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EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION - LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLCexhibit321-certification.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION - LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLCexhibit312-certification.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION - LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLCexhibit311-certification.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION - LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLCexhibit322-certification.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
                    
FORM 10-Q
                    
x
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
For the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011
 
o
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Commission file number 000-50254
LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
South Dakota
 
46-0460790
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
46269 SD HIghway 34
P.O. Box 100
Wentworth, South Dakota
 
57075
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(605) 483-2676
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Membership Units
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.        x Yes o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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).
o Yes    o 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 o
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
 
Smaller Reporting Company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes x No
 
As of May 16, 2011, there are 29,620,000 membership units of the registrant outstanding.
 
 
 



2


 
PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010*
 ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash
$
436,685
 
 
$
637,804
 
Accounts receivable
5,035,727
 
 
4,114,940
 
Other receivables
22,604
 
 
188,959
 
Inventory
10,509,171
 
 
10,063,208
 
Due from broker
3,093,629
 
 
3,725,998
 
Derivative financial instruments
395,317
 
 
73,800
 
Prepaid expenses
134,737
 
 
126,523
 
Total current assets
19,627,870
 
 
18,931,232
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
Land
676,097
 
 
676,097
 
Land improvements
2,665,358
 
 
2,665,358
 
Buildings
8,088,853
 
 
8,088,853
 
Equipment
40,760,255
 
 
40,799,589
 
 
52,190,563
 
 
52,229,897
 
Less accumulated depreciation
(23,107,490
)
 
(22,469,329
)
Net property and equipment
29,083,073
 
 
29,760,568
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER ASSETS
 
 
 
Goodwill
10,395,766
 
 
10,395,766
 
Investments
2,919,578
 
 
2,856,445
 
Other
212,682
 
 
234,410
 
Total other assets
13,528,026
 
 
13,486,621
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
$
62,238,969
 
 
$
62,178,421
 
 
 
 
 
*Derived from audited financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 

3


 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010*
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Outstanding checks in excess of bank balance
$
852,994
 
 
$
584,412
 
Accounts payable
3,019,004
 
 
5,377,598
 
Accrued liabilities
370,754
 
 
672,802
 
Derivative financial instruments
1,595,613
 
 
2,527,175
 
Short-term notes payable
2,230,000
 
 
1,872,000
 
Current portion of guarantee payable
64,756
 
 
52,382
 
Current portion of notes payable
447,684
 
 
1,813,494
 
Total current liabilities
8,580,805
 
 
12,899,863
 
 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Notes payable, net of current maturities
766,150
 
 
833,655
 
Guarantee payable, net of current portion
95,411
 
 
95,411
 
Other
264,961
 
 
252,344
 
Total long-term liabilities
1,126,522
 
 
1,181,410
 
 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MEMBERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Capital units, $0.50 stated value, 29,620,000 units issued and outstanding
14,810,000
 
 
14,810,000
 
Additional paid-in capital
96,400
 
 
96,400
 
Retained earnings
37,625,242
 
 
33,190,748
 
Total members' equity
52,531,642
 
 
48,097,148
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
$
62,238,969
 
 
$
62,178,421
 
 
 
 
 
*Derived from audited financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 

4


LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
REVENUES
$
35,083,109
 
 
$
22,838,763
 
 
 
 
 
COSTS OF REVENUES
29,844,433
 
 
19,482,080
 
 
 
 
 
GROSS PROFIT
5,238,676
 
 
3,356,683
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
816,470
 
 
760,010
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
4,422,206
 
 
2,596,673
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
Interest and other income
13,557
 
 
4,840
 
Equity in net income of investments
63,133
 
 
76,305
 
Interest and other expense
(64,402
)
 
(131,131
)
Total other income (expense)
12,288
 
 
(49,986
)
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
$
4,434,494
 
 
$
2,546,687
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT
$
0.15
 
 
$
0.09
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of units outstanding for the calculation of basic & diluted earnings per unit
29,620,000
 
 
29,620,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 

5


LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
4,434,494
 
 
$
2,546,687
 
Changes to net income not affecting cash
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
699,223
 
 
692,191
 
Equity in net (income) of investments
(63,133
)
 
(76,305
)
Unrealized loss on purchase commitments
 
 
237,800
 
Lower of cost or market adjustment on inventory
 
 
295,809
 
Gain on sale of equipment
(9,300
)
 
 
(Increase) decrease in
 
 
 
Receivables
(754,434
)
 
1,645,036
 
Inventory
(445,963
)
 
(168,414
)
Prepaid expenses
(8,214
)
 
10,547
 
Derivative financial instruments and due from broker
(620,710
)
 
(542,883
)
Increase (decrease) in
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
(2,358,593
)
 
(3,646,403
)
Accrued liabilities
(289,431
)
 
(290,932
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
583,939
 
 
703,133
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Sale of equipment
9,300
 
 
 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
9,300
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Increase in outstanding checks in excess of bank balance
268,582
 
 
82,900
 
Short-term notes payable issued
358,000
 
 
 
Principal payments on long-term notes payable
(1,420,940
)
 
(622,813
)
NET CASH (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(794,358
)
 
(539,913
)
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
(201,119
)
 
163,220
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
637,804
 
 
365,066
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
$
436,685
 
 
$
528,286
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
$
171,522
 
 
$
253,030
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consoldiated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 

6

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 1    .    NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
Principal Business Activity
 
Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC and subsidiary (the Company) is a South Dakota limited liability company located in Wentworth, South Dakota. The Company was organized by investors to provide a portion of the corn supply for a 40 million-gallon (annual capacity) ethanol plant, owned by Dakota Ethanol, LLC (Dakota Ethanol). The Company sells ethanol and related products to customers located in North America.
 
