ANDE 2014.09.30 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 000-20557
 
 
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
OHIO
 
34-1562374
(State of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
480 W. Dussel Drive, Maumee, Ohio
 
43537
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(419) 893-5050
(Telephone Number)
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated Filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The registrant had approximately 28.9 million common shares outstanding, no par value, at October 31, 2014.


Table of Contents

THE ANDERSONS, INC.
INDEX
 
 
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 


2

Table of Contents


Part I. Financial Information


Item 1. Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
326,946

 
$
309,085

 
$
134,441

Restricted cash
173

 
408

 
164

Accounts receivable, net
162,270

 
173,930

 
178,970

Inventories (Note 2)
396,464

 
614,923

 
429,017

Commodity derivative assets – current
126,396

 
71,319

 
105,390

Deferred income taxes
148

 
4,931

 
5,254

Other current assets
36,518

 
47,188

 
42,278

Total current assets
1,048,915

 
1,221,784

 
895,514

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent
2,383

 
246

 
5

Goodwill
58,554

 
58,554

 
58,554

Other assets, net
54,587

 
59,456

 
52,177

Pension asset
13,738

 
14,328

 

Equity method investments
257,166

 
291,109

 
262,643

 
386,428

 
423,693

 
373,379

Railcar assets leased to others, net (Note 3)
245,849

 
240,621

 
233,024

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 3)
401,800

 
387,458

 
380,374

Total assets
$
2,082,992

 
$
2,273,556

 
$
1,882,291


3

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
451

 
$

 
$

Accounts payable for grain
222,178

 
592,183

 
241,575

Other accounts payable
165,133

 
154,599

 
200,664

Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
27,246

 
59,304

 
23,974

Commodity derivative liabilities – current
229,265

 
63,954

 
88,234

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
70,598

 
70,295

 
63,900

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 10)
76,757

 
51,998

 
44,232

Total current liabilities
791,628

 
992,333

 
662,579

Other long-term liabilities
13,902

 
15,386

 
17,129

Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent
26,203

 
6,644

 
9,636

Employee benefit plan obligations
39,606

 
39,477

 
49,768

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 10)
289,448

 
375,213

 
381,018

Deferred income taxes
120,628

 
120,082

 
91,869

Total liabilities
1,281,415

 
1,549,135

 
1,211,999

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares, without par value (42,000 shares authorized; 28,797 shares issued)
96

 
96

 
96

Preferred shares, without par value (1,000 shares authorized; none issued)

 

 

Additional paid-in-capital
190,617

 
184,380

 
183,273

Treasury shares, at cost (373, 607 and 685 shares at 9/30/14, 12/31/13 and 9/30/13, respectively)
(8,762
)
 
(10,222
)
 
(11,327
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(27,971
)
 
(21,181
)
 
(41,586
)
Retained earnings
622,722

 
548,401

 
520,848

Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.
776,702

 
701,474

 
651,304

Noncontrolling interests
24,875

 
22,947

 
18,988

Total equity
801,577

 
724,421

 
670,292

Total liabilities and equity
$
2,082,992

 
$
2,273,556

 
$
1,882,291

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


4

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
952,927

 
$
1,181,374

 
$
3,268,303

 
$
4,020,308

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
868,009

 
1,108,228

 
2,985,115

 
3,764,660

Gross profit
84,918

 
73,146

 
283,188

 
255,648

Operating, administrative and general expenses
76,737

 
69,193

 
223,997

 
192,665

Interest expense
4,253

 
5,348

 
16,401

 
16,607

Other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
23,917

 
22,177

 
76,631

 
39,991

Other income, net
1,685

 
7,605

 
25,094

 
11,623

Income before income taxes
29,530

 
28,387

 
144,515

 
97,990

Income tax provision
10,251

 
10,348

 
49,837

 
36,907

Net income
19,279

 
18,039

 
94,678

 
61,083

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
2,454

 
878

 
10,844

 
1,805

Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
16,825

 
$
17,161

 
$
83,834

 
$
59,278

Per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
0.59

 
$
0.61

 
$
2.95

 
$
2.11

Diluted earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
0.59

 
$
0.61

 
$
2.95

 
$
2.10

Dividends paid
$
0.1100

 
$
0.1067

 
$
0.3300

 
$
0.3200

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


5

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
19,279

 
$
18,039

 
$
94,678

 
$
61,083

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Decrease) increase in estimated fair value of investment in debt securities (net of income tax of ($736), $0, ($4,044) and $187)
(1,214
)
 

