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EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - Green Plains Inc.dex312.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - Green Plains Inc.dex322.htm
EX-10.1 - FIRST AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT - Green Plains Inc.dex101.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Green Plains Inc.dex311.htm
EX-10.2 - FIRST AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED TERM LOAN NOTE - Green Plains Inc.dex102.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Green Plains Inc.dex321.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2010

Commission File Number 001-32924

 

 

GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Iowa   84-1652107

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

9420 Underwood Avenue, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114   (402) 884-8700
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)   (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

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  ¨         Accelerated filer  x        Non-accelerated filer  ¨        Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of July 30, 2010 was 31,369,185 shares.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements   
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   2
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   4
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    25
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    37
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    39
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    41
Item 1A.    Risk Factors    41
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    41
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    41
Item 4.    (Removed and Reserved)    41
Item 5.    Other Information    41
Item 6.    Exhibits    41
Signatures    43

 

1


Table of Contents

GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
 
     (unaudited)       
ASSETS      

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 172,996    $ 89,779   

Restricted cash

     7,923      12,554   

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $78 and $119, and including amounts from related parties of $1,314 and $2,311, respectively

     65,170      44,637   

Inventories

     73,695      81,558   

Prepaid expenses and other

     5,845      7,574   

Deferred income taxes

     13,648      —     

Deposits

     9,813      14,752   

Derivative financial instruments

     7,611      1,592   
               

Total current assets

     356,701      252,446   

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $56,035 and $38,730, respectively

     602,957      596,235   

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     1,949      2,272   

Goodwill

     14,543      14,543   

Financing costs and other, net

     12,950      12,585   
               

Total assets

   $ 989,100    $ 878,081   
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable, including amounts to related parties of $0 and $652, respectively

   $ 64,511    $ 70,246   

Accrued liabilities

     14,790      24,052   

Unearned revenue

     4,482      9,535   

Derivative financial instruments

     9,652      2,109   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     58,437      68,390   
               

Total current liabilities

     151,872      174,332   

Long-term debt

     396,192      388,573   

Deferred income taxes

     20,426      —     

Other liabilities

     4,384      4,468   
               

Total liabilities

     572,874      567,373   
               

Stockholders’ equity

     

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 31,369,185 and 24,957,378 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     31      25   

Additional paid-in capital

     373,192      292,231   

Retained earnings

     33,591      9,331   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     54      (123
               

Total Green Plains stockholders’ equity

     406,868      301,464   

Noncontrolling interests

     9,358      9,244   
               

Total stockholders’ equity

     416,226      310,708   
               

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 989,100    $ 878,081   
               

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues

   $ 453,359      $ 284,655      $ 879,833      $ 505,737   

Cost of goods sold

     422,687        269,772        811,687        488,975   
                                

Gross profit

     30,672        14,883        68,146        16,762   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     13,597        10,706        26,566        19,765   
                                

Operating income (loss)

     17,075        4,177        41,580        (3,003
                                

Other income (expense)

        

Interest income

     99        53        126        127   

Interest expense

     (5,659     (3,830     (10,315     (6,344

Other, net

     (110     173        (110     507   
                                

Total other expense

     (5,670     (3,604     (10,299     (5,710
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     11,405        573        31,281        (8,713

Income tax expense

     2,517        —          6,907        —     
                                

Net income (loss)

     8,888        573        24,374        (8,713

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (204     54        (114     (1
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

   $ 8,684      $ 627      $ 24,260      $ (8,714
                                

Earnings (loss) per share:

        

Income (loss) attributable to Green Plains stockholders - basic

   $ 0.28      $ 0.03      $ 0.84      $ (0.35
                                

Income (loss) attributable to Green Plains stockholders - diluted

   $ 0.27      $ 0.03      $ 0.83      $ (0.35
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     31,359        24,941        28,956        24,903   
                                

Diluted

     31,678        24,944        29,302        24,903   
                                

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2010     2009  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 24,374      $ (8,713

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     17,873        12,995   

Deferred income taxes

     6,609        —     

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,728        523   

Undistributed equity in loss of affiliates

     323        20   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     —          400   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:

    

Accounts receivable

     (19,067     6,513   

Inventories

     15,342        (17,708

Deposits

     4,939        (2,682

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments

     (166     1,463   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     1,808        7,728   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (15,166     (15,166

Unearned revenues

     (5,053     10,938   

Other

     (1,004     (411
                

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     32,540        (4,100
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (4,971     (3,185

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (22,388     (3,220

Other

     —          (255
                

Net cash used by investing activities

     (27,359     (6,660
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

     22,683        1,134   

Payments of principal on long-term debt

     (29,646     (14,111

Proceeds from revolving debt

     905,749        46,316   

Payments on revolving debt

     (904,379     (34,288

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     79,743        —     

Change in restricted cash

     4,631        230   

Payments of loan fees

     (847     (1,776

Other

     102        40   
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     78,036        (2,455
                

Net change in cash and equivalents

     83,217        (13,215

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     89,779        62,294   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 172,996      $ 49,079   
                

Continued on the following page

 

4


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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

Continued from the previous page

 

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   2010    2009

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:

     

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 59    $ 139
             

Cash paid for interest

   $ 13,729    $ 5,280
             

Noncash additions to property and equipment:

     

Capital lease obligations incurred for equipment

   $ —      $ 535
             

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

References to the Company

References to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Green Plains” or the “Company” in the consolidated financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.

Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities which it controls. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on a consolidated basis for reporting purposes. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with our annual report filed on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Description of Business

We are a vertically-integrated producer, marketer and distributor of ethanol. We have operations throughout the ethanol value chain, beginning upstream with our agronomy and grain handling operations, continuing through our approximately 500 million gallons per year, or mmgy, of ethanol production capacity and ending downstream with our ethanol marketing, distribution and blending facilities.

Public Offering of Stock

In March 2010, the Company sold approximately 6.3 million newly-issued shares of its common stock at a price of $13.50 per share, with net proceeds totaling approximately $79.7 million. We intend to use these proceeds for general corporate purposes and to acquire or invest in additional facilities, assets or technologies consistent with our growth strategy.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed and determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

For sales of ethanol and distillers grains by Green Plains Trade Group LLC, our fee-based marketing business, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to an external customer. Revenues related to our marketing operations for third parties are recorded on a gross basis in the consolidated financial statements, as Green Plains Trade takes title to the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is reflected on our consolidated balance sheet for goods in transit for which we have received payment and title has not been transferred to the customer. Revenues from Blendstar LLC, a majority-owned biofuel terminal operator that offers ethanol transload and splash blending services, are recognized as these services are rendered.

The Company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery ethanol sales agreements. In certain instances, the Company intends to settle the transaction by open market purchases of ethanol rather than by delivery from its own production. These transactions are reported net as a component of revenues.

Sales of agricultural commodities, fertilizers and other similar products are recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to the customer, which is dependent on the agreed upon sales terms with the customer. These sales terms provide for passage of title either at the time shipment is made or at the time the commodity has been delivered to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon with the customer. Shipping and handling costs are presented gross in the statements of operations with amounts billed included in revenues and also as a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of our ethanol plants. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, other than labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Direct materials consist of the costs of corn feedstock, denaturant and process chemicals. Corn feedstock costs include realized and unrealized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, inbound freight charges, inspection costs and internal transfer costs. Plant overhead costs primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred directly by us, including railcar lease costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.

The Company uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize the effects of changes in the prices of agricultural commodities on our agribusiness segment’s grain inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued at quoted market prices. Commodity inventories, forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts in our agribusiness segment are valued at market prices, where available, or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on which the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the market value of grain inventories, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts in our agribusiness segment, are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold. These contracts are predominantly settled in cash. We are exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by the counter-party to forward purchase and forward sales contracts.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts previously reported within the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Prior to September 30, 2009, the Company classified cash deposits in margin accounts required for exchange-traded activity as cash and cash equivalents. The Company reclassified $3.8 million from cash and cash equivalents to deposits in the accompanying statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2009, which decreased operating cash flows by $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends Subtopic 820-10. ASU 2010-06 enhances disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. Certain provisions of ASU 2010-06 are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and others for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company has adopted certain provisions of ASU 2010-06 and has incorporated new disclosures regarding fair value measurements in Note 3 – Fair Value Disclosures. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

2. ACQUISITIONS

Tennessee Agribusiness Operations

On April 19, 2010, the Company acquired agribusiness operations in western Tennessee which include five grain elevators with federally licensed grain storage capacity of 11.7 million bushels. All of the grain elevators acquired are located within 50 miles of the Company’s Obion, Tennessee ethanol plant. With the addition of these agribusiness assets, the Company operates 13 grain elevators with approximately 30.3 million bushels of grain storage capacity. Also acquired were grain and fertilizer inventories and other agribusiness assets. The agribusiness assets were acquired from companies owned by the Thomas W. Wade, Jr. family and from Farmers Grain of Trenton LLC for consideration totaling approximately $25.7 million, consisting of cash and $3.3 million in notes to the sellers. The five grain elevators and other assets acquired are owned by Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and are included in the Company’s agribusiness segment. The operating results of Green Plains Grain TN have been included in our consolidated financial statements since April 19, 2010.

 

Preliminary amounts of identifiable assets

acquired and liabilities assumed

(in thousands)

 

Inventory

   $ 6,545   

Other current assets

     1,679   

Property and equipment, net

     19,968   

Other noncurrent assets

     21   

Current liabilities

     (2,537
        

Total identifiable net assets

     25,676   
        

Purchase price

   $ 25,676   
        

The amounts above are preliminary purchase price allocations. The Company expects to finalize purchase price allocations during the third quarter of 2010 and that they will not materially impact the preliminary amounts shown above. The fair value of real property acquired was determined with the assistance of an independent appraiser. Neither goodwill nor a gain from a bargain purchase is expected to be recognized in conjunction with the acquisition, and no contingent assets or liabilities were assumed. The Company has not presented revenue and earnings of the acquired companies or pro forma information (revenue and earnings on a pro forma combined basis) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 due to the size of the acquisition.

Upon closing the acquisitions, Green Plains Grain Company LLC and Green Plains Grain Company TN, collectively, Green Plains Grain, simultaneously entered into a second amended and restated secured credit facility, amending the existing Green Plains Grain Company credit agreement. The security for the credit facility includes a first lien on all real estate and working capital of Green Plains Grain. The second amended and restated credit agreement and related documents include base revolving, seasonal and term credit commitments totaling $85.0 million.

