UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2015
OR
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

Commission File Number 001-09097

 

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware		31-1095548
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification Number)

7720 Paragon Road, Dayton, Ohio		45459
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

(937) 276-3931

(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. Yes x No o

 

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

 

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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer   o	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

At the close of business on December 2, 2015 the registrant had 6,858,002 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

				Page
PART I.		FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.		Financial Statements
		Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets		3
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations		4
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity		5
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows		6
		Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements		7
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		21
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		30
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures		30
PART II.		OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings		31
Item 1A.		Risk Factors		31
Item 2.		Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		31
Item 3.		Defaults upon Senior Securities		31
Item 4.		Mine Safety Disclosures		31
Item 5.		Other Information		31
Item 6.		Exhibits		31

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

Unaudited

 

		October 31,				January 31,
		2015				2015
Assets		(In Thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	136,626			$	137,697
Restricted cash			20				—
Accounts receivable			13,289				8,794
Inventory			23,556				18,062
Refundable income taxes			1,935				3,019
Prepaid expenses and other			7,134				5,810
Deferred taxes, net			2,363				2,363
Total current assets			184,923				175,745
Property and equipment, net			189,126				194,447
Other assets			8,131				6,366
Equity method investments			41,088				80,389
Total assets		$	423,268			$	456,947
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, trade		$	14,535			$	9,210
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			9,189				10,347
Total current liabilities			23,724				19,557
Long-term liabilities:
Deferred taxes			34,690				42,768
Other long-term liabilities			—				1,658
Total long-term liabilities			34,690				44,426
Equity:
REX shareholders’ equity:
Common stock			299				299
Paid-in capital			144,814				144,791
Retained earnings			472,188				444,438
Treasury stock			(299,668	)			(239,557	)
Total REX shareholders’ equity			317,633				349,971
Noncontrolling interests			47,221				42,993
Total equity			364,854				392,964
Total liabilities and equity		$	423,268			$	456,947

 

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

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Operations

Unaudited

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 31,								October 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
		(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales and revenue		$	110,584			$	138,424			$	329,261			$	444,580
Cost of sales			96,311				101,934				287,585				332,612
Gross profit			14,273				36,490				41,676				111,968
Selling, general and administrative expenses			(4,720	)			(4,350	)			(15,629	)			(15,369	)
Gain on sale of investment			—				—				10,385				—
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates			1,314				8,780				7,857				24,322
Gain on disposal of property and equipment, net			1				—				496				—
Interest and other income			199				107				524				242
Interest expense			—				(454	)			—				(1,737	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			11,067				40,573				45,309				119,426
Provision for income taxes			(1,634	)			(12,124	)			(12,726	)			(40,053	)
Income from continuing operations			9,433				28,449				32,583				79,373
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				2				—				(2	)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax			—				138				—				136
Net income			9,433				28,589				32,583				79,507
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(1,977	)			(5,249	)			(4,833	)			(12,518	)
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders		$	7,456			$	23,340			$	27,750			$	66,989
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic			6,915				8,170				7,460				8,157
Basic income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders		$	1.08			$	2.84			$	3.72			$	8.19
Basic income per share on disposal of discontinued operations attributable to REX common shareholders			—				0.02				—				0.02
Basic net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders		$	1.08			$	2.86			$	3.72			$	8.21
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted			6,931				8,170				7,469				8,168
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders		$	1.08			$	2.84			$	3.72			$	8.18
Diluted income per share on disposal of discontinued operations attributable to REX common shareholders			—				0.02				—				0.02
Diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders		$	1.08			$	2.86			$	3.72			$	8.20
Amounts attributable to REX common shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax		$	7,456			$	23,200			$	27,750			$	66,855
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				140				—				134
Net income		$	7,456			$	23,340			$	27,750			$	66,989

 

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

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Equity

Unaudited

(In Thousands)

 

		REX Shareholders
		Common Shares Issued								Treasury								Paid-in				Retained				Noncontrolling				Total
		Shares				Amount				Shares				Amount				Capital				Earnings				Interests				Equity
Balance at January 31, 2015			29,853			$	299				21,954			$	(239,557	)		$	144,791			$	444,438			$	42,993			$	392,964
Net income																							27,750				4,833				32,583
Treasury stock acquired											1,044				(60,116	)															(60,116	)
Stock based compensation expense											(3	)			5				23												28
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other			—				—				—				—				—				—				(605	)			(605	)
Balance at October 31, 2015			29,853			$	299				22,995			$	(299,668	)		$	144,814			$	472,188			$	47,221			$	364,854
Balance at January 31, 2014			29,853			$	299				21,753			$	(222,170	)		$	144,051			$	357,101			$	31,472			$	310,753
Net income																							66,989				12,518				79,507
Treasury stock acquired											123				(8,412	)															(8,412	)
Stock based compensation and related tax effects											(83	)			851				740												1,591
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other			—				—				—				—				—				—				(39	)			(39	)
Balance at October 31, 2014			29,853			$	299				21,793			$	(229,731	)		$	144,791			$	424,090			$	43,951			$	383,400

 

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

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows

Unaudited

 

