REX AMERICAN RESOURCES Corp
For the period ended Jul 31, 2024. Filed Aug 30, 2024.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Jul 31, 2024 · Filed Aug 30, 2024
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-04-30; filed 2024-05-30.
0000930413-24-001828
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-07-31; filed 2024-08-30.
0000930413-24-002683
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 64 previous paragraphs and 60 current paragraphs.
24 unchanged; 34 reworded; 1 added; 1 removed; 5 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 4 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (1)
Current report
Gains on derivative financial instruments, included in net sales and revenue, were approximately $0.4 million in the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2024, compared to losses on derivative financial instruments of approximately $29,000 during the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2023. These gains and losses are related to our risk management activities and were impacted by the price movements of ethanol.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
Numerous lawsuits had been filed against the EPA after it finalized RFS volumes for the years 2020-2022. A District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a decision upholding the EPA’s renewable fuel volume obligations for the 2020-2022 years, including a 250 million gallon supplemental volume requirements for 2022. The Court also upheld the method the EPA used in its 2022 set rule to account for SREs in calculating the volume obligations under the RFS program.
Reworded paragraphs (34)
Previous wording
market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price ethanol contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our fixed price contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in our realized 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. We utilize derivative financial instruments, primarily exchange traded commodity future contracts and swap contracts, in conjunction with certain of our corn procurement activities and commodity marketing activities.
Current wording
We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of commodity prices by utilizing forward corn and natural gas purchase contracts, forward ethanol, distillers grains and distillers corn oil sale contracts and commodity futures agreements, as management deems appropriate. We attempt to match quantities of these sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of corn purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price ethanol contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our fixed price contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in our realized 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. We utilize derivative financial instruments, primarily exchange traded commodity future contracts and swap contracts, in conjunction with certain of our corn procurement activities and commodity marketing activities.
Previous wording
Through our affiliate, One Earth Energy, LLC, we are in the developmental stage of a carbon sequestration project near the One Earth Energy ethanol plant in Gibson City, IL. A test well has been drilled to a total depth of approximately 7,100 feet, in which almost 2,000 feet of Mt. Simon Sandstone was encountered, which is the geological formation that is the region’s primary carbon storage resource. Three-dimensional seismic testing has been performed, as well as geological modeling for predicting the movement of injected carbon and the plume area to determine maximum injection pressure, reservoir quality and storage capacity for the potential wells. In October 2022, we applied for a Class VI injection well permit for three wells with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and we continue to provide information to the EPA regarding our application upon request. We have now secured sufficient subsurface easements for the proposed first injection well to allow for sequestration of all the carbon emissions from the One Earth Energy ethanol plant for a minimum of 15 years. We also need to obtain a county special-use zoning permit for the sequestration site. In addition, we have begun construction for a facility to capture, dehydrate, and compress carbon dioxide from the One Earth Energy ethanol plant to a state suitable for sequestration. We expect to complete construction of the capture and compression facility by July 31, 2024, at which time testing of the facility could commence, upon completion of other infrastructure.
Current wording
Through our affiliate, One Earth Energy, LLC, we are in the developmental stage of a carbon sequestration project near the One Earth Energy ethanol plant in Gibson City, IL. A test well has been drilled to a total depth of approximately 7,100 feet, in which almost 2,000 feet of Mt. Simon Sandstone was encountered, which is the geological formation that is the region’s primary carbon storage resource. Three-dimensional seismic testing has been performed, as well as geological modeling for predicting the movement of injected carbon and the plume area to determine maximum injection pressure, reservoir quality and storage capacity for the potential wells. In October 2022, we applied for a Class VI injection well permit for three wells with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and we continue to provide information to the EPA during the technical review of our application upon request. We currently expect the EPA to prepare a draft permit by calender year end 2024 and make a final permit decision by the second quarter of 2025, according to the EPA’s Class VI Permit Tracker Dashboard on their website. We have now secured sufficient subsurface easements for the proposed first injection well to allow for sequestration of all the carbon emissions from the One Earth Energy ethanol plant for a minimum of 15 years. We also need to obtain a county special-use zoning permit for the sequestration site. Last year, we began construction of a facility to capture, dehydrate, and compress carbon dioxide from the One Earth Energy ethanol plant to a state suitable for sequestration. We are nearing the completion of construction of the capture and compression facility. The start of testing the facility is dependent on the completion of the electric interconnection from our local utility, expected in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.