NOTE 2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The unaudited financial statements contained herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
 
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, contained in the annual report on Form 10-K for 2010.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when title transfers to customers, net of allowances for estimated returns. Generally, ethanol and related products are shipped FOB shipping point, based on written contract terms between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Collectability of revenue is reasonably assured based on historical evidence of collectability between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Interest income is recognized as earned.
 
Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of ethanol is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer.
 
Cost of Revenues
 
The primary components of cost of revenues from the production of ethanol and related co-product are corn expense, energy expense (natural gas and electricity), raw materials expense (chemicals and denaturant), and direct labor costs.
 
Shipping costs incurred in the sale of distiller's grains are classified in net revenues.  Shipping costs on distiller's grains were approximately $238,000 and $174,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Inventory Valuation
 
Ethanol inventory, raw materials, work-in-process, and parts inventory are valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Distillers grains and related products are stated at net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase and sale commitments, market is based on current replacement values except that it does not exceed net realizable values and is not less than net realizable values reduced by allowances for approximate normal profit margin.
 

7

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities
 
The Company is exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations.  The primary risks that we manage by using forward or derivative instruments are price risk on anticipated purchases of corn, natural gas and the sale of ethanol.
 
The Company is subject to market risk with respect to the price and availability of corn, the principal raw material we use to produce ethanol and ethanol by-products.  In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, therefore, represent unfavorable market conditions.  This is especially true when market conditions do not allow us to pass along increased corn costs to our customers.  The availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture and international trade and global demand and supply.
 
Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales.  Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.  Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements of derivative accounting. For transactions initiated prior to January 1, 2011, we applied the normal purchase and sales exemption under derivative accounting for forward purchases of corn and sales of distiller's grains. Transactions initiated after December 31, 2010 are not exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements. As of March 31, 2011, we are committed to purchasing 3.2 million bushels of corn on a forward contract basis with an average price of $5.19 per bushel, of which 1.2 million bushels are subject to derivative accounting treatment and 2.0 million bushels are accounted for as normal purchases, and accordingly, are not marked to market and are accounted for using lower of cost or market accounting. Dakota Ethanol has a derivative financial instrument asset of approximately $395,000 related to the forward contracted purchases of corn. The corn purchase contracts represent 18% of the annual plant corn usage.
 
The Company enters into firm-price purchase commitments with some of our natural gas suppliers under which we agree to buy natural gas at a price set in advance of the actual delivery of that natural gas to us.  Under these arrangements, we assume the risk of a price decrease in the market price of natural gas between the time this price is fixed and the time the natural gas is delivered.  At March 31, 2011, we are committed to purchasing 180,000 MMBtu's of natural gas with an average price of $3.91.  We account for these transactions as normal purchases, and accordingly, do not mark these transactions to market.
 
The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts as a means of securing corn and natural gas for the ethanol plant and managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for sales of ethanol to manage exposure to changes in energy prices. All of our derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments.
 
As part of our trading activity, The Company uses futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce risk and we are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of inventories. To reduce that risk, we generally take positions using forward and futures contracts and options.
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010*
Forward contracts
 
 Current Assets
 
$
395,317
 
 
$
73,800
 
Futures and options contracts
 
 (Current Liabilities)
 
(1,595,613
)
 
(2,527,175
)
*Derived from audited financial statements.
 

8

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to derivative contracts related to corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and derivative contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements.
 
 
 
 Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
Classification
 
2011
 
2010
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to sales contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Futures and options contracts
 
Revenues
 
$
 
 
$
252,938
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Futures and options contracts
 
Cost of Revenues
 
$
(2,415,807
)
 
$
2,511,915
 
  Forward contracts
 
Cost of Revenues
 
321,517
 
 
(550,570
)
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Environmental Liabilities
 
Dakota Ethanol's operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations adopted by various governmental authorities in the jurisdiction in which it operates. These laws require Dakota Ethanol to investigate and remediate the effects of the release or disposal of materials at its locations. Accordingly, Dakota Ethanol has adopted policies, practices and procedures in the areas of pollution control, occupational health and the production, handling, storage and use of hazardous materials to prevent material environmental or other damage, and to limit the financial liability which could result from such events. Environmental liabilities are recorded when Dakota Ethanol's liability is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010.06, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements, which amends ASC 820.10 to require new disclosures about transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the roll forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2010.06 also clarifies existing disclosure requirements regarding the level of disaggregation of each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the statement of financial condition and clarifies that a reporting entity should provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the new disclosures about the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company's adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
 

9

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

NOTE 3.     INVENTORY
 
Inventory consisted of the following as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010*
Raw Materials
 
$
7,456,793
 
 
$
6,100,759
 
Finished Goods
 
1,195,382
 
 
2,233,676
 
Work in process
 
880,784
 
 
821,897
 
Parts inventory
 
976,212
 
 
906,876
 
 
 
$
10,509,171
 
 
$
10,063,208
 
 
*Derived from audited financial statements.
 
LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

NOTE 4.    SHORT-TERM NOTE PAYABLE
 
On May 13, 2010, Dakota Ethanol renewed a revolving promissory note from First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) in the amount of $5,000,000. The note expires on May 12, 2011 and the amount available is subject to certain restrictive covenants establishing minimum reporting requirements, ratios, working capital, net worth and borrowing base requirements. Interest on the outstanding principal balances will accrue at 350 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate (4.50 percent at March 31, 2011). The rate is subject to a floor of 4.5 percent. There is a commitment fee of 1/2 percent on the unused portion of the $5,000,000 availability. In addition, the bank draws the checking account balance to a minimum balance on a daily basis. The excess cash pays down or the shortfall is drawn upon the note as needed. The note is collateralized by the ethanol plant, its accounts receivable and inventories. On March 31, 2011, Dakota Ethanol had $2,230,000 outstanding and $2,770,000 available to be drawn on the revolving promissory note. On December 31, 2010, Dakota Ethanol had $1,872,000 outstanding and $3,128,000 available to be drawn on the revolving promissory note. Dakota Ethanol is in the process of renewing this note. Dakota Ethanol anticipates the note will be renewed for an additional one-year term in the amount of $10,000,000.
 
LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

NOTE 5.    LONG-TERM NOTES PAYABLE
 
Dakota Ethanol has a note payable to First National Bank of Omaha, Nebraska (Term Note 5).
 
As part of the note payable agreement, Dakota Ethanol is subject to certain restrictive covenants establishing minimum reporting requirements, ratios, working capital and net worth requirements. The notes are collateralized by the ethanol plant and equipment, its accounts receivable and inventories. We are in compliance with our financial covenants as of March 31, 2011.
 
On May 13, 2010, Dakota Ethanol restructured Term Note 5. Term Note 5 is a reducing revolving note with an availability of $5,000,000. Interest on outstanding principal balances will accrue at 400 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate (5.0 percent at March 31, 2011). The rate is subject to a floor of 5.0 percent. Dakota Ethanol may elect to borrow any principal amount repaid on Term Note 5 up to $5,000,000 subject to the terms of the agreement. Should Dakota Ethanol elect not to utilize this feature, the lender will assess an unused commitment fee of 1/2 percent on the unused portion of the note. Term Note 5 has a reducing feature through which the available amount of the note is reduced by $1,000,000 on the anniversary of the note. The note matures on May 1, 2013. On March 31, 2011, Dakota Ethanol had $0 outstanding and $5,000,000 available to be drawn on Term Note 5. On December 31, 2010, Dakota Ethanol had $0 outstanding and $5,000,000 available to be drawn on Term Note 5.
 
During December 2008, Dakota Ethanol issued a note payable related to the purchase of land adjacent to the plant site. The note was issued for $450,000. The note matures on December 1, 2012. The note is payable in annual installments of $112,500 plus interest. Interest on outstanding principal balances will accrue at a fixed rate of 7.0 percent.
 
Dakota Ethanol conducted a private placement offering of subordinated unsecured debt securities which closed on May 30, 2009. The securities mature two years from the date of issuance. Interest on the outstanding balances will accrue at a fixed rate of 9 percent. Interest will be paid annually on January 30th of each year beginning on January 30, 2010. We have raised $1,439,000 in subordinated debt through this offering.
 

10

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

On May 22, 2009, Dakota Ethanol entered into two loan agreements for alternative financing for our corn oil extraction equipment as we had agreed with FNBO; one loan with Rural Electric Economic Development, Inc (REED) and the other loan with First District Development Company (FDDC).
 
The note to REED for $1 million has a fixed interest rate of 4.7%. The note requires monthly installments of $18,734 and matures on May 25, 2014. The note is secured by the oil extraction equipment.
 
The note to FDDC for $200,000 has a fixed interest rate of 5.5%. The note requires monthly installments of $3,820 and matures on May 22, 2014. The note is secured by the oil extraction equipment.
 
The balances of the notes payable are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010*
Note payable to First National Bank, Omaha
 
 
 
 
Term Note 5
 
$
 
 
$
 
Note payable - Land
 
225,000
 
 
225,000
 
Note payable - Subordinated notes
 
70,000
 
 
1,439,000
 
Note payable - REED
 
660,821
 
 
708,881
 
Note payable - FDDC
 
132,951
 
 
142,497
 
Note payable - Other
 
125,062
 
 
131,771
 
 
 
1,213,834
 
 
2,647,149
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less current portion
 
(447,684
)
 
(1,813,494
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
766,150
 
 
$
833,655
 
 
*Derived from audited financial statements
 
Minimum principal payments for the next five years are as follows:
 
Years Ending March 31,
 
Amount
2012
 
$
447,684
 
2013
 
390,838
 
2014
 
292,147
 
2015
 
77,649
 
2016
 
5,516
 
 
 
NOTE 6.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The Company complies with the fair value measurements and disclosures standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure for those assets and liabilities carried on the balance sheet on a fair value basis.
 