		Nine Months Ended
		October 31,
		2015				2014
		(In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests		$	32,583			$	79,507
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, impairment charges and amortization			14,193				12,480
Income from equity method investments			(7,857	)			(24,322	)
Gain on sale of investment			(10,385	)			—
Gain on disposal of real estate and property and equipment, net			(496	)			(209	)
Dividends received from equity method investees			7,643				19,881
Derivative financial instruments			—				(1,141	)
Deferred income tax			(8,078	)			5,323
Stock based compensation expense			23				—
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises			—				(441	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(2,307	)			5,900
Inventories			(5,494	)			7,874
Other assets			(51	)			728
Accounts payable, trade			4,913				2,075
Other liabilities			(2,849	)			7,406
Net cash provided by operating activities			21,838				115,061
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures			(9,852	)			(8,107	)
Restricted cash			(20	)			500
Restricted investments and deposits			250				273
Proceeds from sale of investment			45,476				—
Proceeds from sale of real estate and property and equipment, net			1,936				596
Other			17				—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			37,807				(6,738	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of long-term debt			—				(42,226	)
Stock options exercised			—				931
Purchase of stock from noncontrolling interests holders			(605	)			(39	)
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises			—				441
Treasury stock acquired			(60,111	)			(8,312	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(60,716	)			(49,205	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(1,071	)			59,118
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			137,697				105,149
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	136,626			$	164,267
Non cash investing activities – Accrued capital expenditures		$	1,216			$	615
Non cash investing activities – Loan receivable granted in connection with sale of real estate		$	—			$	475

 

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

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2015

 

Note 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set forth therein. Any such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Financial information as of January 31, 2015 included in these financial statements has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015 (fiscal year 2014). It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

 

Basis of Consolidation – The consolidated condensed financial statements in this report include the operating results and financial position of REX American Resources Corporation and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company includes the results of operations of One Earth Energy, LLC (“One Earth”) in its Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations on a delayed basis of one month.

 

Nature of Operations – The Company operates in one reportable segment, alternative energy, and has equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which are majority ownership interests.

 

Note 2. Accounting Policies

 

The interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s fiscal year 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. While management believes that the procedures followed in the preparation of interim financial information are reasonable, the accuracy of some estimated amounts is dependent upon facts that will exist or calculations that will be accomplished at fiscal year-end. Examples of such estimates include accrued liabilities, such as management bonuses, and the provision for income taxes. Any adjustments pursuant to such estimates during the quarter were of a normal recurring nature. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes sales from the production of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil when title transfers to customers, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales includes depreciation, costs of raw materials, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, other distribution expenses, warehousing costs, plant management, certain compensation costs, and general facility overhead charges.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

The Company includes non-production related costs such as professional fees, selling charges and certain payroll in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Interest Expense

 

No interest was paid for the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2015. Interest paid for the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2014 was approximately $518,000 and $1,834,000, respectively.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The Company used derivative financial instruments to manage its balance of fixed and variable rate debt. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments and do not represent an actual exchange of the notional amounts between the parties. The swap agreement was not designated for hedge accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”). The interest rate swap, which terminated on July 8, 2014, was recorded at its fair value and the changes in fair value were recorded as gain or loss on derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations. Because the interest rate swap terminated in fiscal year 2014, the Company paid no settlements of interest rate swaps during the three months or nine months ended October 31, 2015. The Company paid settlements of interest rate swaps of approximately $367,000 and $1,142,000 during the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2014, respectively.

 

A majority of the forward grain purchase and ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sale contracts are accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815 because these arrangements are for purchases of grain that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company and sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil quantities expected to be produced by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. During fiscal year 2015, the Company began to carry a portion of its forward grain purchase contracts at fair value. During the three months and nine months ending October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, there were no material settlements of forward contracts that are recorded at fair value; at October 31, 2015, the Company recorded a liability of approximately $0.4 million associated with these contracts.

The Company uses derivative financial instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to manage a portion of the risk associated with changes in commodity prices, primarily related to corn, ethanol and distillers grains. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company 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 in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company applies an effective tax rate to interim periods that is consistent with the Company’s estimated annual tax rate as adjusted for discrete items impacting the interim periods. The Company provides for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company provides for a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company paid income taxes of approximately $19,703,000 and $22,829,000 during the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company received refunds of state income taxes of approximately $132,000 during the nine months ended October 31, 2015. The Company received no refunds of income taxes during the nine months ended October 31, 2014.

 

As of October 31, 2015, there were no unrecognized tax benefits nor any accrued penalties and interest. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory includes direct production costs and certain overhead costs such as depreciation, property taxes and utilities related to producing ethanol and related by-products. Inventory is permanently written down for instances when cost exceeds estimated net realizable value; such write-downs are based primarily upon commodity prices as the market value of inventory is often dependent upon changes in commodity prices. There were no significant permanent write-downs of inventory at October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015. Fluctuations in the write-down of inventory generally relate to the levels and composition of such inventory at a given point in time. The components of inventory are as follows as of the dates presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		October 31, 2015				January 31, 2015
Ethanol and other finished goods		$	5,614			$	3,039
Work in process			2,599				2,609
Grain and other raw materials			15,343				12,414
Total		$	23,556			$	18,062

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 20 years for fixtures and equipment.

 

In accordance with ASC 360-10 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, based on an analysis of undiscounted future expected cash flows from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. There were approximately $125,000 and $68,000 of impairment charges in the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Fiscal year 2015 impairment charges are included in cost of sales while fiscal year 2014 impairment charges are included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations as a result of the prospective adoption of Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”. These impairment charges are related to unfavorable changes in real estate conditions in local markets. Impairment charges result from the Company’s management performing cash flow analysis and represent management’s estimate of the excess of net book value over fair value. Fair value is estimated using expected future cash flows on a discounted basis or appraisals of specific properties as appropriate. Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Given the nature of the Company’s business, events and changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in estimated future cash flows, a sustained decline in market prices for similar assets, or a significant adverse change in legal or regulatory factors or the business climate. A significant decline in estimated future cash flows is represented by a greater than 25% annual decline in expected future cash flows (for real estate asset groups) or a change in the spread between ethanol and grain prices that would result in greater than six consecutive months of estimated or actual significant negative cash flows (for alternative energy asset groups).

 

The Company tests for recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying amount to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, if any. The Company generally determines the fair value of the asset group using a discounted cash flow model based on market participant assumptions (for income producing asset groups) or by obtaining appraisals based on the market approach and comparable market transactions (for non-income producing asset groups).