Ord and Central City Ethanol Plants

On July 2, 2009, the Company acquired all of the membership interests in two limited liability companies that own ethanol plants in Ord, Nebraska and Central City, Nebraska. The two limited liability companies were renamed as Green Plains Ord LLC and Green Plains Central City LLC at closing. Pursuant to the terms of the respective purchase agreements, the Company acquired the membership interests of Green Plains Ord and Green Plains Central City for $36.7 million and $84.3 million, respectively. The sellers provided debt financing to fund the purchase and $16.0 million in seasonal revolving loans to provide working capital for the plants. The Ord and Central City plants have annual expected operating capacities of 50 million and 100 million gallons, respectively. These facilities, which are a part of our ethanol production segment, were acquired to add to the Company’s overall ethanol and distillers grain production. The operating results of Green Plains Ord and Green Plains Central City have been included in the consolidated financial statements since July 2, 2009.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

(in thousands)

 
     Green Plains
Ord
    Green Plains
Central City
 

Current assets

   $ 1,897      $ 2,583   

Property and equipment, net

     33,600        77,500   

Other noncurrent assets

     1,189        3,207   

Current liabilities

     (1,624     (1,292
                

Total identifiable net assets

     35,062        81,998   

Goodwill

     1,604        2,341   
                

Purchase price paid

   $ 36,666      $ 84,339   
                

The amounts above are final purchase price allocations. The Company finalized the purchase price allocations, specifically finalization of state tax incentives, during the second quarter of 2010 with no adjustments that impacted the preliminary amounts.

It is impracticable for the Company to present supplemental pro forma information related to the acquisitions of Green Plains Ord and Green Plains Central City. These ethanol production facilities were part of a larger consolidated company before their acquisition by the Sellers in early 2009. From the date of the acquisition by the Sellers to the date of our acquisition in July 2009, the plants were not operating and generated no revenue or income. The predecessor owner did not maintain separate financial statements for these two facilities, and any attempt by us to present pro forma information (revenue and earnings on a pro forma combined basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009) would be based on estimated historical results for those facilities rather than actual operating results. We expect the goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes.

3. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments:

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to open trade equity and option values in the Company’s brokerage accounts.

Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Inventory amounts are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis levels.

Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company currently does not have any Level 3 financial instruments.

There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value and no transfers in and out of Level 1 or Level 2.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities by level that were accounted for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at
June 30, 2010
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Total

Assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 172,996    $ —      $ 172,996

Restricted cash

     7,923      —        7,923

Margin deposits

     3,761      —        3,761

Agricultural inventories carried at market

     —        31,416      31,416

Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives

     6,026      1,616      7,642
                    

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 190,706    $ 33,032    $ 223,738
                    

Liabilities

        

Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives

   $ 1,741      8,098    $ 9,839
                    

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ 1,741    $ 8,098    $ 9,839
                    

 

     Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2009
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Total

Assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 89,779    $ —      $ 89,779

Restricted cash

     12,554      —        12,554

Margin deposits

     1,588      —        1,588

Agricultural inventories carried at market

     —        25,123      25,123

Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives

     1,012      778      1,790
                    

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 104,933    $ 25,901    $ 130,834
                    

Liabilities

        

Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives

   $ 1,758    $ 370    $ 2,128
                    

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ 1,758    $ 370    $ 2,128
                    

The Company believes the fair value of its debt approximates book value, which was $454.6 million and $457.0 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The Company also believes the fair value of its accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate book value which was $65.2 million and $64.5 million, respectively, at June 30, 2010 and $44.6 million and $70.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009.

4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Company management reviews financial and operating performance in the following three separate operating segments: (1) production of ethanol and related co-products, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) grain warehousing and marketing, as well as sales and related services of agronomy and petroleum products, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (3) marketing and distribution of Company-produced and third-party ethanol and distillers grains, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. Selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily consisting of compensation of corporate employees, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment, are reflected in the table below as corporate activities.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Ethanol Production. Our ethanol production segment has the capacity to produce approximately 500 mmgy of ethanol. Our ethanol plants also produce co-products such as wet, modified wet or dried distillers grains. Processing at full capacity, our plants will consume approximately 180 million bushels of corn and produce approximately 1.5 million tons of distillers grains annually. Our plants use a dry mill process to produce ethanol and co-products. We operate each of our six ethanol plants through separate wholly-owned operating subsidiaries.

Agribusiness. We operate our agribusiness segment primarily through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Green Plains Grain, which is a grain and farm supply business with three primary operating lines of business: bulk grain, agronomy and petroleum. During the second quarter, we acquired agribusiness assets in western Tennessee, see Note 2. – Acquisitions for further information.

Marketing and Distribution. We have a fee-based marketing business, Green Plains Trade, which is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of all ethanol and distillers grains produced at our six production facilities. We also market and distribute ethanol for four third-party ethanol producers. At capacity, we would market approximately 500 mmgy of ethanol from our six strategically-located plants along with approximately 360 mmgy from our four third-party producers. Additionally, we hold a majority interest in Blendstar LLC, which operates nine blending or terminaling facilities with approximately 495 mmgy of total throughput capacity in seven states in the south central United States.

During the normal course of business, we enter into transactions between segments. Examples of these intersegment transactions include, but are not limited to, ethanol production segment selling ethanol to the marketing and distribution segment and the agribusiness segment selling grain to the ethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are recorded by each segment at prices approximating market and treated as if they are third-party transactions. Consequently, these transactions impact segment performance. However, revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation, and do not impact our consolidated results.

The following are certain financial data for our operating segments for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues:

        

Ethanol production

   $ 240,550      $ 152,053      $ 490,603      $ 289,557   

Agribusiness

     62,565        58,758        104,846        104,968   

Marketing and distribution

     397,226        231,208        785,322        409,562   

Intersegment eliminations

     (246,982     (157,364     (500,938     (298,350
                                
   $ 453,359      $ 284,655      $ 879,833      $ 505,737   
                                

Gross profit:

        

Ethanol production

   $ 18,443      $ 4,664      $ 50,202      $ 1,903   

Agribusiness

     5,675        7,343        8,444        10,089   

Marketing and distribution

     5,223        2,839        9,404        4,682   

Intersegment eliminations

     1,331        37        96        88   
                                
   $ 30,672      $ 14,883      $ 68,146      $ 16,762   
                                

Operating income (loss):

        

Ethanol production

   $ 15,763      $ 2,589      $ 44,951      $ (1,727

Agribusiness

     984        4,190        454        4,156   

Marketing and distribution

     2,390        552        3,731        33   

Intersegment eliminations

     1,331        37        96        88   

Corporate activities

     (3,393     (3,191     (7,652     (5,553
                                
   $ 17,075      $ 4,177      $ 41,580      $ (3,003
                                

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

The following table sets forth revenues by product line for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
   2010    2009    2010    2009

Revenues

           

Ethanol

   $ 369,809    $ 206,111    $ 734,312    $ 367,965

Distillers grains

     39,096      21,367      76,101      38,685

Grain

     17,677      20,507      35,527      24,968

Agronomy products

     20,291      34,210      25,165      69,091

Other

     6,486      2,460      8,728      5,028
                           

Total revenues

   $ 453,359    $ 284,655    $ 879,833    $ 505,737
                           

5. INVENTORIES

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, except grain held for sale, which is valued at market value. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Grain held for sale

   $ 31,416    $ 25,123

Finished goods

     14,475      23,574

Raw materials

     12,934      16,323

Work-in-process

     5,518      5,343

Petroleum & agronomy items held for sale

     4,923      8,501

Supplies and parts

     4,429      2,694
             
   $ 73,695    $ 81,558
             

6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

To minimize the risk and the effects of commodity price changes primarily related to corn, natural gas and ethanol, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures, and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts. We monitor and manage this exposure as part of our overall risk management policy. As such, we seek to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on our operating results. We may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities, there are situations where these hedging activities can themselves result in losses.

During the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Company began to engage in cash flow hedges to lock in the price for a portion of our forecasted ethanol sales and corn purchases since the Company’s cash flows are affected by variability resulting from price risks related to market fluctuations in ethanol and corn prices.

At June 30, 2010, our consolidated balance sheet reflects a net unrealized gain of $0.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We expect all of the deferred gains at June 30, 2010 will be reclassified into income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount ultimately realized in income, however, will differ as commodity prices change. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, no amounts had been reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings. Ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges was not significant for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. In the event that it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, we would discontinue cash flow hedge treatment, which would affect earnings. There were no gains or losses due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge treatment during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

The financial statement locations of derivatives are as follows (in thousands):

 

      Asset Derivatives    Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instruments

   Fair Value at    Fair Value at

Consolidated Balance Sheet

   June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
   June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Derivative financial instruments (current assets and liabilities)

   $ 7,611  (1)    $ 1,592    $ 9,652    $ 2,109

Financing costs and other, net

     31        198      —        —  

Other liabilities

     —          —        187      19
                            

Total

   $ 7,642      $ 1,790    $ 9,839    $ 2,128
                            

 

  (1) Includes $0.6 million of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

 

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments

      

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2010     2009     2010    2009  

Revenue

   $ (182   $ (416   $ 498    $ (7,335

Cost of goods sold

     2,513        525        9,655      14,287   
                               

Net gains recognized in earnings

   $ 2,331      $ 109      $ 10,153    $ 6,952   
                               

The table below summarizes the volumes of open commodity derivative positions as of June 30, 2010 (in thousands):

 

Derivative Instruments

   June 30, 2010
   Exchange Traded     Non-Exchange Traded     Unit of
Measure
  

Commodity

   Net Long &
(Short) (1)
    Long (2)    (Short) (2)       

Futures

   (13,495 ) (3)         Bushels    Corn and Soybeans

Futures

   (23,076 ) (4)         Gallons    Ethanol

Options

   (3,109        Bushels    Corn and Soybeans

Options

   (1,254        Gallons    Ethanol

Options

   920           MMBTU    Natural Gas

Forwards

     17,047    (4,837   Bushels    Corn and Soybeans

Forwards

     7,136    (6,957   Gallons    Ethanol

Forwards

     25    (30   Tons    Distillers Grains

 

  (1) Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis.
  (2) Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis.
  (3) Includes net long position of 835,000 bushels of corn on cash flow hedges.
  (4) Includes net short position of (8,453,000) gallons on cash flow hedges.