Previous wording
On May 26, 2024, however, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act (Senate Bill 1289), which the governor is expected to sign. The new legislation imposes additional safety, environmental and other requirements on obtaining permits and approvals for carbon capture and sequestration facilities in Illinois, including CO 2 pipelines. Under the new legislation, we believe that the ICC will be required to dismiss our pending application for a certificate of authority under the CO 2 Act, and we will be required to refile our application complying with the requirements of the new legislation. Further, the new legislation imposes a moratorium on the issuance of new certificates of authority for the construction of CO 2 pipelines until the earlier of the date proposed federal CO 2 pipeline safety standards are finalized by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) or, subject to certain other conditions, July 1, 2026. The Company is currently reviewing Senate Bill 1289 for its impact on the timing and other aspects of the Company’s proposed pipeline and carbon sequestration project, and investigating alternative methods to deliver carbon to a sequestration site.
Current wording
In October 2023, we submitted an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC”) for a certificate of authority under the state’s Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act (the “CO 2 Act”) to build a short pipeline to deliver carbon dioxide from the One Earth Energy ethanol plant to the proposed sequestration site. We also have obtained easements from all of the necessary landowners for the use of their land for the pipeline for the first two wells. On May 26, 2024, however, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act (Senate Bill 1289), which was signed by the governor in July 2024. The new legislation imposes additional safety, environmental and other requirements on obtaining permits and approvals for carbon capture and sequestration facilities in Illinois, including CO 2 pipelines. Further, the new legislation imposes a moratorium on the issuance of new certificates of authority for the construction of CO 2 pipelines until the earlier of the date proposed federal CO 2 pipeline safety standards are finalized by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) or, subject to certain other conditions, July 1, 2026. As a result of this legislation, the ICC dismissed our application without prejudice, and we will be required to resubmit an application after rules are finalized or subsequent to July 1, 2026.
Previous wording
We also intend to concurrently expand the One Earth ethanol plant. We received a permit from the EPA to increase production from 150 million gallons of ethanol per year to 175 million gallons of ethanol per year. Once we achieve that level of production, planned for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, we intend to apply for another permit to further increase production to 200 million gallon per year. Finally, we continue to work to identify ways to reduce our carbon intensity (“CI”) score at the One Earth plant with the intention to maximize tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act created a new Clean Fuel Production Credit, available for calendar years 2025 – 2027, of approximately $0.02 per ethanol gallon per CI point reduction below a 50 CI point threshold to incentive further increases in plant efficiencies within the industry.
Current wording
We continue to work to identify ways to reduce our carbon intensity (“CI”) score at the One Earth plant with the intention to maximize tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act, which created a new Clean Fuel Production Credit under 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Z”), available for calendar years 2025 – 2027, of approximately $0.02 per ethanol gallon per CI point reduction below a 50 CI point threshold to incentive further increases in plant efficiencies within the industry. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has not yet issued final rules on qualification for 45Z tax credits.
Previous wording
We expect the total cost of these projects to be approximately $165-175 million, which we currently plan to pay from our available cash. As of April 30, 2024, we have spent $41.0 million life-to-date and are contractually committed to spend an additional $9.2 million toward the carbon sequestration project. If the carbon sequestration project is successful, we believe we will qualify for tax credits under section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Q”) and section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Z”), as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act. As of April 30, 2024, we have spent $37.0 million life-to-date and are contractually committed to spend an additional $5.1 million at the One Earth plant toward plant capacity expansion and ongoing efforts to reduce our CI scoring.
Current wording
We expect the total cost of these projects to be approximately $165-175 million, which we currently plan to pay from our available cash. As of July 31, 2024, we have spent $49.1 million life-to-date and are contractually committed to spend an additional $5.3 million toward the carbon sequestration project. If the carbon sequestration project is successful, we believe we will qualify for tax credits under section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Q”) and section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act. As of July 31, 2024, we have spent $41.7 million life-to-date and are contractually committed to spend an additional $12.5 million at the One Earth plant toward plant capacity expansion and ongoing efforts to reduce our CI scoring.