The Company's balance sheet contains derivative financial instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements and disclosures require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value. There are three levels of determining fair value.
 
Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2 uses observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

11

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

 
Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.
 
Derivative financial instruments. Commodity futures and options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CBOT and NYMEX markets. Over-the-counter commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. Forward purchase contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from local grain terminal bid values. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include live trading bids from local elevators and processing plants which are based off the CBOT markets.
 
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
 
 
 Total
 
 Level 1
 
 Level 2
 
 Level 3
March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts
 
$
395,317
 
 
$
 
 
$
395,317
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments, futures and options contracts
 
$
(1,595,613
)
 
$
(1,595,613
)
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts
 
$
73,800
 
 
$
 
 
$
73,800
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments, futures and options contracts
 
$
(2,527,175
)
 
$
(2,527,175
)
 
$
 
 
$
 
*Derived from audited financial statements.
 
Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were not significant at March 31, 2011.
 
Disclosure requirements for fair value of financial instruments require disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring

12

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
 
 
 

basis or nonrecurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non recurring basis are discussed above. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.
 
The Company believes the carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, due from broker, outstanding checks in excess of bank balance, accounts payable and short-term debt approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
 
The carrying amount of long-term obligations at March 31, 2011 of $1,361,627 had an estimated fair value of approximately $1,363,701 based on estimated interest rates for comparable debt. The carrying amount and fair value were $2,794,942 and $2,797,016 respectively at December 31, 2010.
 
NOTE 7.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Dakota Ethanol owns a 9% interest in RPMG, in which Dakota Ethanol has entered into marketing agreements for the exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute the entire ethanol and dried distiller's grains inventories produced by Dakota Ethanol.  The marketing fees are included in net revenues.
Sales and marketing fees related to the agreements are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
 
Sales ethanol
 
$
29,602,306
 
 
$
18,907,386
 
Sales distillers grains
 
1,707,718
 
 
1,770,823
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing fees ethanol
 
60,756
 
 
54,371
 
Marketing fees distillers grains
 
19,227
 
 
22,092
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Amounts due included in accounts receivable
 
$
4,149,286
 
 
$
3,504,400
 
NOTE 8.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
During May 2011, the Company declared and paid a distribution to its members of $2,962,000, or $0.10 per capital unit.
 
Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 

13


 
 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
We prepared the following discussion and analysis to help you better understand our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, and results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2011, compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the Management's Discussion and Analysis section for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report contains historical information, as well as forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and relate to future events, our future financial performance, or our expected future operations and actions. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “future,” “intend,” “could,” “hope,” “predict,” “target,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only our predictions based on current information and involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Our actual results or actions may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in this report and our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
The cautionary statements referred to in this section also should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by us or persons acting on our behalf. We undertake no duty to update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.  We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
 
Overview
 
Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC is a South Dakota limited liability company that owns and manages its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol, L.L.C. Dakota Ethanol, L.L.C. owns and operates an ethanol plant located near Wentworth, South Dakota that has a nameplate production capacity of 40 million gallons of ethanol per year. Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC is referred to in this report as “LACP,” the “company,” “we,” or “us.” Dakota Ethanol, L.L.C. is referred to in this report as “Dakota Ethanol” “we” “us” or the “ethanol plant.”
 
Our revenue is derived from the sale and distribution of our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil.  The ethanol plant currently operates in excess of its nameplate capacity, producing approximately 47 million gallons of ethanol per year.  Corn is supplied to us primarily from our members who are local agricultural producers and from purchases of corn on the open market. We have engaged RPMG, Inc. to market all of the ethanol and corn oil that we produce at the plant. Further, RPMG, Inc. markets all of the distillers grains that we produce that we do not market internally to local customers.
 
In May 2011, our board of directors declared and paid a distribution to each of our members. The total amount of this distribution was $2,962,000, or $0.10 per capital unit.
 

14


Results of Operations
 
Comparison of the Fiscal Quarters Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of revenues, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
2011
 
2010
Income Statement Data
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Revenue
 
$
35,083,109
 
 
100.0
 
 
$
22,838,763
 
 
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of Revenues
 
29,844,433
 
 
85.1
 
 
19,482,080
 
 
85.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Profit
 
5,238,676
 
 
14.9
 
 
3,356,683
 
 
14.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expense
 
816,470
 
 
2.3
 
 
760,010
 
 
3.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Operations
 
4,422,206
 
 
12.6
 
 
2,596,673
 
 
11.4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
12,288
 
 
 
 
(49,986
)
 
(0.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
4,434,494
 
 
12.6
 
 
$
2,546,687
 
 
11.2
 
 
Revenues
 
Revenue from ethanol sales increased by approximately 54% during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Revenue from distillers grains increased by approximately 46% during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Revenue from corn oil increased by approximately 92% during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.
 