Energy trading contracts that do not involve physical delivery are presented net in revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, gross revenue and cost of goods sold under such contracts were $11.7 million and $11.0 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, gross revenue and cost of goods sold under such contracts were $14.1 million and $13.7 million, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, gross revenue and cost of goods sold under such contracts were $41.1 million and $41.8 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, gross revenue and cost of goods sold under such contracts were $101.8 million and $96.6 million, respectively.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Refer to Note 3 - Fair Value Disclosures, which also contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

The principal balances of the components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Green Plains Bluffton:

    

Term loan

   $ 59,500      $ 63,000   

Revolving term loan

     20,000        20,000   

Revenue bond

     21,320        22,000   

Green Plains Central City:

    

Term loan

     52,200        55,000   

Revolving term loan

     30,500        30,500   

Revolver

     6,500        6,873   

Equipment financing loan

     260        288   

Green Plains Obion:

    

Term loan

     47,100        52,800   

Revolving term loan

     36,200        36,200   

Revolver

     —          2,600   

Note payable

     142        160   

Equipment financing loan

     661        729   

Economic development grant

     1,558        1,603   

Green Plains Ord:

    

Term loan

     23,800        25,000   

Revolving term loan

     13,000        13,000   

Revolver

     2,500        2,672   

Green Plains Shenandoah:

    

Term loan

     15,768        19,600   

Revolving term loan

     17,000        17,000   

Revolver

     —          1,581   

Economic development loan

     75        105   

Green Plains Superior:

    

Term loan

     29,000        31,750   

Revolving term loan

     10,000        10,000   

Equipment financing loan

     249        278   

Green Plains Grain:

    

Term loan

     20,000        7,425   

Revolving term loan

     16,550        17,931   

Equipment financing loans

     1,001        1,262   

Notes payable

     3,288        —     

Green Plains Trade:

    

Revolving term loan

     21,931        14,455   

Other

     4,526        3,151   
                

Total debt

     454,629        456,963   

Less: current portion

     (58,437     (68,390
                

Long-term debt

   $ 396,192      $ 388,573   
                

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Scheduled long-term debt repayments are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Amount

2010

   $ 40,127

2011

     65,771

2012

     43,090

2013

     96,232

2014

     29,225

Thereafter

     180,184
      

Total

   $ 454,629
      

Loan Terminology

Related to loan covenant discussions below, the following definitions generally apply to our loans (all calculated in accordance with GAAP consistently applied):

 

   

Working capital – current assets over current liabilities.

 

   

Net worth – total assets over total liabilities plus subordinated debt.

 

   

Tangible owner’s equity – net worth divided by total assets.

 

   

Debt service coverage ratio – (1) net income (after taxes), plus depreciation and amortization, divided by (2) all current portions of regularly scheduled long-term debt for the prior period (previous year end).

 

   

EBITDAR – net income plus interest expense, rent and lease expense, and noncash expenses (including depreciation and amortization expense, deferred income tax expense and unrealized gains and losses on futures contracts), less interest income and certain capital expenditures.

 

   

Fixed charge coverage ratio – adjusted EBITDAR divided by fixed charges, which are the sum of interest expense, current maturities under the term loan, rent expense and lease expenses.

 

   

Senior leverage ratio – debt, excluding amounts under the Green Plains Grain revolving credit line, divided by EBITDAR.

Ethanol Production Segment

Each of the Company’s ethanol production segment subsidiaries has credit facilities with lender groups that provides for term and revolving term loans to finance construction and operation of the production facilities. The Green Plains Bluffton loan is comprised of a $70.0 million amortizing term loan and a $20.0 million revolving term facility (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Bluffton Loan Agreement”). The Green Plains Central City loan is comprised of a $55.0 million amortizing term loan and a $30.5 million revolving term facility as well as a statused revolving credit supplement (revolver) of up to $11.0 million (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Central City Loan Agreement”). The Green Plains Obion loan is comprised of a $60.0 million amortizing term loan and a revolving term loan of $37.4 million (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Obion Loan Agreement”). The Green Plains Ord loan is comprised of a $25.0 million amortizing term loan and a $13.0 million revolving term facility as well as a statused revolving credit supplement (revolver) of up to $5.0 million (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Ord Loan Agreement”). The Green Plains Shenandoah loan is comprised of a $30.0 million amortizing term loan and a $17.0 million revolving term facility (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Shenandoah Loan Agreement”). The Green Plains Superior loan is comprised of a $40.0 million amortizing term loan and a $10.0 million revolving term facility (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Superior Loan Agreement”).

Loan Repayment Terms

 

   

Term Loans – The term loans were available for advances until construction for each of the plants was completed.

 

   

Scheduled principal payments (plus interest) are as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

   $0.583 million per month

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

   $2.4 million per quarter

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   $1.2 million per quarter

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

   $1.375 million per quarter

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

   

Scheduled monthly principal payments (plus interest) for Green Plains Central City of $0.6 million and Green Plains Ord of $0.3 million do not begin until June 2011.

 

   

Final maturity dates (at the latest) are as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

   December 31, 2013

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City

   July 1, 2016

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

   May 20, 2015

Ÿ      Green Plains Ord

   July 1, 2016

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   May 20, 2014

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

   July 20, 2015

 

   

Each term loan has a provision that requires the respective subsidiary to make annual special payments equal to a percentage ranging from 50% to 75% of the available free cash flow from the related entity’s operations (as defined in the respective loan agreements), subject to certain limitations, generally provided, however, that if such payment would result in a covenant default under the respective loan agreements, the amount of the payment shall be reduced to an amount which would not result in a covenant default.

 

   

As of June 30, 2010, free cash flow payments are discontinued when the aggregate of such future payments meets the following amounts:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

   $16.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

   $17.1 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   $4.6 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

   $10.0 million

 

   

As of June 30, 2010, free cash flow payments are not to exceed the following amounts in any given year:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City

   $2.8 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

   $8.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Ord

   $1.2 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   $2.0 million

 

   

Revolving Term Loans – The revolving term loans are generally available for advances throughout the life of the commitment. Allowable advances under the Green Plains Shenandoah Loan Agreement are reduced by $2.4 million each six-month period commencing on the first day of the month beginning approximately six months after repayment of the term loan, but in no event later than November 1, 2014. Allowable advances under the Green Plains Superior Loan Agreement are reduced by $2.5 million each six-month period commencing on the first day of the month beginning approximately six months after repayment of the term loan, but in no event later than January 1, 2016. Interest-only payments are due each month on all revolving term loans until the final maturity date for the Green Plains Bluffton, Green Plains Shenandoah, and Green Plains Superior Loan Agreements. The Green Plains Obion Loan Agreement requires additional semi-annual payments of $4.675 million beginning November 1, 2015. Beginning January 1, 2010, the Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord Loan Agreements require interest-only payments due each month on the revolving term loans until the final maturity date.

 

   

Final maturity dates (at the latest) are as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

   December 31, 2013

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City

   July 1, 2016

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

   May 1, 2019

Ÿ      Green Plains Ord

   July 1, 2016

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   November 1, 2017

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

   July 1, 2017

 

   

Revolvers – The revolvers at Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord support the working capital needs of the respective facilities and mature on July 1, 2011. The revolvers are subject to borrowing base requirements of 60% of eligible inventory and receivables.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Pricing and Fees

 

   

The loans bear interest at the greater of LIBOR or 2.0%, plus 4.0%.

 

   

Unused commitment fees, when charged, are 0.50%.

Security

As security for the loans, the lenders received a first-position lien on all personal property and real estate owned by the respective entity borrowing the funds, including an assignment of all contracts and rights pertinent to construction and on-going operations of the plant. These borrowing entities are also required to maintain certain financial and non-financial covenants during the terms of the loans. In addition, the debt facilities within Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord loans are cross-collateralized.

Representations, Warranties and Covenants

The loan agreements contain representations, warranties, conditions precedent, affirmative covenants (including financial covenants) and negative covenants including:

 

   

Maintenance of working capital, including unused portion of revolver, as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

  

$10.6 million (increasing monthly to $12.0 million by November 30, 2010).

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord

  

$10.0 million, combined, excluding current maturities of long-term debt.

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

  

$9.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

  

$6.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

  

$(5.0) million (increasing periodically until reaching $3.0 million by December 1, 2012).

 

   

Maintenance of net worth as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

  

$82.5 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

  

$77.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

  

$51.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

  

$19.0 million (increasing periodically until reaching $23.0 million by December 1, 2011)

 

   

Maintenance of tangible owner’s equity as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

  

at least 40% (increasing to 50% by December 31, 2010)

 

   

Maintenance of certain annual coverage ratios as follows:

Fixed charge coverage ratios:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

  

1.25 to 1.0

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord

  

1.0 to 1.0 at December 31, 2010 (increasing to 1.15 to 1.0 on December 31, 2011)

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

  

1.25 to 1.0 at December 31, 2010

Debt service coverage ratios:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   1.50 to 1.0

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

   1.25 to 1.0

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

   

Annual capital expenditures will be limited as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

   $1.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City

   $1.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

   $2.4 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Ord

   $1.0 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

   $0.5 million

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

   $0.6 million

 

   

Allowable dividends or other annual distributions from each respective subsidiary, subject to certain additional restrictions including compliance with all loan covenants, terms and conditions, are as follows:

 

Ÿ      Green Plains Bluffton

  

Up to 35% of net profit before tax, and up to an additional 15% of net profit before tax, after free cash flow payment is made

Ÿ      Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord

  

Beginning with fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, up to 35% of net income before tax may be distributed for payment of the subsidiary’s allocated share of income taxes, and after December 31, 2010, unlimited after free cash flow payment is made, provided maintenance of 60% tangible owner equity

Ÿ      Green Plains Obion

  

After December 31, 2010, up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited after free cash flow payment is made

Ÿ      Green Plains Shenandoah

  

Up to 40% of net profit before tax and unlimited after free cash flow payment is made

Ÿ      Green Plains Superior

  

Up to 40% of net profit before tax and unlimited after free cash flow payment is made

As of June 30, 2010, all of our ethanol production subsidiaries are in compliance with their debt covenants.

Bluffton Revenue Bond

 

   

Green Plains Bluffton also received $22.0 million in Subordinate Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bond funds from the City of Bluffton, Indiana. The revenue bond requires: (1) semi-annual principal and interest payments of approximately $1.5 million during the period commencing on March 1, 2010 through March 1, 2019, and (2) a final principal and interest payment of $3.745 million on September 1, 2019.

 

   

The revenue bond bears interest at 7.50% per annum.

 

   

At June 30, 2010, Green Plains Bluffton had $3.2 million cash that was restricted as to use for payment towards the current maturity and interest of the revenue bond.

 

   

Revenue bond issuance costs have been recorded in financing costs in the consolidated balance sheets.

Agribusiness Segment

The Green Plains Grain loan was modified in April and June 2010 to be comprised of a $20.0 million amortizing term loan, a $45.0 million revolving term loan and a $20.0 million seasonal revolver (individually and collectively, the “Green Plains Grain Loan Agreement”). Loan proceeds are used primarily for working capital purposes.

Key Loan Information

 

   

The term loan expires on August 1, 2013 and the revolving loan expires on August 1, 2011.

 

   

The seasonal revolver can be drawn upon beginning on October 1, 2010 and expires on April 1, 2011.

 

   

Payments of $0.5 million under the term loan are due on the first business day of each calendar quarter, with any remaining amount payable at the expiration of the loan term.

