MGP INGREDIENTS INC

Previous wording

MGP is a leading producer of branded and distilled spirits as well as food ingredient solutions. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys (“brown goods”) and GNS, including vodka and gin (“white goods and other co-products”). Our distilled spirits are either sold directly or indirectly to manufacturers of other branded spirits. We have a portfolio of our own high quality branded spirits, which we produce through our distilleries and bottling facilities and sell to distributors. Our branded spirits products account for a range of price points from value products through premium plus brands. Our protein and starch food ingredients serve a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products to serve the consumer packaged goods industry. Our ingredients products are sold directly, or through distributors, to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or to bakeries.

Current wording

MGP is a leading producer of branded and distilled spirits as well as food ingredient solutions. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys (“brown goods”) and grain neutral spirits (“GNS”), including vodka and gin (“white goods and other co-products”). Our distilled spirits are either sold directly or indirectly to manufacturers of other branded spirits. We have a portfolio of our own high quality branded spirits, which we produce through our distilleries and bottling facilities and sell to distributors. Our branded spirits products account for a range of price points from value products through premium plus brands. Our protein and starch food ingredients serve a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products to serve the consumer packaged goods industry. Our ingredients products are sold directly, or through distributors, to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or to bakeries.

Previous wording

Sales - Sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $170,563, a decrease of 15 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, which was the result of decreased sales in the Distilling Solutions and Branded Spirits segments, partially offset by increased sales in the Ingredient Solutions segment. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, sales were down 25 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of white goods and other co-products in connection with the December 2023 closure of our distillery located in Atchison, Kansas (the “Atchison Distillery”). Within the Branded Spirits segment, sales were down 12 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of brands in the mid and value price tiers. Within the Ingredient Solutions segment, sales were up 15 percent, primarily due to increased sales of specialty wheat starches (see “Segment Results”).

Current wording

Sales - Sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 were $190,805, a decrease of 9 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, which was the result of decreased sales in the Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solution segments, partially offset by increased sales in the Branded Spirits segment. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, sales were down 20 percent due to decreased sales of white goods and other co-products in connection with the December 2023 closure of our distillery located in Atchison, Kansas (the “Atchison Distillery”). Within the Ingredient Solutions segment, sales were down 3 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of commodity wheat starches and specialty wheat proteins. Within the Branded Spirits segment, sales were up 11 percent, primarily due to increased sales of brands in the premium plus price tier (see “Segment Results”).

Previous wording

Gross profit -Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $62,795, a decrease of 10 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The decrease was driven by a decrease in gross profit in the Ingredient Solutions and Branded Spirits segments, partially offset by an increase in gross profit in the Distilling Solutions segment. Within the Ingredient Solutions segment, gross profit decreased by $6,023, or 49 percent. Within the Branded Spirits segment, gross profit decreased $2,061, or 8 percent. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, gross profit increased by $1,055, or 3 percent (see “Segment Results”).

Current wording

Gross profit -Gross profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was $83,232, an increase of 9 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase was driven by an increase in gross profit in the Branded Spirits and Distilling Solutions segments, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit in the Ingredient Solutions segment. Within the Branded Spirits segment, gross profit increased $7,630, or 29 percent. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, gross profit increased by $3,795, or 10 percent Within the Ingredient Solutions segment, gross profit decreased by $4,488, or 39 percent (see “Segment Results”).

Previous wording

Advertising and promotion expenses -Advertising and promotion expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $8,683, an increase of 12 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by increased advertising and promotion investment in the Branded Spirits segment, specifically in the premium plus price tier.

Current wording

Advertising and promotion expenses -Advertising and promotion expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 were $11,665, an increase of 35 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by increased advertising and promotion investment in the Branded Spirits segment, specifically in the premium plus price tier.

Previous wording

SG&A expenses -SG&A expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $20,979, a slight increase of 2 percent compared to the year-ago quarter.

Current wording

SG&A expenses -SG&A expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 were $22,759, a slight decrease of 3 percent compared to the year-ago quarter.