Previous wording
Renewable Fuel Standard II (“RFS II”), established in October 2010, has been an important factor in the growth of ethanol usage in the United States. In recent years, there has been much uncertainty on the enforcement of RFS II. When it was originally established, RFS II required the volume of “conventional” or corn derived ethanol to be blended with gasoline to increase each year until it reached 15.0 billion gallons in 2015 and required that it remain at that level through 2022. There have been no established congressional target volumes beginning in 2023. The EPA also has the authority to waive the biofuel mandate, in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the requirement severely harms the domestic economy or environment. In addition, under RFS II, a small refiner that processes less than 75,000 barrels of oil per day can petition the EPA for a waiver of their obligation to submit renewable identification numbers (“RINs”). The EPA, through consultation with the Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), can grant the refiner a full or partial waiver, or deny the waiver petition. The EPA issued 88 refinery exemptions for the 2016-2018 compliance years,
Current wording
Renewable Fuel Standard II (“RFS II”), established in October 2010, has been an important factor in the growth of ethanol usage in the United States. In recent years, there has been much uncertainty in the enforcement of RFS II. When it was originally established, RFS II required the volume of “conventional” or corn derived ethanol to be blended with gasoline to increase each year until it reached 15.0 billion gallons in 2015 and required that it remain at that level through 2022. There are no established congressional target volumes beginning in 2023, with the EPA to issue volume obligations in those subsequent years. The EPA also has the authority to waive the biofuel mandate, in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the requirement severely harms the domestic economy or environment.
Previous wording
undercutting the statutory renewable fuel volumes by a total of 4.3 billion gallons. The EPA has not granted any small refinery waivers for 2019-2022 and has continued that stance in the proposed volumes for 2023-2025. There remain multiple ongoing legal challenges on how the EPA has handled the small refinery waivers. On November 22, 2023, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Court”) ruled against the EPA on six SREs the EPA had previously denied. The Court remanded those six petitions back to the EPA, and each refinery will continue to operate under temporary SREs previously offered to them by the Court.
Current wording
In addition, under RFS II, a small refiner that processes less than 75,000 barrels of oil per day can petition the EPA for a waiver of their obligation to submit renewable identification numbers (“RINs”). The EPA, through consultation with the Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), can grant the refiner a full or partial waiver, or deny the waiver petition. The EPA issued 88 small refinery exemptions (“SREs”) for the 2016-2018 compliance years, undercutting the statutory renewable fuel volumes by a total of 4.3 billion gallons. The EPA did not grant any small refinery waivers for 2019-2022 and has continued that stance in the proposed volumes for 2023-2025. There remain multiple ongoing legal challenges on how the EPA has handled the small refinery waivers. On November 22, 2023, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Court”) ruled against the EPA on six SREs the EPA had previously denied. The Court remanded those six petitions back to the EPA, and each refinery will continue to operate under temporary SREs previously offered to them by the Court. In July 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated many of the EPA’s 2022 SRE denials. The Court consolidated 40 challenges, two of which were denied, while the remaining 38 were vacated and remanded back to the EPA. In total, there are 48 pending SREs not yet ruled upon by the EPA for various years.
Previous wording
The EPA has issued Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations for calendar years 2023-2025 for conventional biofuels (which includes corn-based ethanol) of 15.0 billion gallons. Additionally, for 2023, the EPA restored 250 million gallons previously waived.
Current wording
The EPA has issued Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations for calendar years 2023-2025 for conventional biofuels (which includes corn-based ethanol) of 15.0 billion gallons for each year. Additionally, for 2023, the EPA restored 250 million gallons previously waived.
Previous wording
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will likely impact our business by creating a new Clean Fuel Production Credit, section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Z”), available for the years 2025 to 2027. The Clean Fuel Production Credit is approximately $0.02 per ethanol gallon per CI point reduction below a 50 CI point threshold. The Act also raises the carbon capture tax credit from $50 per metric ton to $85 per metric ton, under section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Q”). Taxpayers may elect to be treated as making a payment against tax for 100% of the value of the 45Q credit (“direct pay”) for the first five years, starting with the year a qualifying carbon sequestration facility is placed in service, but not beyond December 31, 2032. Companies may elect either the 45Q credit or the 45Z credit in periods in which both tax credits are available. Other potential impacts include (a) extending the biodiesel tax credit, which could impact the value of our renewable corn oil, as this co-product serves as a low-carbon feedstock for renewable diesel and biomass based diesel production; (b) creating a new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”); (c) funding biofuel refueling infrastructure which could impact the availability of higher level ethanol blended fuel; and (d) providing for production and purchase credits for electric vehicles, which could impact the amount of internal combustion engines on the road over time, and ultimately reduce the demand for gasoline, diesel fuels and ethanol.
