REX REX American Resources Corporation

-Company Increases Share Repurchase Plan By 500K Shares-

REX American Resources Corporation (NYSE: REX) (“REX” or “the Company”) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2017 fourth quarter (“Q4 ‘17”) and fiscal year ended January 31, 2018. REX management will host a conference call and webcast today at 11:00 a.m. ET.

       

Conference Call:

    (212) 231-2908

Webcast / Replay URL:

www.rexamerican.com/Corp/Page4.aspx

      The webcast will be available for replay for 30 days  

REX American Resources’ Q4 ‘17 results principally reflect its interests in six ethanol production facilities and its refined coal operation. One Earth Energy, LLC (“One Earth”) and NuGen Energy, LLC (“NuGen”) are consolidated, while those of its four other ethanol plants are reported as equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates. REX’s financial results for fiscal 2017 also reflect the refined coal entity acquired by the Company on August 10, 2017, as well as the impact related to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company reports results for its two business segments as ethanol and by-products, and refined coal.

REX’s Q4 ‘17 net sales and revenue were $109.5 million, compared with $121.6 million in Q4 ‘16, primarily reflecting lower average selling prices for ethanol during the quarter. The Company’s Q4 ‘17 gross profit for its ethanol and by-products segment declined to $10.0 million, from $25.2 million in the comparable prior year period. Equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates in Q4 ‘17 decreased to $1.3 million, from $2.9 million in Q4 ‘16, leading to income before income taxes of $6.5 million in Q4 ‘17, compared to $22.1 million in Q4 ‘16 for the ethanol and by-product segment. The Company also recorded a gross loss from its refined coal operation of $4.0 million in Q4 ‘17. While gross profit was negatively impacted, the Company recognized benefits related to its refined coal operation in the form of a lower effective tax rate. The Company reported income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests in Q4 ‘17 of $1.7 million, compared with $21.2 million in Q4 ‘16.

Net income attributable to REX shareholders in Q4 ‘17 rose to $19.1 million, from $12.4 million in Q4 ‘16, primarily reflecting the Company’s $14.4 million tax benefit as a result of the revaluation of its deferred tax liabilities in connection with the passage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. Q4 ‘17 diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders was $2.89 per share, compared to $1.88 per share in Q4 ‘16.

Per share results in Q4 ‘17 and Q4 ‘16 are based on 6,604,000 and 6,591,000 diluted weighted average shares outstanding, respectively.

Net sales and revenue for the twelve months ended January 31, 2018 were $452.6 million, compared to $453.8 million in fiscal 2016, while gross profit for fiscal 2017 was $44.2 million, which included a $7.3 million loss from the Company’s refined coal operation, compared to $71.0 million in fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2017 equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates was $3.2 million, compared with $6.1 million in fiscal 2016.

For fiscal 2017, REX reported net income attributable to REX shareholders of $39.7 million, which includes the $14.4 million benefit related to the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, compared with $32.3 million in fiscal 2016. This led to diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders of $6.02 in fiscal 2017, compared to $4.91 per share in fiscal 2016.

Per share results for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018 and January 31, 2017, are based on 6,596,000 and 6,587,000 diluted weighted average shares outstanding, respectively.

                 

Segment Income Statement Data:

Three Months

Twelve Months

Ended

Ended

($ in thousands)

January 31,

January 31,

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

Net sales and revenue:

 

 

 

 

Ethanol & By-Products (1) $ 109,295 $ 121,587 $ 452,153 $ 453,799 Refined coal (2) (3)   240   -   433   - Total net sales and revenues $ 109,535 $ 121,587 $ 452,586 $ 453,799   Gross profit (loss): Ethanol & By-Products (1) $ 9,981 $ 25,171 $ 51,509 $ 71,039 Refined coal (2)   (3,957)   -   (7,348)   - Total gross profit $ 6,024 $ 25,171 $ 44,161 $ 71,039   Income (loss) before income taxes: Ethanol & By-Products (1) $ 6,545 $ 22,110 $ 38,352 $ 59,447 Refined coal (2) (4,336) - (10,021) - Corporate and other   (550)   (939)   (2,938)   (2,536) Total income (loss) before income taxes $ 1,659 $ 21,171 $ 25,393 $ 56,911   Benefit (provision) for income taxes: Ethanol & By-Products $ 13,004 $ (5,913) $ 3,245 $ (18,259) Refined coal 5,250 - 15,168 - Corporate and other   222   291   1,106   866 Total benefit (provision) before income taxes $ 18,476 $ (5,622) $ 19,519 $ (17,393)   Segment profit (loss): Ethanol & By-Products $ 18,261 $ 13,021 $ 35,880 $ 33,950 Refined coal 1,108 - 5,628 - Corporate and other   (316)   (640)   (1,802)   (1,617) Net income attributable to REX common shareholders $ 19,053 $ 12,381 $ 39,706 $ 32,333 (1)     Includes results attributable to non-controlling interests of approximately 25% for One Earth and approximately 1% for NuGen. (2) Includes results attributable to non-controlling interests of approximately 5%. (3) Refined coal sales are reported net of the cost of coal.  