Previous wording

Operating income -Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 decreased to $28,917 from $41,559 for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, primarily due to the decrease in gross profit in the Ingredient Solutions segment, the change in fair value of the contingent consideration of $4,100 related to the acquisition of Penelope, and the decrease in gross profit in the Branded Spirits segment. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in gross profit in the Distilling Solutions segment.

Current wording

Operating income -Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 decreased to $43,387 from $44,143 for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to the change in fair value of the contingent consideration of $5,400 related to the acquisition of Penelope, the decrease in gross profit in the Ingredient Solutions segment, and the increase in advertising and promotion expense. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in gross profit in the Branded Spirits and Distilling Solutions segments, and lower SG&A expenses.

Previous wording

Income tax expense - Income tax expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $6,262, for an effective tax rate of 23.3 percent. Income tax expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $9,655, for an effective tax rate of 23.7 percent. The decrease in income tax expense, quarter versus quarter, was due to lower income before income taxes. The decrease in effective tax rate, quarter versus quarter, was primarily due to larger tax credits than in the prior year quarter.

Current wording

Income tax expense - Income tax expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was $10,108, for an effective tax rate of 24.0 percent. Income tax expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 was $10,804, for an effective tax rate of 25.3 percent. The decrease in income tax expense, quarter versus quarter, was due to lower income before income taxes. The decrease in effective tax rate, quarter versus quarter, was primarily due to larger tax credits than in the prior year quarter.

Previous wording

Earnings per common share (“EPS”) -Basic EPS was $0.92 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $1.40 for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The change in basic EPS, quarter versus quarter, was primarily due to a decrease in operating income. Diluted EPS was $0.92 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $1.39 for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The change in diluted EPS, quarter versus quarter, was primarily due to the same change as basic EPS as well as the impact of dilutive shares outstanding related to the conversion feature of the Convertible Senior Notes.

Current wording

Earnings per common share -Basic EPS was $2.36 for the year to date ended June 30, 2024, compared to $2.84 for the year to date ended June 30, 2023. The change in basic EPS, year to date versus year to date, was primarily due to a decrease in operating income. Diluted EPS was $2.36 for the year to date ended June 30, 2024, compared to $2.83 for the year to date ended June 30, 2023. The change in diluted EPS, year to date versus year to date, was primarily due to the same change as basic EPS as well as the impact of dilutive shares outstanding related to the conversion feature of the Convertible Senior Notes.

Previous wording

Total sales of the Distilling Solutions segment for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 decreased by $28,371, or 25 percent, compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in sales of the Distilling Solutions segment is primarily related to the decrease in sales volume of white goods and other co-products, which was primarily due to the closure of the Atchison Distillery during December 2023. Additionally, the decrease in sales of brown goods was primarily driven by decreased Net Price/Mix (as defined in table above), and the temporary shut-down of the Lux Row Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky during the quarter to complete the distillation expansion. These decreases were partially offset by increased sales volume of brown goods and increased sales of warehouse services.

Current wording

Total sales of the Distilling Solutions segment for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 decreased by $23,477, or 20 percent, compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in sales of the Distilling Solutions segment is primarily related to the decrease in sales volume of white goods and other co-products, which was primarily due to the closure of the Atchison Distillery during December 2023. Sales of brown goods increased primarily due to an increase in sales volume, partially offset by a decrease in net price/mix (as defined in the table above).

Previous wording

Gross profit increased quarter versus quarter by $1,055, or 3 percent. Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 increased to 40.2 percent from 29.2 percent for the prior year quarter. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the positive impact the closure of the Atchison Distillery had on white goods and other co-products’ gross profit. The increase was also due to an increase in warehouse service sales.

Current wording

Gross profit increased quarter versus quarter by $3,795, or 10 percent. Gross margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased to 45.5 percent from 33.1 percent for the prior year quarter. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the positive impact the closure of the Atchison Distillery had on white goods and other co-products’ gross profit. The increase was also due to an increase in warehouse service sales and brown goods sales.

