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8-K - FORM 8-K - Green Plains Partners LPd346702d8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Green Plains Partners Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 Financial Results

 

    Net income of $16.4 million, or $0.50 per common unit

 

    Quarterly cash distribution increased 1.0 cent to $0.43 per unit

 

    Adjusted EBITDA of $19.0 million and distributable cash flow of $17.8 million, distribution coverage ratio of 1.27x

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 8, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Green Plains Partners LP (NASDAQ:GPP) today announced financial and operating results for the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2016 net income was $16.4 million, or $0.50 per common unit. The partnership reported adjusted EBITDA of $19.0 million and distributable cash flow of $17.8 million, indicating a 1.27x coverage ratio of the fourth quarter distribution.

“The partnership delivered its first full calendar year of solid growth due in part to the strategic acquisitions and expansion of production capacity by Green Plains Inc.,” said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer of Green Plains Partners. “The resulting drop-down acquisitions increased the partnership’s throughput volumes and cash flow, enabling us to raise our cash distributions while maintaining a strong coverage ratio and balance sheet.

“We believe the partnership is poised for continued growth in 2017 and look forward to acquisition opportunities that further expand our downstream distribution business,” Becker added.

Full Year Highlights

 

    On Jan. 1, 2016, the partnership acquired ethanol storage and leased railcar assets located in Hereford, Texas and Hopewell, Va. from Green Plains for $62.3 million and amended the minimum commitment volumes under the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade.

 

    On June 14, 2016, Green Plains Inc. and Jefferson Gulf Coast Energy Partners, a subsidiary of Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC, announced the formation of a 50/50 joint venture to construct and operate an intermodal export and import fuels terminal at Jefferson’s existing Beaumont, Texas terminal. Green Plains will offer its interest in the joint venture to the partnership once commercial development is complete, which is expected during the second half of 2017.

 

    On Sept. 23, 2016, the partnership acquired ethanol storage assets located in Madison, Ill.; Mount Vernon, Ind. and York, Neb. for $90.0 million and amended its storage and throughput agreement with Green Plains Trade, increasing the minimum commitment volumes to 296.6 million gallons per calendar quarter.

 

    On Jan. 23, 2017, the board of directors of the partnership’s general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.43 per unit, or approximately $14.0 million, for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2016. Distributions were increased 6.8% year over year. The fourth quarter distribution will be paid on Feb. 14, 2017, to unitholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 3, 2017.

Results of Operations

Consolidated revenues increased $5.6 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2016, compared with the same period last year. Revenues generated from the partnership’s storage and throughput agreement with Green Plains Trade increased $4.5 million due to higher throughput volumes as a result of ethanol storage assets acquired in January and September of 2016. Revenues generated from the partnership’s rail transportation services agreement with Green Plains Trade increased $0.9 million due to higher railcar volumetric capacity provided by the partnership to transport incremental production volumes.

Operations and maintenance expenses increased $0.7 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2016, compared with the same period for 2015 primarily due to higher railcar lease, and repairs and maintenance expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $0.7 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2016, compared with the same period for 2015 due to transaction costs related to the acquisition of ethanol storage assets and administrative costs incurred as a publicly traded entity during the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

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Consolidated revenues generated by the partnership for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, were $103.8 million. Net income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, was $56.8 million, or $1.75 per common unit. There were no revenues related to the ethanol storage and railcar assets for periods prior to July 1, 2015, when the commercial agreements between the partnership and Green Plains Trade became effective; therefore, the financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015, are not comparable.

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP

SELECTED OPERATING DATA

(unaudited, in million gallons)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2016      2015      % Var.     2016      2015      % Var.  

Product volumes

                

Storage and throughput services(1)(2)

     334.2         248.8         34.3     1,147.6         464.4         —  

Terminal services:

                

Affiliate

     25.0         25.4         (1.6     114.6         107.4         6.7   

Non-affiliate

     52.4         51.7         1.4        193.5         214.2         (9.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    
     77.4         77.1         0.4        308.1         321.6         (4.2

Railcar capacity billed (daily average)(1)(2)

     87.5         63.6         37.6        79.2         64.0         —     

 

(1) Results for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2015, include data since July 1, 2015, when related commercial agreements became effective.
(2) Percentage variance for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2015, not considered meaningful.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Total liquidity as of Dec. 31, 2016, was $26.6 million, including $0.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $26.0 million available under the partnership’s revolving credit facility. The balance outstanding on the partnership’s revolving credit facility was $129.0 million as of Dec. 31, 2016.

