other less expensive additives and gasoline.

 

Fuel grade ethanol prices traditionally have varied directly with the wholesale price of gasoline. However, in some states, fuel grade ethanol typically sells for a higher price per gallon than wholesale gasoline because of the aforementioned federal gasoline tax credit. Historically, fuel grade ethanol prices also have reflected a premium due to the oxygenate and octane enhancing properties of this motor fuel additive.

 

Federal Ethanol Supports.  A federal tax credit for small ethanol producers is generally available to our company and its members.  Eligibility to receive the credit is based upon plant capacity.  The Energy Policy Act increased the capacity limit from 30 million to 60 million gallons of production.  Ethanol producers that qualify for the credit can deduct from their federal income tax $0.10 per gallon on the first 15 million gallons produced annually. We also qualify for a new federal subsidy available to biofuel producers known as the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program.  The program was instituted during 2009 and provides a total of $25,000,000 for allocation among U.S. biofuel producers.  We qualify for the

 

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program as a result of our use of milo as our feedstock from time to time.   We estimate that our prorated share of the available funds for fiscal 2009 is approximately $700,000, which has been accrued as revenue for the year.

 

Due to the pass-through nature of our partnership taxation structure, we expect the tax credit will be passed through to our members. However, the amount of any such credit received by our members must also be included in his or her gross income, which could result in taxation on the amount of the credit passed through to the member. Also, the use of the credit by our members may be limited, so each member should consult his or her tax advisor.  This tax credit and the biofuel production payments may foster additional growth in ethanol plants of a larger size and increase competition in this particular plant size category.

 

State Ethanol Supports.  The State of Kansas provides an incentive payment to ethanol producers. The production incentive available to Kansas ethanol producers that commence production after July 1, 2001 and sell at least 5 million gallons consists of a direct payment of $0.075 per gallon for up to 15 million gallons per year.  Accordingly, the maximum amount a Kansas ethanol producer can currently receive in a year is $1,125,000.  These incentive payments are available for the first seven years of production.  The available statewide funding for these incentive payments is $3.5 million per year for 2005-2011 plus any excess balance carried over from the prior year’s current production account.  Any shortfall in the available funds will result in a pro rata decrease in the incentives paid to the individual ethanol producers.  Because the number of ethanol plants participating in the program increased, the maximum amount available to us during fiscal 2009 and 2008 was subject to proration.  During the 2009 and 2008 fiscal years, we were entitled to $131,601 and $731,174, respectively.  We received payments of $503,520 in August 2009, of which $371,919 was accrued and recorded as revenue for fiscal 2008.

 

We are unable to predict what effect, if any, expiration or termination of federal and state subsidies will have on the market or price for our ethanol in the future.  However, either event may adversely affect our business. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further information relating to supports and subsidies.

 

Environmental Matters.

 

The construction and expansion of our plant required various state and local permits to comply with existing governmental regulations designed to protect the environment and worker safety. While we are also subject to regulations on emissions by the EPA, current EPA rules did not require us to obtain any permits or approvals in connection with the construction of our plant or operation of our business.  Additional expenditures which may be required to achieve or maintain compliance with future laws and more stringent standards for environmental matters may also limit our operating flexibility.

 

Our ethanol production requires us to emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the air. Current Kansas law regulating emissions does not restrict or prevent us from emitting carbon dioxide gas into the air, but this could change in the future.  However, the EPA has promulgated National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“NESHAP”), under the Clean Air Act and it could apply to our facility if the emissions of hazardous air pollutants exceed certain thresholds.  If our facility is authorized to emit hazardous air pollutants above the threshold level, then we are required to comply with NESHAP for our manufacturing process and would be required to come into compliance with another NESHAP standard applicable to boilers and process heaters.  We could also be subject to environmental or nuisance claims from adjacent property owners or residents in the area based on foul smells or other air or water discharges from the plant.

 

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We obtained what we believe are all the necessary air and water permits to operate our plant before we commenced operations, including a permit to discharge wastewater from our plant. Under normal conditions, our plant utilizes a closed system and will not discharge process wastewater, but we obtained a permit to discharge wastewater in case of emergency failure of our wastewater treatment equipment. We also obtained a permit to discharge water used in our cooling tower and boiler.

 

In addition to the foregoing regulations affecting air and water quality, we are subject to regulation for our fuel storage tanks. If we are found to have violated federal, state or local environmental regulations in the future, we could incur liability for clean-up costs, damage claims from third parties and civil or criminal penalties that could adversely affect our business.

 

Competition.

 

We are in direct competition with numerous other ethanol producers, many of which have greater resources than we do. According to the Kansas Association of Ethanol Processors, 12 producers in the State of Kansas have the capacity to produce approximately 519.5 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol annually and additional ethanol production facilities are currently under construction.  Nationally, fuel grade ethanol plants produced approximately 9 billion gallons of ethanol in 2008, a 38% increase from 2007 and 220% increase since 2003 according to the RFA.  We also expect that additional ethanol producers will enter the market if the demand for ethanol continues to increase. Our ethanol plant competes with other ethanol producers on the basis of price and, to a lesser extent, delivery service. We believe we can compete favorably with other ethanol producers due to our proximity to ample corn and milo supplies at competitive prices.

 

Several large ethanol producers are structured as corporations and have securities which are publicly traded on a national securities exchange.  These producers may have an advantage over us with respect to access to capital, as it is typically easier to obtain additional financing as a publicly traded company.  While we are required to file reports with the SEC, our securities are presently not traded on an exchange, thus we may have more limited access to capital markets.

 

The largest ethanol producers include Abengoa Bioenergy Corp., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Aventine Renewable Energy, LLC, Cargill, Inc., Hawkeye Renewables, LLC, and New Energy Corporation, all of which are capable of producing more ethanol than we produce.  Producers of this size may have an advantage over us from economies of scale and negotiating position with purchasers.  In addition, there are many regional, farmer-owned entities recently formed, or in the process of formation, of a similar size and with similar resources to ours. Most ethanol plants also produce distillers grains.

 

In addition, new plants are under construction and plans to expand existing plants have been announced, which would increase the ethanol production capacity of our competitors. We are unable to determine the number and production capacity of plants that ultimately may be constructed, or the timing of such construction; however it appears that the effect of resulting production increases over the past year has lowered the price received for our ethanol.

 

Technological advances in and government initiatives for using biomass in lieu of grain to produce ethanol, known as cellulosic ethanol production, will create additional competitors to our business in the future unless we were to convert our operations from traditional grain based production to cellulosic production.  Across the U.S., construction of several new production facilities is underway to take advantage of the rapidly commercializing technologies that utilize alternative feedstocks to produce ethanol.  The forms of feed stock for cellulosic ethanol production include algae, wood chips, switch grass and various plant wastes.

 

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We may also compete with international ethanol producers from countries such as Brazil, who may have lower production costs and comparable transportation costs to coastal markets and countries like Costa Rica and El Salvador and others subject to favorable tariff treatment by the U.S. under the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

 

We also compete with non-ethanol oxygenates which may cost less to produce than ethanol.  Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and ethanol production methods are continually under development by ethanol and oil companies with far greater resources than we have.  Development of new products and methods of ethanol production by larger and financially more viable competitors could provide them with significant competitive advantages over us and thus could harm our business.  These companies, some of which are publicly traded on national securities exchanges, generally have access to larger capital and financing markets and thus may be able to obtain financing easier and at more favorable terms than us.

 

Research and Development.

 

During the 2009 fiscal year, we participated in research and development programs sponsored by our suppliers. This research was focused primarily on energy reduction and other issues related to plant operation and production methods to develop more efficient methods of producing ethanol.  A primary focus in 2009 was delivery of enzymes into the production process through the grain.  This process is in the final stages of development.  It is anticipated that upon deregulation of its use by the U.S.D.A., we will contract directly with local growers to grow the quantities of the grain required for use by the company.

 

Employees.

 

As of the date of filing this report, we have 37 full-time employees. These include a chief executive officer, chief accounting officer, plant manager who oversees plant operations and production, a commodities manager to oversee grain acquisition and risk management, a safety director, a lab manager, a maintenance manager, and an administrative assistant. The remainder of our employees includes administrative, production and maintenance support personnel. None of our employees are the subject of collective bargaining by labor unions, and we believe that we enjoy excellent relations with our employees.

 

From time to time, we also retain the services of outside consultants to supplement the services provided by our employees. These include engineering, construction, legal, accounting and financial advisors. We believe that we can obtain the services of all personnel necessary to operate our business.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

You should carefully read and consider the risks and uncertainties below and the other information contained in this report.  The risks and uncertainties below are not the only risks we may face.  The following risks, together with additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial could impair our financial condition and results of operation.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

We operate in an emerging growth industry.  We commenced production of ethanol at our plant in January 2004.  Accordingly, we have a limited operating history from which you can evaluate our business and prospects.  Our operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past and could fluctuate significantly in the future as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed throughout this report.  Many of these factors are outside our control.  As a result of these factors, our operating results

 

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may not be indicative of future operating results and you should not rely on them as indications of our future performance.  In addition, our prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by an early-stage company and in rapidly growing industries, such as the ethanol industry, where supply and demand may change substantially in a short amount of time.

 

Our business is not diversified.  Our success depends largely upon our ability to profitably operate our ethanol plant. We do not have any other lines of business or other sources of revenue if we are unable to operate our ethanol plant and manufacture ethanol and distillers grains.  If economic or political factors adversely affect the market for ethanol, the company has no other line of business to rely on if the ethanol business declines. Our business would also be significantly harmed if our ethanol plant could not operate at full capacity for any extended period of time.

 

Our financial performance is significantly dependent on grain and natural gas prices.  Our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by the cost and supply of grain and natural gas.  If our region becomes saturated by ethanol plants, the grain required for ethanol could consume a significant portion of the total grain production in our region, which would likely drive up local prices.    If more corn-based ethanol plants are constructed or existing plants expand their capacity, the increase in demand for local corn and natural gas may drive up the prices of those commodities.  Generally, we cannot pass on increases in input prices to our customers.  Changes in the price and supply of grain and natural gas are subject to and determined by market forces over which we have no control.

 

Grain costs significantly impact our cost of goods sold.  Our gross margins are principally dependent upon the spread between ethanol and grain prices, which has fluctuated significantly in 2009 and may continue to do so in the future due to volatile commodity prices.  Any reduction in the spread between ethanol and grain prices, whether as a result of an increase in corn prices or a reduction in ethanol prices, would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Corn, as with most other crops, is affected by weather, disease and other environmental conditions.  The price of corn is also influenced by general economic, market and government factors.  These factors include weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, domestic and foreign government farm programs and policies, global demand and supply and quality.  Changes in the price of corn can significantly affect our business.  The annualized price of corn decreased approximately 25% in fiscal 2009 when compared to fiscal 2008.  Corn prices as reflected on the Chicago Board of Trade began increasing at the beginning of fiscal 2010 and have increased approximately 15.5% during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 from their levels at the end of September. If a period of high corn prices is sustained for some time, such pricing may reduce our ability to generate profits because of the higher cost of operating and may make ethanol uneconomical to use in fuel markets.  We cannot offer any assurance that we will be able to offset any increase in the price of corn by increasing the price of our products.  If we cannot offset increases in the price of corn, our financial performance may be materially and adversely affected and we may be forced to curtail production.

 

The price of natural gas is also affected by market and environmental conditions and other factors beyond our control.  The prices for and availability of natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions, including supply shortages and infrastructure incapacities.  Seasonal changes tend to affect the price of natural gas and increases during colder months tend to increase our costs of production.  Significant disruptions in the supply of natural gas could impair our ability to manufacture ethanol for our customers.  Furthermore, increases in natural gas prices or changes in our natural gas costs relative to natural gas costs paid by competitors may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our revenues will be greatly affected by the price at which we can sell our ethanol and distillers grains. The prices of ethanol and distillers grains can be volatile as a result of a number of factors. These factors include the overall supply and demand, the price of gasoline, level of government support, and the availability and price of competing products. For instance, the price of ethanol tends to increase as the price of gasoline increases, and the price of ethanol tends to decrease as the price of gasoline decreases.  The recent significant decrease in gasoline prices may also affect our operations by decreasing the demand for our ethanol for permissive blending which will reduce revenues.

 

We sell all of the ethanol we produce to POET-Ethanol Products under our ethanol marketing agreement. POET-Ethanol Products is the sole marketer of all of our ethanol, and we rely heavily on its marketing efforts to sell our product.  Because POET-Ethanol Products sells ethanol for a number of other producers, we have limited control over its sales efforts.  Our financial performance is dependent upon the financial health of POET-Ethanol Products, as a significant portion of our accounts receivable are attributable to customers of POET-Ethanol Products.  If POET-Ethanol Products breaches the ethanol marketing agreement or is not in the financial position to market all of the ethanol we produce, we could experience a material loss and we may not have any readily available means to sell our ethanol, and our financial performance will be adversely and materially affected.  If our agreement with POET-Ethanol Products terminates, we may seek other arrangements to sell our ethanol, including selling our own product, but we give no assurance that our sales efforts would achieve results comparable to those achieved by POET-Ethanol Products.