 

   

The loans bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus 4.25% on the term loan, LIBOR plus 3.5% on the revolving term loan, and one-month LIBOR plus 3.75% on the seasonal revolver, all subject to an interest rate floor of 4.5%.

 

   

As security for the loans, the lender received a first-position lien on real estate, equipment, inventory and accounts receivable owned by Green Plains Grain.

 

   

Unused commitment fees are 0.375% on the unused portion.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

The loan agreements contain certain financial covenants and restrictions, including the following:

 

   

Maintenance of working capital of at least $11.0 million.

 

   

Maintenance of tangible net worth of at least $27.0 million.

 

   

Maintenance of a fixed charge ratio of 1.25x or more and a senior leverage ratio that does not exceed 2.50x.

 

   

Capital expenditures for Green Plains Grain are restricted to $2.0 million per year. However, any unused portion from any fiscal year may be added to the limit for the next succeeding year.

As of June 30, 2010, Green Plains Grain was in compliance with all debt covenants in the loan agreement.

Equipment Financing Loans

Green Plains Grain has two separate equipment financing agreements with AXIS Capital Inc. initially totaling $1.75 million (individually and collectively, the “Equipment Financing Loans”). The Equipment Financing Loans provide financing for designated vehicles, implements and machinery. The Company agreed to guaranty the Equipment Financing Loans. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, Green Plains Grain is required to make 48 monthly principal and interest payments of $43,341, which commenced in April 2008.

Marketing and Distribution Segment

The Green Plains Trade loan is comprised of a senior secured revolving credit facility. Under the credit agreement, the lender will loan up to $30.0 million, subject to a borrowing base up to 85% of eligible receivables and a current availability block of $5.0 million. At June 30, 2010 Green Plains Trade had $6.8 million cash that was restricted as to use for payment towards the credit agreement. Such cash is presented in restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet.

Key Loan Information

 

   

The revolving credit facility expires on July 30, 2012.

 

   

Interest is either: (1) Base Rate (lender’s commercial floating rate plus 2.5%); or, (2) LIBOR plus 3.5%.

 

   

Origination and other fees have been recorded in financing costs in the consolidated balance sheets.

The loan agreement contains certain financial covenants and restrictions, including the following:

 

   

Maintenance of a fixed charge ratio not less than 1.15 to 1.0.

 

   

Capital expenditures for Green Plains Trade are restricted to $0.5 million per year.

As of June 30, 2010, Green Plains Trade was in compliance with all debt covenants in the loan agreements.

Capitalized Interest

The Company had no capitalized interest for the three or six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

Restricted Net Assets

At June 30, 2010, there were approximately $357.0 million of net assets at the Company’s subsidiaries that were not available to be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans, or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards to employees and directors in the financial statements over the requisite service period. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

The Company has 2007 and 2009 Equity Incentive Plans which reserve a combined total of 2.0 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to the plans. The plans provide for the granting of shares of stock, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, non-vested stock and non-vested stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Additionally, outstanding stock options were assumed as part of the merger.

Grants under the 2007 and 2009 Equity Incentive Plans may include stock options, stock awards and deferred stock units, or DSUs.

For stock options granted during the first six months of 2010, the fair value of options granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, a pricing model acceptable under GAAP, with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,

2010
 

Expected life

   6.4   

Interest rate

   2.52

Volatility

   63.20

Dividend yield

   —     

The expected life of options granted represents the period of time in years that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses a simplified method to estimate the expected life of options due to lack of historical experience. The interest rate represents the annual interest rate a risk-free investment could potentially earn during the expected life of the option grant. Expected volatility is based on weighted-average historical volatility of our common stock and a peer group.

All of the Company’s existing share-based compensation awards have been determined to be equity awards. The Company recognizes compensation costs for stock option awards which vest with the passage of time with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

A summary of stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

   1,162,934      $ 15.27      

Granted

   41,000        16.70      

Exercised

   (8,667     9.37      

Forfeited

   (11,085     11.92      
              

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

   1,184,182      $ 15.39    5.4    $ 1,913,047
                        

Exercisable at June 30, 2010

   830,432      $ 18.04    4.5    $ 999,312
                        

All fully-vested stock options as of June 30, 2010 are exercisable and are included in the above table. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised was $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The Company’s option awards allow employees to exercise options through cash payment to us for the shares of common stock or through a simultaneous broker-assisted cashless exercise of a share option, through which the employee authorizes the exercise of an option and the immediate sale of the option shares in the open market. The Company uses newly-issued shares of common stock to satisfy our share-based payment obligations.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes non-vested stock award activity and DSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2010:

 

     Weighted-
Average
Number of
Non-vested
Shares and
DSUs
    Weighted-
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Vesting Term
(in years)

Nonvested at December 31, 2009

   327,256      $ 3.04   

Granted

   248,118        16.27   

Forfeited

   —          —     

Vested

   (179,641     6.87   
           

Nonvested at June 30, 2010

   395,733      $ 9.59    2.3
                 

Compensation costs expensed for share-based payment plans described above were approximately $0.4 million and $1.7 million during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010, respectively. Compensation costs expensed for share-based payment plans described above were approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009, respectively. At June 30, 2010, there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation costs from share-based compensation arrangements, which is related to non-vested shares. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years. The potential tax benefit realizable for the anticipated tax deductions of the exercise of share-based payment arrangements generally would approximate 40% of these expense amounts.

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share, or EPS, is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities. The calculation of diluted earnings per share gives effect to common stock equivalents. A reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2010    2009    2010    2009  

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

   $ 8,684    $ 627    $ 24,260    $ (8,714
                             

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

     31,359      24,941      28,956      24,903   
                             

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Green Plains stockholders - basic

   $ 0.28    $ 0.03    $ 0.84    $ (0.35
                             

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

     31,359      24,941      28,956      24,903   

Effect of dilutive stock options - as converted method

     319      3      346      —     
                             

Total potential shares outstanding

     31,678      24,944      29,302      24,903   
                             

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Green Plains stockholders - diluted

   $ 0.27    $ 0.03    $ 0.83    $ (0.35
                             

Excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were stock options, stock awards and DSUs totaling 0.8 million, 1.1 million and 0.7 million shares, respectively, because the exercise prices or the grant-date fair value, as applicable, of the corresponding awards were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the respective periods. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, stock options, stock awards and DSUs totaling 0.1 million shares were excluded from the diluted EPS computation due to being in a net loss position.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

10. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2010    2009    2010    2009  

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

   $ 8,684    $ 627    $ 24,260    $ (8,714

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

     300      65      177      74   
                             

Comprehensive income (loss)

     8,984      692      24,437      (8,640

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling

     —        —        —        —     
                             

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

   $ 8,984    $ 692    $ 24,437    $ (8,640
                             

11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Common Stock    Additional
Paid-in
   Retained
Earnings
(Accum.
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   

Total

Green Plains
Stockholders’

   Non-
controlling
   Total
Stockholders’
   Shares    Amount    Capital    Deficit)    Income (Loss)     Equity    Interest    Equity

Balance, December 31, 2009

   24,957    $ 25    $ 292,231    $ 9,331    $ (123   $ 301,464    $ 9,244    $ 310,708

Net income

   —        —        —        24,260      —          24,260      114      24,374

Unrealized gain on derivatives

   —        —        —        —        177        177      —        177
                                  

Total comprehensive income

   —        —        —        —        —          24,437      114      24,551

Stock-based compensation

   87      —        1,224      —        —          1,224      —        1,224

Share issuance

   6,325      6      79,737      —        —          79,743      —        79,743
                                                      

Balance, June 30, 2010

   31,369    $ 31    $ 373,192    $ 33,591    $ 54      $ 406,868    $ 9,358    $ 416,226
                                                      

12. INCOME TAXES

The Company records income tax expense during interim periods based on its best estimate of the full year’s effective tax rate. Certain items are given discrete period treatment and, as a result, the tax effects of such items are reported in full in the relevant interim period.

Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $2.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively. Income tax expense for the same periods in 2009 was $0. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 22% and 0% for the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2010 reflects the release of a portion of valuation allowances provided against certain of the Company’s deferred tax assets, primarily federal and state net operating losses and tax credits due to anticipated income in fiscal year 2010. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was 0% due to losses for both book and tax purposes, and because the Company had determined it was more likely than not that any benefit from such losses would not be realized prior to their expiration. There was no change in the Company’s liabilities related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009.

The full year 2010 effective tax rate can be affected as a result of variances among the estimates and amounts of full year sources of taxable income (among the various states), the realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review and the Company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

We lease certain facilities and parcels of land under agreements that expire at various dates. For accounting purposes, rent expense is based on a straight-line amortization of the total payments required over the lease term. The Company incurred lease expenses of $5.6 million and $3.1 million during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2010 and in future fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Amount

2010

   $ 4,559

2011

     7,030

2012

     5,418

2013

     4,396

2014

     2,610

Thereafter

     5,668
      

Total

   $ 29,681
      

Commodities

As of June 30, 2010, we had contracted for future corn deliveries valued at $170.2 million, natural gas deliveries valued at approximately $4.6 million, ethanol product deliveries valued at approximately $11.8 million and distillers grains product deliveries valued at approximately $2.6 million.

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Sales and Financing Contracts

Three subsidiaries have executed separate financing agreements for equipment with AXIS Capital Inc. Gordon F. Glade, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXIS Capital is a member of our Board of Directors. A total of $1.3 million and $1.6 million is included in debt at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, under these financing arrangements. Principal payments totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010, respectively. Interest payments totaled less than $0.1 million for each of the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010. Principal payments totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Interest payments totaled less than $0.1 million for each of the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009. The highest amount outstanding during the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 was $1.6 million and the weighted average interest rate for all financing agreements is 8.3%.

The Company has entered into fixed-price ethanol purchase and sale agreements with Center Oil Company. Gary R. Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Center Oil, is a member of our Board of Directors. The purchases and sales agreements are executed to hedge prices on a portion of our expected ethanol production. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, cash receipts from Center Oil totaled $22.9 million and $43.9 million, respectively. Payments to Center Oil totaled $2.7 million and $3.8 million for the same periods on these contracts. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, cash receipts totaled $25.8 million and $52.8 million and payments totaled $10.4 million and $10.7 million, respectively, on these contracts. The Company had $1.3 million included in accounts receivable and no outstanding payables at June 30, 2010 under these purchase and sale agreements. At December 31, 2009, the Company had $2.3 million included in accounts receivable and no outstanding payables in current liabilities under these purchase and sale agreements.