Current wording
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will likely impact our business by creating a new Clean Fuel Production Credit, section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code (“45Z”), available for the years 2025 to 2027. The Clean Fuel Production Credit is approximately $0.02 per ethanol gallon per CI point reduction below a 50 CI point threshold. The Act also raises the carbon capture tax credit from $50 per metric ton to $85 per metric ton under section 45Q. Taxpayers may elect to be treated as making a payment against tax for 100% of the value of the 45Q credit (“direct pay”) for the first five years, starting with the year a qualifying carbon sequestration facility is placed in service, but not beyond December 31, 2032. Companies may elect either the 45Q credit or the 45Z credit in periods in which both tax credits are available. Other potential impacts include (a) extending the biodiesel tax credit, which could impact the value of our renewable corn oil, as this co-product serves as a low-carbon feedstock for renewable diesel and biomass based diesel production; (b) creating a new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”); (c) funding biofuel refueling infrastructure which could impact the availability of higher level ethanol blended fuel; and (d) providing for production and purchase credits for electric vehicles, which could impact the amount of internal combustion engines on the road over time, and ultimately reduce the demand for gasoline, diesel fuels and ethanol.
Previous wording
In April 2024, the U.S Department of Treasury and the IRS released updated guidance which included an updated GREET lifecycle model for the section 40B SAF tax credit. This model provides a pathway for U.S. corn-based ethanol to be considered a qualifying feedstock for SAF if certain measures are taken to lower carbon intensity of production. GREET, or Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies, is used as a model to calculate greenhouse gas (“GHG”) reductions. The GREET model aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of aviation fuels focusing on reducing GHG emissions through the entire lifecycle of the fuel, including through carbon capture and certain climate-smart agricultural (“CSA) practices. CSA practices for corn production must include no-till farming, planting cover crops and using enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers. The section 40B credit expires on December 31, 2024 and is to be replaced by the 45Z tax credit. A new 45Z-GREET model will be developed but will require further modeling, data assumptions, and verification.
Current wording
In April 2024, the U.S Department of the Treasury and the IRS released updated guidance which included an updated GREET lifecycle model for the section 40B SAF tax credit. This model provides a pathway for U.S. corn-based ethanol to be considered a qualifying feedstock for SAF if certain measures are taken to lower carbon intensity of production. GREET, or Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies, is used as a model to calculate greenhouse gas (“GHG”) reductions. The GREET model aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of aviation fuels focusing on reducing GHG emissions through the entire lifecycle of the fuel, including through carbon capture and certain climate-smart agricultural (“CSA) practices. CSA practices for corn production must include no-till farming, planting cover crops and using enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers. The section 40B credit expires on December 31, 2024 and is to be replaced by the 45Z tax credit. A new 45Z-GREET model has not yet been developed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury but will likely require further modeling, data assumptions, and verification.
Previous wording
Comparison of Three Months Ended April 30, 2024 and 2023
Current wording
Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended July 31, 2024 and 2023
Previous wording
Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended April 30, 2024 decreased 24% compared to the prior year’s first quarter.
Current wording
Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended July 31, 2024 decreased 30% compared to the prior year’s second quarter. Net sales and revenue in the first six months ended July 31, 2024 decreased approximately 27% compared to the first six months of 2023.
Previous wording
Ethanol revenue decreased 25% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 as the average selling price of ethanol at our consolidated plants decreased 28% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior year comparable period, offset by a 4% increase in gallons of ethanol sold. The decrease in the ethanol selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in commodity prices.
Current wording
Ethanol revenue decreased 31% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 as the average selling price of ethanol at our consolidated plants decreased 26% during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior year comparable period, coupled with a 6% decrease in gallons of ethanol sold. Ethanol revenue decreased 28% in the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2023, driven by a 27% decrease in selling price while gallons sold did not change significantly. The decrease in the ethanol selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in commodity prices.