 
(6,676
)
 
303

Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $113, $232, ($196) and $1,157 - Note 14)
187

 
383

 
(324
)
 
3,296

Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $48, $33, $127 and $195)
79

 
56

 
210

 
194

Other comprehensive (loss) income
(948
)
 
439

 
(6,790
)
 
3,793

Comprehensive income
18,331

 
18,478

 
87,888

 
64,876

Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
2,454

 
878

 
10,844

 
1,805

Comprehensive income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
15,877

 
$
17,600

 
$
77,044

 
$
63,071

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


6

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
94,678

 
$
61,083

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
44,307

 
41,635

Bad debt expense
198

 
700

Cash distributions in excess of (less than) income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of noncontrolling interests
8,643

 
(22,334
)
Gain on sale of investments in affiliates
(17,055
)
 

Gains on sales of railcars and related leases
(14,666
)
 
(17,376
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement
(1,770
)
 
(602
)
Deferred income taxes
9,441

 
24,185

Stock-based compensation expense
7,542

 
2,337

Other
(446
)
 
(149
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
10,161

 
29,468

Inventories
218,460

 
348,172

Commodity derivatives
127,655

 
63,074

Other assets
11,755

 
(263
)
Accounts payable for grain
(370,005
)
 
(341,078
)
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses
(26,624
)
 
(59,891
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
102,274

 
128,961

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 
(11,148
)
Purchases of railcars
(39,294
)
 
(71,554
)
Proceeds from sale of railcars
30,894

 
87,620

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(39,624
)
 
(31,355
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
1,043

 
351

Proceeds from returns of investments in affiliates, net of noncontrolling interests
35,920

 

Investments in affiliates
(238
)
 
(49,249
)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests
(1,494
)
 

Change in restricted cash
235

 
233

Net cash used in investing activities
(12,558
)
 
(75,102
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings

 
(24,219
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
1,787

 
53,794

Payments of long-term debt
(64,442
)
 
(80,473
)
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors
1,564

 
1,687

Payments of debt issuance costs
(3,175
)
 
(46
)
Dividends paid
(9,359
)
 
(8,981
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement
1,770

 
602

Net cash used in financing activities
(71,855
)
 
(57,636
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
17,861

 
(3,777
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
309,085

 
138,218

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
326,946

 
$
134,441


7

Table of Contents

 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
 
 
Capital project costs incurred but not yet paid
$
5,502

 
$
5,477

Purchase of capitalized software through seller-financing
$
5,055

 
$
10,477


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
96

 
$
181,627

 
$
(12,559
)
 
$
(45,379
)
 
$
470,628

 
$
17,032

 
$
611,445

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59,278

 
1,805

 
61,083

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,793

 
 
 
 
 
3,793

Proceeds received from minority investor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
151

 
151

Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $1,201 (147 shares)
 
 
1,591

 
1,232

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,823

Dividends declared ($0.3200 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,003
)
 
 
 
(9,003
)
Performance share unit dividend equivalents
 
 
55

 
 
 
 
 
(55
)
 
 
 

Balance at September 30, 2013
$
96

 
$
183,273

 
$
(11,327
)
 
$
(41,586
)
 
$
520,848

 
$
18,988

 
$
670,292

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
96

 
$
184,380

 
$
(10,222
)
 
$
(21,181
)
 
$
548,401

 
$
22,947

 
$
724,421

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
83,834

 
10,844

 
94,678

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,790
)
 
 
 
 
 
(6,790
)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,916
)
 
(8,916
)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $1,542 (220 shares)
 
 
6,161

 
1,460

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,621

Payment of cash in lieu for stock split (187 shares)
 
 
(58
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(58
)
Dividends declared ($0.3300 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,379
)
 
 
 
(9,379
)
Performance share unit dividend equivalents
 
 
134

 
 
 
 
 
(134
)
 
 
 

Balance at September 30, 2014
$
96

 
$
190,617

 
$
(8,762
)
 
$
(27,971
)
 
$
622,722

 
$
24,875

 
$
801,577

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


9

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, considered necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods indicated, have been made. The results in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.
We have reclassified certain prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period presentation.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 2013 was derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 has been included as the Company operates in several seasonal industries.
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in The Andersons, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”).
New Accounting Standard
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers. The core principle of the new revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue from the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

2. Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:

(in thousands)
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Grain
$
227,014