 

For real estate assets, each individual real estate property represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. As such, the Company separately tests individual real estate properties for recoverability. Real estate assets include both income producing and non-income producing asset groups.

 

For alternative energy reportable assets, each individual ethanol plant represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. As such, the Company separately tests individual ethanol plants for recoverability. In addition to the general events and changes in circumstances noted above that indicate that an asset group may not be recoverable, the Company also considers the decision to suspend operations at a plant for at least a six month period and the default on loan covenants as indicators. Alternative energy assets include only income producing asset groups.

Investments

 

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company consolidates the results of two majority owned subsidiaries, One Earth and NuGen. The results of One Earth are included on a delayed basis of one month lag as One Earth has a fiscal year end of December 31. NuGen has the same fiscal year as the parent, and therefore, there is no lag in reporting the results of NuGen. The Company accounts for investments in a limited liability company in which it has a less than 20% ownership interest, using the equity method of accounting when the factors discussed in ASC 323, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures” are met. The excess of the carrying value over the underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees is allocated to specific assets and liabilities. Any unallocated excess is treated as goodwill and is recorded as a component of the carrying value of the equity method investee. Investments in businesses that the Company does not control but for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters are accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its investments in Big River Resources, LLC (“Big River”) and Patriot Holdings, LLC (“Patriot”) (through May 31, 2015 – see Note 11 for a discussion of the sale of the Company’s equity interest in Patriot) using the equity method of accounting and includes the results of these entities on a delayed basis of one month as they have a fiscal year end of December 31.

 

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations include general economic and company-specific evaluations. If the Company determines that a decline in market value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company has no components of other comprehensive income, and therefore, comprehensive income equals net income.

 

Accounting Changes and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

The Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and replaces existing revenue recognition guidance. The updated standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has deferred the required adoption of the amended guidance by one year, from February 1, 2017 to February 1, 2018. Early application beginning February 1, 2017 would be permitted. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the updated standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Effective February 1, 2015, the Company was required to adopt ASU 2014-08. Under this new guidance, only disposals of a component that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results are to be classified as a discontinued operation. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 resulted in the Company classifying sales of individual real estate properties as continuing operations instead of discontinued operations as the sale of individual properties does not represent a strategic shift for the Company (for sales occurring subsequent to January 31, 2015).

 

Effective February 1, 2017, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 330, “Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. This amended guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively. The Company has not yet determined the effect of this amended guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Note 3. Leases

 

At October 31, 2015, the Company has lease agreements, as lessee, for rail cars and a natural gas pipeline. All of the leases are accounted for as operating leases. The following table is a summary of future minimum rentals on such leases (amounts in thousands):

 

Years Ended January 31,		Minimum Rentals
Remainder of 2016		$	1,851
2017			7,340
2018			6,575
2019			5,845
2020			4,341
Thereafter			6,947
Total		$	32,899

 

Note 4. Fair Value

 

The Company applies ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, (“ASC 820”) which provides a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

 

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values which are provided below. The Company carries an investment in cooperative at fair value.

The fair values of property and equipment, as applicable, are determined by using various models that discount future expected cash flows. Estimation risk is greater for vacant properties as the probability of expected cash flows from the use of vacant properties is difficult to predict.

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2015 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Fair Value
Derivative financial instruments (1)		$	446			$	—			$	—			$	446
Investment in cooperative (2)			—				—				333				333
Total assets		$	446			$	—			$	333			$	779
Forward purchase contract liability (3)		$	—			$	—			$	414			$	414

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2015 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Fair Value
Investment in cooperative (2)		$	—			$	—			$	333			$	333

 

(1) The derivative financial instruments are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

(2) The investment in cooperative is included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

(3) The forward purchase contract liability is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

The Company determined the fair value of derivative financial instruments by obtaining unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

 

The Company determined the fair value of the investment in cooperative by using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows. Inputs used in the analysis include the face value of the allocated equity amount, the projected term for repayment based upon a historical trend, and a risk adjusted discount rate based on the expected compensation participants would demand because of the uncertainty of the future cash flows. The inherent risk and uncertainty associated with unobservable inputs could have a significant effect on the actual fair value of the investment.

 

The Company determined the fair value of the forward purchase contracts by comparing the fixed purchase price included in the contracts to an equivalent purchase price published on commodity exchanges. Inputs used in the analysis include the quantity of corn to purchase and the delivery date of such corn. The inherent risk and uncertainty associated with unobservable inputs could have a significant effect on the actual fair value of the investment.

There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at October 31, 2015 or January 31, 2015.

 

Note 5. Property and Equipment

 

The components of property and equipment are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		October 31, 2015				January 31, 2015
Land and improvements		$	21,598			$	20,844
Buildings and improvements			24,519				27,069
Machinery, equipment and fixtures			232,249				231,422
Construction in progress			6,715				1,290
			285,081				280,625
Less:  accumulated depreciation			(95,955	)			(86,178	)
Total		$	189,126			$	194,447

 

Note 6. Other Assets

 

The components of other assets are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		October 31, 2015				January 31, 2015
Deposits		$	664			$	914
Real estate taxes refundable			4,395				4,395
Proceeds from sale of investment held in escrow (1)			2,188				—
Other			884				1,057
Total		$	8,131			$	6,366

 

(1)

Excludes approximately $2.2 million of proceeds from sale of investment held in escrow that are expected to be collected within twelve months.