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Aircraft Lease

The Company entered into an agreement on November 10, 2009 with Hoovestol, Inc. for the lease of an aircraft. Wayne B. Hoovestol, President of Hoovestol Inc., is Chairman of our Board of Directors. The Company originally agreed to pay $3,333 a month for two years for use of an aircraft. The agreement was amended effective April 1, 2010 to increase the base usage amount and the monthly payment to $6,667. Also per the amended agreement, any flight time hours in excess of 100 hours per year will incur additional hourly-based charges. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, payments related to this agreement totaled $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. At June 30, 2010 and at December 31, 2009 the Company did not have any outstanding payables related to this lease.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

General

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included herewith and notes to the consolidated financial statements thereto and our annual report filed on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2009, including the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and the risk factors contained therein.

Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, but rather to plans and objectives for future operations based upon management’s reasonable estimates of future results or trends, and include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “outlook,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and words and phrases of similar impact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future operating or financial performance, business strategy, business environment, key trends, and benefits of actual or planned acquisitions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions, any or all forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be incorrect. They may be based on inaccurate assumptions or may not account for known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement is guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially from the results expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements in this report expressly qualify all of our forward-looking statements. In addition, we are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of our annual report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2009. Specifically, we may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic conditions, including, but not limited to, competition in the ethanol and other industries in which we compete, commodity market risks, financial market risks, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risk factors detailed in our reports filed with the SEC. Actual results may differ from projected results due, but not limited, to unforeseen developments.

In light of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this report or in any document incorporated by reference might not occur. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this report. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

We were formed in June 2004, incurring development costs until our first two plants were completed. Our plant in Shenandoah, Iowa commenced operations in August 2007 and our plant in Superior, Iowa commenced operations in July 2008. To complement and enhance our ethanol production facilities, in April 2008, we acquired Great Lakes Cooperative, a full-service farm cooperative in northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota. As a result of our October 2008 merger with VBV LLC, we acquired two additional ethanol plants, located in Bluffton, Indiana and Obion, Tennessee. Operations commenced at the Bluffton and Obion plants in September 2008 and November 2008, respectively. In January 2009, we acquired a majority interest in Blendstar. In July 2009, we acquired the membership interests in two limited liability companies that owned ethanol plants in Central City and Ord, Nebraska that added expected operating capacity totaling 150 mmgy. In April 2010, we acquired five grain elevators with federally licensed grain storage capacity of 11.7 million bushels, all located within 50 miles of our Obion ethanol plant.

 

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We are a leading, vertically-integrated producer of ethanol. We focus on generating stable operating margins through our diversified business segments and our risk management strategy. We believe that owning and operating assets throughout the ethanol value chain enables us to mitigate the effects of changes in commodity prices and differentiates us from companies focused only on ethanol production. Today, we have operations throughout the ethanol value chain, beginning upstream with our agronomy and grain handling operations, continuing through our approximately 500 mmgy, of ethanol production capacity and ending downstream with our ethanol marketing, distribution and blending facilities.

Management reviews our operations in the following three separate operating segments:

 

   

Ethanol Production. We operate a total of six ethanol plants in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Tennessee, with approximately 500 mmgy of total ethanol production capacity. At capacity, our plants collectively will consume approximately 180 million bushels of corn and produce approximately 1.5 million tons of distillers grains annually.

 

   

Agribusiness. We operate three lines of business within our agribusiness segment: bulk grain, agronomy and petroleum. In our bulk grain business, with the April 2010 acquisition of agribusiness assets in western Tennessee, we have 13 grain elevators with approximately 30.3 million bushels of total grain storage capacity. During the quarter, we began construction on a 1.1 million bushel grain storage expansion in northwestern Iowa. When construction is completed in fall 2010, grain storage capacity will total 31.4 million bushels. We sell fertilizer and other agricultural inputs and provide application services to area producers, through our agronomy business. Additionally, we sell petroleum products including diesel, soydiesel, blended gasoline and propane, primarily to agricultural producers and consumers. We believe our bulk grain business provides synergies with our ethanol production segment as it supplies a portion of the feedstock for our ethanol plants.

 

   

Marketing and Distribution. Our fee-based marketing business is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of all ethanol and distillers grains produced at our six plants. We also market and distribute ethanol for four third-party ethanol producers with expected production totaling approximately 360 mmgy. Additionally, we hold a majority interest in Blendstar LLC, which operates nine blending or terminaling facilities with approximately 495 mmgy of total throughput capacity in seven states in the south central United States.

We intend to continue to take a disciplined approach in evaluating new opportunities related to potential acquisition of additional ethanol plants by considering whether the plants fit within the design, engineering and geographic criteria we have developed. We also intend to pursue opportunities to develop or acquire additional grain elevators and agronomy businesses, specifically those located near our ethanol plants. We believe that owning additional agribusiness operations in close proximity to our ethanol plants enables us to strengthen relationships with local corn producers, allowing us to source corn more effectively and at a lower average cost. We also plan to continue to grow our downstream access to customers and are actively looking at new marketing opportunities with other ethanol producers.

We continue our support of the BioProcessAlgae joint venture, which is focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae, which consume carbon dioxide, in commercially viable quantities. Construction of Phase II is scheduled to begin shortly, which will allow for verification of growth rates, energy balances and operating expenses, which are considered to be some of the key steps to commercialization. The Iowa Power Fund Board has given preliminary approval for an additional grant of $2.0 million to continue the research and development of the Grower Harvester technology. The remaining cost of the Phase II project will be shared by the joint venture partners. The expansion is expected to cost approximately $4.5 million and is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2010.

Recently, we began implementing corn oil extraction technology at our ethanol plants. We expect the implementation at our ethanol plants will cost us approximately $18.0 million in total with completion by the end of the first quarter of 2011. We believe the implementation of corn oil extraction at our plants will provide a new co-product from ethanol production with greater value-added economics.

 

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Industry Factors Affecting our Results of Operations

Variability of Commodity Prices. Our operations and our industry are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. Because the market prices of these commodities are not always correlated, at times ethanol production may be unprofitable. As commodity price volatility poses a significant threat to our margin structure, we have developed a risk management strategy focused on locking in favorable operating margins when available. We continually monitor market prices of corn, natural gas and other input costs relative to the prices for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions by using a combination of derivative instruments, fixed-price purchases and sales contracts, or a combination of strategies within strict limits. Our primary focus is not to manage general price movements of individual commodities, for example to minimize the cost of corn consumed, but rather to lock in favorable profit margins whenever possible. By using a variety of risk management tools and hedging strategies, including our internally-developed real-time margin management system, we believe we are able to maintain a disciplined approach to risk.

Reduced Availability of Capital. Some ethanol producers have faced financial distress recently, culminating with bankruptcy filings by several companies. This, in combination with continued volatility in the capital markets has resulted in reduced availability of capital for the ethanol industry generally. In this market environment, we may experience limited access to incremental financing.

Legislation. Federal and state governments have enacted numerous policies, incentives and subsidies to encourage the usage of domestically-produced alternative fuel solutions. Passed in 2007 as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act, a federal Renewable Fuels Standard, or RFS, has been and we expect will continue to be a driving factor in the growth of ethanol usage. To further drive growth in the increased adoption of ethanol, Growth Energy, an ethanol industry trade association, and a number of ethanol producers have requested a waiver from the EPA to increase the allowable amount of ethanol blended into gasoline from the current 10% level, or E10, to a 15% level, or E15. A final decision may not be publicly announced until September 2010. Another major benefit to the industry is the blender’s credit, which allows gasoline distributors who blend ethanol with gasoline to receive a federal excise tax credit of $0.45 per gallon of pure ethanol used, or $0.045 per gallon for E10 and $0.3825 per gallon for E85. Currently, the blender’s credit is set to expire in December 31, 2010. Growth Energy has submitted the Fueling Freedom Plan to the U.S. Congress that reduces the amount of the blender’s credit per year. The plan calls for eliminating government support for ethanol over time in exchange for a level playing field versus petroleum products. The plan would redirect a portion of the existing value of the blender’s credit to support the development of infrastructure for ethanol distribution. It is not clear to us at this time the direction the federal government will take with extending the credit before it expires at the end of this year. We believe that the expiration of the blender’s credit should not have a material effect on our business.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Reform Act, which, among other things, aims to improve transparency and accountability in derivative markets. While the Reform Act increases the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or CFTC, regarding over-the-counter derivatives, there is uncertainty on several issues related to market clearing, definitions of market participants, reporting, and capital requirements. While many details remain to be addressed in CFTC rulemaking proceedings, at this time we do not anticipate any material impact to our risk management strategy.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This disclosure is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. We continually evaluate the appropriateness of estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. See further discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, as well as significant accounting policies, in our Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends Subtopic 820-10. ASU 2010-06 enhances disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. Certain provisions of ASU 2010-06 are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and others for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company has adopted certain provisions of ASU 2010-06 and has incorporated new disclosures regarding fair value measurements in Note 3 – Fair Value Disclosures. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Components of Revenues and Expenses

Revenues. Our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of ethanol and the sale of distillers grains, which are co-products of the ethanol production process, and the sale of grain, fertilizer and petroleum products through our agribusiness segment. In our marketing and distribution segment, the sale of ethanol and distillers grains that we market for our six ethanol plants, and the sale of ethanol we market for four ethanol plants owned by third-parties represent our primary sources of revenue. Revenues also include net gains or losses from derivatives relating to ethanol and distillers grains.

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of our ethanol plants. Plant overhead costs primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Our cost of goods sold is mainly affected by the cost of ethanol, corn, natural gas and transportation. In our ethanol production segment, corn is our most significant raw material cost. We purchase natural gas to power steam generation in our ethanol production process and to dry our distillers grains. Within our ethanol production segment, natural gas represents our second largest cost. Cost of goods sold also includes net gains or losses from derivatives relating to corn and natural gas.

In our agribusiness segment, grain, fertilizer and petroleum acquisition costs represent our primary cost of goods sold. Grain inventories, forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts are valued at market prices, where available, or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on which the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the market value of grain inventories, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts, are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold.

In our marketing and distribution segment, purchases of ethanol and distillers grains represent the largest components of cost of goods sold. Transportation expense represents an additional major component of our cost of goods sold in our marketing and distribution segment. Transportation expense includes rail car leases, freight and shipping of our ethanol and co-products, as well as costs incurred in storing ethanol at destination terminals.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses are recognized at the segment level, as well as at the corporate level. These expenses consist of employee salaries, incentives and benefits; office expenses; board fees; and professional fees for accounting, legal, consulting, investor relations activities; as well as non-plant depreciation and amortization costs. Personnel costs, which include employee salaries, incentives and benefits, are the largest single category of expenditures in selling, general and administrative expenses. We refer to selling, general and administrative expenses that are not allocable to a specific operating segment as corporate activities.

Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) includes the interest on our debt and the amortization of the related fees to obtain debt financing.