 
$
432,893

 
$
264,104

Ethanol and by-products
9,696

 
14,453

 
11,178

Agricultural fertilizer and supplies
90,907

 
100,593

 
94,035

Lawn and garden fertilizer and corncob products
37,666

 
39,960

 
29,364

Retail merchandise
25,647

 
22,505

 
25,716

Railcar repair parts
5,336

 
4,312

 
4,421

Other
198

 
207

 
199

 
$
396,464

 
$
614,923

 
$
429,017


Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 do not include 2.0 million, 13.3 million and 4.7 million bushels of grain, respectively, held in storage for others. The Company does not have title to the grain and is only liable for any deficiencies in grade or shortage of quantity that may arise during the storage period. Management does not anticipate material losses on any deficiencies.



10

Table of Contents


3. Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Land
$
22,415

 
$
21,801

 
$
23,348

Land improvements and leasehold improvements
68,976

 
67,153

 
67,262

Buildings and storage facilities
238,664

 
231,976

 
224,913

Machinery and equipment
320,648

 
308,215

 
299,874

Software
55,791

 
13,351

 
13,558

Construction in progress
28,260

 
48,135

 
54,713

 
734,754

 
690,631

 
683,668

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
332,954

 
303,173

 
303,294

 
$
401,800

 
$
387,458

 
$
380,374

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment amounted to $31.6 million, $37.5 million and $27.9 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2014December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, respectively.

In December 2013, the Company recorded charges totaling $4.4 million for asset impairment, primarily due to the write down of asset values in Retail. The Company wrote down the value of these assets to the extent their carrying amounts exceeded fair value. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the impaired assets, which were not material, as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. 
Railcar assets leased to others
The components of Railcar assets leased to others are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Railcar assets leased to others
$
330,318

 
$
317,750

 
$
309,360

Less: accumulated depreciation
84,469

 
77,129

 
76,336

 
$
245,849

 
$
240,621

 
$
233,024

Depreciation expense on railcar assets leased to others amounted to $10.5 million, $14.7 million and $11.1 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2014December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.

4. Derivatives
The Company’s operating results are affected by changes to commodity prices. The Grain and Ethanol businesses have established “unhedged” position limits (the amount of a commodity, either owned or contracted for, that does not have an offsetting derivative contract to lock in the price). To reduce the exposure to market price risk on commodities owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts and over the counter forward and option contracts with various counterparties. The exchange traded contracts are primarily via the regulated Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"). The Company’s forward purchase and sales contracts are for physical delivery of the commodity in a future period. Contracts to purchase commodities from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of commodities to processors or other commercial consumers generally do not extend beyond one year.

All of these contracts meet the definition of derivatives. While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges as defined under current accounting standards. The Company accounts for its commodity derivatives at estimated fair value, the same method it uses to value its grain inventory. The estimated fair value of the commodity derivative contracts that require the receipt or posting of cash collateral is recorded on a net basis (offset against cash collateral posted or received, also known as margin deposits) within commodity derivative assets or liabilities. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices and in the case of its forward purchase and sale contracts, estimated fair value is adjusted for differences in local markets and non-

11

Table of Contents

performance risk. For contracts for which physical delivery occurs, balance sheet classification is based on estimated delivery date. For futures, options and over-the-counter contracts in which physical delivery is not expected to occur but, rather, the contract is expected to be net settled, the Company classifies these contracts as current or noncurrent assets or liabilities, as appropriate, based on the Company’s expectations as to when such contracts will be settled.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in sales and merchandising revenues.

Generally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a future, option or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a future, option or an over-the-counter contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company’s position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required. The Company nets, by counterparty, its futures and over-the-counter positions against the cash collateral provided or received. The margin deposit assets and liabilities are included in short-term commodity derivative assets or liabilities, as appropriate, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents at September 30, 2014December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, a summary of the estimated fair value of the Company’s commodity derivative instruments that require cash collateral and the associated cash posted/received as collateral. The net asset or liability positions of these derivatives (net of their cash collateral) are determined on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and are included within current or noncurrent commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
Collateral paid (received)
$
(79,711
)
 
$

 
$
15,480

 
$

 
$
27,101

 
$

Fair value of derivatives
147,983

 

 
31,055

 

 
38,352

 

Balance at end of period
$
68,272

 
$

 
$
46,535

 
$

 
$
65,453

 
$


The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities:
 
September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
Commodity derivative assets - current
 
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - current
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
212,760

 
$
2,383

 
$
2,897

 
$
196

 
$
218,236

Commodity derivative liabilities
(6,653
)
 