Ethanol
 
Our ethanol revenue was approximately $10.4 million greater during our first quarter of 2011 compared to our first quarter of 2010, an increase of approximately 54%. This increase in ethanol revenue was due to an increase in the average price we received for our ethanol of approximately $0.70 per gallon, an increase of approximately 44%, during our first quarter of 2011 compared to our first quarter of 2010. Management attributes this increase in ethanol prices with significantly higher corn and energy prices during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Management anticipates that ethanol prices will remain at their current levels during our 2011 fiscal year due to the higher corn prices we have been experiencing along with higher gasoline prices. Management anticipates that gasoline prices will remain high due to instability in the Middle East. However, ethanol prices may be negatively impacted by the effect the blend wall may have on ethanol demand. If the ethanol industry cannot continue to increase ethanol demand, it may result in an over-supply of ethanol which could negatively impact prices.
 
In addition to the higher ethanol prices, we also increased our ethanol sales during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Our total ethanol sales during our first quarter of 2011 were approximately 7% greater than during the same period of 2010, an increase of approximately 844,000 gallons. Management attributes this increase in ethanol sales with a carryover of inventory from the prior quarter. Management anticipates that ethanol sales during our remaining quarters of our 2011 fiscal year will be comparable to our 2010 fiscal year as we anticipate comparable ethanol production during our 2011 fiscal year.
 
Ethanol demand has increased during our first quarter of 2011 due to increased ethanol exports to Canada along with ethanol exports to Europe. Canada recently passed legislation requiring the use of ethanol in Canada. However, Canada does not currently have sufficient ethanol production capacity to satisfy this ethanol requirement. As a result, Canada has been importing the ethanol shortfall from the United States. However, Canada has also taken steps to increase domestic ethanol production in order to satisfy its own ethanol use requirements. Therefore, these increased ethanol exports to Canada may not continue indefinitely as Canada's domestic ethanol industry increases production. Because of the blend wall, domestic ethanol demand is not expected to increase significantly without the use of more mid-level blends of ethanol. Management believes that the recent push to increase ethanol demand in the United States through E15 may not result in a significant increase in ethanol demand. Management believes that gasoline retailers will refuse to carry E15 due to the fact that not all standard vehicles can use E15 and due to potential liability

15


for gasoline retailers if customers use E15 in vehicles that are not approved for E15. In addition, management believes that the labeling requirement for E15 that is being considered by the EPA may discourage the use of higher percentage blends of ethanol. Without increases in domestic ethanol demand, we may experience periods when ethanol supply exceeds ethanol demand which may negatively impact the price we receive for our ethanol.
 
Distillers Grains
 
Our total distillers grains sales were the same for our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. However, we sold less distillers grains in the dried form during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. For our first quarter of 2011, we sold approximately 24% of our total distillers grains in the dried form and approximately 76% of our total distillers grains in the modified/wet form. For our first quarter of 2010, we sold approximately 40% of our total distillers grains in the dried form and approximately 60% of our total distillers grains in the modified/wet form. This change in the composition of our distillers grains sales was due to market conditions in the distillers grains market. The average price we received for our dried distillers grains was approximately 7% greater during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, an increase of approximately $6.97 per ton. The average price we received for our modified/wet distillers grains was approximately 62% greater for our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, an increase of approximately $53.60 per ton. Management attributes this increase in the selling price of our distillers grains with increased corn prices. Since distillers grains are typically used as a feed substitute for corn, as the price of corn increases, the price of and demand for distillers grains also increase.
 
The ethanol industry has recently experienced decreased export demand for distillers grains due to an anti-dumping investigation instituted by the Chinese government. During 2010, China significantly increased their imports of distillers grains from the United States which benefited market distillers grains prices in the United States. However, China has reduced its distillers grains imports due to uncertainty surrounding the anti-dumping investigation and the effect that it may have on tariffs that are imposed on distillers grains bound for China. While we do not export a significant amount of distillers grains, changes in the market price of distillers grains might affect the price we receive for our distillers grains.
 
Management expects to continue to make decisions as to whether our distillers grains will be marketed as dried distillers grains as opposed to modified/wet distillers grains based on market conditions. These market conditions include supply and demand factors as well as the price difference between dried distillers grains and wet/modified distillers grains along with the higher natural gas costs associated with drying our distillers grains.
    
Corn Oil
 
Our total pounds of corn oil sold increased by approximately 15% during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to improved operation of the corn oil extraction equipment. Management anticipates that our corn oil sales will be comparable during the remaining quarters of our 2011 fiscal year. In addition to the increase in corn oil sales, the average price we received for our corn oil increased by approximately 68% for our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Management attributes this increase in corn oil prices with higher corn prices and increased corn oil demand. Management anticipates corn oil prices will be comparable during the remaining quarters of our 2011 fiscal year.     
    
Cost of Revenues
 
The primary raw materials we use to produce ethanol and distillers grains are corn and natural gas. Our cost of revenues was approximately 53% greater for our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 due to higher corn costs. Our average cost per bushel of corn increased by approximately 74% for our first quarter of 2011 compared to our first quarter of 2010, an increase of approximately $2.30 per bushel of corn. Management attributes this increase in corn costs with higher market corn prices due to decreased corn carryover from the 2009/2010 crop year. However, the area surrounding our ethanol plant had a good harvest in the fall of 2010 so we have not experienced the same corn price increases that ethanol plants in other areas of the country may have experienced. Management anticipates that the area surrounding the ethanol plant will continue to produce a significant amount of corn and that we will not have any difficulty securing the corn that we need to operate the ethanol plant. We purchased a comparable number of bushels of corn during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.
 