Previous wording
Dried distillers grains revenue decreased 23% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 as the average price per ton sold decreased 23%, offset slightly by a 1% increase in tons sold. The decrease in the dried distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in corn prices as dried distillers grains prices often correlate with corn pricing.
Current wording
Dried distillers grains revenue decreased 32% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 as the average price per ton sold decreased 27%, coupled with a 6% decrease in tons sold. Dried distillers grains revenue decreased 27% in the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2023, driven by a 25% decrease in the average selling price, along with a 2% decrease in the tons sold. The decrease in the dried distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in corn prices as dried distillers grains prices often correlate with corn pricing.
Previous wording
Distillers corn oil revenue decreased approximately 25% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 as the average price per pound sold decreased 25%, offset partially by a 2% increase in pounds sold. The decrease in the distillers corn oil selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in commodity prices.
Current wording
Distillers corn oil revenue decreased approximately 25% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 as the average price per pound sold decreased 22%, along with a 2% decrease in pounds sold. Distillers corn oil revenue decreased 25% in the first six months of 2024 compared to the first six months of 2023 as the average price per pound decreased 24% while pounds sold did not change significantly. The decrease in the distillers corn oil selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in commodity prices.
Previous wording
Modified distillers grains revenue decreased 24% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 due to a 35% decrease in the average selling price per ton sold, partially offset by an 18% increase in tons sold. The decrease in the modified distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in corn prices. Our consolidated plants’ decisions to sell modified or dried distillers grains fluctuates from time to time based upon market conditions.
Current wording
Modified distillers grains revenue increased 3% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 due to a 67% increase in the tons sold, offset by a decrease in the average selling price per ton sold of 38%. Modified distillers grains revenue decreased 13% in the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2023 due to a 38% decrease in the average selling price per ton sold, offset by a 41% increase in tons sold during the same period. The decrease in the modified distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from a decrease in corn prices as prices tend to move in the same direction. Our consolidated plants’ decisions to sell modified or dried distillers grains fluctuates from time to time based upon market conditions.
Previous wording
Cost of sales decreased approximately 28% in the quarter ended April 30, 2024, compared to the prior year first quarter. Corn accounted for approximately 75% ($110.6 million) of our cost of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to approximately 81% ($163.7 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. The cost of corn decreased primarily due to lower corn prices, partially offset by an increase in corn used between the two periods. Natural gas accounted for approximately 5%
Current wording
Cost of sales decreased approximately 34% in the quarter ended July 31, 2024, compared to the prior year second quarter. Corn accounted for approximately 77% ($98.9 million) of our cost of sales during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to approximately 82% ($158.0 million) during the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Natural gas accounted for approximately 3% of our cost of sales during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 ($3.9 million) and the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 ($6.4 million). Cost of sales decreased approximately 31% in the six months ended July 31, 2024, compared to the prior year comparable period. Corn accounted for approximately 76% ($209.6 million) of our cost of sales during the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to approximately 81% ($321.8 million) during the first six months of fiscal year 2023. Natural gas accounted for approximately 4% of our cost of sales during the six months ended July 31, 2024 ($11.0 million) and during the first six months of fiscal year 2023 ($17.1 million). The cost of corn and natural gas decreased primarily due to lower pricing for both during the three and six months ended July 31, 2024.
Previous wording
As a result of the foregoing, gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 increased approximately $4.3 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter.
Current wording
As a result of the foregoing, gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 increased approximately $1.4 million compared to the prior year’s second quarter. Gross profit for the first six months of fiscal year 2024 increased approximately $5.7 million compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2023.
Previous wording
SG&A expenses were approximately $6.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to approximately $5.8 million of expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. The increases are primarily related to the increase in performance bonus expense as a result of higher net income in 2024, offset partially by decreases in professional fees, railcar lease expense and freight expense.
Current wording
SG&A expenses were approximately $6.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to approximately $8.6 million of expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. SG&A expenses were approximately $12.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2024, compared to approximately $14.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023. The decreases are primarily related to restricted stock awards granted to certain executive officers in the second quarter of 2023, which were expensed upon issuance, offset partially by the increase in performance bonus expense as a result of higher net income in 2024.