 
(232,162
)
 
(26,399
)
 
(265,214
)
Cash collateral
(79,711
)
 

 

 

 
(79,711
)
Balance sheet line item totals
$
126,396

 
$
2,383

 
$
(229,265
)
 
$
(26,203
)
 
$
(126,689
)

 
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
Commodity derivative assets - current
 
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - current
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
69,289

 
$
246

 
$
1,286

 
$
49

 
$
70,870

Commodity derivative liabilities
(13,450
)
 

 
(65,240
)
 
(6,693
)
 
(85,383
)
Cash collateral
15,480

 

 

 

 
15,480

Balance sheet line item totals
$
71,319

 
$
246

 
$
(63,954
)
 
$
(6,644
)
 
$
967


12

Table of Contents


 
September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Commodity derivative assets - current
 
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - current
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
89,540

 
$
5

 
$
2,933

 
$
41

 
$
92,519

Commodity derivative liabilities
(11,251
)
 

 
(91,167
)
 
(9,677
)
 
(112,095
)
Cash collateral
27,101

 

 

 

 
27,101

Balance sheet line item totals
$
105,390

 
$
5

 
$
(88,234
)
 
$
(9,636
)
 
$
7,525


The gains included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the line items in which they are located for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Gains on commodity derivatives included in sales and merchandising revenues
$
86,558

 
$
30,894

 
$
106,389

 
$
99,896

The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
 
 
September 30, 2014
Commodity
Number of bushels
(in thousands)
 
Number of gallons
(in thousands)
 
Number of pounds
(in thousands)
 
Number of tons
(in thousands)
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
293,592

 

 

 

Soybeans
68,486

 

 

 

Wheat
11,370

 

 

 

Oats
26,687

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
209,264

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
68,799

 

Other
140

 

 

 
115

Subtotal
400,275

 
209,264

 
68,799

 
115

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
117,175

 

 

 

Soybeans
34,760

 

 

 

Wheat
35,635

 

 

 

Oats
9,195

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
104,286

 

 

Other

 

 
5,400

 
11

Subtotal
196,765

 
104,286

 
5,400

 
11

Total
597,040

 
313,550

 
74,199

 
126



13

Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2013
Commodity
Number of bushels
(in thousands)
 
Number of gallons
(in thousands)
 
Number of pounds
(in thousands)
 
Number of tons
(in thousands)
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
185,978

 

 

 

Soybeans
18,047

 

 

 

Wheat
11,485

 

 

 

Oats
27,939

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
179,212

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
25,911

 

Other
81

 

 

 
89

Subtotal
243,530

 
179,212

 
25,911

 
89

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
124,420

 

 

 

Soybeans
11,030

 

 

 

Wheat
23,980

 

 

 

Oats
6,820

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
21,630

 

 

Subtotal
166,250

 
21,630

 

 

Total
409,780

 
200,842

 
25,911

 
89


 
September 30, 2013
Commodity
Number of bushels
(in thousands)
 
Number of gallons
(in thousands)
 
Number of pounds
(in thousands)
 
Number of tons
(in thousands)
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
214,500

 

 

 

Soybeans
46,325

 

 

 

Wheat
8,450

 

 

 

Oats
14,555

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
144,339

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
12,921

 

Other
255

 

 

 
88

Subtotal
284,085

 
144,339

 
12,921

 
88

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
92,120

 

 

 

Soybeans
19,110

 

 

 

Wheat
30,725

 

 

 

Oats
3,890

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
15,540

 

 

Other

 

 

 
1

Subtotal
145,845

 
15,540

 

 
1

Total
429,930

 
159,879

 
12,921

 
89









14

Table of Contents

5. Earnings Per Share
Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s nonvested restricted stock is considered a participating security since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividends irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest.
(in thousands, except per common share data)
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
16,825

 
$
17,161

 
$
83,834

 
$
59,278

Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock
93

 
56

 
443

 
210

Earnings available to common shareholders
$
16,732

 
$
17,105

 
$
83,391

 
$
59,068

Earnings per share – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
28,260

 
28,009

 
28,222

 
27,972

Earnings per common share – basic
$
0.59

 
$
0.61

 
$
2.95

 
$
2.11

Earnings per share – diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
28,260

 
28,009

 
28,222

 
27,972

Effect of dilutive awards
40

 
225

 
46

 
188

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
28,300

 
28,234

 
28,268

 
28,160

Earnings per common share – diluted
$
0.59

 
$
0.61

 
$
2.95

 
$
2.10

There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding at September 30, 2014 or 2013.