Our cost of revenues related to natural gas decreased by approximately $431,000, a decrease of approximately 19%, for our first quarter of 2011 compared to our first quarter of 2010. This decrease was due to a decrease in market natural gas prices during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Our average cost per MMBtu of natural gas during our first quarter of 2011 was approximately 21% lower compared to our first quarter of 2010, a decrease of approximately $1.34 per MMBtu of natural gas. Management attributes this decrease in natural gas prices to strong natural gas supplies and relatively stable natural gas demand. Management anticipates that natural gas prices will remain steady during our 2011 fiscal year unless natural gas

16


production problems arise, such as from hurricane activity in the Gulf Coast.
 
Partially offsetting this decrease in natural gas costs per MMBtu was an increase in the total MMBtu of natural gas that we consumed during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 of approximately 9,000 MMBtu, an increase of approximately 3%. Management attributes this increase in natural gas consumption with increased production at the ethanol plant. Management anticipates that our natural gas consumption will be comparable during our 2011 fiscal year to our 2010 fiscal year due to anticipated levels of production at the ethanol plant.
 
Operating Expense
 
Our operating expenses were higher for our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 due primarily to higher bonus expenses. We pay a bonus to our chief executive officer based on the profitability of the ethanol plant which was higher during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.
 
Other Income and Expense
 
Our interest expense was significantly lower for our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 because we had significantly less debt outstanding. In addition, we had more interest income during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 due to having more cash on hand during the 2011 period. The increase in our equity interest in the net income of our investments was primarily due to income from our investment in RPMG, our primary marketer.
 
Changes in Financial Condition for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011.
 
Current Assets
 
Our current assets were higher at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 primarily due to increased accounts receivable and inventory. These increases are tied to recent increases in corn and ethanol prices. The amount we had due from our commodities broker was lower at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 because we were required to hold less cash in our margin account with our commodities broker due to fewer unrealized losses on our risk management positions.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Our net property and equipment was lower at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 as a result of depreciation and because we sold a piece of equipment that we recently replaced. We did not make any significant capital expenditures during our first quarter of 2011 that increased the value of our property and equipment.
 
Other Assets
 
The value of our investments increased at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 mainly due to our investment in RPMG, our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil marketer.
 
Current Liabilities
 
Our accounts payable was significantly lower at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 because our corn suppliers typically seek to defer payments for corn that is delivered at the end of the year for tax purposes. These deferred payments were made early in our first quarter of 2011. Our accrued liabilities were lower at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 due to a property tax payment we made and due to a payment of damage accruals for our railcars. Our derivative instruments represented a smaller liability on our balance sheet at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 due to a change in the market price of corn and the composition of our derivative instrument positions. We had more funds outstanding on our line of credit at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 which increased our short-term note payable. The current portion of our notes payable was significantly lower at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 because we repaid most of the subordinated unsecured debt securities we issued to certain of our members in 2009.
 
Long-Term Liabilities
 
Our long-term liabilities were lower at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 because of our continuing payments on our various long-term notes. Our other long-term liability was higher at March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 due to anticipated costs to repair damages to our distillers grains railcars as required by our railcar leases.
 

17


Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our main sources of liquidity are cash from our continuing operations and amounts we have available to draw on our revolving lines of credit. Other than the anticipated increase in our short-term line of credit discussed below, management does not anticipate that we will need to raise additional debt or equity financing in the next twelve months and management believes that our current sources of liquidity will be sufficient to continue our operations during that time period. We are in the process of renewing our short-term line of credit with an increased maximum balance of $10 million. We anticipate that this renewal will be completed in May 2011. We do not anticipate making any significant capital expenditures in the next 12 months other than ordinary repair and replacement of equipment in our ethanol plant.
 
Currently, we have two revolving loans which allow us to borrow funds for working capital. These two revolving loans are described in greater detail below in the section entitled “Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Indebtedness.” As of March 31, 2011, we had $2,230,000 outstanding and $7,770,000 available to be drawn on these revolving loans. Management anticipates that this is sufficient to maintain our liquidity and continue our operations.
 
The following table shows cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
583,939
 
 
$
703,133
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
 
9,300
 
 
 
Net cash (used for) financing activities
 
(794,358
)
 
(539,913
)
 
Cash Flow From Operations. Our operating activities provided less cash during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to changes we experienced in our receivables and inventory during the 2011 period. These changes were primarily due to increased commodity prices, including corn and ethanol.
 
Cash Flow From Investing Activities. We received proceeds from the sale of a piece of equipment during our first quarter of 2011.
 
Cash Flow From Financing Activities. We used more cash in our financing activities during our first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 due to increased payments on our long-term notes. This increase in payments on our long-term notes was due to our repayment of certain subordinated unsecured debt securities we issued in 2009.
 