Note 7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		October 31, 2015				January 31, 2015
Accrued utility charges		$	1,775			$	3,085
Accrued payroll and related items			3,364				3,798
Accrued income taxes			1,751				—
Accrued real estate taxes			1,089				2,507
Other			1,210				957
Total		$	9,189			$	10,347

 

Note 8. Revolving Lines of Credit

 

Effective April 1, 2015, One Earth and NuGen each entered into $10.0 million revolving loan facilities that mature April 1, 2016. Any borrowings will be secured by the inventory and accounts receivable of One Earth or NuGen, specific to which entity borrows money under these facilities. These revolving loan facilities are recourse only to One Earth and NuGen and not to REX American Resources Corporation or any of its other subsidiaries. Borrowings under these facilities bear interest at the one month LIBOR rate plus 250 basis points. Neither One Earth nor NuGen had outstanding borrowings on the revolving loans during the nine months ended October 31, 2015. One Earth and NuGen are also subject to certain financial covenants under the revolving loan facilities, including working capital requirements, should they borrow on the loans.

 

Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has a stock-based compensation plan, approved by its shareholders, which reserves a total of 550,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms. The plan provides 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, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. All of the Company’s existing share-based compensation awards have been determined to be equity awards. As a component of their compensation, restricted stock has been granted to directors at the market price of REX common stock on the date of the grant. In addition one third of executives’ incentive compensation is payable by an award of restricted stock based on the then market price of REX common stock.

The following table summarizes non-vested stock award activity for the nine months ended October 31, 2015:

 

		Non-Vested Shares				Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands)				Weighted- Average Vesting Term (in years)
Non-Vested at January 31, 2015			—			$	—
Granted			3,168				200
Forfeited			—				—
Vested			—				—
Non-Vested at October 31, 2015			3,168			$	200				3

 

At October 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock was approximately $172,000.

 

Note 10. Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to REX Common Shareholders

 

The following table reconciles the computation of basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

		Three Months Ended												Three Months Ended
		October 31, 2015												October 31, 2014
		Income				Shares				Per Share				Income				Shares				Per Share
Basic income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders		$	7,456				6,915			$	1.08			$	23,200				8,170			$	2.84
Effect of restricted stock			—				16								—				—
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders		$	7,456				6,931			$	1.08			$	23,200				8,170			$	2.84

		Nine Months Ended												Nine Months Ended
		October 31, 2015												October 31, 2014
		Income				Shares				Per Share				Income				Shares				Per Share
Basic income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders		$	27,750				7,460			$	3.72			$	66,855				8,157			$	8.19
Effect of restricted stock			—				9								—				11
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders		$	27,750				7,469			$	3.72			$	66,855				8,168			$	8.18

 

For the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015, there were no shares subject to outstanding options. For the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015, and 2014 all shares subject to outstanding restricted stock awards and options were dilutive.

 

Note 11. Investments

 

The following table summarizes equity method investments at October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands):

 

Entity		Ownership Percentage				Carrying Amount October 31, 2015				Carrying Amount January 31, 2015
Big River			9.7	%		$	41,088			$	40,188
Patriot (sold June 1, 2015)			N/A				—				40,201
Total Equity Method Investments						$	41,088			$	80,389

 

The following table summarizes income recognized from equity method investments for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		Three Months Ended October 31,								Nine Months Ended October 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Big River		$	1,314			$	4,574			$	4,910			$	14,353
Patriot (sold June 1, 2015)			—				4,206				2,947				9,969
Total		$	1,314			$	8,780			$	7,857			$	24,322

 

Undistributed earnings totaled approximately $21.1 million and $41.9 million at October 31, 2015 (Big River) and January 31, 2015 (Big River and Patriot), respectively. During the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, the Company received dividends from equity method investees of approximately $7.6 million and $19.9 million, respectively.

Summarized financial information for each of the Company’s equity method investees is presented in the following table for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		Three Months Ended October 31, 2015								Three Months Ended October 31, 2014
		Patriot (1)				Big River				Patriot (1)				Big River
Net sales and revenue		$	—			$	215,902			$	93,056			$	260,908
Gross profit		$	—			$	22,078			$	17,597			$	59,426
Income from continuing operations		$	—			$	13,540			$	15,843			$	47,114
Net income		$	—			$	13,540			$	15,843			$	47,114

 

		Nine Months Ended October 31, 2015								Nine Months Ended October 31, 2014
		Patriot (1)				Big River				Patriot (1)				Big River
Net sales and revenue		$	115,614			$	623,900			$	252,592			$	854,174
Gross profit		$	14,424			$	71,345			$	42,626			$	183,736
Income from continuing operations		$	11,100			$	50,580			$	37,549			$	147,853
Net income		$	11,100			$	50,580			$	37,549			$	147,853

 

(1)	For Patriot, results are for the five month period ended May 31, 2015 as the Company’s equity interest in Patriot was sold June 1, 2015.

 

Big River has debt agreements that limit amounts the Company can pay in the form of dividends or advances to owners. The restricted net assets of Big River at October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015 are approximately $337.3 million and $322.1 million, respectively.

 

On June 1, 2015, Patriot and a subsidiary of CHS Inc. (“CHS”) completed a merger that resulted in CHS acquiring 100% of the ownership interest in Patriot. The Company received a cash payment of approximately $45.5 million at the closing, representing its proportionate share of the merger consideration for its 27% ownership interest. The total merger consideration was approximately $196 million in cash subject to certain adjustments and certain escrow holdbacks. In connection with this transaction, the Company recognized a gain of approximately $10.4 million. At October 31, 2015, the Company has approximately $2.2 million in accounts receivable and approximately $2.2 million in other long term assets on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets related to estimated escrow proceeds that were recognized as income. The Company recorded approximately $45.5 million as a cash investing activity in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. The estimated escrow proceeds of approximately $4.4 million is a non-cash investing activity. The Company expects that a determination of the final payment of escrowed proceeds to be received will occur by December 1, 2016.

