DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REX American Resources Corporation ("REX" or the "Company") (NYSE: REX), a leading ethanol production company, today announced financial and operational results for the Company's full year and fiscal fourth quarter 2023.
REX American Resources' Q4 and full fiscal year 2023 results principally reflect its interests in six ethanol production facilities. The One Earth Energy, LLC ("One Earth") and NuGen Energy, LLC ("NuGen") ethanol production facilities are consolidated, while the four other ethanol plants are reported as equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates.
Full Fiscal Year 2023 Results
For the full fiscal year 2023, REX reported net sales and revenue of $833.4 million, compared with $855.0 million for full fiscal year 2022. The year-over-year net sales and revenue decrease primarily reflects reduced pricing for ethanol and co-products. Full fiscal year 2023 gross profit for the Company was $98.2 million, compared with $48.6 million in full fiscal year 2022, reflecting decreased corn and natural gas prices and increased production levels. This led to full fiscal year 2023 income before income taxes and non-controlling interests of $98.5 million, compared with $47.5 million in the prior year period.
Net income attributable to REX shareholders in full fiscal year 2023 was $60.9 million, compared to $27.7 million in full fiscal year 2022. Full fiscal year diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders was $3.47, compared to $1.57 per share in full fiscal year 2022. Per share results for full fiscal years 2023 and 2022 are based on 17,576,000 and 17,638,000 diluted weighted average shares outstanding, respectively, reflecting the Company's 3-for-1 common stock split effected August 5, 2022.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Results
REX reported Q4 '23 net sales and revenue of $187.6 million, compared to Q4 '22 net sales and revenue of $200.2 million. The year-over-year net sales and revenue decrease primarily reflects lower product pricing. Q4 '23 gross profit for the Company was $30.4 million, compared with $13.3 million in Q4 '22, a result of decreases in corn and natural gas prices, and increased production levels. This led to Q4 '23 income before income taxes and non-controlling interests of $32.5 million, compared with $13.3 million in Q4 '22.
Net income attributable to REX shareholders in Q4 '23 was $20.6 million, compared to $8.2 million in Q4 '22. Q4 '23 diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders was $1.16, compared to $0.47 per share in Q4 '22. Per share results for Q4 '23 and Q4 '22 are based on 17,657,000 and 17,416,000 diluted weighted average shares outstanding, respectively, reflecting the Company's 3-for-1 common stock split effected August 5, 2022.
One Earth Energy Carbon Capture Project
REX commenced site construction operations for its One Earth Energy carbon capture and sequestration project during Q3 2023, at the Company's Gibson City, Illinois location. Construction of the capture and compression facility is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2024.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class VI injection well permitting process is ongoing. Approval of REX's Class VI injection well application is necessary to begin construction on the sequestration portion of the project and to begin operations. Permitting for a 6-mile carbon transport pipeline to deliver carbon from the compression facility to the sequestration facility, is also ongoing with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
To-date capital expenditures related to the One Earth Energy carbon capture and sequestration project and related expansion of ethanol production capacity at the Gibson City location total $38.6 million. The Company is currently budgeting $165-$175 million for this project.
Balance Sheet
At the end of fiscal year 2023 on January 31, 2024, REX had $378.7 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments available and no bank debt.
Management Commentary
"REX American's strong results for 2023 reflect our company's ongoing commitment to efficient operations and a laser focus on profitability," said Mr. Zafar Rizvi, REX Chief Executive Officer. "Achieving the second highest net income per share in the Company's history in 2023 is an incredible outcome, and one which we are very proud of. Day in and day out, our team evaluates our outlook for the ethanol market, monitoring and managing our exposure to meet our goals. We plan to continue this focus on profitable, sustainable operations through all market conditions, and as we grow our operations into additional areas, like carbon capture and sequestration.