Previous wording

Total sales of the Branded Spirits segment for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 decreased by $6,737, or 12 percent compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease was driven by sales of brands within the mid and value price tiers, partially offset by an increase in sales of brands within the premium plus price tier. The decreased sales of brands within the mid and value price tiers was due to a decrease in sales volume primarily as a result of the distributor realignment in 2023 which resulted in increased sales volume in these price tiers during the prior year quarter. The increase in sales of brands within the premium plus price tier was primarily due to the acquisition of Penelope, partially offset by a planned decrease in allocated single barrel premium plus offerings.

Current wording

Total sales of Branded Spirits for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 remained consistent with the year-ago period. The increase in sales of brands within the premium plus price tier was primarily due to the acquisition of Penelope, partially offset by a planned decrease in allocated single barrel premium plus offerings. This increase was offset by decreased sales volume of brands within the mid and value price tiers which was primarily a result of the distributor realignment in 2023 which resulted in increased sales volume in these price tiers during the prior year period.

Previous wording

Gross profit decreased quarter versus quarter by $2,061, or 8 percent. Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 increased to 44.9 percent from 43.2 percent for the prior year quarter due primarily to continued portfolio premiumization. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by a decrease in sales volume in the mid and value price tiers as well as an increase in costs incurred in connection with the completion of the Lux Row distillery expansion. These decreases were partially offset by increased gross profit due to additional brands acquired as part of the acquisition of Penelope.

Current wording

Gross profit for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 increased by $5,569, or 11 percent compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 increased to 49.2 percent from 44.2 percent. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by the acquisition of Penelope. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales volume in the mid and value price tiers as well as an increase in costs incurred in connection with the completion of the Lux Row distillery expansion.

Previous wording

Gross profit decreased quarter versus quarter by $6,023, or 49 percent. Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 decreased to 17.4 percent from 39.5 percent for the prior year quarter. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by higher input costs across all product categories. The increase in input costs is driven primarily by the removal of the intercompany credit for the waste starch slurry by-product since the closure of the Atchison Distillery, as well as other costs incurred to ready the waste starch for commercial sale. Additionally, we incurred incremental costs for the new extrusion manufacturing facility during the quarter.

Current wording

Gross profit decreased quarter versus quarter by $4,488, or 39 percent. Gross margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 decreased to 21.4 percent from 33.6 percent for the prior year quarter. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by higher input costs across all product categories. The increase in input costs is driven primarily by the removal of the intercompany credit for the waste starch slurry by-product since the closure of the Atchison Distillery, as well as other costs incurred to ready the waste starch for commercial sale. Additionally, we incurred incremental costs for the new extrusion manufacturing facility during the quarter.

Previous wording

Total sales of the Ingredient Solutions segment for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 increased by $4,661, or 15 percent, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales volume of specialty wheat starches. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales volume of specialty and commodity wheat proteins and a decrease in average selling price of commodity wheat starches.

Current wording

Total sales of the Ingredient Solutions segment for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 increased by $3,517, or 5 percent, compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales volume of specialty wheat starches. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales volume and average selling price of specialty wheat proteins and commodity wheat starches.

Previous wording

Cash increased $1,109 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to a decrease of $16,161 for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, for a net increase in cash of $17,270, period versus period.

Current wording

Cash increased $2,623 for the year to date ended June 30, 2024, compared to a decrease of $25,930 for the year to date ended June 30, 2023, for a net increase in cash of $28,553, period versus period.

Previous wording

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $24,623. The cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from net income of $20,584, adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $11,603, including depreciation and amortization, the change in fair value of contingent consideration, and share-based compensation, partially offset by cash used in operating assets and liabilities of $7,564. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $10,380 use of cash related to accrued expenses and other, which related to the incentive compensation payout during the quarter, and $10,207 use of cash related to a decrease in accounts payable due to timing of payments. These uses of cash were offset by $11,257 of cash provided by a decrease in accounts receivables net, due to the timing of sales and customer payments during the quarter.