6. Employee Benefit Plans
The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
Pension Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
$
45

 
$

 
$
135

 
$

Interest cost
1,193

 
1,057

 
3,580

 
3,171

Expected return on plan assets
(1,903
)
 
(1,751
)
 
(5,711
)
 
(5,254
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
234

 
382

 
701

 
1,147

Benefit income
$
(431
)
 
$
(312
)
 
$
(1,295
)
 
$
(936
)
 
 
Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
$
173

 
$
210

 
$
516

 
$
631

Interest cost
377

 
342

 
1,133

 
1,025

Amortization of prior service cost
(136
)
 
(136
)
 
(408
)
 
(408
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
203

 
368

 
609

 
1,105

Benefit cost
$
617

 
$
784

 
$
1,850

 
$
2,353





15

Table of Contents

7. Segment Information
The Company’s operations include six reportable business segments that are distinguished primarily on the basis of products and services offered. The Grain business includes grain merchandising, the operation of terminal grain elevator facilities and the investments in Lansing Trade Group, LLC (“LTG”) and the Thompsons Limited joint ventures. The Ethanol business purchases and sells ethanol and also manages the ethanol production facilities organized as limited liability companies, one is consolidated and three are investments accounted for under the equity method. There are various service contracts for these investments. Rail operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and other assets, railcar repair and metal fabrication. The Plant Nutrient business manufactures and distributes agricultural inputs, primarily fertilizer, to dealers and farmers. Turf & Specialty operations include the production and distribution of turf care and corncob-based products. The Retail business operates large retail stores, a specialty food market, a distribution center and a lawn and garden equipment sales and service facility. Included in “Other” are the corporate level amounts not attributable to an operating segment.
The segment information below includes the allocation of expenses shared by one or more operating segments. Although management believes such allocations are reasonable, the operating information does not necessarily reflect how such data might appear if the segments were operated as separate businesses. Inter-segment sales are made at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales.

 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues from external customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
575,354

 
$
765,833

 
$
1,814,517

 
$
2,493,678

Ethanol
179,405

 
213,384

 
594,613

 
634,933

Plant Nutrient
110,809

 
95,681

 
530,334

 
537,922

Rail
32,022

 
47,523

 
117,733

 
132,488

Turf & Specialty
22,631

 
27,624

 
109,269

 
117,955

Retail
32,706

 
31,329

 
101,837

 
103,332

Total
$
952,927

 
$
1,181,374

 
$
3,268,303

 
$
4,020,308

 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Inter-segment sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
894

 
$

 
$
4,256

 
$
333

Plant Nutrient
3,401

 
4,243

 
12,929

 
15,955

Rail
109

 
109

 
327

 
318

Turf & Specialty
392

 
516

 
2,033

 
1,869

Total
$
4,796

 
$
4,868

 
$
19,545

 
$
18,475

 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Interest expense (income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
1,723

 
$
1,391

 
$
7,203

 
$
7,714

Ethanol
77

 
289

 
253

 
895

Plant Nutrient
1,017

 
746

 
2,748

 
2,461

Rail
1,821

 
1,220

 
5,381

 
4,162

Turf & Specialty
338

 
203

 
1,178

 
951

Retail
182

 
152

 
516

 
519

Other
(905
)
 
1,347

 
(878
)
 
(95
)
Total
$
4,253

 
$
5,348

 
$
16,401

 
$
16,607


16

Table of Contents


 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
10,190

 
$
12,003

 
$
20,541

 
$
24,940

Ethanol
13,727

 
10,174

 
56,090

 
15,051

Total
$
23,917

 
$
22,177

 
$
76,631

 
$
39,991

 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Other income (expense), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain (a)
$
(2,354
)
 
$
1,216

 
$
16,967

 
$
1,438

Ethanol
71

 
35

 
201

 
465

Plant Nutrient
2,617

 
320

 
3,193

 
459

Rail
792

 
5,031

 
2,289

 
6,679

Turf & Specialty
244

 
135

 
1,018

 
585

Retail
418

 
102

 
720

 
316

Other
(103
)
 
766

 
706

 
1,681

Total
$
1,685

 
$
7,605

 
$
25,094

 
$
11,623

 (a) Increase in the nine months ended balances is related to gain on LTG partial share redemption. See Note 8. Related Party Transactions for details of the LTG gain in the first quarter of 2014.
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
12,449