REX American Resources’ Chief Executive Officer, Zafar Rizvi, commented, “Similar to much of 2017, the fourth quarter presented a challenging period across the ethanol sector as significant pressure on ethanol pricing impacted our results. Despite these challenges, we were able to leverage our ethanol and by-products operations, as well as our refined coal operation, to post another profitable quarter and fiscal year.

“We remain optimistic regarding our ethanol business and are confident that our recent investment in refined coal will continue to benefit our financial results. Finally, we ended 2017 with a strong balance sheet and healthy liquidity position, including cash and cash equivalents of $191 million and working capital of $212 million, which favorably positions us to execute on our operating initiatives.”

Balance Sheet and Share Repurchase ProgramAt January 31, 2018, REX had cash and cash equivalents of $191.0 million, $74.1 million of which was at the parent company, and $116.9 million of which was at its consolidated production facilities. This compares with cash and cash equivalents at January 31, 2017, of $188.6 million, $79.5 million of which was at the parent company, and $109.1 million of which was at its consolidated ethanol production facilities.

On March 20, 2018, REX’s Board of Directors approved an increase in the share repurchase plan providing the Company with the authority to repurchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of its common stock. Reflecting the balance of the Company’s prior repurchase authorization, REX is now authorized to repurchase up to 655,334 shares of its common stock. The Company had 6,558,679 shares outstanding at January 31, 2018.

Repurchases by the Company will be subject to available liquidity, general market and economic conditions, alternate uses for the capital and other factors. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in open market transactions, block trades or in private transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations and other legal requirements. There is no minimum number of shares that the Company is required to repurchase and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. All shares purchased will be held in the Company’s treasury for possible future use.

The following table summarizes select data related to theCompany’s consolidated alternative energy interests:

        Three Months

Ended

    Twelve Months

Ended

January 31, January 31,

2018

   

2017

2018

   

2017

Average selling price per gallon of ethanol $ 1.27 $ 1.54 $ 1.40 $ 1.45 Average selling price per ton of dried distillers grains $ 119.20 $ 113.50 $ 105.89 $ 123.97 Average selling price per pound of non-food

grade corn oil

$

0.28

$

0.28

$

0.29

$

0.28

Average selling price per ton of modified distillers grains $ 57.03 $ 43.85 $ 45.87 $ 50.10 Average cost per bushel of grain $ 3.18 $ 3.28 $ 3.35 $ 3.45 Average cost of natural gas (per mmbtu)       $ 4.65     $ 3.69     $ 3.75     $ 3.24  

Supplemental Data Related to REX’s Alternative Energy Interests:

 

REX American Resources CorporationEthanol Ownership Interests/Effective Annual Gallons Shipped as of January 31, 2018(gallons in millions)

Entity

Trailing TwelveMonths GallonsShipped

CurrentREXOwnershipInterest

REX’s Current EffectiveOwnership of Trailing TwelveMonth Gallons Shipped

One Earth Energy, LLC(Gibson City, IL)

123.1 75.1% 92.4

NuGen Energy, LLC(Marion, SD)

132.9 99.5% 132.2

Big River Resources West Burlington, LLC(West Burlington, IA)

107.9 10.3% 11.1

Big River Resources Galva, LLC(Galva, IL)

126.4 10.3% 13.0

Big River United Energy, LLC(Dyersville, IA)

129.5 5.7% 7.4

Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC(Boyceville, WI)

57.0 10.3% 5.9 Total 676.8 n/a 262.0  

Fourth Quarter Conference CallREX will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET today. Senior management will discuss the financial results and host a question and answer session. The dial in number for the audio conference call is 212/231-2908 (domestic and international callers).

Participants can also listen to a live webcast of the call on the Company’s website, www.rexamerican.com/Corp/Page4.aspx. A webcast replay will be available for 30 days following the live event at www.rexamerican.com/Corp/Page4.aspx.

About REX American Resources CorporationREX American Resources has interests in six ethanol production facilities, which in aggregate shipped approximately 677 million gallons of ethanol over the twelve month period ended January 31, 2018. REX’s effective ownership of the trailing twelve month gallons shipped (for the twelve months ended January 31, 2018) by the ethanol production facilities in which it has ownership interests was approximately 262 million gallons. In addition, the Company acquired a refined coal operation on August 10, 2017. Further information about REX is available at www.rexamerican.com.