"We continue to make progress on our One Earth Energy CCS project at the Gibson City facility, with installation of the compression facility still slated for completion in the second quarter of 2024. We are at the same time working on the previously announced expansion of ethanol production at our Gibson City facility to 200 million gallons per year. While we await all required approvals, we expect both of these projects will be additive to REX's bottom line, and support continued profitable operations," concluded Mr. Rizvi.
Change in Accounting Principles
As previously discussed, during the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2023 the Company made a change in the method of accounting to begin classifying shipping and handling costs as cost of sales, instead of within selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), as historically presented, in order to improve the comparability of gross profit and SG&A reported. The Company has applied a retrospective application of the new accounting policy.
Conference Call Information
To access the conference call, interested parties may dial (877) 269-7751 (US) or (201) 389-0908 (international). Participants can also view an updated presentation, as well as listen to a live webcast of the call by going to the Investors section on the REX website at www.rexamerican.com. A replay will be available shortly after the live conference call and can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (US) or (412) 317-6671 (international). The passcode for the replay is 13745209. The replay will be available for 30 days after the call.
About REX American Resources Corporation
REX American Resources Corporation has interests in six ethanol production facilities, which in aggregate have production capacity totaling approximately 730 million gallons per year. REX's effective ownership of annual volumes is approximately 300 million gallons. Further information about REX is available at www.rexamerican.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
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 effect of pandemics such as COVID-19 on the Company's business operations, including impacts on supplies, demand, personnel and other factors, the impact of legislative and regulatory changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, distillers grains, ethanol, distillers corn oil, commodity market risk, gasoline and natural gas, ethanol plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, logistical interruptions, success in permitting and developing the planned carbon sequestration facility near the One Earth Energy ethanol plant, changes in the international, national or regional economies, the impact of inflation, the ability to attract employees, weather, results of income tax audits, changes in income tax laws or regulations, the impact of U.S. foreign trade policy, changes in foreign currency exchange rates 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.
REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share amounts) Unaudited | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||
January 31, | January 31, | |||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
Net sales and revenue | $ | 187,614 | $ | 200,167 | $ | 833,384 | $ | 855,000 | ||||
Cost of sales | 157,204 | 186,849 | 735,166 | 806,398 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 30,410 | 13,318 | 98,218 | 48,602 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (7,383) | (5,138) | (29,379) | (22,827) | ||||||||
Equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates | 4,646 | 2,535 | 13,921 | 8,745 | ||||||||
Interest and other income, net | 4,789 | 2,621 | 15,724 | 12,959 | ||||||||
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests | 32,462 | 13,336 | 98,484 | 47,479 | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes | (7,164) | (2,168) | (22,560) | (9,542) | ||||||||
Net Income | 25,298 | 11,168 | 75,924 | 37,937 | ||||||||
Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (4,730) | (3,007) | (14,989) | (10,240) | ||||||||
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders | $ | 20,568 | $ | 8,161 | $ | 60,935 | $ | 27,697 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 17,548 | 17,416 | 17,482 | 17,638 | ||||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders | $ | 1.17 | $ | 0.47 | $ | 3.49 | $ | 1.57 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 17,657 | 17,416 | 17,576 | 17,638 | ||||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders | $ | 1.16 | $ | 0.47 | $ | 3.47 | $ | 1.57 | ||||
REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) Unaudited | ||||||
January 31, | January 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 223,397 | $ | 69,612 | ||
Short-term investments | 155,260 | 211,331 | ||||
Restricted cash | - | 1,735 | ||||
Accounts receivable | 23,185 | 25,162 | ||||
Inventory | 26,984 | 48,744 | ||||