Indebtedness
 
First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is our primary lender. We have two loans outstanding with FNBO, a short-term revolving loan and a long-term revolving loan. Following the end of our second quarter of 2010, we repaid the entire balance of our term loan with FNBO. In addition, we have subordinated unsecured debt financing with various individuals. We also secured two loans to offset the cost of our corn oil extraction equipment which total $1,200,000. We have a long-term loan related to a piece of property that we purchased adjacent to our ethanol plant. The specifics of each credit facility are discussed below.
 
Short-Term Debt Sources
 
We have a short-term revolving promissory note with FNBO that recently expired on May 12, 2011. We are in the process of renewing this short-term revolving line of credit for an additional one year period with an increased maximum balance of $10 million. As of March 31, 2011, we could borrow up to $5 million pursuant to this revolving promissory note. We agreed to pay a variable interest rate on the revolving promissory note at an annual rate 350 basis points above the 1 month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The revolving promissory note is subject to a minimum interest rate of 4.5% per year. The interest rate for this loan at March 31, 2011 was the minimum interest rate of 4.5%. We are required to pay a fee of 1/2 percent on the unused portion of the revolving promissory note. The revolving promissory note is collateralized by the ethanol plant, its accounts receivable and inventories. As of March 31, 2011, we had $2,230,000 outstanding on our revolving promissory note and $2,770,000 available to be drawn.
 

18


Long-Term Debt Sources
 
During our third quarter of 2010, we repaid our term note that was used for the permanent financing of the ethanol plant.
 
We restructured our long-term revolving loan that we refer to as Term Note 5 on May 13, 2010. Term Note 5 was restructured into a $5,000,000 loan with an interest rate that accrues at 400 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR. Term Note 5 is subject to a minimum interest rate of 5.0% per year. The credit limit on Term Note 5 reduces each year by $1,000,000 until the maturity date on May 1, 2013. Therefore, the funds available for us to draw on Term Note 5 will decrease each year. If in any year we have a principal balance outstanding on Term Note 5 in excess of the new credit limit, we must make a payment to FNBO such that the amount outstanding on Term Note 5 does not exceed the new credit limit. We are required to pay a fee of 1/2 percent on the unused portion of Term Note 5. On March 31, 2011, we had $0 outstanding and $5,000,000 available to be drawn on this loan. As of March 31, 2011, interest accrued on Term Note 5 at the minimum interest rate of 5.0% per year.
 
We also have a long-term debt obligation related to our purchase of an additional 135 acres of land pursuant to a land purchase contract. The total cost of this additional land was $550,000. As of March 31, 2011, we had $225,000 remaining to be paid pursuant to this land purchase contract.
 
We have a long-term debt obligation on a portion of a tax increment revenue bond series issued by Lake County, South Dakota of which we were the recipient of the proceeds.  The portion for which we are obligated is currently estimated at $228,000. Taxes levied on our property are used for paying the debt service on the bonds. We are obligated to pay any shortfall in debt service on the bonds should the property taxes collected not be sufficient to pay the entire debt service. The interest rate on the bonds is 7.75% annually.  The bonds require semi-annual payments of interest on December 1 and June 1, in addition to a payment of principal on December 1 of each year. While our obligation under the guarantee is expected to continue until maturity in 2018, such obligation may cease at some point in time if the property on which the plant is located appreciates in value to the extent that Lake County is able to collect a sufficient amount in taxes to cover the principal and interest payments on the taxable bonds. The principal balance outstanding was approximately $1,370,000 as of March 31, 2011.
 
Subordinated Debt
 
During our 2009 fiscal year, we completed a private placement offering of subordinated unsecured debt securities. The debt securities that we offered were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and were offered pursuant to claimed exemptions from registration under state and federal securities laws. We raised a total of $1,439,000 in subordinated debt through this offering. Interest on the subordinated notes accrues at a fixed interest rate of 9% per year. These subordinated debt securities have a two-year maturity from the date they were issued, with interest being paid on January 30th of each year and at maturity. As of March 31, 2011, the outstanding principal balance of our subordinated unsecured debt securities was $70,000.
 
We raised a total of $1,200,000 in subordinated loans to help offset the cost of our corn oil extraction equipment from two different parties. We secured $1,000,000 in financing for the corn oil extraction equipment from the Rural Electric Economic Development, Inc. (REED) and $200,000 from the First District Development Company (FDDC). We closed on these loans on May 22, 2009. We agreed to pay 4.70% interest on the $1,000,000 loan from REED and 5.5% interest on the $200,000 FDDC loan. Both loans are amortized over a period of five years and both loans require monthly payments. The principal balance of the REED loan was approximately $660,821 as of March 31, 2011. The principal balance of the FDDC loan was approximately $132,951 as of March 31, 2011.
 
Covenants
 
Our credit facilities with FNBO are subject to various loan covenants. If we fail to comply with these loan covenants, FNBO can declare us to be in default of our loans. The material loan covenants applicable to our credit facilities are our fixed charge coverage ratio, our minimum net worth and minimum working capital requirements. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.10 to 1.0. This fixed charge coverage ratio compares our EBITDA adjusted earnings, as defined in our credit agreements, with our scheduled principal and interest payments on our outstanding debt obligations, including our subordinated debt. We are also required to maintain at least $2.5 million in working capital and maintain a minimum net worth of $20 million.
 