Previous wording
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, we recognized income from our equity investment in Big River of approximately $1.7 million compared to income of approximately $1.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. Our investment in Big River, which has interests in four ethanol production plants, represents an effective ownership of approximately 38.8 million gallons of ethanol shipped in the trailing twelve months ended April 30, 2024. Due to the inherent volatility of commodity prices within the ethanol industry, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.
Current wording
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, we recognized income from our equity investment in Big River of approximately $1.7 million compared to income of approximately $3.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. During the first six months of fiscal year 2024, we recognized income from our equity investment in Big River of approximately $3.5 million compared to income of approximately $4.5 million during the first six months of fiscal year 2023. Our investment in Big River, which has interests in four ethanol production plants, represents an effective ownership of approximately 38.3 million gallons of ethanol shipped in the trailing twelve months ended July 31, 2024. Due to the inherent volatility of commodity prices within the ethanol industry, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.
Previous wording
Interest and other income was approximately $5.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 versus approximately $2.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. One of our consolidated ethanol plants recognized $1.2 million in patronage income from an investment in a cooperative. The remaining change in the three-month period related to increased interest income in the current year as yields on our excess cash and short-term investments increased in fiscal year 2024, compared to 2023.
Current wording
Interest and other income was approximately $4.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 versus approximately $3.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Interest and other income was approximately $10.3 million for the first six months of 2024 versus approximately $6.1 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023. One of our consolidated ethanol plants recognized $1.2 million in patronage income from an investment in a cooperative in the first quarter of 2024. The remaining change between both periods related to increased interest income in the current year based upon higher balances and yields on our excess cash and short-term investments in fiscal year 2024, compared to 2023.
Previous wording
As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes was approximately $16.0 million and $8.7 million for the first quarters of fiscal year 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes was approximately $19.5 million and $16.1 million for the second quarters of fiscal year 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income before income taxes was approximately $35.5 million and $24.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
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. Our income tax provision was approximately $3.7 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended April 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
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. Our income tax provision was approximately $4.5 million and $3.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our income tax provision was approximately $ 8.2 million and $5.8 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
As a result of the foregoing, net income was approximately $12.3 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to approximately $6.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
Current wording
As a result of the foregoing, net income was approximately $15.0 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to approximately $12.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Net income was approximately $27.3 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to approximately $19.0 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023.
Previous wording
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was approximately $2.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to $1.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. These amounts represent the other owners’ share of the income of NuGen and One Earth.
Current wording
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was approximately $2.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to $3.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was approximately $4.7 million for the first six months of fiscal years 2024 and 2023. These amounts represent the other owners’ share of the income of NuGen and One Earth.
Previous wording
As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 was approximately $10.2 million, compared to net income attributable to REX common shareholders of approximately $5.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
Current wording
As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was approximately $12.4 million, compared to net income attributable to REX common shareholders of approximately $9.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Net income attributable to REX common shareholders from the first six months of fiscal year 2024 was approximately $22.6 million, compared to net income attributable to REX common shareholders of approximately $14.3 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023.
Previous wording
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $2.3 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2024, compared to cash used in operating activities of approximately $14.0 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2023. For the first three months of fiscal year 2024, cash was provided by net income of approximately $12.3 million, adjusted upward for non-cash items of approximately $5.6 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision, and stock-based compensation expense. A decrease in the balance of accounts receivable provided cash of approximately $1.7 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen. Inventories were nearly flat over the first three months of fiscal year 2024. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $3.8 million primarily relates to prepayments on certain executed lease agreements, offset by changes in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts and commodity futures positions recorded at fair value. A decrease in the balance of refundable income taxes of approximately $1.1 million primarily relates to the accrual of the federal taxes currently payable for the first quarter of 2024. While the Company has tax credits available to offset all amounts owed, the Company is limited to using tax credits for only 75% of federal taxes owed. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $12.7 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $6.2 million, which was primarily caused by a decrease in accrued payroll of approximately $5.4 million following the payment of fiscal year 2023 bonuses.