This news announcement contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of 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, dried and modified distillers grains, ethanol, corn oil, gasoline and natural gas, ethanol and refined coal plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, changes in the international, national or regional economies, weather, results of income tax audits, changes in income tax laws or regulations and the effects of terrorism or acts of war. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

- statements of operations follow -

         

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Unaudited

  Three Months

Ended

Twelve Months

Ended

January 31, January 31,

2018

   

2017

2018

   

2017

Net sales and revenue $ 109,535 $ 121,587 $ 452,586 $ 453,799 Cost of sales   103,511   96,416   408,425   382,760 Gross profit 6,024 25,171 44,161 71,039 Selling, general and administrative expenses (6,532) (7,073) (24,060) (21,388) Equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates 1,301 2,887 3,232 6,144 Interest and other income 971 222 2,265 596 (Loss) gain on sale of investment - - (13) 192 (Loss) gain on disposal of real estate and property and equipment, net  

(105)

 

(36)

 

(192)

 

328

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests

1,659

21,171

25,393

56,911

Benefit (provision) for income taxes   18,476   (5,622)   19,519   (17,393) Net income including non-controlling interests 20,135 15,549 44,912 39,518 Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (1,082)   (3,168)   (5,206)   (7,185) Net income attributable to REX common shareholders $ 19,053 $ 12,381 $ 39,706 $ 32,333   Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   6,604   6,591   6,596   6,587   Basic net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders

$

2.89

$

1.88

$

6.02

$

4.91

  Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   6,604   6,591   6,596   6,587 Diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders

$

2.89

$

1.88

$

6.02

$

4.91

 

- balance sheets follow -

         

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands) Unaudited

 

Years Ended January 31,

ASSETS: ASSETS

2018

2017

CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 190,988 $ 188,576 Restricted cash 354 130 Accounts receivable 12,913 11,901 Inventory 20,755 17,057 Refundable income taxes 6,612 1,070 Prepaid expenses and other 7,412 6,959 Deferred taxes-net   -   824 Total current assets 239,034 226,517 Property and equipment-net 197,827 182,761 Other assets 7,454 6,913 Equity method investments   34,549   37,833 TOTAL ASSETS $ 478,864 $ 454,024 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable – trade $ 8,149 $ 9,171 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   13,716   13,348 Total current liabilities   21,865   22,519 LONG TERM LIABILITIES: Deferred taxes 21,706 41,135 Other long term liabilities   3,367   2,096 Total long term liabilities   25,073   43,231 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES EQUITY: REX shareholders’ equity: Common stock, 45,000 shares authorized, 29,853 shares issued at par 299 299 Paid in capital 146,923 145,767 Retained earnings 547,913 508,207 Treasury stock, 23,287 and 23,292 shares, respectively   (313,643)   (313,838) Total REX shareholders’ equity 381,492 340,435 Non-controlling interests   50,434   47,839 Total equity   431,926   388,274 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 478,864 $ 454,024  

- statements of cash flows follow -

         

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands) Unaudited

 

Years Ended January 31,

2018

2017

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 44,912 $ 39,518 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 21,462 19,519 Stock based compensation expense 1,641 1,314 Income from equity method investments (3,232) (6,144) Dividends received from equity method investments 6,516 7,018 Loss (gain) on sale of investment 13 (192) Loss (gain) on disposal of real estate and property and equipment 192 (328) Deferred income tax (18,605) 3,043 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (1,089) (2,535) Inventory (3,649) 121 Prepaid expenses and other assets (1,170) (1,357) Income taxes refundable (5,542) 4,184 Accounts payable-trade (1,705) 36 Accrued expenses and other liabilities   1,225   4,912 Net cash provided by operating activities   40,969   69,109 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures (24,017) (14,208) Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (12,049) - Repayment of note receivable 26 24 Proceeds from sale of investment 64 4,492 Proceeds from sale of real estate and property and equipment 104 1,511 Restricted cash (224) (76) Restricted investments and deposits   150   510 Net cash used in investing activities   (35,946)   (7,747) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Payments to non-controlling interests holders (3,529) (3,842) Capital contributions from minority investor 918 - Treasury stock acquired   -   (4,709) Net cash used in financing activities   (2,611)   (8,551) NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 2,412 52,811 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-Beginning of year   188,576   135,765 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-End of year $ 190,988 $ 188,576 Non cash financing activities – Equity awards issued $ 1,195 $ 1,095 Non cash financing activities – Equity awards accrued $ 1,485 $ 1,217 Non cash investing activities – Accrued capital expenditures $ 1,149 $ 342  

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180322005276/en/

REX American ResourcesDouglas Bruggeman, 937-276-3931Chief Financial OfficerorJCIRJoseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, 212-835-8500rex@jcir.com