 
$
14,323

 
$
34,110

 
$
24,675

Ethanol
21,253

 
10,904

 
74,981

 
23,984

Plant Nutrient
(129
)
 
(1,643
)
 
23,464

 
21,035

Rail
4,160

 
12,360

 
25,889

 
36,614

Turf & Specialty
(2,885
)
 
(83
)
 
488

 
6,113

Retail
(968
)
 
(2,043
)
 
(1,666
)
 
(3,673
)
Other
(6,804
)
 
(6,309
)
 
(23,595
)
 
(12,563
)
Noncontrolling interests
2,454

 
878

 
10,844

 
1,805

Total
$
29,530

 
$
28,387

 
$
144,515

 
$
97,990


(in thousands)
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
713,352

 
$
921,914

 
$
784,869

Ethanol
257,194

 
229,797

 
207,530

Plant Nutrient
252,675

 
268,238

 
258,772

Rail
316,851

 
312,654

 
294,528

Turf & Specialty
84,212

 
89,939

 
71,600

Retail
46,108

 
44,910

 
51,465

Other
412,600

 
406,104

 
213,527

Total
$
2,082,992

 
$
2,273,556

 
$
1,882,291




17

Table of Contents

8. Related Party Transactions
Equity Method Investments
The Company, directly or indirectly, holds investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s equity in these entities is presented at cost plus its accumulated proportional share of income or loss, less any distributions it has received.
On January 22, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with LTG for a partial redemption of the Company's investment in LTG for $60 million. At the time of redemption, the Company's interest in LTG reduced from approximately 47.5 percent to approximately 39.2 percent on a fully diluted basis. A portion of the proceeds ($28.5 million) was considered a distribution of earnings and reduced the Company's cost basis in LTG. The difference between the remaining proceeds of $31.5 million and the new cost basis of the shares sold, net of deal costs, resulted in a book gain of $17.1 million ($10.7 million after tax). This gain was recorded in Other income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
In July 2013, the Company, along with Lansing Trade Group, LLC, established joint ventures that acquired 100% of the stock of Thompsons Limited, including its investment in the related U.S. operating company, for a purchase price of $152 million, which included an adjustment for excess working capital. The purchase price included $48 million in cash paid by the Company, $40 million in cash paid by LTG, and $64 million of third-party debt at Thompsons Limited. As part of the purchase, LTG also contributed a Canadian branch of its business to Thompsons Limited. Each Company owns 50% of the investment. Thompsons Limited is a grain and food-grade bean handler and agronomy input provider, headquartered in Blenheim, Ontario, and operates 12 locations across Ontario and Minnesota. All major operating decisions of these joint ventures are made by their Board of Directors; the Company does not have a majority of the board seats. Due to these factors, the Company does not have control over these joint ventures and accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting.
The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC (a)
$
33,465

 
$
40,194

 
$
35,643

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC (a)
51,692

 
44,418

 
37,695

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (a)
42,416

 
46,811

 
37,844

Lansing Trade Group, LLC (b)
72,560

 
106,028

 
100,071

Thompsons Limited (c)
53,125

 
49,833

 
47,477

Other
3,908

 
3,825

 
3,913

Total
$
257,166

 
$
291,109

 
$
262,643

(a) LLCs investment balances are reduced by cash distributions made during 2014
(b) The decrease in LTG investment balance is driven by the sale of a portion of the Company's interest in LTG during the first quarter of 2014
 (c) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures
The Company holds a majority interest (66%) in The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”). This consolidated entity holds a 50% interest in The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”). The noncontrolling interest in TAEI is attributed 34% of the gains and losses of TAME recorded by the Company in its equity in earnings of affiliates.
As part of the marketing agreements with the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs, the Company guarantees payment by the customer for distillers dried grains ("DDG") sales where the Company has identified the buyer, which would be the Company's maximum exposure. In September 2014, it was determined that a customer's contracts were in default due to DDG import issues in China and the Company recorded a guarantee liability of $3.3 million within the Grain Group. As the Company has not experienced historical losses and the remaining DDG receivable balances greater than 30 days past due is immaterial, the fair values of the related guarantees are inconsequential at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013. See Note 8 in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K for an additional description of the marketing agreements.