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $5.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2024, compared to cash provided by operating activities of approximately $6.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023. For the first six months of fiscal year 2024, cash was provided by net income of approximately $27.3 million, adjusted upward for non-cash items of approximately $12.6 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision, stock-based compensation expense, and loss on disposal of property and equipment. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $1.1 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen. Inventories increased over the first six months of fiscal year 2024, using cash of approximately $2.2 million. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $12.3 million primarily relates to prepayments on certain executed lease agreements, offset by changes in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts and commodity futures positions recorded at fair value, decreases to spare parts inventory and decreases to prepaid insurance balances. A decrease in the balance of refundable income taxes of approximately $0.5 million primarily relates to the accrual of the federal taxes currently payable and the timing of estimated tax payments for the first six months of 2024. While the Company has tax credits available to offset all amounts owed, the Company is limited to using tax credits for only 75% of federal taxes owed. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $14.0 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $5.0 million, which was primarily caused by a decrease in accrued payroll of approximately $3.9 million following the payment of fiscal year 2023 bonuses, offset by the accrual of the first six months of the fiscal year 2024 bonuses. Additionally, a reduction in the lease and accrued utility liabilities used cash of approximately $3.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively. These reductions were offset primarily by an increase in the mark-to-market liability recorded for certain corn contracts.
Previous wording
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $14.0 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2023. For the first three months of fiscal year 2023, cash was provided by net income of approximately $6.7 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $4.2 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision, stock-based compensation expense, and gain on sale of property and equipment. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $4.1 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen. Inventories decreased over the first three months of fiscal year 2023, providing cash of $7.4 million. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $6.2 million primarily relates to changes in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts and commodity futures positions recorded at fair value. An increase in the balance of refundable income taxes of approximately $2.0 million primarily relates to amounts paid toward taxes currently payable for the previous fiscal year and quarterly estimated tax payments. A decrease in the balance of accounts
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $6.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023. For the first six months of fiscal year 2023, cash was provided by net income of approximately $19.0 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $11.1 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision, stock-based compensation expense, and loss on disposal of property and equipment. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $6.8 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen. Inventories decreased over the first six months of fiscal year 2023, providing cash of $2.8 million. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $7.2 million primarily relates to changes in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts and commodity futures positions recorded at fair value. An increase in the balance of refundable income taxes of approximately $2.7 million primarily relates to overpayment of taxes currently payable for the previous fiscal year and quarterly estimated tax payments. While the Company has tax credits available to offset all amounts owed, the Company is limited to using tax credits for only 75% of federal taxes owed. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $12.6 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. An increase in the balance of other liabilities provided cash of approximately $3.0 million.
Previous wording
At April 30, 2024, working capital was approximately $358.9 million, compared to $385.8 million at January 31, 2024. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 6.7 to 1 at April 30, 2024 and 6.8 to 1 at January 31, 2024.
Current wording
At July 31, 2024, working capital was approximately $367.0 million, compared to $385.8 million at January 31, 2024. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 8.1 to 1 at July 31, 2024 and 6.8 to 1 at January 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Cash of approximately $11.9 million was provided by investing activities for the first three months of fiscal year 2024, compared to cash provided by investing activities of approximately $21.0 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2023. During the first three months of fiscal year 2024, we had capital expenditures of approximately $24.8 million, primarily for various capital projects at our consolidated ethanol plants, including $10.1 million for expansion and CI scoring reduction projects at the One Earth facility and $11.0 million for the carbon sequestration project. During the first three months of fiscal year 2024, we purchased short-term U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $85.0 million, while U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $121.5 million matured. The U.S Treasury Bills had maturities of less than one year and we classified them as short-term investments. Depending on the investment options available, we may elect to retain the funds, or a portion thereof, in cash, short-term investments or long-term investments.
Current wording
Cash of approximately $33.8 million was provided by investing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2024, compared to cash provided by investing activities of approximately $24.9 million during the first six months of fiscal year 2023. During the first six months of fiscal year 2024, we had capital expenditures of approximately $40.2 million, primarily for various capital projects at our consolidated ethanol plants, including $15.4 million for expansion and CI scoring reduction projects at the One Earth facility and $17.4 million for the carbon sequestration project. During the first six months of fiscal year 2024, we purchased short-term U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $156.1 million, while U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $229.7 million matured. The U.S Treasury Bills had maturities of less than one year and we classified them as short-term investments. Depending on the investment options available, we may elect to retain the funds, or a portion thereof, in cash, short-term investments or long-term investments.