Current wording

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 was $29,582. The cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from net income of $52,601, adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $21,745, including depreciation and amortization, the change in fair value of contingent consideration, and share-based compensation, partially offset by cash used in operating assets and liabilities of $44,764. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $14,766 use of cash related to increased accounts receivables net, due to the timing of sales and customer payments during the year to date period, $11,754 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily due to an increase in barreled distillate, $10,738 use of cash related to accrued expenses and other, which related to the incentive compensation payout during the year to date period, and $6,345 use of cash related to a decrease in accounts payable due to timing of payments.

Previous wording

Cash provided by operating activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $5,021. The cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from net income of $31,032, adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $7,318, including depreciation and amortization, and share-based compensation, partially offset by cash used in operating assets and liabilities of $33,329. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $19,227 use of cash related to increased accounts receivables, net, due to timing of sales and customer payments during the quarter, $18,707 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily due to an increase in finished goods inventory and barreled distillate, and $10,208 use of cash related to a decrease in accrued expenses and other, primarily due to the incentive compensation payout during the quarter. These uses of cash were partially offset, primarily by $9,043 cash provided by income taxes payable, and $6,498 cash provided by an increase in accounts payable.

Current wording

Cash provided by operating activities for the year to date ended June 30, 2023 was $20,156. The cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from net income of $62,996, adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $17,041, including depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation, partially offset by cash used in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisition, of $59,881. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $41,020 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily due to an increase in barreled distillate and finished goods inventory, $35,833 use of cash related to increased accounts receivable, net due to timing of sales and customer payments during the quarter, and $7,048 use of cash related to a decrease in accrued expenses and other, primarily due to incentive compensation expense. These uses of cash were partially offset, primarily by $22,328 cash provided by an increase in accounts payable due to timing of payments.

Previous wording

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $27,266, which primarily resulted from additions to property, plant, and equipment of $27,026 (see “Capital Spending”). Cash used in investing activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $16,945, which primarily resulted from additions to property, plant, and equipment of $16,237 (see “Capital Spending”).

Current wording

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 was $33,657, which primarily resulted from additions to property, plant, and equipment of $33,397 (see “Capital Spending”). Cash used in investing activities for the year to date ended June 30, 2023 was $135,589, which primarily resulted from $104,398 related to the acquisition of Penelope, net of cash acquired, and additions to property, plant, and equipment of $30,055 (see “Capital Spending”).

Previous wording

Capital Spending. We manage capital spending to support our business growth plans. We have incurred $13,134 and $9,824 of capital expenditures and have paid $27,026 and $16,237 for capital expenditures for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The difference between the amount of capital expenditures incurred and amount paid is due to the change in capital expenditures in accounts payable. We expect approximately $85,800 in capital expenditures in 2024, which includes capital expenditures for facility improvement and expansion, facility sustaining projects, and environmental health and safety projects.

Current wording

Capital Spending. We manage capital spending to support our business growth plans. We have incurred $22,560 and $23,863 of capital expenditures and have paid $33,397 and $30,055 for capital expenditures for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The difference between the amount of capital expenditures incurred and amount paid is due to the change in capital expenditures in accounts payable. We expect approximately $85,800 in capital expenditures in 2024, which includes capital expenditures for facility improvement and expansion, facility sustaining projects, and environmental health and safety projects.

Previous wording

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $3,767, due to net proceeds on debt of $13,400 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”), partially offset by repurchases of Common Stock of $6,961 (see “Treasury Purchases” and “Share Repurchase”), and payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $2,672 (see “Dividends and Dividend Equivalents”).

Current wording

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the year to date ended June 30, 2024 was $6,721, due to net proceeds on debt of $21,800 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”), partially offset by repurchases of Common Stock of $9,735 (see “Treasury Purchases” and “Share Repurchase”), and payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $5,344 (see “Dividends and Dividend Equivalents”).

Previous wording

Cash used in financing activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $4,270, due to payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $2,669 (see “Dividends and Dividend Equivalents”), repurchase of Common Stock of $801 (see “Treasury Purchases”), and net payments on debt of $800 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”).