18

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes income earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity:
 
% ownership at
September 30, 2014
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
53%
 
$
4,566

 
$
3,711

 
$
16,165

 
$
5,627

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
38%
 
4,564

 
3,437

 
16,819

 
4,576

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
50%
 
4,596

 
3,026

 
23,106

 
4,848

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
40% (a)
 
10,016

 
12,391

 
17,130

 
25,255

Thompsons Limited (b)
50%
 
68

 
(722
)
 
3,154

 
(722
)
Other
5%-23%
 
107

 
334

 
257

 
407

Total
 
 
$
23,917

 
$
22,177

 
$
76,631

 
$
39,991

 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 1.5%
 (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates, excluding proceeds on sale of investments of affiliates, were $31.0 million and $96.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
In the third quarter of 2013, LTG qualified as a significant subsidiary of the Company under the income test. The following table presents the required summarized unaudited financial information of this investment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
(in thousands)
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales
$
1,840,847

 
$
2,206,433

 
$
6,202,432

 
$
6,828,076

Gross profit
65,994

 
64,095

 
142,263

 
143,608

Income before income taxes
28,509

 
27,321

 
51,875

 
54,122

Net income
25,634

 
25,496

 
44,149

 
52,490

Net income attributable to LTG
24,976

 
25,211

 
41,580

 
51,823

Investment in Debt Securities
The Company owns 100% of the cumulative convertible preferred shares of Iowa Northern Railway Corporation (“IANR”), which operates a short-line railroad in Iowa. As a result of this investment, the Company has a 49.9% voting interest in IANR, with the remaining 50.1% voting interest held by the common shareholders. The preferred shares have certain rights associated with them, including voting, dividends, liquidation preference, redemption and conversion rights. Dividends accrue to the Company at a rate of 14% annually whether or not declared by IANR and are cumulative in nature. The Company can convert its preferred shares into common shares of IANR at any time, but the shares cannot be redeemed until May 2015. This investment is accounted for as “available-for-sale” debt securities in accordance with ASC 320 and is carried at estimated fair value in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The estimated fair value of the Company’s investment in IANR as of September 30, 2014 was $15.0 million. See Footnote 9 for additional discussion on the change in the investment value.
Based on the Company’s assessment, IANR is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Since the Company does not possess the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, it is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of IANR and therefore does not consolidate IANR. The decisions that most significantly impact the economic performance of IANR are made by IANR’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has five directors; two directors from the Company, two directors from the common shareholders and one independent director who is elected by unanimous decision of the other four directors. The vote of four of the five directors is required for all key decisions.
The Company’s current maximum exposure to loss related to IANR is $22.0 million, which represents the Company’s investment at fair value plus unpaid accrued dividends to date of $7.0 million. The Company does not have any obligations or commitments to provide additional financial support to IANR.

19

Table of Contents

Related Party Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, the Company will enter into related party transactions with each of the investments described above, along with other related parties. The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented:
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales revenues
$
247,451

 
$
316,154

 
$
766,553

 
$
985,618

Service fee revenues (a)
5,732

 
5,746

 
17,573

 
17,360

Purchases of product
140,843

 
190,009

 
465,459

 
535,068

Lease income (b)
1,426

 
1,590

 
4,686

 
4,661

Labor and benefits reimbursement (c)
2,804

 
2,682

 
8,603

 
7,948

Other expenses (d)
301

 
325

 
1,025

 
1,078

Accounts receivable at September 30 (e)
21,407

 
19,736

 
 
 
 
Accounts payable at September 30 (f)
21,911

 
16,163

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Service fee revenues include management fee, corn origination fee, ethanol and DDG marketing fees, and other commissions.
(b)
Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs and IANR.
(c)
The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services.
(d)
Other expenses include payments to IANR for repair facility rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, payment to LTG for the lease of railcars and other various expenses.
(e)
Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees.
(f)
Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items.

For the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $131.7 million and $155.9 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $444.2 million and $464.5 million, respectively. For the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs under these agreements were $93.0 million and $179.1 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs under these agreements were $368.3 million and $584.3 million, respectively.