 

As a result of federal regulations related to the RFS and under the terms of the new marketing agreement with POET-Ethanol Products, title to our ethanol will pass to POET-Ethanol Products when it leaves our plant.  However, we do not receive payment until the ethanol reaches the end customer.  As a result, we bear a risk of loss during the transporting of our product to our customers.  We have attempted to mitigate this risk by requiring POET-Ethanol Products to include us as an additional insured, however we have no assurance we will be sufficiently compensated for any lost product we may suffer during transport.

 

We sell all of the distillers grains we produce to UBE under our distillers grains marketing agreement.  UBE is the sole buyer of all of our distillers grains that we sell locally, and we rely heavily on its marketing efforts to successfully sell our product.  Because UBE sells distillers grains for a number of other producers, we have limited control over its sales efforts.  Our financial performance is dependent in part upon the financial health of UBE, as a significant portion of our accounts receivable are due from UBE.  If UBE breaches the distillers grains marketing agreement or is not in the financial position to purchase and market all of the distillers grains we produce, we could experience a material loss and we may not have any readily available means to sell our distillers grains, and our financial performance will be adversely and materially affected.  If our agreement with UBE terminates, we may seek other arrangements to sell our distillers grains, including selling our own product, but there is no assurance that our sales efforts would achieve results comparable to those achieved by UBE.

 

We engage in hedging transactions that may be costly and ineffective.  We are exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Exposure to commodity price risk results from our dependence on corn and natural gas in the ethanol production process.  We seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of corn and natural gas through the use of hedging instruments.  The effectiveness of our hedging strategies is dependent in part upon the cost of corn and natural gas and our ability to sell sufficient products to use all of the corn and natural gas for which we have futures contracts.  There is no assurance that our hedging activities will successfully reduce the risk caused by price fluctuation which may leave us vulnerable to high corn and natural prices. Alternatively, we may choose not to engage in hedging transactions in the future.  As a result, our results of operations and financial conditions may also be adversely affected during periods in which corn and/or natural gas prices increase.

 

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Hedging activities themselves can result in costs because price movements in corn and natural gas contracts are highly volatile and are influenced by many factors that are beyond our control.  There are several variables that could affect the extent to which our derivative instruments are impacted by price fluctuations in the cost of corn or natural gas.  However, it is likely that current commodity cash prices will have the greatest impact on those derivative instruments with the nearest maturity dates.  If cash prices are significantly different than our contracted prices, we may incur costs related to hedging activities and they may be significant.

 

Advances in ethanol production technology could require us to incur costs to update our plant or could otherwise hinder our ability to compete 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 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.

 

Risks Related to Ethanol Industry

 

Decreasing gasoline prices will negatively impact our business.  A significant portion of the demand for ethanol results from what is known as “permissive blending” by wholesalers.  Historically, ethanol has enjoyed a price advantage compared to gasoline, thus encouraging wholesalers to blend gasoline with ethanol.   As gasoline prices have recently decreased significantly to levels lower than that of ethanol prices, it is likely that these permissive blenders will find it less attractive to blend gasoline with ethanol.  As a result, the demand for ethanol may decrease, which will increase the available market supply and make it more difficult to sell all of our ethanol.

 

Increase in supply from new plants or decreases in the demand for ethanol may result in excess production capacity which may lead to lower ethanol prices.  The supply of domestically produced ethanol is at an all-time high. Domestic fuel grade ethanol production was 9 billion gallons in 2008 and the RFA estimates that ethanol production capacity in calendar 2009 will reach a record 12.4 billion gallons.  If the industry maximized production capacity, it would likely surpass the anticipated domestic demand for ethanol for 2010.  There are at least 150 production facilities currently operating in the United States with more under construction or planned for construction in the foreseeable future.  Excluding our facility, Kansas currently has at least 10 ethanol plants operating or under currently under construction.

 

Excess capacity in the ethanol industry would have an adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows and general financial condition.  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.  Ethanol prices could decline to a level that is inadequate to generate sufficient cash flow to cover our costs.

 

The increased production of ethanol could have other adverse effects. For example, the increased production could lead to increased supplies of co-products from the production of ethanol, such as distillers grains. Those increased supplies could outpace demand, which would lead to lower prices for

 

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those by-products. There can be no assurance as to the price of ethanol or distillers grains in the future. Any decrease in the price of ethanol and/or distillers grains may result in less income which would decrease our revenue and profitability.

 

We operate in a competitive industry and compete with larger, better financed entities.  There is significant competition among ethanol producers with numerous producer and privately owned ethanol plants planned and operating throughout the Midwest and elsewhere in the United States.  The number of ethanol plants being developed and constructed in the United States continues to increase. The passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and EISA included a renewable fuels mandate that we expect will further increase the number of domestic ethanol production facilities.  The largest ethanol producers include Abengoa Bioenergy Corp., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Aventine Renewable Energy, LLC, Cargill, Inc., Hawkeye Renewables, LLC, and New Energy Corp., each of which are capable of producing more ethanol than we expect to produce.  Larger, better financed ethanol producers may be able to expand their production capacity and adapt to new technologies easier than us.  Archer Daniels Midland is currently the largest ethanol producer in the U.S. and controls a significant portion of the ethanol market.  If the demand for ethanol does not grow at the same pace as increases in supply, we expect that lower prices for ethanol will result which may adversely affect our ability to generate profits and our financial condition.

 

We compete with other gasoline additives.  Our ethanol plant also competes with producers of other gasoline additives made from raw materials other than corn having similar octane and oxygenate values as ethanol, including but not limited to methyl tertiary butyl ether (“MTBE”).  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. These companies also have significant resources to begin production of ethanol should they choose to do so.

 

Competition from the advancement of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles may lessen the demand for ethanol.  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 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, resulting in lower ethanol prices that might adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

In addition, hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity amongst U.S. consumers.  These vehicles significantly reduce the amount of gasoline required to operate the vehicles by relying in part on electricity to power the vehicle.  As hybrid vehicles become more prevalent, it is likely the demand for gasoline, including gasoline blended with ethanol, will decrease.  This may result in a corresponding decrease in the demand for ethanol, which may in turn affect our results of operations.

 

Corn-based ethanol may compete with cellulose-based ethanol in the future.  Especially in the Midwestern U.S., most ethanol is currently produced from corn and other raw grains, such as milo or sorghum. 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,

 

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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.  The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and EISA included incentives designed to boost production of cellulose-based ethanol.  Although current cellulose technology is not sufficiently efficient to be competitive, new conversion technologies may be developed in the future and one of our competitors recently announced it was beginning construction of a facility slated to be cellulose-based.  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 our ethanol plant 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 and financial condition will be negatively impacted.

 

Ethanol imported from Caribbean basin countries and Brazil may be a less expensive alternative to our ethanol.  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, adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Brazil is currently the world’s largest exporter of ethanol. In Brazil, ethanol is produced primarily from sugarcane, which is also used to produce food-grade sugar.  Ethanol imported from Brazil may be a less expensive alternative to domestically produced ethanol, which is primarily made from corn. Tariffs presently protecting U.S. ethanol producers may be reduced or eliminated. Competition from ethanol imported from Brazil may affect our ability to sell our ethanol profitably and our financial condition.

 

Consumer beliefs may affect the demand for ethanol.  We believe that certain consumers perceive the use of ethanol to have a negative impact on gasoline prices at the pump. Some consumers also believe that ethanol adds to air pollution and harms car and truck engines. Still other consumers believe that the process of producing ethanol actually uses more fossil energy, such as oil and natural gas, than the amount of ethanol that is produced. These consumer beliefs could potentially be widespread. If consumers choose not to buy ethanol, it would affect the demand for the ethanol we produce which could lower demand for our product and negatively affect our profitability and financial condition.

 

Risks Related to Regulation and Governmental Action

 

Proposed rules in California may severely limit the amount of ethanol we may be able to sell in that state.  Through our marketer, we sell a majority of the ethanol we produce in California, which has recently proposed new regulations aimed at reducing the carbon content of fuel sold within that state through implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS).  Beginning January 1, 2011, California fuel refiners and marketers will be required to meet the standard, under which the allowable amount of carbon content in fuel available for sale will progressively decrease. Under California’s program, different types of fuel are assigned a “carbon value” based upon the perceived amount of carbon emitted during the production, transportation, and consumption of the fuel in California.  We believe that grain-based ethanol produced in the Midwestern United States will be assigned a higher carbon value than grain-based ethanol produced in California, ethanol imported from countries such as Brazil, and other fuels such as gasoline.  Because of the higher carbon value assigned to our product, fuel refiners and marketers in California will have a more difficult time meeting the LCFS if they use our ethanol instead of other ethanol with a lower carbon value.   As a result, the sale of our ethanol to refiners and marketers in California may decrease.  In that event, we would be forced to find alternative consumers for our ethanol, and if unsuccessful we may have to curtail production.

 

A change in government policies favorable to ethanol may cause demand for ethanol to decline.  Growth in demand for ethanol may be driven primarily by federal and state government policies, such as state laws banning MTBE and the national renewable fuels standard. The continuation of these policies is uncertain, which means that demand for ethanol may decline if these policies change or are discontinued. A decline in the demand for ethanol is likely to cause lower ethanol prices which in turn will negatively affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Government incentives for ethanol production may be eliminated in the future.  The ethanol industry and our business are assisted by various federal ethanol tax incentives.  Additionally, we presently qualify for a portion of an annual incentive payment offered by the State of Kansas, which is prorated based on the number of producers.  We have no assurance any of these tax credits or subsidies will continue to be offered in the future, and one federal support, known as the VEETC, is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.  The elimination or reduction of tax incentives to the ethanol

 

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industry could reduce the market for ethanol, which could reduce prices and our revenues by making it more costly or difficult for us to produce and sell ethanol.

 

Most likely to have the greatest impact on the ethanol industry is the creation of the RFS in the Energy Policy Act, which was subsequently increased by EISA.  Biofuel usage mandates began with 4 billion gallons in 2006 and increase to 36 billion gallons by 2022.  However, a new Congressional delegation and presidential administration will likely affect the nation’s energy policy.  While we have no present indication that there are plans to revise the RFS in the future, we have no assurance the RFS will remain as presently drafted.  Additionally, the State of Kansas may pass state legislation setting its own renewable fuel standard in the foreseeable future.  The RFS helps support a market for ethanol that might disappear without this incentive.  If the federal incentives are eliminated or sharply curtailed, we believe that a decreased demand for ethanol will result, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition.

 

Changes in environmental regulations or violations of the regulations could reduce our profitability.  We are subject to extensive air, water and other environmental laws and regulations.  In addition some of these laws require our plant to operate under a number of environmental permits. These laws, regulations and permits can often require expensive pollution control equipment or operating changes to limit actual or potential impacts to the environment.  A violation of these laws and regulations or permit conditions can result in substantial fines, damages, criminal sanctions, permit revocations and/or plant shutdowns.  We cannot assure you that we have been, are or will be at all times in complete compliance with these laws, regulations or permits or that we have had or have all permits required to operate our business.  We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to legal actions brought by environmental advocacy groups and other parties for actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or our permits.  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 profitability and negatively affect our financial condition.  Congress and the EPA continue to discuss possible regulations of carbon dioxide.  Regulations that are unfavorable to our business operations or that call for implementation on a short timetable may cause difficulty for us to come into compliance.  This may result in potential negative consequences to our company, such as fines or other sanctions.

 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

Item 2.  Properties.

 

We currently own 411 acres of real property in the state of Kansas, most of which is currently undeveloped.  In October 2003, we completed an industrial revenue bond financing with Gove County that provides and will provide us with property tax savings on our plant site until 2014. As part of the financing, title to our plant site and all of our facilities have been transferred to Gove County as security for the repayment of the bonds. We are leasing back the site for an amount that is equal to the amount of the principal and interest that is payable on the bonds. The term of the lease is 30 years or as long as the bonds are outstanding. Also under the terms of the lease, we can repurchase the site for a nominal amount upon repayment of the bonds.

 

We initially acquired a 53.5 acre parcel of partially developed land in Gove County for the purpose of constructing our plant.  Our plant was developed on approximately 20 acres of the 53.5 acre parcel.  In February 2002, we acquired a 137 acre parcel approximately one and a half miles east of the parcel where our plant is located.  In December 2004, we acquired a 141 acre parcel of land immediately to the east of

 

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our plant site.  In December 2005, we acquired an 80 acre parcel which had previously separated the land surrounding our plant site from the 137 acre parcel acquired in 2002.  We now own a contiguous parcel of property in Gove County.