Refundable income taxes | 5,728 | 2,962 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 17,549 | 13,098 | ||||
Total current assets | 452,103 | 372,644 | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 155,587 | 135,497 | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 13,038 | 15,214 | ||||
Other assets | 9,138 | 23,179 | ||||
Equity method investment | 34,936 | 33,045 | ||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 664,802 | $ | 579,579 | ||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||
Accounts payable - trade | $ | 42,073 | $ | 34,091 | ||
Current operating lease liabilities | 4,469 | 5,180 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 19,717 | 15,328 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 66,259 | 54,599 | ||||
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | ||||||
Deferred taxes | 1,598 | 1,097 | ||||
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 8,378 | 9,855 | ||||
Other long-term liabilities | 970 | 3,034 | ||||
Total long-term liabilities | 10,946 | 13,986 | ||||
EQUITY: | ||||||
REX shareholders' equity: | ||||||
Common stock | 299 | 299 | ||||
Paid-in capital | 3,769 | 578 | ||||
Retained earnings | 701,761 | 640,826 | ||||
Treasury stock | (191,911) | (193,721) | ||||
Total REX shareholders' equity | 513,918 | 447,982 | ||||
Noncontrolling interests | 73,679 | 63,012 | ||||
Total equity | 587,597 | 510,994 | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 664,802 | $ | 579,579 | ||
REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) Unaudited | ||||||
Year Ended | ||||||
January 31, | January 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||
Net Income including noncontrolling interest | $ | 75,924 | $ | 37,937 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation | 17,794 | 17,976 | ||||
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets | 5,245 | 5,328 | ||||
Income from equity method investments | (13,921) | (8,745) | ||||
Dividends received from equity method investments | 12,030 | 6,266 | ||||
Interest income from investments | (10,008) | (2,839) | ||||
Deferred income taxes | 14,627 | 915 | ||||
Stock based compensation expense | 6,209 | 1,930 | ||||
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment - net | 243 | (102) | ||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts receivable | 1,977 | 659 | ||||
Inventories | 21,760 | (6,519) | ||||
Income taxes refundable | (2,766) | 3,715 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (4,495) | (452) | ||||
Accounts payable - trade | 7,868 | 1,478 | ||||
Accrued expense and other liabilities | (4,517) | (2,752) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 127,970 | 54,795 | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||
Capital expenditures | (37,663) | (15,578) | ||||
Purchase of short-term investments | (448,507) | (399,350) | ||||
Maturities of short-term investments | 514,586 | 216,735 | ||||
Deposits | (43) | (319) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of real estate and property and equipment | 29 | 5 | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 28,402 | (198,507) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||
Treasury stock acquired | - | (13,012) | ||||
Capital contributions from minority investor | 22 | - | ||||
Payments to noncontrolling interests holders | (4,344) | (3,997) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (4,322) | (17,009) | ||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | 152,050 | (160,721) | ||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH - Beginning of year | 71,347 | 232,068 | ||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH - End of year | $ | 223,397 | $ | 71,347 | ||
Non-cash financing activities - Stock awards accrued | $ | 2,172 | $ | 965 | ||
Non-cash financing activities - Stock awards issued | $ | 965 | $ | 1,539 | ||
Non-cash investing activities - Accrued capital expenditures | $ | 918 | $ | 425 | ||
Right-of-use assets acquired and liabilities incurred upon lease execution | $ | 3,210 | $ | 9,321 | ||
The following table summarizes the impact of the Company's retrospective change in accounting principle: | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
January 31, 2023 | ||||||||
As Previously Reported | Effect of Change | As Currently Reported | ||||||
Cost of Sales | $ | 185,268 | $ | 1,581 | $ | 186,849 | ||
Gross Profit | $ | 14,899 | $ | (1,581) | $ | 13,318 | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | (6,719) | $ | 1,581 | $ | (5,138) | ||
Year Ended | ||||||||
January 31, 2023 | ||||||||
As Previously Reported | Effect of Change | As Currently Reported | ||||||
Cost of Sales | $ | 800,269 | $ | 6,129 | $ | 806,398 | ||
Gross Profit | $ | 54,731 | $ | (6,129) | $ | 48,602 | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | (28,956) | $ | 6,129 | $ | (22,827) | ||
Contacts
Investor Contacts
Douglas Bruggeman
Chief Financial Officer
Caldwell Bailey
ICR, Inc.
rexamerican@icrinc.com