Current wording

Cash provided by financing activities for the year to date ended June 30, 2023 was $89,462, due to net proceeds on debt of $95,600 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”), partially offset by payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $5,337 (see “Dividends and Dividend Equivalents”), and repurchase of Common Stock of $801 (see “Treasury Purchases”).

Previous wording

Treasury Purchases. 73,230 RSUs vested and converted to shares of Common Stock for employees during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 22,885 shares valued at $1,961 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.

Current wording

Treasury Purchases. 81,942 RSUs vested and converted to shares of Common Stock for employees during the year to date ended June 30, 2024, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 25,521 shares valued at $2,185 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.

Previous wording

22,592 RSUs vested and converted to shares of Common Stock for employees during the quarter ended March 31, 2023, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 8,437 shares valued at $801 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.

Current wording

22,592 RSUs vested and converted to shares of Common Stock for employees during the year to date ended June 30, 2023, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 8,437 shares valued at $801 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.

Previous wording

Share Repurchase. On February 29, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a $100,000 share repurchase program. Under the share repurchase program, we can repurchase Common Stock from time to time for cash in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements. The repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time by the Company without prior notice. During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 59,084 shares of Common Stock for approximately $5,000, resulting in approximately $95,000 remaining under the share repurchase program.

Current wording

Share Repurchase. On February 29, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a $100,000 share repurchase program. Under the share repurchase program, we can repurchase Common Stock from time to time for cash in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements. The repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time by the Company without prior notice. During the year to date ended June 30, 2024, we repurchased 92,447 shares of Common Stock for approximately $7,500, resulting in approximately $92,500 remaining under the share repurchase program.

Previous wording

Long-Term and Short-Term Debt. We maintain debt levels we consider appropriate after evaluating a number of factors, including cash flow expectations, cash requirements for ongoing operations, investment and financing plans (including brand development, merger and acquisition, and share repurchase activities), and the overall cost of capital. Total debt was $300,823 (net of unamortized loan fees of $6,427) at March 31, 2024, and $287,249 (net of unamortized loan fees of $6,601) at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Long-Term and Short-Term Debt. We maintain debt levels we consider appropriate after evaluating a number of factors, including cash flow expectations, cash requirements for ongoing operations, investment and financing plans (including brand development, merger and acquisition, and share repurchase activities), and the overall cost of capital. Total debt was $309,396 (net of unamortized loan fees of $6,254) at June 30, 2024, and $287,249 (net of unamortized loan fees of $6,601) at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

At March 31, 2024, our current assets exceeded our current liabilities by $426,661, largely due to our inventories, at cost, of $348,934. At March 31, 2024, our cash balance was $19,497 and we have used our various debt agreements for liquidity purposes, with $322,000 available under our Credit Agreement for additional borrowings and $222,000 available under the Note Purchase Agreement (see Note 5, Corporate Borrowings). We anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs largely through cash generated from operations. We regularly assess our cash needs and the available sources to fund these needs. We utilize short-term and long-term debt to fund discretionary items, such as capital investments, dividend payments, and potential mergers and acquisitions. Subject to market conditions, we could also fund future mergers and acquisitions through the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock. In addition, we have strong operating results such that we believe financial institutions should provide sufficient credit funding to meet short-term financing requirements, if needed.

Current wording

At June 30, 2024, our current assets exceeded our current liabilities by $461,609, largely due to our inventories, at cost, of $358,567. At June 30, 2024, our cash balance was $21,011 and we have used our various debt agreements for liquidity purposes, with $312,000 available under our Credit Agreement for additional borrowings and $223,600 available under the Note Purchase Agreement (see Note 5, Corporate Borrowings). We anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs largely through cash generated from operations. We regularly assess our cash needs and the available sources to fund these needs. We utilize short-term and long-term debt to fund discretionary items, such as capital investments, dividend payments, and potential mergers and acquisitions. Subject to market conditions, we could also fund future mergers and acquisitions through the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock. In addition, we have strong operating results such that we believe financial institutions should provide sufficient credit funding to meet short-term financing requirements, if needed.