 

We acquired water appropriation rights for two wells when we purchased the 137 acre parcel and one well when we purchased the 80 acre parcel.  We applied to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources to change the type of water use from agricultural irrigation use to industrial use for the well on the 80 acre parcel and constructed an irrigation system for delivery of water from that well to our plant.  We anticipate the same undertaking if we decide to utilize the wells on the 137 acre parcel, which would be likely to occur in the event we further expand our plant capacity.  We have agreed to lease the 137 acre property back to one of the sellers for a period of five years with the amount of rent based on the portion of the land that is dry land acres and the portion that is irrigated acres, with the seller expressly recognizing that the water available for irrigation may be dramatically reduced, and possibly eliminated, if we use the water from this property in our ethanol plant operations. On February 6, 2007, we purchased 340 acre feet of water rights on property adjacent to one of our parcels for $340,308. We have filed with the State of Kansas to convert the classification of these water rights from agriculture to industrial use. Pursuant to Kansas water laws, we anticipate a reduction in allowable withdrawal of approximately 25% if our application is approved.

 

In addition to our ethanol plant, we also own an administrative building adjacent to the plant. The administrative building consists of approximately 3,000 finished square feet (including a partially finished basement) and provides offices for our administrative staff. We believe our existing facilities are sufficient for the foreseeable future.

 

In October 2006, we acquired a grain elevator located on a neighboring parcel which we utilize for grain storage.  The underlying land is owned by Union Pacific Railroad and we assumed the prior owner’s lease with the railroad.  To further increase our storage capacity for grain, we constructed 500,000 bushels of additional storage bins near our ethanol plant including two hammer mills and necessary infrastructure for the conveyance of the grain. In addition, during the last quarter of fiscal 2009, we added another grain receiving pit with the necessary infrastructure enhancing the number of trucks we can receive during harvest. This project was fully operational in October 2009.

 

We have contracted with ICM Inc. to construct an additional fermenter.  The new fermenter is not intended to increase our overall nameplate capacity.  Instead, it is anticipated to increase our overall operating efficiencies by increasing the total fermentation time of the process.  We believe this additional fermentation time may increase ethanol yield during production.

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

 

From time to time we may be subject to litigation that is incidental to our business.  However, we are not currently a party to any pending legal proceedings that are not routine litigation incidental to our business.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.  Market for Our Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Market Information

 

There is no public trading market for our capital units. Article 4 of our Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement (“Operating Agreement”) provides a number of restrictions on the transfer of capital units by our members. In essence, any proposed transfer must be approved by our Board of Managers.

 

In addition to the restrictions on transfer contained in our operating agreement, we are also subject to limitations imposed by the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). In order to maintain our status as a partnership for income tax purposes, we must not be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” under relevant provisions of the Code.  Generally, the Code provides that a publicly traded partnership will be taxed as a corporation. In order to comply with these rules, we do not intend to list any of our capital units on a stock exchange or apply for quotations in any electronic trading system.

 

During the 2008 fiscal year, we implemented a private matching service for our members, also called an alternative trading system (“ATS”), which is operated and maintained by a third party.  The ATS offers an online electronic bulletin board that provides information to prospective sellers and buyers of our capital units.  Trading on the ATS in fiscal 2009 and 2008 was extremely limited.

 

In addition to sales between willing buyers and sellers facilitated through the ATS, the holders of our capital units who locate a purchaser or receive an offer to purchase can sell the capital units to the purchaser subject to the approval of the Board of Managers.  Our Operating Agreement also allows transfer of the capital units by:

 

·      Gift;

·      Last will or the laws of descent;

·      Transfers between members of a family; and

·      “Block” transfers.

 

A block transfer is a transfer by a member and any related person, as defined in the Code, of membership interests representing in the aggregate more than 2% of the total interest in our capital or profits in one or more transactions during any 30 calendar day period.

 

On March 10, 2008 we implemented a seven (7) for one (1) forward split of all of our outstanding Class A, B and C capital units.  The information contained in this report reflects the result of that split.

 

Capital Unit Holders

 

As of December 28, 2009, there were 16,002 Class A capital units, 12,068 Class B capital units and 350 Class C capital units outstanding, owned by a total of approximately 629 members.

 

Distributions to Members

 

Under the terms of our Operating Agreement, we are required to make an annual distribution to our members of a minimum of 20% of the net cash we earn from operations, as defined in the Operating Agreement, as long as net cash from operations exceeds $500,000 for that year.  However, we are prohibited from making any distributions if it would violate or cause us to default under any of the terms of any of our credit facilities or debt instruments.

 

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During the 2009 fiscal year, we made distributions to our members three times for a total of $4,973,500 in cash paid to our members.  During the 2008 fiscal year, we distributed a total of $4,882,000 in cash to our members.  Future distributions may be subject to restrictions that materially limit our ability to pay such distributions, such as our credit facilities if we have an outstanding balance with our lender.  To the extent we are not subject to any restriction that materially limits our ability to pay distributions, however, future distributions in excess of the amount required under our Operating Agreement will be made in the discretion of our Board of Managers.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

We currently have no equity compensation plan.

 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

 

The following selected financial data sets forth our summary historical financial data as of and for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. This information was derived from our audited financial statements for each period. Our selected historical financial data is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. For additional information relating to our operations, see “Item 1. Business” and “Item 2. Properties.”

 

 

 

Year Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Income Statement data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 92,268,505

 

$

119,228,676

 

$

108,761,200

 

$

108,044,168

 

$

 61,730,872

 

Net Income

 

2,698,430

 

3,670,407

 

16,656,276

 

45,895,967

 

13,009,369

 

Earnings per capital unit(1)

 

95

 

129

 

583

 

1,607

 

456

 

Cash distributions paid per capital unit(1)

 

175

 

171

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

301

 

Book value per capital unit(2)

 

1,053

 

1,096

 

1,180

 

1,675

 

1,070

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Balance Sheet data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

 65,531,651

 

$

 69,264,582

 

$

 69,786,878

 

$

 82,304,265

 

$

 70,731,153

 

Total debt (current and long term) (3)

 

32,000,000

 

32,008,119

 

32,943,846

 

32,077,769

 

38,181,000

 

Members’ equity

 

29,919,179

 

31,135,382

 

33,705,018

 

47,845,419

 

30,572,933

 

 


(1) — Adjusted to reflect seven-for-one forward split effective March 10, 2008.

(2) — Members’ equity divided by membership units outstanding as of the end of the period.

(3) — Includes a $32,000,000 lease obligation related to our sale and leaseback transaction with Gove County.   We sold our property to Gove County in exchange for industrial revenue bonds and the amount of our lease obligation is offset by the amount of interest we receive on the bonds.

 

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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Except for the historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  Our actual results or actions may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report.  Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.

 

Introduction

 

The following discussion analyzes our operating results for the three fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and our financial condition at September 30, 2009 and 2008, with a particular emphasis on the year ended September 30, 2009.

 

We derive revenue from the sale of fuel grade ethanol and distillers grains.  We operate in one industry segment for accounting purposes.  We commenced production of ethanol in January 2004.  Prior to that date, we were considered to be in the development stage for accounting purposes.

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended September 30, 2009 compared to September 30, 2008

 

Overview.  Table 1 below highlights certain of our operating results for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

Table 1

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Revenue

 

$

 92,268,505

 

$

119,228,676

 

$

108,761,200

 

Cost of sales

 

81,722,233

 

107,404,082

 

84,457,974

 

Gross profit

 

10,546,272

 

11,824,594

 

24,303,226

 

General & administrative expenses

 

2,315,556

 

2,443,180

 

2,835,635

 

Income from operations

 

1,803,674

 

3,015,988

 

15,568,216

 

Other income

 

894,756

 

654,419

 

1,088,060

 

Interest expense

 

20,158

 

115,879

 

110,092

 

Net income

 

2,698,430

 

3,670,407

 

16,656,276

 

Net income per unit(1)

 

95

 

129

 

583

 

 


(1) — Adjusted to reflect seven-for-one forward split effective March 10, 2008.

 

Table 2 sets forth information regarding our ethanol production and raw material usage and the average price we received for our ethanol and paid for our raw materials for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

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Table 2

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Gallons of ethanol sold

 

48,766,384

 

48,313,577

 

45,877,856

 

Average price per gallon ethanol

 

$

1.49

 

$

2.11

 

$

1.98

 

DDGS sold (tons)

 

14,255

 

3,661

 

65

 

Average price DDGS per ton

 

$

111.12

 

$

158.00

 

$

96.56

 

WDGS sold (tons)

 

393,409

 

428,634

 

395,773

 

Average price WDGS per ton

 

$

46.65

 

$

45.94

 

$

45.76

 

Bushels grain used in production

 

17,965,374

 

17,667,175

 

16,775,696

 

Average price per bushel grain

 

$

3.74

 

$

4.99

 

$

4.04

 

Natural gas used MMBTU

 

976,104

 

955,422

 

969,954

 

Average price per MMBTU natural gas

 

$

4.69

 

$

8.16

 

$

7.31

 

 

As shown in Table 1, our operating results continued to decline from 2008 to 2009.  This is primarily attributable to lower ethanol prices in fiscal 2009 compared to 2008, as shown in Table 2.  Although the demand for fuel grade ethanol remained constant during the calendar year 2009, the industry had expanded at a rapid rate during the previous two years and we saw some of our fellow producers shut-in some production capacity in the first half of fiscal 2009.  During the last quarter of fiscal 2009, virtually all of this shut-in capacity has come back on-line due to the strengthening of production margins across the industry.  However, we anticipate that U.S. ethanol producers will likely produce ethanol in excess of demand in the coming fiscal year, which will continue to exert price pressure on ethanol.

 

Net Income.  Net income decreased $971,977, or approximately 26.5%, in 2009 from 2008.  We attribute this decrease to lower average prices received for ethanol, which was tempered somewhat by a lower cost of grains used to produce ethanol.

 

Operating income for the 2009 fiscal year decreased by $1,212,314, or approximately 40.2%, from 2008.  This decrease results from the substantial decrease in the price of ethanol experienced during fiscal 2009.  Operating income excludes the effect of other income or expense, which primarily includes government grants and subsidies.

 

Revenue.  Revenue for the 2009 fiscal year decreased $26,960,171, or approximately 22.6%, from 2008.  Production volume increased during fiscal 2009 by 614,775 gallons of ethanol, reflecting certain improvements in our production process we refined during fiscal 2009.  As shown in Table 2, the average price we received for sale of ethanol was $0.62 per gallon lower in fiscal 2009, or 29.4%, while the sales volume increased by 452,807 gallons, or approximately 1%.  The decrease in the price of ethanol more than offset the increase in sales volume, resulting in the significant decrease in revenue during fiscal 2009.  Revenue consisted of approximately 79% in ethanol sales and 21% from the sale of distillers grains, which is a slight increase in distillers grains ratio to ethanol as compared with fiscal 2008.  Total revenue derived from the sale of ethanol decreased $26,207,524, or approximately 26.5%, from fiscal 2008, while revenue derived from the sale of distillers grains decreased $752,646, or approximately 3.7%, from fiscal 2008.  Ethanol prices began to increase during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and the first quarter of fiscal 2010, and we expect the prices to remain favorable for the near future compared to the prior year.  The increase in ethanol prices is likely being supported by higher energy prices during the end of fiscal 2009 and beginning of fiscal 2010.  Distillers grain prices will likely follow grain prices in fiscal 2010.

 

Costs of Goods Sold.  Our cost of goods sold for the 2009 fiscal year equaled 88.6% of revenue, resulting in a gross profit margin of 11.4%. This represents a slight increase in gross profit margin from 10% in 2008. We attribute the increase to several factors including:

 

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·                  A decrease in the price of grain used;

·                  A decrease in the R & D expenses; and

·                  A decrease in natural gas costs.

 

Grain prices, which represent the significant majority of our cost of goods sold, decreased dramatically in 2009.  Favorable growing conditions and a decrease in export demand put downward pressure on grain markets.  As shown in Table 2, the average price we paid for grain decreased approximately 25% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  Although the 2009 corn crop was estimated to be one of the largest harvested in recent history, adverse weather conditions has delayed the completion of the harvest which has negatively affected the projected size of the crop. In addition, the weakening of the U.S. dollar has stimulated export demand. These factors have caused the price of corn to increase during the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Our increased grain storage capacity helps us manage our grain costs by enabling us to purchase grain when costs are lower.  As costs rise, we anticipate we will reduce grain inventory and try to avoid purchasing grain at market prices higher than the price paid for the grain in storage.

 

During fiscal 2008 we undertook efforts to improve our plant process, which efforts were completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  Most of the costs associated with these activities were expensed during fiscal 2008, which decreased our research and development expense in fiscal 2009 by approximately 95% from fiscal 2008.

 

We believe we continue to improve the efficiency with which we operate our plant based on a year-over-year basis.  As a result, our production costs (exclusive of commodity costs and increased costs for necessary chemicals) continue to decrease.