 

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Results of Operations

Segment Results

During the normal course of business, our segments enter into transactions with one another. For example, our ethanol production segment sells ethanol to our marketing and distribution segment and our agribusiness segment sells grain to our ethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are recorded by each segment at market prices and treated as if they are third-party transactions. Consequently, these transactions impact segment performance. However, revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation, and do not impact consolidated results.

The table below reflects selected operating segment financial information (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues:

        

Ethanol production

   $ 240,550      $ 152,053      $ 490,603      $ 289,557   

Agribusiness

     62,565        58,758        104,846        104,968   

Marketing and distribution

     397,226        231,208        785,322        409,562   

Intersegment eliminations

     (246,982     (157,364     (500,938     (298,350
                                
   $ 453,359      $ 284,655      $ 879,833      $ 505,737   
                                

Gross profit:

        

Ethanol production

   $ 18,443      $ 4,664      $ 50,202      $ 1,903   

Agribusiness

     5,675        7,343        8,444        10,089   

Marketing and distribution

     5,223        2,839        9,404        4,682   

Intersegment eliminations

     1,331        37        96        88   
                                
   $ 30,672      $ 14,883      $ 68,146      $ 16,762   
                                

Operating income (loss):

        

Ethanol production

   $ 15,763      $ 2,589      $ 44,951      $ (1,727

Agribusiness

     984        4,190        454        4,156   

Marketing and distribution

     2,390        552        3,731        33   

Intersegment eliminations

     1,331        37        96        88   

Corporate activities

     (3,393     (3,191     (7,652     (5,553
                                
   $ 17,075      $ 4,177      $ 41,580      $ (3,003
                                

Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009

Consolidated Results

Revenues and income increased in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same quarter in 2009 as a result of the acquisitions of our Central City and Ord ethanol plants and providing third-party marketing and distribution services for additional ethanol plants. Operating margins were improved in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year.

These factors contributed to the overall increase in our revenues of $168.7 million, an increase in our gross profit of $15.8 million and an increase in operating income of $12.9 million. As a result of the expanded production related to our Central City and Ord ethanol plants, and the acquisition of agribusiness assets in western Tennessee, interest expense increased $1.8 million. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses increased a total of $2.9 million, $1.3 million of which is attributed to the acquisition of agribusiness assets in western Tennessee and the rest attributed to our expanded production overall. Income tax expense of $2.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 was impacted by a benefit for a reduction of a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets established in prior years due to the uncertainty of realization. For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we had losses before income taxes and the resulting potential tax benefits were fully reserved with a valuation allowance, resulting in no income tax provision.

 

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Management views our results on a segment level. See segment discussions below for more detail on period to period increases in revenues, gross profit and operating income.

Seasonality is present within our agribusiness operations. The spring planting and fall harvest periods have the largest seasonal impact, directly impacting the quarterly operating results of our agribusiness segment. This seasonality generally results in higher revenues and stronger financial results for this segment during the second and fourth quarters while the financial results of the first and third quarters generally will reflect periods of lower activity with low to negative margins.

Ethanol Production Segment

The chart below presents key operating data within our ethanol production segment for the periods indicated:

 

      Three Months Ended
June 30,
   2010    2009

Ethanol sold

     

(thousands of gallons)

   130,103    77,093

Distillers grains sold

     

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

   373    228

Corn consumed

     

(thousands of bushels)

   46,424    26,247

Revenues for the ethanol production segment increased $88.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the three-month period ended June 30, 2009. We sold 130.1 million gallons of ethanol within the ethanol production segment during the second quarter of 2010, an increase of 53.0 million gallons over the same period of 2009. Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 included production from our Bluffton, Obion, Shenandoah, and Superior ethanol plants plus revenues from our Central City and Ord plants, which were acquired in July 2009 and account for approximately 78% of the increase in revenues. Average total revenue per gallon of ethanol sold decreased from $1.97 to $1.85 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the three-month period ended June 30, 2009 due to lower market prices for ethanol and distillers grains.

Cost of goods sold in the ethanol production segment increased $74.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2009. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the consumption of corn by 20.2 million bushels and increased natural gas usage during the second quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009, partially due to increased sales volumes resulting from additional production at our Central City and Ord plants which were acquired in July 2009 and account for approximately 84% of the increase in cost of goods sold. Our largest components of cost of goods sold are corn and natural gas. Costs of goods sold benefitted from an 11.0% decrease in our average corn costs and a 15% decrease in our average natural gas costs compared with the second quarter of 2009. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense was $7.9 million during the second quarter of 2010 compared to $5.5 million during the same period of 2009. Gross profit for the ethanol production segment increased $13.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. Average total cost of goods sold decreased from $1.91 to $1.71 per gallon of ethanol sold for the three months ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to lower market prices for corn and natural gas.

Operating income increased $13.2 million for the quarter-ended June 30, 2010, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2009 due to the factors discussed above.

Margins compressed during the quarter, yet the impact was minimal due to the amount of production we had locked away prior to the start of the quarter. While ethanol industry margins are currently weaker than the first half of the year, we believe expanded mandates for renewable fuels in 2011 combined with the profitability of ethanol blending should allow for a recovery in margins for the remainder of the year.

 

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Agribusiness Segment

Our agribusiness segment had an increase of $3.8 million in revenues, a decrease of $1.7 million in gross profit, and a decrease in operating income of $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. Revenues in the segment increased as a result of the acquisition of the Tennessee agribusiness assets. However, gross profit and operating income were lower due to lower fertilizer margins in Iowa and higher operating expenses related to the acquisition of the Tennessee agribusiness assets, partially offset by higher fertilizer volumes. The Company sold 10.6 million bushels of grain and 32,400 tons of fertilizer during the second quarter of 2010. This compares to 6.5 million bushels of grain and 24,000 tons of fertilizer during the second quarter of 2009.

Marketing and Distribution Segment

Marketing and distribution revenues increased $166.0 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2010, as compared to the three month period ended June 30, 2009. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in ethanol marketed. The Company sold 227.9 million gallons of ethanol within the marketing and distribution segment during the quarter ended June 30, 2010, compared to 120.2 million gallons sold during the same period of 2009. The increase in ethanol-related revenue is due to the expanded production of our own plants, including that at our Central City and Ord plants, as well as the expanded third-party marketing. During the first quarter of 2009, we began providing marketing services for three third-party ethanol plants. The second quarter of 2010 includes revenues for marketing services for those three third-party ethanol plants plus a fourth third-party ethanol plant we began marketing for in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Gross profit for the marketing and distribution segment increased $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in gross profit was due to increased production at our ethanol plants and increased third party marketing.

Operating income for the marketing and distribution segment increased $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in operating income was due to greater volume of ethanol and distillers grains marketed as compared to the prior year.

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased $89.6 million during the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 due to a $79.1 million increase in ethanol sold from our ethanol production segment to our marketing and distribution segment, a $3.3 million increase in distillers grains sold from our ethanol production segment to our marketing and distribution segment, and a $7.2 million increase in corn sold from our agribusiness segment to our ethanol production segment. These increases are a result of the expanded scope of our operations.

Corporate Activities

Operating income was impacted by an increase in expenses for corporate activities of $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the previous year. This increase in expenses was primarily due to an increase of $0.5 million in compensation, which was largely attributable to stock-based compensation and $0.3 million of a number of other miscellaneous items, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $0.6 million.

Income Taxes

The Company records income tax expense during interim periods based on its best estimate of the full year’s effective tax rate. Income tax expense for the second quarter of 2010 and 2009 was $2.5 million and $0, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 22% and 0% for the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2010 reflects the release of a portion of valuation allowances provided against certain of the Company’s deferred tax assets, primarily federal and state net operating losses and tax credits due to anticipated income in fiscal year 2010. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was 0% due to losses for both book and tax purposes, and because the Company had determined it was more likely than not that any benefit from such losses would not be realized prior to their expiration. There was no change in the Company’s liabilities related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009.

 

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The full year 2010 effective tax rate can be affected as a result of variances among the estimates and amounts of full year sources of taxable income (among the various states), the realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review and the Company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

Consolidated Results

Revenues and income increased in the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 as a result of the acquisitions of our Central City and Ord ethanol plants and providing third-party marketing and distribution services for additional ethanol plants. Operating margins were improved in the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were negatively impacted by a one-time charge of approximately $4.6 million related to the termination of certain legacy agreements with outside marketers previously engaged to sell the Company’s ethanol production and operational issues at two of the Company’s ethanol plants affecting operating income by approximately $4.0 million.

These factors contributed to the overall increase in our revenues of $374.1 million, an increase in our gross profit of $51.4 million and an increase in operating income of $44.6 million. As a result of the expanded production related to our Central City and Ord ethanol plants and the acquisition of agribusiness assets in western Tennessee, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.8 million and interest expense increased $4.0 million. Income tax expense of $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was impacted by a benefit for a reduction of a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets established in prior years due to the uncertainty of realization. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we had losses before income taxes and the resulting potential tax benefits were fully reserved with a valuation allowance, resulting in no income tax provision.

Management views our results on a segment level. See segment discussions below for more detail on period to period increases in revenues, gross profit and operating income.

Ethanol Production Segment

The chart below presents key operating data within our ethanol production segment for the periods indicated:

 

      Six Months Ended
June 30,
      2010    2009

Ethanol sold

     

(thousands of gallons)

   253,858    150,264

Distillers grains sold

     

(thousands of equivalent dried tons)

   729    439

Corn consumed

     

(thousands of bushels)

   91,059    52,494

Revenues for the ethanol production segment increased $201.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2009. We sold 253.9 million gallons of ethanol within the ethanol production segment during the second quarter of 2010, an increase of 103.6 million gallons over the same period of 2009. Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 included production from our Bluffton, Obion, Shenandoah, and Superior ethanol plants plus revenues from our Central City and Ord plants, which were acquired in July 2009. Average total revenue per gallon of ethanol sold decreased from $1.98 to $1.93 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 due to lower market prices for ethanol and distillers grains.

 

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Cost of goods sold in the ethanol production segment increased $152.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the consumption of corn by 38.6 million bushels during the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009, partially due to increased sales volumes resulting from additional production at our Central City and Ord plants which were acquired in July 2009. Our largest components of cost of goods sold are corn and natural gas, which benefitted from a 7.5% decrease in our average corn costs and a 17% decrease in our average natural gas costs compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009. Included in the ethanol production segment’s cost of goods sold during the six months ended June 30, 2009 is a one-time charge of $4.6 million related to the cancellation of third-party marketing arrangements, as detailed further below in the marketing and distribution segment discussion. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense was $15.6 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 compared to $11.1 million for the same period in 2009. As a result of all the factors discussed above, gross profit for the ethanol production segment increased $48.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. Average total cost of goods sold decreased from $1.97 to $1.73 per gallon of ethanol sold for the six months ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to lower market prices for corn and natural gas.