Conference Call Information

On Feb. 9, 2017, Green Plains Partners LP and Green Plains Inc. will host a joint conference call at 11 a.m. Eastern time (10 a.m. Central time) to discuss fourth quarter 2016 financial and operating results for each company. Domestic and international participants can access the conference call by dialing 888.778.9065 and 913.312.0719, respectively. Participants are advised to call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Alternatively, the conference call and presentation can be accessed on Green Plains Partners’ website at http://ir.greenplainspartners.com. A transcript of the conference call will also be made available on the partnership’s website as soon as practicable.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are supplemental financial measures used to assess the partnership’s financial performance. Management believes adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow provide investors useful information in assessing the partnership’s financial condition and results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, plus adjustments for transaction costs related to acquisitions or financing transactions, minimum volume commitment deficiency payments, unit-based compensation expense and net gains or losses on asset sales. Distributable cash flow is defined as adjusted EBITDA less interest paid or payable, income taxes paid or payable and maintenance capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP to analyze the partnership’s results.

 

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Comparability Related to Prior Periods

The financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015, reflect the results of the MLP predecessor prior to the initial public offering (IPO) on July 1, 2015, and the results of the partnership for the period subsequent to the IPO through Dec. 31, 2015. The financial results of the MLP predecessor include the results of BlendStar, the partnership’s predecessor for accounting purposes, and the assets, liabilities and results of operations of certain ethanol storage and railcar assets contributed by Green Plains in a transfer between entities under common control in connection with the IPO.

About Green Plains Partners LP

Green Plains Partners LP (NASDAQ:GPP) is a fee-based Delaware limited partnership formed by Green Plains Inc. to provide fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. For more information about Green Plains Partners, visit www.greenplainspartners.com.

About Green Plains Inc.

Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a diversified commodity-processing business with operations related to ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil production; grain handling and storage; a cattle feedlot; and commodity marketing and distribution services. The company is the second largest consolidated owner of ethanol production facilities in the world, with 17 dry mill plants, producing nearly 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol at full capacity. Green Plains, through its wholly owned subsidiary Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, provides specialized ingredient solutions for leading food and feed manufacturers. Green Plains owns a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners. For more information about Green Plains, visit www.gpreinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts are forward-looking. These statements contain words such as “possible,” “if,” “will” and “expect” and involve risks and uncertainties including, among others, that Green Plains Partners’ business plans may change as circumstances warrant because of general market conditions or other factors. Such statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and projections, including but not limited to, anticipated financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical in nature. Specifically, the partnership may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic conditions, including those discussed in Green Plains Partners’ reports that are filed with the SEC. When considering these forward-looking statements, investors should keep in mind these risk factors and other cautionary statements in Green Plains Partners’ SEC filings. Forward-looking statements may not be accurate indicators of future performance or results and should not be considered a guarantee of future performance or results. Green Plains Partners undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this news release. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release.

 

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Consolidated Financial Results

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

     December 31,     December 31,  
     2016     2015(1)  

ASSETS

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 622      $ 16,385   

Accounts receivable, including from affiliates

     20,290        14,913   

Other current assets

     1,363        2,621   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     22,275        33,919   

Property and equipment, net

     51,022        41,862   

Other assets

     20,479        19,996   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 93,776      $ 95,777   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable, including to affiliates

   $ 6,201      $ 6,128   

Other current liabilities

     11,102        7,475   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     17,303        13,603   

Long-term debt

     136,927        7,879   

Other liabilities

     3,712        2,485   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     157,942        23,967   

Partners’ capital

     (64,166     71,810   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

   $ 93,776      $ 95,777   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Recast to include historical balances of assets acquired in a transfer between entities under common control.

 

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GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited, in thousands except per unit amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015(1)     % Var.     2016     2015(1)     % Var.(2)  

Revenues

            

Affiliate

   $ 26,025      $ 20,654        26.0   $ 95,470      $ 42,549        —  

Non-affiliate

     2,260        2,032        11.2        8,302        8,388        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

     28,285        22,686        24.7        103,772        50,937        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating expenses

            

Operations and maintenance

     8,498        7,750        9.7        34,211        29,601        —     

General and administrative

     768        1,484        (48.2     4,423        3,114        —     

Depreciation and amortization

     1,427        1,474        (3.2     5,647        5,828        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     10,693        10,708        (0.1     44,281        38,543        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