 

Energy costs, representing the second largest component of our costs of goods sold, saw a steady decrease during our 2009 fiscal year.  Our energy costs for fiscal 2009 decreased $3,314,870, or approximately 36.5%. This reduction in cost was primarily the result of dramatic reduction in natural gas prices in 2009.  Natural gas, as with virtually all commodities, experienced high levels of liquidation of speculative contracts as a direct result of the financial downturn in 2009.  Additionally, the financial downturn has resulted in a drop in demand for natural gas.  Currently, natural gas levels in storage are at all time highs, contributing to further downward price pressure on natural gas.

 

We continue to believe that hedging is an integral part of our business as a means of risk management.  Our strategy is to mitigate the impact of large adverse price changes in costs, such as natural gas and grain, as well as the products we sell.  Our operating results include both realized and unrealized gains or losses in these hedging activities. For the 2009 fiscal year, we realized $1,000,260 in losses relating to grain futures contracts and $843,965 in realized losses from natural gas futures contracts, which amounts are included in costs of goods sold.  In addition, we recorded an unrealized gain on grain hedging contracts of $1,058,866 at September 30, 2009.

 

General and Administrative Expenses.  During fiscal 2009, general and administrative expenses decreased $127,623 or approximately 5.2% from fiscal 2008. Significant components of these expenses include salaries, professional fees, property taxes, and insurance.  Salaries increased approximately 5% during 2009, primarily due to a increase in health insurance costs and increase in bonuses paid during the year.  Professional fees decreased 5.7% from 2008 to 2009 primarily due to a reduction in legal services required.  Property taxes decreased approximately 8.8% reflecting a lower assessed value in fiscal 2009 than in fiscal 2008, while general insurance expense decreased 11.6% for fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization.  Amortization remained constant during the 2009 fiscal year from 2008.  During that time, depreciation expenses increased approximately 1%.  This increase is primarily attributable to the additional depreciation related to the new grain bins, hammer mill, and conveyor systems completed and placed in service during fiscal 2008, and a new economizer to our thermo-oxidizer in the energy center completed in fiscal 2009.

 

Other Income.  Other income for the 2009 fiscal year increased $240,337, or approximately 36.7%, from the year ended September 30, 2008.  A significant portion of that increase was interest expense which decreased by $95,721 or approximately 82.6%, and interest income that increased by $47,194 or approximately 181.8%.  Interest expense decreased due to the absence of credit needed, and interest income increased due to a larger cash balance in interest bearing accounts during fiscal 2009, as compared to fiscal 2008.  We also recorded $831,601 or an increase of approximately 13.7% income from subsidies received from the state and federal government.  The amount we received in grants and subsidies increased as a result of a new program initiated by the USDA Rural Development which is designed to encourage production of renewable energy using feedstock other than corn.  We qualified for this program because a large portion of feedstock used in production of our ethanol and distillers grain is milo, which under the current guidelines qualifies for the program.  Although we did not receive any cash payments related to this program during fiscal 2009, we did accrue $700,000 for fiscal 2009 in anticipation of receiving the initial payment by the end of December 2009. On December 28, 2009, we received a payment of $848,999.

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended September 30, 2008 compared to September 30, 2007

 

Overview.  Our operating results declined dramatically from 2007 to 2008.  The results are primarily attributable to average grain prices being higher during fiscal 2008, as compared to fiscal 2007.  While demand for fuel grade ethanol generally remained steady and the average price increased slightly during 2008, the average cost of our feedstock was approximately 23.5% higher as compared to 2007.  The increase in grain prices during fiscal 2008 negatively affected our profitability in 2008 as compared to 2007.

 

Net Income.  Net income for the 2008 fiscal year decreased $12,985,869, or approximately 78%, from fiscal 2007.  We attribute this decrease primarily to a increase in cost of goods sold as a result of at-or-near 10-year high grain prices experienced during fiscal 2008.

 

Revenue.  Revenue for the 2008 fiscal year increased $10,467,476, or approximately 9.6% from fiscal 2007. This increase was due to an increase in volume of ethanol and distillers grain sales which was a direct result of an increase in production. We sold 5.3% more ethanol and 11.3% more distillers grain during fiscal 2008 than in fiscal 2007. The revenue we generated was comprised of approximately 83% ethanol sales and 17% distillers grains sales for both fiscal 2008 and 2007.

 

The average price that we received for our ethanol increased by approximately 6.6%, while distillers grain remained relatively the same during fiscal 2008 compared to 2007, accounting for the modest increase in revenue.  We produced significantly more DDGS in 2008 as compared to 2007, due to a seasonal reduction in demand for WDGS which occurred during the summer months of fiscal 2008.

 

Costs of Goods Sold.  Our cost of goods sold for the 2008 fiscal year totaled 90.1% of revenue, resulting in a gross profit margin of 9.9%.  This represents a substantial decline from 2007, when our profit margin was 22.3%.  The dramatic increase in the cost of grain was the major factor contributing to this decrease.

 

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Grain prices, which represent the significant majority of our cost of goods sold, remained near 10 year highs during a portion of fiscal 2008.  Our cost of grain per gallon produced, net of hedging activity, increased approximately 24.5% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.

 

While energy costs were decreasing during fiscal 2007, that trend reversed to a steady increase during the second half of fiscal 2008. Our average cost of natural gas per MMBTU increased approximately 35.8%, net of hedging activity, for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.  We believe this was due primarily to the dramatic increase in natural gas in the spring of 2008.

 

For the 2008 fiscal year, we realized $1,989,689 in losses to operations relating to grain and natural gas futures contracts as compared to $2,970,781 for fiscal 2007, which amounts are included in cost of goods sold.  In addition, we recorded unrealized losses on grain and natural gas hedging contracts of $658,043 at September 30, 2008 as compared to $2,236,677 at September 30, 2007.

 

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses for the 2008 fiscal year decreased $392,455, or approximately 13.8% from 2007.  Significant components of these expenses include salaries, professional fees, property taxes, and insurance.  We attribute a portion of the decrease in administrative expenses to a 25.7% decrease in salaries due to a decrease in bonuses paid, and a 57.5% decrease in professional fees related to a potential strategic transaction we explored during fiscal 2007.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Amortization remained constant from the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 through the 2008 fiscal year.  Depreciation expenses increased approximately 8%. We attribute this increase to the purchase and construction of the additional grain handling equipment and storage.

 

Other Income.  Other income for the 2008 fiscal year decreased by $433,641 from 2007, or approximately 39.9%.  That decrease is attributable to a decrease in state government subsidy income, which decreased by $393,826, or approximately 35%, and a decrease in interest income of $31,526, or 54.9%. The largest factor contributing to the decrease in grants and subsidies was the proration of the State of Kansas Ethanol Production Incentive due to the increased number of plants participating in the program.  We were awarded the maximum amount of $1,125,000 from the State of Kansas as part of its state ethanol support program in 2007 and a prorated $731,174 in 2008. Interest income decreased due to lower average cash balances on deposit and interest expense increased slightly.

 

Trends that may Impact our Future Operating Results

 

Prices for Ethanol.  Demand for and the price of ethanol can vary significantly over time and a decrease in the price of ethanol will adversely affect our profitability.  The price of ethanol tends to fluctuate with the price of petroleum gasoline and corn prices.

 

At the time of filing of this report, ethanol is trading at price levels similar to petroleum gasoline which means that using ethanol for blending with petroleum has become only marginally economical, particularly where blending is permissive rather than mandatory.  We believe this may decrease the demand for ethanol which in turn will continue to put downward pressure on ethanol prices.  Another factor that may affect the price of ethanol is the increased supply anticipated as a result of the expansion of present plants, construction of new plants coming on-line, and the reopening of plants formerly in financial difficulty; however, we believe this trend may be less noticeable in 2010 as excess capacity is leveling off due to decreased demand and/or delays in plant start-ups scheduled in the future.  The increase in production capacity will increase the supply of ethanol, which will tend to reduce the price for ethanol if demand does not also increase.

 

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During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and continuing into the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we have experienced a steady increase in the price of ethanol which has had a favorable effect on our margins. The price of corn has also increased somewhat: however, we were able to partially mitigate the effect of this increase by purchasing local grain at harvest.

 

Supply and price of grain.  Prices for grain reflected on CBOT have risen in the first quarter of 2010, however, local cash values have remained weak, primarily due to the large size of the crop this year.  To the extent local supply remains in large excess of local demand, we believe local cash values will continue to widen from futures prices.  The grain market is dependent upon a variety of factors unrelated to the ethanol market.  The price of grain is generally dependent upon regional and international grain supplies, which can be very volatile.  In addition, the recent rise in the stock market, increasing prices for oil and decreasing value of the U.S. dollar has put upward pressure on the grain market.  Grain supplies and the resultant prices are also affected by weather, governmental policy, disease and other conditions.  Grain markets were relatively volatile during 2008 as well as 2007; however we believe our cost of grain will be relatively flat in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009.

 

Government supports.  As discussed elsewhere in this report, current federal law is favorable to ethanol because it mandates certain oxygenate blending. In addition, as noted above in the section titled “Item 1. Business,” the RFS established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandates that fuel refiners use a certain minimum amount of ethanol and other renewable fuels, which was subsequently increased by the enactment of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.  While the RFS may not have an immediate impact on the ethanol market since current national ethanol production capacity exceeds the 2008 RFS requirement of 9 billion gallons, it is likely that the newly increased RFS requirement of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2022 will continue to support the ethanol industry in the long-term.  It is also possible that cessation of supports and incentives may adversely affect price and demand.

 

Production of ethanol.  As noted above, with the new ethanol plants and plant expansions currently under construction along with new construction expected in the near future, and the reentry into the market of plants previously shut-in during fiscal 2009, the nationwide production capacity for ethanol is expected to increase in the near term. At a minimum, this increased capacity creates some uncertainty for the ethanol industry. Although we believe that there will be an increase in the demand for ethanol as a result of the phase out of MTBE and the increased use mandated under the RFS, capacity in excess of the allowable 10% fuel blend and the fact that petroleum prices remain relatively low compared to the previous two fiscal years, will cause downward price pressure for ethanol in fiscal 2009.  If the production of ethanol exceeds either the demand for ethanol or the petroleum industry’s ability to economically blend ethanol with gasoline, then the price of ethanol would be expected to fall, and the decrease in ethanol prices could be significant.  In that case, our revenues would decrease accordingly.  However, we believe that our lack of significant long-term debt positions us favorably to weather lower ethanol prices compared to some of our competitors.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview.  The following table highlights certain information relating to our liquidity and capital resources at September 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

 

September 30

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Working Capital

 

$

 13,723,893

 

$

 9,624,680

 

Current Assets

 

17,336,366

 

15,753,880

 

Current Liabilities

 

3,612,473

 

6,129,200

 

Long-term Debt

 

 

 

Members’ Equity

 

29,919,179

 

31,135,382

 

 

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Our working capital at September 30, 2009 increased by $4,099,212, or approximately 42.6%, from September 30, 2008.  Current assets increased $1,582,486, or approximately 10%, while current liabilities decreased $2,516,726, or approximately 41.1%.  We attribute the increase in current assets and working capital to several factors.  Available cash increased as a result of reduced investment in property, plant and equipment, a decrease in net margin calls for commodity contracts, a decrease in accounts receivable and a reduction in inventory during fiscal 2009.  In addition, we purchased 140 units from a member during fiscal 2008, which did not repeat in fiscal 2009. These were partially offset by a reduction in net income, an increase in prepaid expenses, a decrease in investments in commodities futures and a decrease in accounts payable at September 30, 2009 as compared to September 30, 2008. Working capital was reduced subsequent to the fiscal year end as the result of a cash distribution paid to our members in the amount of $7,105,000.  However, we believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital for the foreseeable future.

 

Under the terms of our Operating Agreement, we are required to make an annual distribution of cash to our members of a minimum of 20% of the net cash we earn from operations, as defined in that agreement, as long as net cash from operations exceeds $500,000 for that year.  Additional distributions may be made in the sole discretion of our Board of Managers.  However, we are prohibited from making any distribution that would violate or cause a default under any of the terms of our credit facilities or debt instruments.  Distributions to members increased slightly during fiscal 2009, as our margins remained tight.

 

Our capital resources consist of:  (i) cash from operations; (ii) permanent financing, in the form of capital contributions by our members; (iii) a revolving line of credit; and (iv) industrial development bonds.  At September 30, 2009, we believe the mix of our capital resources was appropriate and adequate for the foreseeable future.  Other than financing continuing operations, additional capital would be necessary should we decide to further expand our plant or pursue acquisitions of additional property, plant or equipment.

 

Cash Flow.  Net cash generated during the 2009 fiscal year was $5,851,536, compared to net cash generated of $1,875,847 in fiscal 2008.  The biggest factors causing the increase in cash flow in 2009 was net reduction in our commodities trading account and margin calls, decrease in purchases of plant and equipment, decrease in payments on notes during fiscal 2009 and the acquisition of membership units in 2008 did not reoccur in 2009.