Previous wording
Cash of approximately $21.0 million was provided by investing activities for the first three months of fiscal year 2023. During the first three months of fiscal year 2023, we had capital expenditures of approximately $4.2 million, primarily for various expansion and carbon intensity score reduction projects at the One Earth and NuGen facilities. During the first three months of fiscal year 2023, we purchased U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $102.3 million. During the first three months of fiscal year 2023 U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $127.6 million matured. The U.S Treasury Bills had maturities of less than one year and we classified them as short-term investments.
Current wording
Cash of approximately $24.9 million was provided by investing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2023. During the first six months of fiscal year 2023, we had capital expenditures of approximately $8.2 million, primarily for various capital projects at our consolidated ethanol plants, including expansion and carbon intensity (“CI”) score reduction projects at the One Earth facility. During the first six months of fiscal year 2023, we purchased U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $194.4 million. During the first six months of fiscal year 2023 U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $227.5 million matured. The U.S Treasury Bills had maturities of less than one year and we classified them as short-term investments.
Previous wording
Cash of approximately $1.8 million was used in financing activities for the first three months of fiscal year 2024 for payments to noncontrolling interests holders, compared to approximately $0.7 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2023.
Current wording
Cash of approximately $1.8 million was used in financing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2024 for payments to noncontrolling interests holders, compared to approximately $0.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2023.
Previous wording
We are investigating various uses for our excess cash and short-term investments. We expect total capital expenditures related to the construction at the One Earth facilities to approximate $165 million to $175 million, inclusive of the carbon sequestration project and plant capacity expansion and ongoing efforts to reduce CI scoring, which we currently plan to pay from our available cash. As of April 30, 2024, we have spent $41.0 million since inception and are contractually committed to spend an additional $9.2 million toward the carbon sequestration project. As of April 30, 2024, we have spent $37.0 million since inception and are contractually committed to spend an additional $5.1 million toward plant capacity expansion and CI scoring reduction efforts. For all projects, we plan to spend $85 million to $110 million during the remainder of fiscal year 2024.
Current wording
We are investigating various uses for our excess cash and short-term investments. We expect total capital expenditures related to the construction at the One Earth facilities to approximate $165 million to $175 million, inclusive of the carbon sequestration project and plant capacity expansion and ongoing efforts to reduce CI scoring, which we currently plan to pay from our available cash. As of July 31, 2024, we have spent $49.1 million since inception and are contractually committed to spend an additional $5.3 million toward the carbon sequestration project. As of July 31, 2024, we have spent $41.7 million since inception and are contractually committed to spend an additional $12.5 million toward plant capacity expansion and CI scoring reduction efforts. For all projects, we plan to spend $50 million to $60 million during the remainder of fiscal year 2024.
Previous wording
We have a stock buyback program with 876,786 shares remaining authorized at April 30, 2024. We typically repurchase our common stock when our stock price is trading at a price we deem to be a discount to the underlying value of our net assets. We plan to seek and evaluate various investment opportunities
Current wording
We have a stock buyback program with 876,786 shares remaining authorized at July 31, 2024. We typically repurchase our common stock when our stock price is trading at a price we deem to be a discount to the underlying value of our net assets. We plan to seek and evaluate various investment opportunities including ethanol and/or energy related, carbon sequestration related, agricultural or other ventures we believe meet our investment criteria.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We also are concurrently expanding the One Earth ethanol plant. We received a permit from the EPA to increase production from 150 million gallons of ethanol per year to 175 million gallons of ethanol per year. Once we achieve that level of production, planned for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, we intend to apply for another permit to further increase production to 200 million gallon per year.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (5)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of commodity prices by utilizing forward corn and natural gas purchase contracts, forward ethanol, distillers grains and distillers corn oil sale contracts and commodity futures agreements, as management deems appropriate. We attempt to match quantities of these sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of corn purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
In October 2023, we submitted an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC”) for a certificate of authority under the state’s Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act (the “CO 2 Act”) to build a short pipeline to deliver carbon dioxide from the One Earth Energy ethanol plant to the proposed sequestration site. We also have obtained consent from all of the necessary landowners for the use of their land for the pipeline.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
($7.1 million) of our cost of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, consistent with approximately 5% ($10.7 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
payable used cash of approximately $16.1 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $4.0 million.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
including ethanol and/or energy related, carbon sequestration related, agricultural or other ventures we believe meet our investment criteria.