Note 12. Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate on consolidated pre-tax income from continuing operations was 14.8% for the three months ended October 31, 2015, and 29.9% for the three months ended October 31, 2014. The effective tax rate on consolidated pre-tax income from continuing operations was 28.1% for the nine months ended October 31, 2015, and 33.5% for the nine months ended October 31, 2014. The fluctuations in the effective tax rate primarily relate to the release of valuation allowances against capital loss carryforwards, the domestic production activities deduction, a change in the apportionment of income to certain states, the expiration of statutes for years with uncertain tax positions and a decrease in state income tax rates. These items reduced the effective tax rate approximately 17% for the quarter ended October 31, 2015 and approximately 7% for the nine months ended October 31, 2015.

 

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended January 31, 2010 and prior. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, January 31, 2015		$	1,658
Changes for prior years’ tax positions			(1,658	)
Changes for current year tax positions			—
Unrecognized tax benefits, October 31, 2015		$	—

 

Note 13. Discontinued Operations

 

During fiscal year 2009, the Company completed the exit of its retail business. Accordingly, certain of the Company’s former retail operations and certain sold properties had been classified as discontinued operations prior to the prospective adoption of ASU 2014-08 effective February 1, 2015. Below is a table reflecting certain items of the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations that were reclassified as discontinued operations for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		Three Months Ended October 31,								Nine Months Ended October 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Net sales and revenue		$	—			$	30			$	—			$	42
Cost of sales			—				26				—				45
Income (loss) before income taxes			—				4				—				(3	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes			—				(2	)			—				1
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	—			$	2			$	—			$	(2	)
Gain on disposal		$	—			$	210			$	—			$	217
Provision for income taxes			—				(72	)			—				(81	)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax		$	—			$	138			$	—			$	136

 

The cash flows from the discontinued operations were immaterial for all periods presented.

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. After taking into consideration legal counsels’ evaluations of such actions, management is of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 5.3 million bushels of corn, the principal raw material for their ethanol plants. They expect to take delivery of the grain through April 2016.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined sales commitments for approximately 55.5 million gallons of ethanol, approximately 55,000 tons of distillers grains and approximately 6.4 million pounds of non-food grade corn oil. They expect to deliver the ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil through June 2016.

 

Note 15. Net Sales and Revenue

 

The following table summarizes sales for each product and service group for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		Three Months Ended October 31,								Nine Months Ended October 31,
Product or Service Category		2015				2014				2015				2014
Ethanol		$	82,767			$	110,178			$	248,329			$	347,896
Dried distillers grains			22,518				23,108				64,354				79,946
Non-food grade corn oil			3,994				4,340				12,002				12,999
Modified distillers grains			1,108				603				4,109				2,884
Other			197				195				467				855
Total		$	110,584			$	138,424			$	329,261			$	444,580

 

Note 16. Related-Party Transactions

 

During the third quarters of fiscal year 2015 and 2014, One Earth and NuGen purchased approximately $38.1 million and $38.9 million, respectively, of corn from minority equity investors and board members of those subsidiaries. Such purchases totaled approximately $114.4 million and approximately $124.1 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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

 

At October 31, 2015, we had equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which we have a majority ownership interest in. The following table is a summary of ethanol gallons shipped at our plants:

 

Entity		Trailing 12 Months Ethanol Gallons  Shipped		REX’s Current Ownership Interest			Current Effective Ownership of Trailing 12 Months Ethanol Gallons Shipped
One Earth Energy, LLC		111.5 M		74.7	%		83.3 M
NuGen Energy, LLC		117.4 M		99.5	%		116.7 M
Big River Resources W Burlington, LLC		106.0 M		9.7	%		10.3 M
Big River Resources Galva, LLC		115.8 M		9.7	%		11.2 M
Big River United Energy, LLC		123.7 M		4.9	%		6.1 M
Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC		56.9 M		9.7	%		5.5 M
Total		631.3 M					233.1 M

 

Our ethanol operations are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains, non-food grade corn oil and natural gas. As a result of price volatility for these commodities, our operating results can fluctuate substantially. The price and availability of corn is subject to significant fluctuations depending upon a number of factors that affect commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, weather, federal policy and foreign trade. Because the market price of ethanol is not always directly related to corn prices, at times ethanol prices may lag movements in corn prices and, in an environment of higher corn prices or lower ethanol prices, reduce the overall margin structure at the plants. As a result, at times, we may operate our plants at negative or marginally positive operating margins.

 

We expect our ethanol plants to produce approximately 2.8 gallons of denatured ethanol for each bushel of grain processed in the production cycle. We refer to the difference between the price per gallon of ethanol and the price per bushel of grain (divided by 2.8) as the “crush spread”. Should the crush spread decline, it is possible that our ethanol plants will generate operating results that do not provide adequate cash flows for sustained periods of time. In such cases, production at the ethanol plants may be reduced or stopped altogether in order to minimize variable costs at individual plants.

 

We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of commodity prices by utilizing forward grain purchase and forward ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil sale contracts as management deems appropriate. We attempt to match quantities of these sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts is not a mature market. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in the crush spread for more than four months; thus, we are unable to predict the likelihood or amounts of future income or loss from the operations of our ethanol facilities.

 

Future Energy

 

During fiscal year 2013, we entered into a joint venture with Hytken HPGP, LLC (“Hytken”) to file and defend patents for technology relating to heavy oil and oil sands production methods, and to

commercially exploit the technology to generate license fees, royalty income and development opportunities. The patented technology is an enhanced method of heavy oil recovery involving zero emissions downhole steam generation. We own 60% and Hytken owns 40% of the entity named Future Energy, LLC.