Operating income increased $46.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2010, compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2009 due to the factors discussed above. During the first quarter of 2009, our Bluffton ethanol plant experienced an accelerated and extended plant shutdown and our Superior plant faced operational issues. These two operational issues reduced net income by $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Agribusiness Segment

Our agribusiness segment had a decrease of $0.1 million in revenues, a decrease of $1.6 million in gross profit, and a decrease in operating income of $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. Revenues were comparable between periods in the segment as a result of the acquisition of the Tennessee agribusiness assets, offset by lower fertilizer prices. However, gross profit and operating income were lower due to lower fertilizer margins in Iowa and higher operating expenses related to the acquisition of the Tennessee agribusiness assets, partially offset by higher fertilizer volumes. The Company sold 18.4 million bushels of grain and 32,500 tons of fertilizer during the first half of 2010. This compares to 12.7 million bushels of grain and 25,700 tons of fertilizer during the first half of 2009.

Marketing and Distribution Segment

Marketing and distribution revenues increased $375.8 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2010, as compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2009. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in ethanol marketed. The Company sold 428.9 million gallons of ethanol within the marketing and distribution segment during the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, compared to 149.7 million gallons sold during the same period of 2009. The increase in ethanol-related revenue is due to the expanded production of our own plants, including that at our Central City and Ord plants, as well as the expanded third-party marketing. During the first quarter of 2009, we began providing marketing services for three third-party ethanol plants. The period ended June 30, 2010 includes revenues for marketing services for those three third-party ethanol plants plus a fourth third-party ethanol plant we began marketing for in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Gross profit for the marketing and distribution segment increased $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in gross profit was due to increased production at our ethanol plants and increased third party marketing.

Initially, our Superior, Bluffton and Obion ethanol plants sold our ethanol production exclusively to outside marketers at a price per gallon based on a market price at the time of sale, less certain marketing, storage, and transportation costs, as well as a profit margin for each gallon sold. We stopped selling our ethanol production to outside marketers during the first quarter of 2009. Prior to the termination of the agreements, nearly all of our ethanol that was sold to one of the outside marketers was repurchased by Green Plains Trade, reflected in the marketing and distribution segment, and resold to other customers. Corresponding revenues and related costs of goods sold related to this marketer were eliminated in consolidation.

Operating income for the marketing and distribution segment increased $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in operating income was due to greater volume of marketing and distribution as compared to the prior year.

 

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Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased $202.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 due to a $192.5 million increase in ethanol sold from our ethanol production segment to our marketing and distribution segment, a $7.5 million increase in distillers grains sold from our ethanol production segment to our marketing and distribution segment, and a $2.7 million increase in corn sold from our agribusiness segment to our ethanol production segment. These increases are a result of the expanded scope of our operations.

Corporate Activities

Operating income was impacted by an increase in expenses for corporate activities of $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the previous year, primarily due to an increase of $2.1 million in compensation, which was largely attributable to stock-based compensation.

Income Taxes

The Company records income tax expense during interim periods based on its best estimate of the full year’s effective tax rate. Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $6.9 million and $0, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 22% and 0% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2010 reflects the release of a portion of valuation allowances provided against certain of the Company’s deferred tax assets, primarily federal and state net operating losses and tax credits due to anticipated income in fiscal year 2010. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was 0% due to losses for both book and tax purposes, and because the Company had determined it was more likely than not that any benefit from such losses would not be realized prior to their expiration. There was no change in the Company’s liabilities related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

The full year 2010 effective tax rate can be affected as a result of variances among the estimates and amounts of full year sources of taxable income (among the various states), the realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review and the Company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On June 30, 2010, we had $173.0 million in cash and equivalents, comprised of $85.4 million held at our corporate entity and the remainder at our subsidiaries, and up to an additional $43.1 million available under our loan agreements, subject to borrowing base restrictions and other specified lending conditions. Funds held at our subsidiaries are generally required for their ongoing operational needs. Further, distributions from our subsidiaries are restricted per the loan agreements. Additionally, at June 30, 2010, there were approximately $357.0 million of net assets at our subsidiaries that were not available to be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

In March 2010, the Company sold approximately 6.3 million newly-issued shares of its common stock at a price of $13.50 per share. The net proceeds of this equity offering totaled approximately $79.7 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes and to acquire or invest in additional facilities, assets or technologies consistent with our growth strategy.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $32.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. This was primarily a result of positive operating margins excluding depreciation during the period. Net cash used by investing activities was $27.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, mainly due to the acquisition of agribusiness facilities in Tennessee and purchases of property and equipment. Net cash provided by financing activities was $78.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. Included in cash provided by financing activities is $79.7 million from the March 2010 public offering of our common stock. Green Plains Trade and Green Plains Grain utilize revolving credit facilities to finance working capital requirements. These facilities are frequently drawn upon and repaid resulting in significant cash movements that are reflected on a gross basis within financing activities. In addition, we made scheduled principal payments and $6.3 million in free cash flow payments for a total of $29.6 million in debt reduction on our term debt facilities.

 

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Our business is highly impacted by commodity prices, including prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. We attempt to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices through the use of derivative financial instruments. Sudden changes in commodity prices may require cash deposits with brokers, or margin calls. Depending on our open derivative positions we may require significant liquidity with little advance notice to meet margin calls. As part of our risk management strategy, we have routinely had to, and in the future will likely be required to, cover margin calls. We continuously monitor our exposure to margin calls and believe that we will continue to maintain adequate liquidity to cover such margin calls from operating results and borrowings. We also believe that margin calls will continue to be immaterial to our overall liquidity position. We believe we have sufficient cash on hand or available under committed loan agreements to support our current risk management activities.

At June 30, 2010, we are in compliance with our debt covenants. Based upon our current forecasts, we believe we will maintain compliance at each of our subsidiaries for the upcoming twelve months, or if necessary, have sufficient liquidity available on a consolidated basis to resolve a subsidiary’s noncompliance; however, no obligation exists to provide such liquidity for a subsidiary’s compliance. If we determine that we will be unable to resolve a subsidiary’s noncompliance, we will present such debt as current in our consolidated balance sheet. No assurance can be provided that actual operating results will approximate our forecasts or that we will inject the necessary capital into a subsidiary to maintain compliance with its respective covenants. In the event actual results significantly differ from our forecasts and a subsidiary is unable to comply with its respective debt covenants, the subsidiary’s lenders may determine that an event of default has occurred. Upon the occurrence of an event of default and following notice, the lenders may terminate any commitment and declare the entire unpaid balance due and payable.

We believe that we have sufficient working capital for our existing operations. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure additional funding for any of our operations. A sustained period of unprofitable operations may strain our liquidity and make it difficult to maintain compliance with our financing arrangements. While we may seek additional sources of working capital in response, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure this funding, if necessary. We may sell additional equity or borrow additional amounts to improve or preserve our liquidity; expand our ethanol plants; build additional or acquire existing ethanol plants; or build additional or acquire existing agribusiness and ethanol distribution facilities. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure the funding necessary for these additional projects or for additional working capital needs at reasonable terms, if at all.

Long-Term Debt

For additional information related to our long-term debt, see Note 7 – Long-Term Debt included herein as part of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Ethanol Production Segment

Each of our ethanol production segment subsidiaries have credit facilities with lender groups that provided for term and revolving term loans to finance construction and operation of the production facilities.

The Green Plains Bluffton loan is comprised of a $70.0 million amortizing term loan and a $20.0 million revolving term loan. At June 30, 2010, $59.5 million related to the term loan was outstanding, along with the entire revolving term loan. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of approximately $0.6 million. The loans mature on December 31, 2013.

The Green Plains Central City loan is comprised of a $55.0 million amortizing term loan and a $30.5 million revolving term loan as well as a statused revolving credit supplement (revolver) of up to $11.0 million. At June 30, 2010, $52.2 million related to the term loan was outstanding, $30.5 million on the revolving term loan, along with $6.5 million on the revolver. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $0.6 million beginning in June 2011. The term loan and the revolving term loan mature on July 1, 2016 and the revolver matures on July 1, 2011 with an option to renew.

The Green Plains Obion loan is comprised of a $60.0 million amortizing term loan and a revolving term loan of $37.4 million. At June 30, 2010, $47.1 million related to the term loan and $36.2 million on the revolving term loan was outstanding. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $2.4 million. The term loan matures on May 20, 2015 and the revolving term loan matures on May 1, 2019.

 

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The Green Plains Ord loan is comprised of a $25.0 million amortizing term loan and a $13.0 million revolving term loan as well as a statused revolving credit supplement (revolver) of up to $5.0 million. At June 30, 2010, $23.8 million related to the term loan was outstanding, $13.0 million on the revolving term loan, along with $2.5 million on the revolver. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $0.3 million beginning in June 2011. The term loan and the revolving term loan mature on July 1, 2016 and the revolver matures on July 1, 2011 with an option to renew.

The Green Plains Shenandoah loan is comprised of a $30.0 million amortizing term loan and a $17.0 million revolving term loan. At June 30, 2010, $15.8 million related to the term loan was outstanding along with the entire $17.0 million on the revolving term loan. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1.2 million. The term loan matures on May 20, 2014 and the revolving term loan matures on November 1, 2017.

The Green Plains Superior loan is comprised of a $40.0 million amortizing term loan and a $10.0 million revolving term loan. At June 30, 2010, $29.0 million related to the term loan was outstanding, along with the entire $10.0 million on the revolving term loan. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1.375 million. The term loan matures on July 20, 2015 and the revolving term loan matures on July 1, 2017.

Each term loan has a provision that requires the Company to make annual special payments equal to a percentage ranging from 50% to 75% of the available free cash flow from the related entity’s operations (as defined in the respective loan agreements), subject to certain limitations. During the second quarter of 2010, $6.3 million was paid under these requirements.

With certain exceptions, the revolving term loans are generally available for advances throughout the life of the commitment. Interest-only payments are due each month on all revolving term facilities until the final maturity date, with the exception of Green Plains Obion’s agreement, which requires additional semi-annual payments of $4.675 million beginning November 1, 2015.

The term loans and revolving term loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.5% to 4.35% or lender-established prime rates. Some have established a floor on the underlying LIBOR index. In some cases, the lender may allow us to elect to pay interest at a fixed interest rate to be determined. As security for the loans, the lenders received a first-position lien on all personal property and real estate owned by the respective entity borrowing the funds, including an assignment of all contracts and rights pertinent to construction and on-going operations of the plant. Additionally, debt facilities within Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord are cross-collateralized. These borrowing entities are also required to maintain certain financial and non-financial covenants during the terms of the loans.