As of March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all of our loan covenants. Management's current financial projections indicate that we will be in compliance with our financial covenants for the next 12 months and we expect to remain in compliance thereafter. Management does not believe that it is reasonably likely that we will fall out of compliance with our material loan covenants in the next 12 months. If we fail to comply with the terms of our credit agreements with FNBO, and FNBO refuses to

19


waive the non-compliance, FNBO may require us to immediately repay all amounts outstanding on our loans.
 
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
 
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Of the significant accounting policies described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, we believe that the following are the most critical:
 
Derivative Instruments
 
We enter into short-term forward grain, option and futures contracts as a means of securing corn and natural gas for the ethanol plant and managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. We enter into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for sales of ethanol to manage exposure to changes in energy prices. All of our derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments.
 
As part of our trading activity, we use futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce our risk and we are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of inventories. To reduce that risk, we generally take positions using cash and futures contracts and options.
 
Unrealized gains and losses related to derivative contracts for corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and derivative contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements. The fair values of derivative contracts are presented on the accompanying balance sheet as derivative financial instruments.
 
Lower of cost or market accounting for inventory and forward purchase contracts
 
With the significant change in the prices of our main inputs and outputs, the lower of cost or market analysis of inventories and purchase commitments can have a significant impact on our financial performance.
 
The impact of market activity related to pricing of corn and ethanol will require us to continuously evaluate the pricing of our inventory and purchase commitments under a lower of cost or market analysis.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices as discussed below.  We have no exposure to foreign currency risk as all of our business is conducted in U.S. Dollars. We have loans that are subject to variable interest rates, however, they are currently accruing interest at minimum interest rates which based on current market conditions will continue for the foreseeable future. We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We use cash, futures and option contracts to hedge changes to the commodity prices of corn and natural gas. We do not enter into these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor do we designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
 
Commodity Price Risk
 
We are exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Exposure to commodity price risk results from our dependence on corn and natural gas in the ethanol production process.  We seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of corn and natural gas through the use of hedging instruments.  In practice, as markets move, we actively manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as appropriate.  Although we believe our hedge positions accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases, they are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes, which would match the gain or loss on our hedge positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged.  We are marking to market our hedge positions, which means as the current market price of our hedge positions changes, the gains and losses are immediately recognized in our cost of revenues.
 

20


The immediate recognition of hedging gains and losses can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the derivative instruments relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.  We recorded an increase to our cost of revenues of approximately $2.1 million related to derivative instruments for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. We recorded a decrease to our cost of revenues of approximately $2.0 million related to derivative instruments for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. There are several variables that could affect the extent to which our derivative instruments are impacted by price fluctuations in the cost of corn or natural gas.  However, it is likely that commodity cash prices will have the greatest impact on the derivatives instruments with delivery dates nearest the current cash price.
  
As of March 31, 2011, we were committed to purchasing approximately 3.2 million bushels of corn valued at approximately $16.7 million using CBOT futures and options and over-the-counter option contracts. These corn purchases represent approximately 18% of our expected corn usage for the next 12 months As corn prices move in reaction to market trends and information, our income statement will be affected depending on the impact such market movements have on the value of our derivative instruments. Depending on market movements, crop prospects and weather, these price protection positions may cause immediate adverse effects to our financial results, but are designed to produce long-term positive growth for us.
 
As of March 31, 2011, we were committed to purchasing approximately 180,000 MMBtus of natural gas during our 2011 fiscal year, valued at approximately $700,000. The natural gas purchases represent approximately 12% of the annual plant requirements.
 
A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our exposure to corn and natural gas price risk. The table presents the fair value of our derivative instruments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in such prices. The fair value of the positions is a summation of the fair values calculated by valuing each net position at quoted market prices as of the applicable date. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows:
 
Period Ended
 
Fair Value
 
Effect of Hypothetical Adverse Change - Market Risk
March 31, 2011
 
$
6,087,161
 
 
$
608,716
 
December 31, 2010
 
6,535,668
 
 
653,567
 
 
ITEM 4. 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 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer), Scott Mundt, along with our Chief Financial Officer (the principal financial officer), Robbi Buchholtz, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2011. Based on this review and evaluation, these officers believe that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information related to us is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the forms and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
For the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
From time to time in the ordinary course of business, Dakota Ethanol or Lake Area Corn Processors may be named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including, worker's compensation claims, tort claims, or contractual disputes. We are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings, directly or indirectly, and we are not aware of any claims pending or threatened against us or any of the managers that could result in the commencement of material legal proceedings.
 
 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
 
There have been no material changes in the risks that we face since the date when we filed our annual report on Form 10-K.
 
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, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.
 
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
 
Filed Herewith
 
Incorporated by Reference
31.1
 
Certificate Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)
 
X
 
Filed herewith
31.2
 
Certificate Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)
 
X
 
Filed herewith
32.1
 
Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
X
 
Filed herewith
32.2
 
Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
X
 
Filed herewith
 
 

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
 
 
Date:
May 16, 2011
 /s/ Scott Mundt
 
Scott Mundt
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date:
May 16, 2011
 /s/ Robbi Buchholtz
 
Robbi Buchholtz
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 

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