 

We have agreed to fund direct patent expenses relating to patent applications and defense, annual annuity fees and maintenance on a country by country basis, with the right to terminate funding and transfer related patent rights to Hytken. We may also fund, through loans, all costs relating to new intellectual property, consultants, and future research and development, pilot field tests and equipment purchases for commercialization stage of the patents. We have paid approximately $1,613,000 cumulatively, including $135,000 in fiscal year 2015 for our ownership interest, patent and other expenses. Results of the formation and year to date operations of Future Energy, LLC were immaterial to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

During the nine months ended October 31, 2015, we did not change any of our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015 except for the adoption of ASU 2014-08 and recording certain forward purchase contracts at fair value. All other accounting policies used in preparing our interim fiscal year 2015 Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K.

 

Fiscal Year

 

All references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to REX’s fiscal year ended January 31. For example, “fiscal year 2015” means the period February 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016.

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 31, 2015 and 2014

 

The following table summarizes selected data from our consolidated operations for the periods presented:

 

		Three Months Ended October 31,								Nine Months Ended October 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Average selling price per gallon of ethanol		$	1.44			$	1.89			$	1.45			$	2.06
Gallons of ethanol sold (in millions)			57.3				58.4				171.0				168.6
Average selling price per ton of dried distillers grains		$	146.64			$	145.87			$	152.69			$	181.54
Tons of dried distillers grains sold			153,560				158,409				421,461				440,386
Average selling price per pound of non-food grade corn oil		$	0.26			$	0.31			$	0.27			$	0.33
Pounds of non-food grade corn oil sold (in millions)			15.4				13.9				43.8				39.7
Average selling price per ton of modified distillers grains		$	56.40			$	41.78			$	70.99			$	68.19
Tons of modified distillers grains sold			19,645				14,439				57,891				42,297
Average cost per bushel of grain		$	3.62			$	3.64			$	3.64			$	4.14
Average cost of natural gas (per mmbtu)		$	3.21			$	4.69			$	3.82			$	6.41

 

Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended October 31, 2015 were approximately $110.6 million compared to approximately $138.4 million in the prior year’s third quarter, representing a decrease of approximately $27.8 million.

 

The following table summarizes sales of our consolidated operations for each major product and service group for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

		Three Months Ended October 31,								Nine Months Ended October 31,
Product Category		2015				2014				2015				2014
Ethanol		$	82,767			$	110,178			$	248,329			$	347,896
Dried distillers grains			22,518				23,108				64,354				79,946
Non-food grade corn oil			3,994				4,340				12,002				12,999
Modified distillers grains			1,108				603				4,109				2,884
Other			197				195				467				855
Total		$	110,584			$	138,424			$	329,261			$	444,580

 

Ethanol sales decreased from approximately $110.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 to approximately $82.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, primarily a result of a $0.45 decline in the price per gallon sold. Dried distillers grains sales, non-food grade corn oil sales and modified

distillers grains sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 were consistent with sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

 

Ethanol sales decreased from approximately $347.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 to approximately $248.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, primarily a result of a $0.61 decline in the price per gallon sold. Dried distillers grains sales decreased from approximately $79.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 to approximately $64.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, primarily a result of a $28.85 decline in the price per ton sold. Non-food grade corn oil sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 were consistent with sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. Modified distillers grains sales increased from approximately $2.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 to approximately $4.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 primarily a result of a 37% increase in tons sold.

 

We expect that sales in future periods will be based upon the following (One Earth and NuGen only):

 

Product	Annual Sales Quantity
Ethanol	215 million to 240 million gallons
Dried distillers grains	550,000 to 650,000 tons
Non-food grade corn oil	45 million to 65 million pounds
Modified distillers grains	50,000 to 80,000 tons

 

This expectation assumes that One Earth and NuGen will continue to operate at or above capacity, which is dependent upon the crush spread realized. We may vary the amounts of dried and modified distillers grains production, and resulting sales, based upon market conditions.

 

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was approximately $14.3 million (12.9% of net sales and revenue) which was approximately $22.2 million lower compared to approximately $36.5 million of gross profit (26.4% of net sales and revenue) for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The crush spread for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was approximately $0.19 per gallon of ethanol sold compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 which was approximately $0.59 per gallon of ethanol sold. Grain accounted for approximately 77% ($73.6 million) of our cost of sales during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to approximately 74% ($75.7 million) during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Natural gas accounted for approximately 5% ($4.9 million) of our cost of sales during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to approximately 7% ($7.3 million) during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

 

Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 was approximately $41.7 million (12.7% of net sales and revenue) which was approximately $70.3 million lower compared to approximately $112.0 million of gross profit (25.2% of net sales and revenue) for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. The crush spread for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 was approximately $0.18 per gallon of ethanol sold compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 which was approximately $0.58 per gallon of ethanol sold. Grain accounted for approximately 76% ($218.1 million) of our cost of sales during the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 compared to approximately 75% ($247.6 million) during the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. Natural gas accounted for approximately 6% ($17.5 million) of our cost of sales during the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 compared to approximately 9% ($29.7 million) during the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. Given the inherent volatility in ethanol, distillers grains, non-food

grade corn oil, grain and natural gas prices, we cannot predict the likelihood that the spread between ethanol, distillers grains, non-food grade corn oil and grain prices in future periods will be consistent compared to historical periods.

 

We attempt to match quantities of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain a satisfactory margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts is not a mature market. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price sales contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in the crush spread. None of our forecasted ethanol, approximately 8% of our forecasted distillers grains and approximately 11% of our forecasted non-food grade corn oil production during the next 12 months have been sold under fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse change in the price of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $43.3 million for the remaining forecasted sales. Similarly, approximately 1% of our estimated corn usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse change in the price of corn from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $31.9 million for the remaining forecasted grain purchases. Approximately 24% of our estimated natural gas usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. The effect of a 10% adverse change in the price of natural gas from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $1.4 million for the remaining forecasted natural gas purchases.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2015 were consistent with expenses for the comparable periods of fiscal year 2014.