 

Cash provided by operations decreased by $415,635 in fiscal 2009 compared to the same period in fiscal 2008. The decrease reflects the decrease in accounts payable, increased pre-paid expenses and lower net income compared to the prior year. The change in grain hedging contracts and decrease in accounts receivable tempered the reduction in cash from operations. Our accounts payable balance was significantly lower at September 30, 2009 primarily due to the late harvest which decreased our commodity payable. Our natural gas providers initiated a prepayment requirement during fiscal 2009 to all ethanol plants which caused increased prepaid expense at September 30, 2009.

 

The cash provided by our investing activities during fiscal 2009 increased by $2,855,218 from fiscal 2008.  We invested $1,101,519 in property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2009 compared to $1,575,358 in fiscal 2008.  We withdrew, net of margin calls, $2,237,443 from our commodity trading accounts during fiscal 2009, compared to net margin calls of $143,936 for fiscal 2008.

 

Cash used in financing activities decreased by $1,536,108 in fiscal 2009 compared to 2008.  The decrease primarily reflects the reduction of payments on notes payable during fiscal 2009, and the acquisition of membership units during fiscal 2008 which was not repeated during fiscal 2009. These factors were offset marginally by a slight increase in distributions paid to members during fiscal 2009.

 

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Equity Financing.  Our members have contributed $19,801,035 in equity financing since inception, primarily from our initial public offering completed in 2003.  We do not anticipate that any additional equity financing will be necessary in the foreseeable future.

 

Debt Financing.  Under our arrangement with AgCountry, our principal lender, we borrowed $22,000,000 under a construction loan in 2003.  The proceeds of that loan were used by us to complete construction of the plant and to commence operations.  In August 2004, we converted the loan to permanent financing in the form of a $16,000,000 term loan and a line of credit in the amount of $5,000,000.  At that time, we paid AgCountry $5,000,000 to reduce the loan, all of which was used to create the line of credit.  We paid the AgCountry term loan in full in June 2006 and continue to maintain the line of credit.  Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated July 29, 2003, which was effective May 2, 2007, the amount available on the line of credit was increased to $8,000,000 with variable interest at LIBOR plus 2.0%. There is no balance outstanding on this line of credit at September 30, 2009.

 

Our known obligations at fiscal year end are set forth in the table below:

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Less than 1
year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than 5
years

 

Capital lease(1)

 

$

 32,000,000

 

$

  —

 

$

 —

 

$

     —

 

$

32,000,000

 

Construction contract

 

454,693

 

454,693

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 32,454,693

 

$

 454,693

 

$

     —

 

$

     —

 

$

 32,000,000

 

 


(1)              Includes a $32,000,000 lease obligation related to our sale and leaseback transaction with Gove County.   We sold our property and facilities to Gove County in exchange for industrial revenue bonds.  The amount of our lease obligation is offset by the amount of interest we receive on the bonds.  It is anticipated that the lease obligation will be paid in full by surrender of the bonds on or before maturity.

 

Our existing repayment obligations under the credit agreement with AgCountry are secured by all of our tangible and intangible real and personal property.  In addition, the bonds acquired from Gove County have been pledged to AgCountry to secure our borrowing.  As part of the credit agreement, we agreed to certain affirmative, negative and financial covenants which potentially affect our operations, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

·                  We must provide AgCountry with audited annual and unaudited quarterly financial statements, annual budgetary and business plan information, and a notice of the occurrence of an event of default and other material events;

 

·                  We must permit AgCountry representatives to visit and inspect our properties, conduct audits of the collateral, examine our books and records and review documents related to construction of our plant;

 

·                  With certain exceptions, we may not incur additional indebtedness, allow our real or personal properties to be used as collateral for any other obligations or make any other investments of any kind;

 

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·                  We can distribute up to 75% of our net income to our members.  If we maintain a leverage ratio of 0.60:1.00 and working capital greater than $5 million (each as reported in audited year-end financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), we can distribute 100% of our net income to our members.

 

·                  We must maintain certain financial ratios, beginning at various times, including a fixed charge coverage ratio and current ratio and we must meet a minimum net worth requirement of $25,000,000.  We also may not, after completion of construction of the plant, make any capital expenditures in excess of $2,500,000 during any fiscal year without AgCountry’s prior written approval.

 

At September 30, 2009, we believe we satisfied all of the covenants under the loan agreement.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At September 30, 2009, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Use of Estimates.  Preparation of our financial statements necessarily requires estimates and judgments to be made that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. Our management continually evaluates these estimates based on assumptions it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

The difficulty in applying these policies arises from the assumptions, estimates and judgments that must be made currently about matters that are inherently uncertain, such as future economic conditions, operating results and valuations, as well as management intentions. As the uncertainty increases, the level of precision decreases, meaning that actual results can, and probably will be, different from those currently estimated.

 

Of the significant accounting policies described in the notes to the financial statements, we believe that the following may involve a higher degree of estimates, judgments and complexity:

 

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when loaded out of our facility. Interest income is recognized as earned.  Income from government grant programs is recognized as costs are incurred.  Government subsidies are recognized based on fulfillment of program criteria, completion of application and determination of available funding.

 

Derivatives and Financial Instruments.  We account for derivatives in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-10, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  ASC 815-10 requires the recognition of derivatives in the balance sheet and the measurement of these instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as a component of Cost of Sales unless the normal purchase or sale exception applies or hedge accounting is elected.

 

We enter into derivative instruments including future contracts and swap agreements and purchased options to fix prices for a portion of future raw material requirements. We have designated, documented and assessed for hedge relationships, which mostly resulted in cash flow hedges that require us to record the derivative assets and liabilities at their fair value on the balance sheet with an offset in other comprehensive income. Amounts are removed from other comprehensive income as the underlying transactions occur and realized gains or losses are recorded.   We have included in its cost of sales an

 

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aggregate of $1,874,225 of losses on completed contracts related to its hedging activities for corn and natural gas and have recorded an aggregate of $1,058,867 of unrealized gains for the year ended September 30, 2009, as a charge to comprehensive income as compared to $1,989,689 losses on contracts and $658,043 of unrealized losses for the year ended September 30, 2008.  At September 30, 2009, the commodities trading account-futures and options contracts amounted to $94,771, as compared to $2,332,214 at September 30, 2008, representing the lower of the cost or fair market value of the futures and options contracts recorded on the balance sheet.

 

Commitments and Contingencies.  Contingencies, by their nature, relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred, as well as in estimating the amount of the potential expense. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we accrue an expense when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

 

Long-Lived Assets.  Depreciation and amortization of our property, plant and equipment is applied on the straight-line method by charges to operations at rates based upon the expected useful lives of individual or groups of assets placed in service. Economic circumstances or other factors may cause management’s estimates of expected useful lives to differ from the actual useful lives. Differences between estimated lives and actual lives may be significant, but management does not expect events that occur during the normal operation of our plant related to estimated useful lives to have a significant effect on results of operations.

 

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investments, are evaluated for impairment on the basis of undiscounted cash flows whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair market value based on the best information available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows and may differ from actual cash flows. Management does not expect an impairment of assets will exist based on their assessment of the risks and rewards related to the ownership of these assets and the expected cash flows generated from the operation of the plant.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

We evaluate the pronouncements of various authoritative accounting organizations, primarily the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC, and the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”), to determine the impact of new pronouncements on US GAAP and the impact on our company.  We have adopted the following new accounting standards during 2009:

 

The FASB Accounting Standard Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — FASB ASC TOPIC 105 — In June 2009, the FASB issued Topic 105, which became the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of this topic, the codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-SEC accounting literature not included in the codification will become non-authoritative. This topic identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparing the financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP and arranged these sources of GAAP in a hierarchy for users to apply accordingly. This topic is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on our disclosure of the financial statements.

 

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Business Combinations — FASB ASC TOPIC 805 — The objective of this topic is to enhance the information that an entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. The topic mandates: (i) how the acquirer recognizes and measures the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree; (ii) what information to disclose in its financial reports and; (iii) recognition and measurement criteria for goodwill acquired. This topic is effective for any acquisitions made on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

Noncontrolling Interests — FASB ASC TOPIC 810 — The objective of this topic is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards that require: (i) the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently; (iv) when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. The gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary is measured using the fair value of any noncontrolling equity investment rather than the carrying amount of that retained investment and; (v) entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. This topic is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

Derivatives and Hedging — FASB ASC TOPIC 815 — The use and complexity of derivative instruments and hedging activities have increased significantly over the past several years. This topic requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. This topic is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

Financial Services—Insurance — FASB ASC TOPIC 944 — Diversity exists in practice in accounting for financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises. That diversity results in inconsistencies in the recognition and measurement of claim liabilities because of differing views about when a loss has been incurred. This topic requires that an insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default (insured event) when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. This topic is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and all interim periods within those fiscal years, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

Subsequent Events — FASB ASC TOPIC 855 — In May 2009, the FASB issued Topic 855, which establish general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this topic sets forth : (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about

 

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events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This topic should be applied to the accounting and disclosure of subsequent events. This topic does not apply to subsequent events or transactions that are within the scope of other applicable accounting standards that provide different guidance on the accounting treatment for subsequent events or transactions. This topic was effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Imparimentss — FASB ASC TOPIC 320 — In April 2009, the FASB issued Topic 320, which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities, to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This topic does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The topic is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009, is not permitted.  This topic does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this topic requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

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Income Taxes, an Accounting Standard Update — FASB ASC TOPIC 740 — In September 2009, the FASB issued this update to address the need for additional implementation guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.  For entities that are currently applying the standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, the guidance and disclosure amendments are effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements,” as that term is used in federal securities laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business.  These statements include, among others:

 

·                  statements concerning the benefits that we expect will result from our business activities and certain transactions that we have completed, such as increased revenues, decreased expenses and avoided expenses and expenditures; and

 

·                  statements of our expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that are not historical facts.

 

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These statements may be made expressly in this document or may be incorporated by reference to other documents that we will file with the SEC.  You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions used in this report or incorporated by reference in this report.

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by us in those statements.  Because the statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied.  We caution you not to put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  Further, the information contained in this document or incorporated herein by reference is a statement of our present intention, is based on present facts and assumptions and may change at any time and without notice based on changes in such facts or assumptions.

 

A few of the uncertainties that could affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements, besides the specific “Risk Factors” identified above, include:

 

·                  The state of the United States economy and how it affects the desire for automobile travel;

·                  The relative price of gasoline and other competing fuels;

·                  Changes in government regulations for air and water quality or subsidies for production of ethanol and other fossil fuel alternatives;

·                  Technological advances in the process for producing ethanol; and

·                  Drought and other environmental conditions.

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with interest rates and commodity prices as discussed below.  We have no exposure to foreign currency risk as all of our business is conducted in U.S. Dollars. We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We use cash, futures and option contracts to hedge changes to the commodity prices of corn and natural gas. We do not enter into these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor do we designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes pursuant to the requirements of ASC TOPIC 815, Derivatives and Hedging.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results from holding a revolving promissory note which bears a variable interest rate.  At September 30, 2009 there was no outstanding balance on this note.  We are subject to interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% on the outstanding balance.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We are also exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Exposure to commodity price risk results from our dependence on grain and natural gas in the ethanol production process.  We seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of grain and natural gas through the use of hedging instruments.  In practice, as markets move, we actively manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as we believe appropriate.  Although we believe our hedge positions accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases, they are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes, which would match the gain or loss on our hedge positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged.  We are marking to market our hedge positions, which means as the current market price of our hedge positions

 

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changes, the gains and losses are immediately recognized in our cost of goods sold.  For example, it is likely and we would generally expect that a 10% increase in the cash price of grain and natural gas would produce an increase in the fair value of our derivative instruments equal to approximately $9,477 based on our positions at September 30, 2009.

 

The immediate recognition of hedging gains and losses can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the derivative instruments relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.  As of September 30, 2009, the fair value of our derivative instruments for grain is an asset in the amount of $94,771.  We recorded a gain in the amount of $1,058,866 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.  There are several variables that could affect the extent to which our derivative instruments are impacted by price fluctuations in the cost of grain or natural gas.  However, it is likely that commodity cash prices will have the greatest impact on the derivatives instruments with delivery dates nearest the current cash price.

 

To manage our grain price risk, our hedging strategy is designed to establish a price ceiling and floor for our purchases.  We have taken a net long position on our exchange traded futures and options contracts, which allows us to offset increases or decreases in the market price of grain.  The upper limit of loss on our futures contracts is the difference between the contract price and the cash market price of corn and milo at the time of the execution of the contract. The upper limit of loss on our exchange traded and over-the-counter option contracts is limited to the amount of the premium we paid for the option.