     17,592        11,978        46.9        59,491        12,394        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other income (expense)

            

Interest income

     20        23        (13.0     83        86        —     

Interest expense

     (1,250     (154     711.7        (2,545     (381     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total other expense

     (1,230     (131     838.9        (2,462     (295     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income before income taxes

     16,362        11,847        38.1        57,029        12,099        —     

Income tax (expense) benefit

     80        10        —          (224     4,009        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

     16,442        11,857        38.7        56,805        16,108        —     

Net loss attributable to MLP predecessor

     —          —          —          —          (6,628     —     

Net loss attributable to sponsor

     —          (273     —          —          (273     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to the partnership

   $ 16,442      $ 12,130        35.5   $ 56,805      $ 23,009        —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to partners’ ownership interest

            

General partner

   $ 329      $ 242        36.0   $ 1,136      $ 460        —  

Limited partners – common unitholders

     8,062        5,946        35.6        27,848        11,278        —     

Limited partners – subordinated unitholders

     8,051        5,942        35.5        27,821        11,271        —     

Earnings per limited partner unit (basic and diluted):

            

Common units

   $ 0.50      $ 0.37        32.8   $ 1.75      $ 0.71        —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subordinated units

   $ 0.50      $ 0.37        32.8   $ 1.75      $ 0.71        —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Weighted average units outstanding (basic and diluted):

  

         

Common units

     15,910        15,899          15,904        15,897     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subordinated units

     15,890        15,890          15,890        15,890     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Supplemental Revenues Data:

            

Storage and throughput services

   $ 16,873      $ 12,330        36.8   $ 57,827      $ 23,125        —  

Terminal services

     3,061        2,865        6.8        11,954        12,006        —     

Railcar capacity

     7,732        6,831        13.2        31,295        13,818        —     

Other

     619        660        (6.2     2,696        1,988        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

   $ 28,285      $ 22,686        24.7   $ 103,772      $ 50,937        —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Recast to include historical results of operations related to net assets acquired in a transfer between entities under common control.
(2) Percentage variance not considered meaningful.

 

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GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015(1)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 56,805      $ 16,108   

Noncash operating adjustments:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     5,647        5,828   

Deferred income taxes

     (2     (4,076

Other

     1,068        422   

Net change in working capital

     (1,323     (2,549
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     62,195        15,733   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (537     (1,497

Acquisition of assets from sponsor

     (62,312     —     

Acquisition of assets

     (90,000     —     

Other

     —          19   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

     (152,849     (1,478
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from initial public offering, net

     —          157,452   

Payments of distributions

     (53,125     (168,275

Net proceeds – revolving credit facility

     129,000        —     

Other

     (984     7,248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     74,891        (3,575
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (15,763     10,680   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     16,385        5,705   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 622      $ 16,385   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Recast to include historical cash flow activity related to net assets acquired in a transfer between entities under common control.

 

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GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP

RECONCILIATIONS TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015(1)     2016      2015(1)  

Net income

   $ 16,442      $ 11,857      $ 56,805       $ 16,108   

Interest expense

     1,250        154        2,545         381   

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (80     (10     224         (4,009

Depreciation and amortization

     1,427        1,474        5,647         5,828   

Transaction costs

     (135     507        351         907   

Unit-based compensation expense

     61        43        143         67   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

     18,965        14,025        65,715         19,282   

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the MLP Predecessor

     —          —          —           (7,852

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to sponsor

     —          (232     —           (232
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership

     18,965        14,257        65,715         27,366   

Less:

         

Interest paid or payable

     1,250        154        2,545         381   

Income taxes paid or payable

     (82     67        226         67   

Maintenance capital expenditures

     13        40        265         148   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributable cash flow(2)

     17,784        13,996        62,679         26,770   

Distributable cash flow attributable to the MLP Predecessor

     —          —          —           (54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributable cash flow attributable to the partnership

   $ 17,784      $ 13,996      $ 62,679       $ 26,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions declared(3)

   $ 13,953      $ 12,975      $ 54,022       $ 26,032   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Coverage ratio

     1.27x        1.08x        1.16x         1.03x   

 

(1) Recast to include historical results of operations related to net assets acquired in a transfer between entities under common control.
(2) Distributable cash flow is for periods after July 1, 2015.
(3) Represents distributions declared for the applicable period and paid in the subsequent quarter.

Contact: Jim Stark | Vice President, Investor & Media Relations  |  402.884.8700  |  jim.stark@gpreinc.com

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