 

On June 1, 2015, Patriot and a subsidiary of CHS completed a merger that resulted in CHS acquiring 100% of the ownership interest in Patriot. We received a cash payment of approximately $45.5 million at the closing, representing our proportionate share of the merger proceeds. The total merger consideration was approximately $196 million in cash subject to certain adjustments and certain escrow holdbacks. In connection with this transaction, we recognized a gain of approximately $10.4 million. At October 31, 2015, we have approximately $2.2 million in accounts receivable and approximately $2.2 million in other long term assets on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet related to estimated escrow proceeds that were recognized as income. We expect that a determination of the final payment of escrowed proceeds to be received will occur by December 1, 2016.

 

During the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, we recognized income of approximately $1.3 million and $8.8 million, respectively, from our equity investments. During the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, we recognized income of approximately $7.9 million and $24.3 million, respectively, from our equity investments. Income from Big River was approximately $1.3 million and $4.6 million during the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Income from Patriot was approximately $4.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Effective June 1, 2015, a merger between Patriot and CHS occurred in which our ownership interest in Patriot was sold; thus we ceased recording income from Patriot using the equity method of accounting. Income from Big River was approximately $4.9 million and $14.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Big River has interests in four ethanol production plants and has an effective ownership of

ethanol gallons shipped in the trailing twelve months ended October 31, 2015 of approximately 341 million gallons. Income from Patriot was approximately $2.9 million and $10.0 million during the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. As with our consolidated plants, Big River’s and Patriot’s results in fiscal year 2015 were negatively impacted from the decreased crush spread experienced in the ethanol industry. Due to the inherent volatility of the crush spread, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, there was an immaterial gain on disposal of property and equipment. There were no such gains (in continuing operations) during the third quarter or first nine months of fiscal year 2014. Three former retail properties were sold for a gain of approximately $0.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2015.

 

Interest and other income was insignificant for the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014. For the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, interest and other income increased approximately $0.3 million, primarily a result of the settlement of legacy retail related liabilities. We expect interest and other income to remain consistent with fiscal year 2014 levels for the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

 

There was no interest expense for the third quarter or first nine months of fiscal year 2015 compared to approximately $0.5 million and $1.7 million for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2014, respectively. The decrease was attributable to scheduled and accelerated principal repayments that paid off our debt balances in full during fiscal year 2014.

 

As a result of the foregoing, income from continuing operations before income taxes was approximately $11.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 versus approximately $40.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Income from continuing operations before income taxes was approximately $45.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 versus approximately $119.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014.

 

Our effective tax rate was 14.8% and 29.9% for the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 28.1% and 33.5% for the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fluctuations in the effective tax rate primarily relate to the release of valuation allowances against capital loss carryforwards, the domestic production activities deduction, a change in the apportionment of income to certain states, the expiration of statutes for years with uncertain tax positions and a decrease in state income tax rates. These items reduced the effective tax rate approximately 17% for the quarter ended October 31, 2015 and approximately 7% for the nine months ended October 31, 2015. We expect our effective tax rate to approximate 30-35% (gross of noncontrolling interests) in future periods.

 

As a result of the foregoing, income from continuing operations, net of income taxes, was approximately $9.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 versus approximately $28.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes, was approximately $32.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 versus approximately $79.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014.

 

Income or loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was insignificant for both the third quarters and first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014. We expect such income or loss to be insignificant for the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, was insignificant for both the third quarters and first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014. We expect such gain or loss to be insignificant for the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

 

Income related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $2.0 million and approximately $5.2 million during the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, and was approximately $4.8 million and approximately $12.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts represent the owners’ (other than us) share of the income or loss of NuGen, One Earth and Future Energy.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was approximately $7.5 million, a decrease of approximately $15.8 million from approximately $23.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 was approximately $27.8 million, a decrease of approximately $39.2 million from approximately $67.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $21.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, compared to approximately $115.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. For the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, cash was provided by net income of approximately $32.6 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately ($4.5) million, which consisted of depreciation, impairment charges and amortization, income from equity method investments, gain on sale of investment and gain on disposal of real estate and property and equipment. Dividends received from our equity method investees were approximately $7.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015. A decrease in deferred income taxes used cash of approximately $8.1 million, and is primarily related to the expected impact of taxable income (related to the sale of our equity interest in Patriot) exceeding book income in fiscal year 2015. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $2.3 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of customer shipments and payments. An increase in the balance of inventories used cash of approximately $5.5 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials. An increase in the balance of accounts payable provided cash of approximately $4.9 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. Other liabilities decreased approximately $2.8 million, which was primarily a result of the payments of accrued payroll and incentive compensation balances.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $115.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. For the first nine months of fiscal year 2014, cash was provided by net income of approximately $79.5 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $(6.7) million, which consisted of depreciation, impairment charges and amortization, income from equity method investments, gain on disposal of real estate and property and equipment and the deferred income tax provision. Dividends received from our equity method investees were approximately $19.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. Settlements on an interest rate swap used cash of approximately $1.1 million. A decrease in the balance of accounts receivable provided cash of approximately $5.9 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of customer shipments and payments and decreases in commodity prices. A decrease in the balance of inventories provided cash of approximately $7.9 million, which was primarily a

result of the timing of customer shipments, normal variations in production output and decreases in commodity prices. An increase in the balance of other liabilities provided cash of approximately $7.4 million, primarily a result of an increase in accrued income taxes, associated with the higher levels of profitability in fiscal year 2014. An increase in the balance of accounts payable provided cash of approximately $2.1 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments.

 

At October 31, 2015, working capital was approximately $161.2 million, consistent with approximately $156.2 million at January 31, 2015. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 7.8 to 1 at October 31, 2015 and 9.0 to 1 at January 31, 2015.