 

We estimate that our expected grain usage is approximately 18 million bushels per year for the production of 49 million gallons of ethanol.  We have no price protection in place for our expected grain usage for fiscal year ending September 30, 2010.  If we determine that obtaining price protection would be beneficial as we go further into 2010, we would likely do so using CBOT futures and options and over the counter option contracts.  As grain prices move in reaction to market trends and information, our income statement may be affected depending on the impact such market movements have on the value of our derivative instruments.  Depending on market movements, crop prospects and weather, price protection positions may cause immediate adverse effects, but are expected to produce long-term positive growth for us.

 

To manage our natural gas price risk, we entered into a natural gas purchase agreement with our natural gas supplier.  This purchase agreement fixes the price at which we purchase natural gas.  We estimate that we have forward contracts in place for approximately 13% of our total natural gas needs for fiscal 2010. We expect to acquire additional fiscal 2010 contracts for gas during August 2010 which is historically the month when the lowest annual prices occur.

 

At the time we purchased price protection for natural gas, the market was experiencing a great deal of price uncertainty.  Due to this uncertainty, we purchased amounts of gas for most of the plant’s needs and implemented derivative instruments on a portion of our requirements to allow us to benefit in the event natural gas prices declined.  Energy sector prices have increased and natural gas, as a portion of the total energy market, has responded with higher prices to be cost competitive with its alternatives. In the future, we may not be able to secure natural gas for prices less than current market price and we may not recover high costs of production resulting from high natural gas prices, which may raise our costs of production.

 

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our exposure to grain and natural gas price risk. The table presents the fair value of our derivative instruments as of September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 and the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in such prices. The fair value of the positions is a summation of the fair values calculated by valuing each net position at quoted market prices as of the applicable date. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows:

 

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Period Ended

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of
Hypothetical Adverse
Change - Market Risk

 

September 30, 2009

 

$

94,771

 

$

9,477

 

September 30, 2008

 

2,332,214

 

233,221

 

 

We are also exposed to market risk from changes in ethanol prices. These price fluctuations are minimized in part by advanced contract pricing of our ethanol, which is designed to establish a price floor for our ethanol sales. Currently, we have entered into priced contracts for the 95% of our anticipated ethanol production through the first three months of fiscal 2010.  We have not contracted for any of our anticipated production through the second and third quarter of fiscal 2010, respectively.  We will continue to advance contract for ethanol sales in fiscal 2010 to attempt to further reduce our risk related to price decreases. While this strategy minimizes the risk associated with downward price fluctuations of ethanol, it may also prevent us from realizing the full benefit of upward price movements. Although using priced contracts makes our revenue more predictable, we cannot predict the extent to which other factors such as inflation, government regulation or changing prices may affect our financial performance.

 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

Our financial statements and supplementary data are included on pages F-1 to F-· of this report.

 

Item 9.           Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

There has been no change in our independent accountants since 2003.  Stark Winter Schenkein & Co., LLP has been our independent registered accounting firm since that time.

 

Item 9A(T).  Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)                                  Our management supervised and participated in an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by the company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

This report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report, which is included in Item 8 above, was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

(b)                                 There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B.  Other Information.

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the information contained in Part III of this report (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2010.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

See Exhibit Index following financial statements in this report for a listing of exhibits filed with, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 in Oakley, Kansas on December 28, 2009.

 

 

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Steven R. McNinch

 

 

 

Steven R. McNinch, Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Steven R. McNinch

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

December 28, 2009

Steven R. McNinch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Curt V. Sheldon

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

December 28, 2009

Curt V. Sheldon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Scott Foote

 

Chief Financial Officer, Manager

 

December 28, 2009

Scott Foote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jeff Torluemke

 

President, Manager

 

December 28, 2009

Jeff Torluemke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Brian Baalman

 

Manager

 

December 28, 2009

Brian Baalman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Ben Dickman

 

Manager

 

December 28, 2009

Ben Dickman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David Mann

 

Manager

 

December 28, 2009

David Mann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard Sterrett

 

Manager

 

December 28, 2009

Richard Sterrett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gary Johnson

 

Manager

 

December 28, 2009

Gary Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

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WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY L.L.C.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.

 

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 defines internal control over financial reporting in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

·                  Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of assets;

 

·                  Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and

 

·                  Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention and timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

 

Internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems that are determined to be effective provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

Based on its assessment, management concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Members and Board of Managers

Western Plains Energy, L.L.C.

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Western Plains Energy, L.L.C. as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related statements of income, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007. 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 audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide 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 Western Plains Energy, L.L.C. as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

/s/ Stark Winter Schenkein & Co., LLP

 

 

 

Denver, Colorado

 

December 12, 2009

 

 

F-2



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

8,352,894

 

$

2,501,358

 

Accounts receivable

 

4,852,593

 

6,143,322

 

Accounts receivable - government subsidies

 

700,000

 

371,919

 

Inventory

 

2,899,434

 

4,197,096

 

Prepaid expense

 

436,674

 

207,971

 

Commodities trading account- futures and options contracts

 

94,771

 

2,332,214

 

Total current assets

 

17,336,366

 

15,753,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

701,872

 

701,872

 

Land improvements

 

1,220,677

 

1,148,567

 

Manufacturing equipment

 

39,029,728

 

38,811,073

 

Buildings

 

3,011,442

 

2,960,664

 

Vehicles

 

550,480

 

490,599

 

Grain handling and other equipment

 

3,742,557

 

3,742,557

 

Office equipment, furniture and fixtures

 

184,188

 

178,640

 

Construction-in-progress

 

679,828

 

 

Spare parts

 

727,145

 

712,425

 

 

 

49,847,917

 

48,746,397

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(34,414,342

)

(28,037,845

)

 

 

15,433,575

 

20,708,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in industrial development revenue bonds

 

32,000,000

 

32,000,000

 

Water rights

 

340,408

 

340,408

 

Loan origination fees, net

 

162,947

 

196,655

 

Financing fees, net

 

160,521

 

167,253

 

Deposits

 

97,834

 

97,834

 

 

 

32,761,710

 

32,802,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

65,531,651

 

$

69,264,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

3,607,417

 

$

6,116,316

 

Accrued interest

 

5,056

 

4,765

 

Notes payable

 

 

8,119

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,612,473

 

6,129,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEASE OBLIGATION

 

32,000,000

 

32,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Class A Capital Units, 16,002 issued

 

10,910,140

 

10,910,140

 

Class B Capital Units, 12,068 issued

 

7,940,895

 

7,940,895

 

Class C Capital Units, 350 issued

 

250,000

 

250,000

 

Membership distributions

 

(75,584,300

)

(70,610,800

)

Accumulated comprehensive (loss)

 

(1,931,146

)

(2,990,013

)

Retained earnings

 

88,333,590

 

85,635,160

 

Total members’ equity

 

29,919,179

 

31,135,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY

 

$

65,531,651

 

$

69,264,582

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-3



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

STATEMENTS OF  INCOME

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUE

 

$

92,268,505

 

$

119,228,676

 

$

108,761,200

 

COST OF SALES

 

81,722,233

 

107,404,082

 

84,457,974

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

10,546,272

 

11,824,594

 

24,303,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2,315,556

 

2,443,180

 

2,835,635

 

Depreciation expense

 

6,386,602

 

6,324,986

 

5,858,935

 

Amortization expense

 

40,440

 

40,440

 

40,440

 

Total expenses

 

8,742,598

 

8,808,606

 

8,735,010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

1,803,674

 

3,015,988

 

15,568,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(20,158

)

(115,879

)

(110,092

)

Interest income

 

73,148

 

25,954

 

57,480

 

Interest from industrial development revenue bonds

 

1,120,000

 

1,120,000

 

1,120,000

 

Plant lease expense

 

(1,120,000

)

(1,120,000

)

(1,120,000

)

Grant and subsidy income

 

831,601

 

731,174

 

1,125,000

 

Other income

 

10,165

 

13,170

 

15,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other income

 

894,756

 

654,419

 

1,088,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

2,698,430

 

3,670,407

 

16,656,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on grain contracts

 

1,058,867

 

(658,043

)

(2,236,677

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

3,757,297

 

$

3,012,365

 

$

14,419,599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER UNIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED

 

$

94.95

 

$

129.15

 

$

583.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT

 

$

175.00

 

$

171.43

 

$

1,000.00

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED

 

28,420

 

28,420

 

28,560

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-4



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,  2007, 2008 and 2009

 

 

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Membership

 

Retained

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Units

 

Amount

 

Units

 

Amount

 

Units

 

Amount

 

Distributions

 

Earnings

 

Comprehensive (loss)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance September 30, 2006

 

16,002

 

$

10,910,140

 

12,208

 

$

8,640,895

 

350

 

$

250,000

 

$

(37,168,800

)

$

65,308,477

 

$

(95,293

)

$

47,845,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,560,000

)

 

 

(28,560,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in grain hedge contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,236,677

)

(2,236,677

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,656,276

 

 

16,656,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance September 30, 2007

 

16,002

 

10,910,140

 

12,208

 

8,640,895

 

350

 

250,000

 

(65,728,800

)

81,964,753

 

(2,331,970

)

33,705,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,882,000

)

 

 

(4,882,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption of 140 units class B

 

 

 

(140

)

(700,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

(700,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in grain hedge contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(658,043

)

(658,043

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,670,407

 

 

3,670,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance September 30, 2008

 

16,002

 

10,910,140

 

12,068

 

7,940,895

 

350

 

250,000

 

(70,610,800

)

85,635,160

 

(2,990,013

)

31,135,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,973,500

)

 

 

(4,973,500

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in grain hedge contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,058,867

 

1,058,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,698,430

 

 

2,698,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance September 30, 2009

 

16,002

 

$

10,910,140

 

12,068

 

$

7,940,895

 

350

 

$

250,000

 

$

(75,584,300

)

$

88,333,590

 

$

(1,931,146

)

$

29,919,179

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-5



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,698,430

 

$

3,670,407

 

$

16,656,276

 

Depreciation

 

6,386,602

 

6,324,986

 

5,858,935

 

Amortization

 

40,440

 

40,440

 

40,440

 

Gain (loss) on disposal of equipment

 

 

 

(5,473

)

Change in unrealized losses on grain hedging contracts

 

1,058,867

 

(658,043

)

(2,236,677

)

Changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,290,729

 

(2,924,244

)

2,405,541

 

Accounts receivable - Government Subsidies

 

(328,081

)

(125,030

)

(24,825

)

Inventory

 

1,297,662

 

806,041

 

(3,546,673

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(228,703

)

(4,756

)

(155,211

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(2,519,004

)

2,986,883

 

750,717

 

Accrued interest

 

291

 

(3,817

)

6,219

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

9,697,233

 

10,112,868

 

19,749,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

(1,101,521

)

(1,575,358

)

(4,433,862

)

Investment in commodity trading accounts

 

(17,278,556

)

(27,830,037

)

(21,319,616

)

Withdrawals from commodity trading accounts

 

19,515,999

 

27,686,101

 

19,333,404

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

1,135,922

 

(1,719,294

)

(6,420,074

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

(4,973,500

)

(4,882,000

)

(28,560,000

)

Proceeds from notes payable

 

 

20,000,000

 

20,850,000

 

Payment of notes payable

 

(8,119

)

(20,935,727

)

(19,983,923

)

Acquisition of membership units

 

 

(700,000

)

 

NET CASH (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(4,981,619

)

(6,517,727

)

(27,693,923

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH

 

5,851,536

 

1,875,847

 

(14,364,727

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH - BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

2,501,358

 

625,511

 

14,990,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH - END OF PERIOD

 

$

8,352,894

 

$

2,501,358

 

$

625,511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

19,868

 

$

119,696

 

$

103,872

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-6



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Principal Business Activity

 

Western Plains Energy, L.L.C. (a Kansas limited liability company with its principal place of business in Gove County, Kansas) owns and operates a 40 million gallon nameplate capacity ethanol plant. Western Plains Energy, L.L.C. (the “Company”) was organized on July 10, 2001.  The Company began its principal operations in January 2004.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when the product is loaded on the common carrier FOB “shipping point,” when title passes to customer. The distillers grain products are subject to a Purchase and Sales Agreement, and revenue is recognized upon delivery, FOB “Shipping point.” Interest income is recognized as earned.  Income from government grant programs is recognized as costs are incurred.  Government subsidies are recognized based on fulfillment of program criteria, completion of application and determination of available funding.

 

Derivatives and Financial Instruments

 

The Company accounts for derivatives in accordance with ASC 815-10, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. ASC 815-10 requires the recognition of derivatives in the balance sheet and the measurement of these instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as a component of Cost of Sales unless the normal purchase or sale exception applies or hedge accounting is elected.