Green Plains Bluffton also received $22.0 million in Subordinate Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bond funds from the City of Bluffton, Indiana. The revenue bond requires: semi-annual principal and interest payments of approximately $1.5 million during the period commencing on March 1, 2010 through March 1, 2019; and a final principal and interest payment of $3.745 million on September 1, 2019. The revenue bond bears interest at 7.50% per annum.

Agribusiness Segment

The Green Plains Grain loan was modified in April and June 2010 to be comprised of a $20.0 million amortizing term loan, a $45.0 million revolving term loan and a $20.0 million seasonal revolver. The term loan expires on August 1, 2013, the revolving term loan expires on August 1, 2011 and the seasonal revolver expires on April 1, 2011. Payments of $0.5 million under the term loan are due on the first business day of each calendar quarter, with any remaining amount payable at the expiration of the loan term. The loans bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus 4.25% on the term loan, LIBOR plus 3.5% on the revolving term loan, and one-month LIBOR plus 3.75% on the seasonal revolver, all subject to an interest rate floor of 4.5%. Loan proceeds are used primarily for working capital purposes. At June 30, 2010, $20.0 million on the term loan and $16.6 million on the revolving term loan were outstanding. The seasonal revolver can be drawn upon beginning October 1, 2010. As security for the loans, the lender received a first-position lien on real estate, equipment, inventory and accounts receivable owned by Green Plains Grain. In addition, Green Plain Grain had outstanding equipment financing term loans totaling $1.0 million at June 30, 2010.

Marketing and Distribution Segment

The Green Plains Trade loan is comprised of a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $30.0 million, subject to a borrowing base of 85% of eligible receivables and a current availability block of $5.0 million. At June 30, 2010, $21.9 million on the revolving credit facility was outstanding. The revolving credit facility expires on July 30, 2012 and bears interest at either the lender’s commercial floating rate plus 2.5% or LIBOR plus 3.5%.

 

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Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 

      Payments Due By Period

Contractual Obligations

   Total    Less than
1 year
   1-3 years    3-5 years    More than
5 years

Long-term debt obligations (1)

   $ 454,629    $ 58,437      112,318      126,541      157,333

Interest and fees on debt obligations (2)

     86,956      22,348      34,858      20,285      9,465

Operating lease obligations (3)

     29,681      8,141      11,254      5,664      4,622

Purchase obligations

              

Forward grain purchase contracts (4)

     170,204      162,692      6,512      1,000      —  

Other commodity purchase contracts (5)

     18,998      18,998      —        —        —  

Other

     3,587      3,546      37      4      —  
                                  

Total contractual obligations

   $ 764,055    $ 274,162    $ 164,979    $ 153,494    $ 171,420
                                  

 

(1) Includes current portion of long-term debt.
(2) Interest amounts are calculated over the terms of the loans using current interest rates, assuming scheduled principle and interest amounts are paid pursuant to the debt agreements. Includes administrative and/or commitment fees on debt obligations.
(3) Operating lease costs are primarily for railcars and office space.
(4) Purchase contracts represent index-priced and fixed-price contracts. Index purchase contracts are valued at current quarter-end prices.
(5) Includes fixed-price ethanol, dried distillers grains and natural gas purchase contracts.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in commodity prices and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various types of transactions involving financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in commodity prices and interest rates. At this time, we do not expect to have exposure to foreign currency risk as we expect to conduct all of our business in U.S. dollars.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from holding term and revolving loans that bear variable interest rates. Specifically, we have $454.6 million outstanding in debt as of June 30, 2010, $345.5 million of which is variable-rate in nature. Interest rates on our variable-rate debt are determined based upon the market interest rate of either the lender’s prime rate or LIBOR, as applicable. A 10% change in interest rates would affect our interest cost on such debt by approximately $1.6 million per year in the aggregate. Other details of our outstanding debt are discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included as a part of this report.

Commodity Price Risk

We produce ethanol and distillers grains from corn and our business is sensitive to changes in the prices of each of these commodities. The price of corn is subject to fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather; corn planted and harvested acreage; changes in national and global supply and demand; and government programs and policies. We use natural gas in the ethanol production process and, as a result, our business is also sensitive to changes in the price of natural gas. The price of natural gas is influenced by such weather factors as extreme heat or cold in the summer and winter, or other natural events like hurricanes in the spring, summer and fall. Other natural gas price factors include North American exploration and production, and the amount of natural gas in underground storage during both the injection and withdrawal seasons. Ethanol prices are sensitive to world crude-oil supply and demand; crude-oil refining capacity and utilization; government regulation; and consumer demand for alternative fuels. Distillers grains prices are sensitive to various demand factors such as numbers of livestock on feed, prices for feed alternatives, and supply factors, primarily production by ethanol plants and other sources.

 

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We attempt to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of corn, natural gas, distillers grains and ethanol by employing a variety of risk management and economic hedging strategies. Strategies include the use of forward fixed-price physical contracts and derivative financial instruments, such as futures and options executed on the Chicago Board of Trade and/or the New York Mercantile Exchange.

We focus on locking in operating margins based on a model that continually monitors market prices of corn, natural gas and other input costs against prices for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions by using a combination of forward fixed-price physical purchases and sales contracts and derivative financial instruments. In addition, we engage in cash flow hedges to lock in the price for a portion of our forecasted ethanol sales and corn purchases. As a result of this approach, we frequently have gains on derivative financial instruments that are conversely offset by losses on forward fixed-price physical contracts or inventories and vice versa. In our ethanol production segment, gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are recognized each period in operating results or accumulated other comprehensive income if designated under a cash flow relationship, while corresponding gains and losses on physical contracts are generally designated as normal purchases or normal sales contracts and are not recognized until quantities are delivered or utilized in production. Revenues during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 include net gains (losses) from derivative financial instruments that are hedging our physical ethanol and distillers grain contracts of $(0.2) million and $0.5 million, respectively. Cost of goods sold during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 included net gains from derivative financial instruments for corn and natural gas of $2.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively. To the extent the net gains or losses from settled derivative instruments are related to hedging current period production, they are generally offset by physical commodity purchases or sales resulting in the realization of the intended operating margins. However, our results of operations are impacted when there is a mismatch of gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of derivative instruments at the reporting period when the physical commodity purchase or sales has not yet occurred since they are designated as a normal purchase or normal sale.

In our agribusiness segment, inventory positions, physical purchase and sale contracts, and financial derivatives are marked to market with gains and losses included in results of operations. The market value of derivative financial instruments such as exchange-traded futures and options has a high, but not perfect, correlation to the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts.

Ethanol Production Segment

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our ethanol production segment exposure to ethanol, corn, distillers grains and natural gas price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated as the potential change in pre-tax income resulting from hypothetical 10% changes in prices of our expected corn and natural gas requirements, and ethanol and distillers grains output for a one-year period from June 30, 2010. This analysis excludes the impact of risk management activities that result from our use of fixed-price purchase and sale contracts and derivatives. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows (in thousands):

 

Commodity

   Estimated
Total Volume
Requirements
for the Next
12 Months
   Unit of
Measure
  Income
Effect of
Approximate
10% Change
in Price

Ethanol

   500,000    Gallons   $ 78,707

Corn

   181,818    Bushels   $ 68,920

Distillers grains

   1,443    Tons (1)   $ 12,567

Natural gas

   13,628    MMBTU (2)   $ 6,845

 

       

(1)    Distillers grains quantities are stated on an equivalent dried ton basis.

    

(2)    Millions of British Thermal Units

    

At June 30, 2010, approximately 15% of our forecasted ethanol production during the next 12 months has been sold under fixed-price contracts. As a result of these positions, the effect of a 10% change in the price of ethanol shown above would be reduced by approximately $12.2 million.

 

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At June 30, 2010, approximately 18% of our estimated corn usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. As a result of these positions, the effect of a 10% change in the price of corn shown above would be reduced by approximately $12.5 million.

At June 30, 2010, approximately 18% of our forecasted distillers grain production for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. As a result of these positions, the effect of a 10% change in the price of distillers grains shown above would be reduced by approximately $2.3 million.

At June 30, 2010, approximately 9% of our forecasted natural gas requirements for the next 12 months have been purchased under fixed-price contracts. As a result of these positions, the effect of a 10% change in the price of natural gas shown above would be reduced by approximately $0.6 million

Agribusiness Segment

The availability and price of agricultural commodities are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, plantings, foreign and domestic government farm programs and policies, changes in global demand created by population changes and changes in standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in purchase and sale commitments for grain and grain held in inventory, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that function as economic hedges. The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for economic hedging has a high, but not perfect correlation, to the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts. The less correlated portion of inventory and purchase and sale contract market value, known as basis, is much less volatile than the overall market value of exchange-traded futures and tends to follow historical patterns. We manage this less volatile risk by constantly monitoring our position relative to the price changes in the market. In addition, inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread relationships in the regulated futures markets, as we carry inventories over time. These spread relationships are also less volatile than the overall market value and tend to follow historical patterns, but also represent a risk that cannot be directly offset. Our accounting policy for our futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory positions and purchase and sale contracts, is to mark them to the market and include gains and losses in the consolidated statement of operations in sales and merchandising revenues.

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate agribusiness segment exposure to market risk of our commodity position (exclusive of basis risk). Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts. The fair value of our position is a summation of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing each net position at quoted futures market prices. Market risk is estimated as the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in such prices. The result of this analysis, as of June 30, 2010, which may differ from actual results, is as follows (in thousands):

 

Fair Value

   $ 76

Market Risk

   $ 8

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

None.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our investors should consider the risks that could affect us and our business as set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2009. Although we have attempted to discuss key factors, our investors need to be aware that other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance. Investors should carefully consider the discussion of risks and the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Information, which is included in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved).

 

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1    First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 18, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha
10.2    First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Note dated as of June 18, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha
10.3    Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of April 19, 2010 by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 3, 2010)
10.4    Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 19, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC, as the Buyer, and Union City Grain Company LLC, Dyer Gin Company, Inc. and Thomas W. Wade, Jr. Living Trust dated July 25, 2002, collectively as the Seller, and Wade Gin Company, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)
10.5    Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 19, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC, as the Buyer, and Farmers Grain of Trenton LLC, Farmers Grain Crop Insurance, LLC and Wilson Street Properties L.L.C., collectively as the Seller (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)
10.6    Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 19, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)

 

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10.7    Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note dated as of April 19, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)
10.8    Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Note dated as of April 19, 2010 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)
10.9    Security Agreement dated as of April 19, 2010 between Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)
10.10    Post-Closing Agreement dated as of April 19, 2010 between Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc., Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC and First National Bank of Omaha (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2010)
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: August 3, 2010   GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.
  (Registrant)
  By:  

/S/     TODD A. BECKER        

    Todd A. Becker
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: August 3, 2010   By:  

/S/     JERRY L. PETERS        

    Jerry L. Peters
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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