 

Cash of approximately $37.8 million was provided by investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, compared to cash used of approximately $6.7 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, we had capital expenditures of approximately $9.9 million, primarily related to improvements at the One Earth and NuGen ethanol plants. We expect to spend between $4.0 million and $6.0 million during the remainder of fiscal year 2015 on various capital projects. The sale of our equity investment in Patriot provided cash of approximately $45.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2015. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, we sold three real estate properties that generated approximately $1.9 million of proceeds.

 

Cash of approximately $6.7 million was used in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2014, we had capital expenditures of approximately $8.1 million, primarily related to improvements at the NuGen and One Earth ethanol plants. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2014, we reduced our restricted cash balance which provided cash of approximately $0.5 million. We received approximately $0.6 million as proceeds from the sale of two real estate properties during the first nine months of fiscal year 2014.

 

Cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $60.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 compared to cash used of approximately $49.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, we used cash of approximately $60.1 million to purchase approximately 1,045,000 shares of our common stock in open market transactions. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, we used cash of approximately $0.6 million to purchase shares from noncontrolling members of One Earth; we do not expect such payments to be significant for the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

 

Cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $49.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2014. Cash was used by debt payments of approximately $42.2 million, primarily on One Earth’s and NuGen’s term loans. Included in this amount were scheduled principal payments of $9.0 million and discretionary accelerated principal payments of $33.2 million. Stock option activity generated cash of approximately $1.4 million. We used cash of approximately $8.3 million to purchase approximately 121,000 shares of our common stock in open market transactions.

 

We are investigating various uses of our excess cash. We have a stock buyback program, and given our current authorization level, can repurchase a total of 452,809 shares. We do not currently plan to build a new ethanol plant. Another possible use of our cash is to expand the capacity of our existing consolidated plants by approximately 10-15% as these plants have qualified as efficient ethanol producers

through the EPA pathway assessment. We also plan to seek and evaluate other various investment opportunities including energy related, agricultural or other ventures we believe fit our investment criteria.

 

Effective April 1, 2015, One Earth and NuGen each entered into $10.0 million revolving loan facilities that mature April 1, 2016. Any borrowings will be secured by assets of One Earth or NuGen. These revolving loan facilities are recourse only to One Earth and NuGen and not to REX American Resources Corporation or any of its other subsidiaries. Borrowings under these facilities bear interest at the one month LIBOR rate plus 250 basis points. Neither One Earth nor NuGen had outstanding borrowings on the revolving loans as of October 31, 2015. One Earth and NuGen are also subject to certain financial covenants under the revolving loan facilities, including working capital requirements. The specific covenant requirements, descriptions and calculated ratios and amounts at October 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

●	Maintain working capital of at least $5 million.

 

At October 31, 2015, working capital at One Earth and NuGen was approximately $69.7 million and $37.1 million, respectively.

 

One Earth and NuGen were in compliance with all covenants, as applicable, at October 31, 2015.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains or may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned that there are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those referred to in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include among other things: the impact of legislative changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, distillers grains, ethanol, non-food grade corn oil, gasoline, natural gas, ethanol plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, changes in the national or regional economies, weather, the effects of terrorism or acts of war and changes in real estate market conditions. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 (File No. 001-09097).

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 manage a portion of our risk with respect to the volatility of commodity prices inherent in the ethanol industry by using forward purchase and sale contracts. At October 31, 2015, One Earth and NuGen combined have purchase commitments for approximately 5.3 million bushels of corn, the principal raw material for their ethanol plants. One Earth and NuGen expect to take delivery of the corn through April 2016. At October 31, 2015, One Earth and NuGen have combined sales commitments for approximately 55.5 million gallons of ethanol, approximately 55,000 tons of distillers grains and approximately 6.4 million pounds of non-food grade corn oil. One Earth and NuGen expect to deliver the ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil through June 2016. None of our forecasted ethanol sales during the next 12 months have been sold under fixed-price contracts. As a result, the effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of ethanol from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $34.6 million. Approximately 8% of our forecasted distillers grains sales during the next 12 months have been sold under fixed-price contracts. As a result, the effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of distillers grains from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $7.0 million. Approximately 11% of our forecasted non-food grade corn oil sales during the next 12 months have been sold under fixed-price contracts. As a result, the effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of non-food grade corn oil from the current pricing would result in a decrease in annual revenues of approximately $1.3 million. Similarly, approximately 1% of our estimated corn usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. As a result, the effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of corn from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $31.9 million. Approximately 24% of our estimated natural gas usage for the next 12 months was subject to fixed-price contracts. As a result, the effect of a 10% adverse move in the price of natural gas from the current pricing would result in an increase in annual cost of goods sold of approximately $1.4 million.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We are not party to any legal proceedings that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

During the quarter ended October 31, 2015, there have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015.

 

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

 

Dividend Policy

 

REX did not pay dividends in the current or prior years. We currently have no restrictions on the payment of dividends. Our consolidated and unconsolidated ethanol subsidiaries have certain restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, neither One Earth nor NuGen paid dividends.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs				Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
August 1-31, 2015			233,243			$	49.80				233,243				500,000
September 1-30, 2015			46,591				48.96				46,591				453,409
October 1-31, 2015			600				48.77				600				452,809
Total			280,434			$	49.66				280,434				452,809

 

(1)	On August 26, 2015, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization by an additional 500,000 shares. At October 31, 2015, a total of 452,809 shares remained available to purchase under this authorization.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report:

 

	31	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
	32	Section 1350 Certifications
	101	The following information from REX American Resources Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity, (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

REX American Resources Corporation

Registrant

 

Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Zafar Rizvi		Chief Executive Officer and President
(Zafar Rizvi)		(Chief Executive Officer)		December 3, 2015
/s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman		Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
(Douglas L. Bruggeman)		(Chief Financial Officer)		December 3, 2015