 

The Company enters into derivative instruments including future contracts, swap agreements and options to fix prices for a portion of future raw material requirements. The Company has designated, documented and assessed for hedge relationships, which mostly resulted in cash flow hedges that require the Company to record the derivative assets and liabilities at their fair value on the balance sheet with an offset in other comprehensive income. Amounts are removed from other comprehensive income as the underlying transactions occur and realized gains or losses are recorded.   The Company has included in its cost of sales an aggregate of $3,833,914 of losses on completed contracts related to its hedging activities and has recorded an aggregate of $1,058,867 of unrealized gains as a credit to comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2009.  This compares to losses on contracts of $1,989,689 and $1,311,604, and unrealized losses of $658,043 and $2,236,677 for the years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  At September 30, 2009, the commodities trading account-futures and options contracts amounted to

 

F-7



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

$94,771, compared to $2,332,214 at September 30, 2008, which represents the lower of the cost or fair market value of the futures and options contracts recorded on the balance sheet.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of assets is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Building and manufacturing equipment

 

5 - 31.5 years

 

Land improvements

 

15 years

 

Vehicles

 

7 years

 

Office equipment, and furniture and fixtures

 

7 years

 

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $6,386,602 and $6,324,986, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2007, depreciation expense amounted to $5,858,935.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews the value of its non-current assets for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded if the sum of the estimated future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of the loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair market value of the asset to the carrying amount of the asset. Such assessments did not result in any adjustment to the value of non-current assets.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

F-8



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company’s cash balances are maintained in bank depositories and periodically exceed federally insured limits.  At September 30, 2009, the Company’s balances exceeded insured limits by $6,306,447.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management as of September 30, 2009. The respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximated their fair values. These financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for these financial instruments because they are short term in nature and their carrying amounts approximate fair values.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is organized as a limited liability company under state law. As a limited liability company that has elected to be taxed as a partnership, the Company’s earnings pass through to the members and are taxed at the member level. Accordingly, no income tax provision has been included in these financial statements.

 

Earnings Per Capital Unit

 

For purposes of calculating basic earnings per capital unit, capital units subscribed for and issued by the Company are considered outstanding on the effective date of issuance.  The Company has no potentially dilutive securities outstanding.

 

Segment Information

 

The Company follows ASC 220-10, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”. Certain information is disclosed, per ASC 220-10, based on the way management organizes financial information for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company currently operates in a single segment and will evaluate additional segment disclosure requirements if it expands its operations.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company reports comprehensive income in accordance with ASC 280-10, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” which requires the reporting of all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investment by owners and distribution to owners, in a financial statement for the period in which they are recognized.  This encompasses unrealized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities held. The Company recorded comprehensive income of $1,058,867 and comprehensive losses of $658,043 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively, and a $2,236,677 comprehensive loss for the year ended

 

F-9



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

September 30, 2007, which recognized a decrease in the fair value of unfulfilled future purchase contracts for raw materials at those dates.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company’s accounts receivable are due from distributors in the ethanol and livestock feed industries. Credit is extended based on evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2009 or 2008.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory reserves are established for obsolescence based on expiration dating of perishable products and excess levels of inventory on hand. Inventories at September 30, 2009 and 2008 consist of the following:

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Raw materials

 

$

1,543,721

 

$

2,115,341

 

Work-in-process

 

1,007,129

 

1,502,208

 

Finished goods

 

348,584

 

579,547

 

Total

 

$

2,899,434

 

$

4,197,096

 

 

Shipping and Handling

 

The cost of shipping products to customers is included in cost of goods sold.  Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling is classified as revenue.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 805 — “Business Combinations.” The objective of this topic is to enhance the information that an entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. The topic mandates: (i) how the acquirer recognizes and measures the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree; (ii) what information to disclose in its financial reports and; (iii) recognition and measurement criteria for goodwill acquired. This topic is effective for any acquisitions made on or after December 15, 2008. The

 

F-10



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 810 — “Noncontrolling Interests.” The objective of this topic is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards that require: (i) the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently; (iv) when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. The gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary is measured using the fair value of any noncontrolling equity investment rather than the carrying amount of that retained investment and; (v) entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. This topic is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 815 — “Derivatives and Hedging.” The use and complexity of derivative instruments and hedging activities have increased significantly over the past several years. This topic requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. This topic is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 944 — “Financial Services — Insurance.” Diversity exists in practice in accounting for financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises. That diversity results in inconsistencies in the recognition and measurement of claim liabilities because of differing views about when a loss has been incurred. This topic requires that an insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default (insured event) when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. This topic is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and all interim periods within those fiscal years, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 855 - “Subsequent Events.” In May 2009, the FASB issued topic 855, which establish general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the

 

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Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this topic sets forth : (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This topic should be applied to the accounting and disclosure of subsequent events. This topic does not apply to subsequent events or transactions that are within the scope of other applicable accounting standards that provide different guidance on the accounting treatment for subsequent events or transactions. This topic was effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, which was September 30, 2009 for the Company. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 105 - “The FASB Accounting Standard Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” In June 2009, the FASB issued Topic 105, which became the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of this topic, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. This topic identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparing the financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP and arranged these sources of GAAP in a hierarchy for users to apply accordingly. This topic is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s disclosure of the financial statements.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 320 - “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” In April 2009, the FASB issued Topic 320, which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities, to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This topic does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The topic is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009, is not permitted. This topic does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this topic requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

F-12



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 860 - “Accounting for the Transfer of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities.” In June 2009, the FASB issued additional guidance under Topic 860 which improves the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This additional guidance requires that a transferor recognize and initially measure at fair value all assets obtained (including a transferor’s beneficial interest) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of financial assets accounted for as a sale. Enhanced disclosures are required to provide financial statement users with greater transparency about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. This additional guidance must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. This additional guidance must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 810 - “Consolidation of Variable Interest and Special Purpose Entities.” In June 2009, the FASB issued Topic 810, which requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics: (i) The power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) The obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Additionally, an enterprise is required to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a variable interest entity operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This topic requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, which was based on determining which enterprise absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. This topic is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of this topic is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 820 - “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures”, an Accounting Standard Update. In September 2009, the FASB issued this update to amendments to Subtopic 82010, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures—Overall” for the fair value measurement of investments in certain entities that calculates net asset value per share (or its equivalent).  The

 

F-13



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

amendments in this update permit, as a practical expedient, a reporting entity to measure the fair value of an investment that is within the scope of the amendments in this update on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment (or its equivalent) if the net asset value of the investment (or its equivalent) is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of Topic 946 as of the reporting entity’s measurement date, including measurement of all or substantially all of the underlying investments of the investee in accordance with Topic 820. The amendments in this update also require disclosures by major category of investment about the attributes of investments within the scope of these amendments, such as the nature of any restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments at the measurement date, any unfunded commitment, and the investment strategies of the investees. The major category of investment is required to be determined on the basis of the nature and risks of the investment in a manner consistent with the guidance for major security types in GAAP on investments in debt and equity securities in paragraph 320-10-50-lB. The disclosures are required for all investments within the scope of the amendments in this update regardless of whether the fair value of the investment is measured using the practical expedient. The amendments in this update apply to all reporting entities that hold an investment that is required or permitted to be measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring or non recurring basis and, as of the reporting entity’s measurement date, if the investment meets certain criteria The amendments in this update are effective for the interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. Early application is permitted in financial statements for earlier interim and annual periods that have not been issued. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

FASB ASC TOPIC 740 - “Income Taxes”, an Accounting Standard Update. In September 2009, the FASB issued this update to address the need for additional implementation guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. For entities that are currently applying the standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, the guidance and disclosure amendments are effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

NOTE 3 — MEMBERS’ EQUITY

 

On February 29, 2008, the Board of Managers announced that effective March 10, 2008 our units of membership interest would be split on a seven to one (7:1) basis.  Unless otherwise noted, all units and per unit disclosures reflect the effect of the 7:1 split.  Subsequent to the split, the Company purchased 140 Class B units from a member.  The resulting outstanding units at September 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

Class A units

 

16,002

 

Class B units

 

12,068

 

Class C units

 

350

 

Total units

 

28,420

 

 

F-14



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

Historically, the Company has four classes of membership capital units: Class A, B, C and D. Capital units of each class were issued in denominations of $5,000 (pre-split).

 

Class A and Class B capital units were offered for sale in the public offering.  A total of 27,769 Class A and B capital units were offered at a price of $714.29 per unit (adjusted to reflect the split) pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with a minimum of $15,735,000 and a maximum of $19,835,000 proceeds from such offering of units.

 

The Company’s Class A capital units were offered only to producers of agricultural products, with a minimum purchase of two (2) Class A Capital Units per investor.  The Company also offered to sell Class B capital units with a minimum purchase of seven (7) Class B capital units per investor.

 

The Offering was completed in 2003 with 14,840 Class A and 12,208 Class B units sold for gross proceeds of $19,330,000.

 

For Class C capital units subscribed in a private placement prior to the public offering, 10% of the offering price was due upon subscription with the remaining amount executed as a promissory note due at the call of the Board of Managers.  In 2003, the Company closed the sale of 350 Class C Units, totaling $250,000, to a single purchaser.

 

Class D capital units were issued and converted prior to the 7:1 split.  The units were offered for sale prior to the public offering at a price of $5,000 per unit to the members of the Board of Managers and certain others.  Total equity raised from the sale of Class D units was $415,000 during the year ended December 31, 2001.  Upon completion of the public offering, which occurred in March 2003, 581 Class D units automatically converted into 1,162 Class A capital units.  The Company must approve all transfers or other dispositions of capital units.

 

Voting rights are one vote per member for Class A capital units, and one vote per unit for Class B and Class C capital units.  Members elect the Board of Managers, and members must approve any merger or consolidation with another business entity, sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or voluntary dissolution.  The Board of Managers decides all other matters regarding operation and management of the Company, including amendment of the Operating Agreement.

 

Income and losses are allocated to members based on their respective percentage of membership interest. Distributions to members must be no less than 20% of net cash from operations, as defined in the Operating Agreement, if net cash from operations exceeds $500,000 on an annual basis, provided that any such distribution does not constitute or cause a default under any of the Company’s loan documents or credit facilities.

 

F-15



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

Upon dissolution of the Company, and after the payment of all debts and liabilities of the Company, the assets shall be distributed to the unit holders ratably in proportion to the credit balances in their respective capital accounts for all classes of units.

 

The Company made distributions to its members of $4,973,500 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, distributions paid totaled  $4,882,000 and $28,560,000 respectively.

 

NOTE 4 - FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

 

Construction and permanent financing

 

During July 2003, the Company entered into a credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with Ag Country Farm Credit Services, FLCA (“AgCountry”) that established a $22,000,000 (or 55% of construction costs, whichever is less) multiple-advance, non-revolving construction loan for construction of the ethanol plant. The construction note expired August 1, 2004, with the amount outstanding converted into a permanent term loan to be amortized over a 10 year period. This loan was paid in full June 30, 2006. $5,000,000 of this note was converted to a revolving credit facility to reduce interest costs and to aid cash management. During the construction period, interest-only payments equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 4% were due monthly.

 

During August 2004, the Company converted the construction loan into a term loan, which was repaid in quarterly principal payments of $425,000 plus accrued interest based on the 30 day LIBOR indexed rate of LIBOR plus 4.00%, and a $5,000,000 credit line (the “Revolving Loan”). The Revolving Loan was paid in full during September 2004. In addition, the Company entered into an agreement with Ag Country in October 2004 that established a $3,500,000 expansion loan to fund a portion of a plant expansion to increase ethanol production to 40,000,000 gallons per year nameplate capacity. This note was paid in full prior to September 30, 2005.

 

The term loan was subject to certain restrictive covenants, and required payment of origination, participation and other fees totaling $337,107 and an annual administrative fee of $25,000. The $362,107 of financing costs are being amortized over the life of the loan (10 years), commencing with the loan’s conversion into a permanent loan in August 2004. Of that amount, $40,440 was amortized and expensed in each of the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The annual administrative fee is amortized over 12 months.

 

The Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement was executed on March 7, 2006, which increased allowable dividends to up to 75% of net income with distributions up to 100% of net income, so long as the Company maintains working capital that exceeds $5,000,000 and a

 

F-16



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

defined leverage ratio of 0.60:1. The Amendment also waived certain compliance requirements for dividends paid in prior periods.

 

The Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement was entered into on October 2, 2006, which reduced the variable interest rate applicable to the Revolving Loan to LIBOR plus 2.50%. In addition, the annual administration fee was suspended and the quarterly “unused commitment fee” was reduced from 0.5% to 0.25% of the unused Revolving Loan balance during the quarter. The Capital Expenditure section was deleted and replaced with a requirement for pre-approval of capital expenditures in excess of $2,500,000 for any fiscal year. Written approval is required for capital expenditures which exceed this limit.

 

The Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement was entered into on May 2, 2007, which increased the Revolving Loan limit to $8,000,000 and reduced the variable interest rate from LIBOR plus 2.50% to LIBOR plus 2.00%.

 

There was no outstanding balance on the Revolving Loan at September 30, 2009.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2004, the Company entered into two irrevocable standby letters of credit (the “Letters of Credit”) for $120,000 and $500,000, respectively.  The Letters of Credit are for the benefit of the Company’s utility provider.  The Letters of Credit expire on December 31, 2011.

 

The Company purchased a new vehicle on June 30, 2006. The purchase was financed partially by the value of a vehicle traded-in ($11,133), and the balance of $34,825 was financed by an offer from GMAC financing for a term of 36 months with no interest. The monthly payment was $902 and the final payment was made June 1, 2009.

 

In December 2005, the Company purchased 80 acres of land for $96,000. The terms of the agreement required the Company to pay $24,000 prior to December 31, 2005, and an additional $24,000 prior to January 31, 2006. All payments were made in a timely manner. The balance of $24,000 was paid in January 2008 plus accrued interest at the rate of 6.0% per annum.

 

NOTE 5 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND AGREEMENTS

 

The Company has entered into various agreements regarding its formation, operation and management. Significant agreements are as follows:

 

Employee 401(k) Plan

 

The Company established a 401(k) retirement plan on November 1, 2004 for its employees. The Company matches employee contributions to the plan up to 5% of each eligible employee’s gross compensation. The amount contributed by the Company is vested 25% per year on behalf

 

F-17



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

of the employee. The Company contributed $75,526, $64,924, and $99,033 for fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Energy Management Services

 

The Company has entered into an agreement with U.S. Energy Service, Inc. for energy management and engineering services.  The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2003, and is renewable for one-year terms unless terminated by either party with 30 days advance notice.  The agreement provides for fees of $2,800 per month.   The agreement was renewed through August 31, 2009, and again through August 31, 2010.

 

Sales Service Agreement

 

The Company has entered into an agreement with United Bio Energy, LLC (“UBE”) (see Notes 7 and 10) for the sale of the bulk feed grade products (distillers grains) produced from the plant.  The agreement expired September 30, 2009, and was automatically renewed for a one-year term pursuant to the terms of the agreement.  Under the terms of the agreement, UBE purchases all products at a price equal to 98% or 97.5% of the selling price depending on whether it is wet or dry grains, less applicable freight.  If the product is sold to members of the Company, UBE will pay an additional 0.5% to the members, less applicable freight.  UBE is responsible for billing and account servicing of the product sales and for losses related to non-payment unless such non-payment relates to substandard products.

 

Marketing Agreement

 

The Company entered into an agreement on October 31, 2001 with Ethanol Products, LLC (see Notes 7 and 10) for the marketing of the Company’s ethanol and certain administrative services.  The agreement as amended on October 18, 2002, has a term of five years and commenced upon start of ethanol production, with a fee of $0.01 per gallon of ethanol produced.  On November 24, 2008, the Company entered into a new five (5) year marketing agreement with Ethanol Products, LLC d/b/a/ POET Ethanol Products. The commencement date of the new agreement will be February 1, 2009 for a five (5) year term, and will automatically renew for an additional five (5) year period unless terminated by either party ninety (90) days prior to the end of the term. The Marketing and Service Fee rendered by the marketer shall be one percent (1%) of the net-back sales price per gallon of our ethanol sold.

 

Grain Handling Addition

 

The Company contracted with Habco, Inc. to have a fifth grain receiving pit and related equipment installed at the grain elevator facility which was completed and in operation in October 2009. The total cost of the project, including change orders, was $1,101,512. All invoices were paid prior to filing this document.

 

F-18



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company has reimbursed members of the Board of Managers for certain expenses incurred by the Company and paid by the members of the Board of Managers including attending Board meetings. Expense reimbursements for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007, totaled $48,831, $53,796 and $43,035, respectively.

 

NOTE 7 — INCENTIVE PAYMENTS
 

During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 the Company received no federal incentive payments for its ethanol production. This program was terminated by the U.S.D.A. on June 30, 2006. The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development instituted the “Advanced Biofuel Payment Program” during fiscal year 2009, which allocated up to $25,000,000 to be paid to producers who qualify for advanced biofuel feedstocks used to produce renewable energy. The Company has applied for this program and has been accepted as a qualified participant pursuant to the use of milo as a feedstock.  The Company’s prorated share of funds for fiscal 2009 accrued was $700,000. Additionally, the Company also qualifies for production incentive payments under a State of Kansas program.  The Kansas program is limited to an amount of $1,125,000 per year for each producer in excess of five million gallons per year at the rate of $0.075 per gallon. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded revenue of $131,601 and received an aggregate of $503,520, of which $371,919 was recorded as revenue in fiscal 2008. The Company recorded $731,174 and $1,125,000 income during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, and 2007 respectively. The reduction in recorded income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is due to additional ethanol plants qualifying for the program which caused a proration of payments received by all participants in the program.

 

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Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

NOTE 8 — SALE / LEASEBACK TRANSACTION

 

On October 3, 2003, the Company completed an industrial revenue bond financing with Gove County, Kansas that will provide property tax savings for 10 years on the plant site.  As part of the financing, title to the plant site and improvements have been transferred to Gove County, as security for the repayment of the bonds, and the Company is leasing back the site for an amount that is equal to the amount of interest to be paid on the Gove County bonds.  AgCountry consented to this transaction, and the bonds have been pledged to AgCountry as security for any obligations under the AgCountry Credit Agreement.  As part of the financing, the Company paid the bond underwriter, W.R. Taylor, $160,000 and agreed to pay an additional $40,000 only if the bonds are converted to a variable rate and remarketed by W.R. Taylor.  The maximum principal amount of the bonds is $32,000,000.

 

The $160,000 of financing fees paid to the bond underwriter and $42,040 of legal and other cost associated with the bond closing are being amortized over the 30-year life of the bonds. A total of $6,732 of amortization expense was recognized during each of the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

The Company, as holder of the industrial revenue bonds, is due interest at 3.5% per annum with interest payable semi-annually on March 1st and September 1st.  This interest income is directly offset by the lease payments on the plant.  Both the bond and the corresponding lease have terms of 30 years.  The lease qualifies as a capital lease. Interest income recognized on the Industrial Revenue Bonds for the periods ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $1,120,000 per year. This amount is equal to the lease expense of the plant in each respective period.

 

NOTE 9 — CONCENTRATION OF CUSTOMERS

 

The Company sells essentially all of its products to two marketers, which in turn sell to other purchasers.  The Company has executed an exclusive marketing agreement with Ethanol Products LLC (“Ethanol Products”) of Wichita, Kansas (see Notes 6 and 7) to market the ethanol produced at its plant.  The agreement is effective for an initial term of five years beginning January 2004.  A new agreement with Ethanol Products will commence effective February 1, 2009 and is automatically renewable for subsequent five-year terms unless terminated by either party prior to expiration.  Ethanol Products has agreed to purchase all of the ethanol that is produced at the plant.  Ethanol Products is solely responsible for determining the price and terms at which the ethanol acquired from the plant is sold and to whom it is sold.

 

The Company also has executed an exclusive agreement with UBE to market all of the distillers grains produced at the plant.  The initial term of the agreement with UBE expired September 30, 2006 and has automatically renewed for successive one-year terms.  The agreement is automatically renewed each year unless terminated by the Company or UBE following 90 days advance written notice.

 

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Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

NOTE 10 - REGULATION

 

The construction of the plant required various state and local permits to comply with existing governmental regulations designed to protect the environment and worker safety.  While the Company is subject to regulations on emissions by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), current EPA rules do not require the Company to obtain any permits or approvals in connection with the construction of the plant or operation of the Company’s business.  However, state and federal rules can and do change and such changes could result in greater regulatory burdens on the Company.

 

The ethanol production will require the Company to emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the air.  Current Kansas law regulating emissions does not restrict or prevent the Company from emitting carbon dioxide gas into the air, but this could change in the future.

 

The Company obtained what is believed to be all the necessary air and water permits to operate the plant, including a permit to discharge wastewater from the plant.

 

In addition to the foregoing regulations affecting air and water quality, the Company is subject to regulation for fuel storage tanks.  If the Company is found to have violated federal, state or local environmental regulations in the future, the Company could incur liability for clean-up costs, damage claims from third parties and civil or criminal penalties that could adversely affect its business.

 

NOTE 11 — SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table summarizes unaudited quarterly financial information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007:

 

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Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2009

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

24,500,388

 

$

22,545,319

 

$

23,021,707

 

$

22,201,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(1,635,697

)

1,227,399

 

1,227,397

 

1,879,331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit basic and diluted

 

(57.56

)

43.19

 

43.19

 

66.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution per unit

 

50.00

 

50.00

 

75.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average units outstanding basic and diluted

 

28,420

 

28,420

 

28,420

 

28,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2008

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

23,253,045

 

$

28,344,119

 

$

33,824,907

 

$

33,806,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

538,405

 

2,182,146

 

1,656,658

 

(706,802

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per unit basic and diluted

 

18.86

 

76.79

 

58.29

 

(24.87

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution per unit

 

71.43

 

50.00

 

 

50.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average units outstanding basic and diluted

 

28,560

 

28,420

 

28,420

 

28,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2007

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31,
2006

 

March 31, 2007

 

June 30, 2007

 

September 30,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

27,311,254

 

$

28,927,544

 

$

28,550,934

 

$

23,971,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

5,996,452

 

6,197,151

 

4,203,180

 

259,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit basic and diluted

 

209.96

 

216.99

 

147.17

 

9.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution per unit

 

571.43

 

142.86

 

142.86

 

142.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average units outstanding basic and diluted

 

28,560

 

28,560

 

28,560

 

28,560

 

 

F-22



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN PLAINS ENERGY, L.L.C.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Based on the Company’s financial condition at September 30, 2009, the Board of Managers declared a distribution to members equal to $250 per unit totaling $7,105,000. This distribution was paid November 16, 2009.

 

On December 7, 2009, the Company signed a contract with ICM, Inc. to add a 535,000 gallon fermenter to be integrated into the existing process of our plant. The contract price is $2,236,131, of which 40% was paid upon execution of the contract. The project is estimated to be completed near the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

On December 28, 2009, the Company received a payment of $848,999 from the USDA Rural Development Program, of which $700,000 was accrued as income during fiscal 2009.

 

The Company evaluated all events subsequent to the balance sheet date of September 30, 2009, through the date of issuance of these financial statements and has determined that, except as set forth above, there are no further subsequent events that require disclosure.

 

F-23



Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

 

Incorporated by Reference From

3.1(i)

 

Articles of Organization

 

Appendix A of our prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) on June 11, 2002 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

3.1(ii)

 

Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement

 

Exhibit 3 to our Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

Form of Class A Capital Unit Certificate

 

Exhibit 4.1 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on December 12, 2001 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

Form of Class B Capital Unit Certificate

 

Exhibit 4.2 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on December 12, 2001 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of Class C Capital Unit Certificate

 

Exhibit 4.3 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on December 12, 2001 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Credit Agreement with AgCountry Farm Credit Services, FLCA dated July 29, 2003

 

Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

DDGS/SWGS Marketing Agreement with ICM Marketing, Inc., dated October 1, 2001

 

Exhibit 10.5 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on December 12, 2001 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Land Exchange Agreement, dated November 23, 2001

 

Exhibit 10.9 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on December 12, 2001 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Real Estate Purchase Agreement, dated December 21, 2001

 

Exhibit  10.10 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on May 1, 2002 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Well Construction and Pumping Agreement, dated November 19, 2001

 

Exhibit 10.11 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on December 12, 2001 (File No. 333-74982)

 

 

 

 

 

10.6

 

Design/Build Agreement with ICM Inc., dated April 4, 2002

 

Exhibit 10.12 to our Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on May 1, 2002 (File No. 333-74982)

 



Table of Contents

 

10.7

 

Agreement between the Company and ICM, Inc. dated August 26, 2004 for expansion of our plant

 

Exhibit 10.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.8

 

Agreement between the Company and United Bio Energy Ingredients, LLC, dated August 2, 2004

 

Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.9

 

Form of Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement with AgCountry dated July 29, 2004

 

Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.10

 

Promissory Note/Loan Agreement with AgCountry dated November 16, 2004

 

Exhibit 10.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.11

 

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement with AgCountry dated March 7, 2006

 

Exhibit 10.1 to our Report on Form 8-K dated March 27, 2006 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.12

 

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with AgCountry dated October 2, 2006

 

Exhibit 10.12 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.13

 

Employment Agreement with Steven McNinch effective January 25, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.1 to our Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2007 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.14

 

Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement with AgCountry dated May 2, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

10.15

 

Ethanol Marketing Agreement with Ethanol Products, L.L.C. d/b/a POET Ethanol

 

Exhibit 10.1 to our Report on Form 8-K dated November 24, 2008 (File No. 0-50714)

 

 

 

 

 

14.1

 

Western Plains Energy, L.L.C. Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers

 

Exhibit 14.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September  30, 2005 (File No. 0-50714)

 



Table of Contents

 

31.1*

 

Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32*

 

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 


* Filed herewith