From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties for the purchase and sale of corn and ethanol, for similar price risk mitigation purposes and on similar terms as the purchase and sale of derivative contracts it enters into with unrelated parties. The fair value of derivative contract assets with related parties for the periods ended September 30, 2014December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 was $24.6 million, $8.9 million and $14.2 million, respectively. The fair value of derivative contract liabilities with related parties for the periods ended September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 was $18.9 million, $1.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

9. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
 
(in thousands)
September 30, 2014
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
85,663

 
$

 
$

 
$
85,663

Restricted cash
173

 

 

 
173

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
32,606

 
(159,295
)
 

 
(126,689
)
Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
15,000

 
15,000

Other assets and liabilities (c)
10,671

 
(1,636
)
 

 
9,035

Total
$
129,113

 
$
(160,931
)
 
$
15,000

 
$
(16,818
)

20

Table of Contents

 
(in thousands)
December 31, 2013
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
97,751

 
$

 
$

 
$
97,751

Restricted cash
408

 

 

 
408

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
50,777

 
(49,810
)
 

 
967

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
25,720

 
25,720

Other assets and liabilities (c)
10,143

 
(159
)
 

 
9,984

Total
$
159,079

 
$
(49,969
)
 
$
25,720

 
$
134,830

 
(in thousands)
September 30, 2013
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
90,093

 
$

 
$

 
$
90,093

Restricted cash
164

 

 

 
164

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
62,560

 
(55,035
)
 

 
7,525

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
17,710

 
17,710

Other assets and liabilities (c)
9,539

 
(1,045
)
 

 
8,494

Total
$
162,356

 
$
(56,080
)
 
$
17,710

 
$
123,986

 
(a)
Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral
(b)
Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(c)
Included in other assets and liabilities are interest rate and foreign currency derivatives and swaptions (Level 2) and deferred compensation assets (Level 1)

Level 1 commodity derivatives reflect the fair value of the exchanged-traded futures and options contracts that the Company holds, net of the cash collateral that the Company has in its margin account.

The majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach valuation technique. With the market approach, fair value is derived using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
The Company’s net commodity derivatives primarily consist of futures or options contracts via regulated exchanges and contracts with producers or customers under which the future settlement date and bushels (or gallons in the case of ethanol contracts) of commodities to be delivered (primarily wheat, corn, soybeans and ethanol) are fixed and under which the price may or may not be fixed. Depending on the specifics of the individual contracts, the fair value is derived from the futures or options prices on the CME or the New York Mercantile Exchange for similar commodities and delivery dates as well as observable quotes for local basis adjustments (the difference, which is attributable to local market conditions, between the quoted futures price and the local cash price). Because “basis” for a particular commodity and location typically has multiple quoted prices from other agribusinesses in the same geographical vicinity and is used as a common pricing mechanism in the Agribusiness industry, the Company has concluded that “basis” is a Level 2 fair value input for purposes of the fair value disclosure requirements related to the commodity derivatives. Although nonperformance risk, both of the Company and the counterparty, is present in each of these commodity contracts and is a component of the estimated fair values, based on the Company’s historical experience with its producers and customers and the Company’s knowledge of its business, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a material input to fair value for these commodity contracts.
The Company’s convertible preferred securities are measured at fair value using a combination of the income and market approaches and have been classified as Level 3. Specifically, the income approach incorporates the use of the Discounted Cash Flow method, whereas the Market Approach incorporates the use of the Guideline Public Company method. Application of the Discounted Cash Flow method requires estimating the annual cash flows that the business enterprise is expected to generate in the future. The assumptions input into this method are estimated annual cash flows for a specified estimation period, the discount rate, and the terminal value at the end of the estimation period. In the Guideline Public Company method, valuation multiples, including total invested capital, are calculated based on financial statements and stock price data from selected guideline publicly traded companies. On an annual basis, a comparative analysis is then performed for factors including, but not limited to size, profitability and growth to determine fair value.

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A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
(in thousands)
Convertible
preferred
securities

Convertible
preferred
securities
Asset at January 1,
$
25,720

 
$
17,220

Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (a)
(5,190
)
 
490

Asset at March 31,
20,530

 
17,710

Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (a)
(3,580
)
 

Asset at June 30,
16,950

 
17,710

Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
(1,950
)
 

Asset at September 30,
$
15,000

 
$
17,710

(a) The decrease in value from year end is due primarily to reductions in forecasted traffic on the railroad

The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Range
 
 
 
Fair Value as of September 30, 2014
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Low
 
High
 
Weighted Average
Convertible Preferred Securities
$
15,000

 
Market Approach
 
EBITDA Multiples
 
7.08

 
10.02

 
8.35

 
 
 
Income Approach
 
Discount Rate
 
14.5
%
 
14.5
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Range
 
 
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Low
 
High
 
Weighted Average
Convertible Preferred Securities
$
25,720

 
Market Approach
 
EBITDA Multiples
 
7.50

 
8.00

 
7.75

 
 
 
Income Approach
 
Discount Rate
 
14.5
%
 
14.5
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Range
 
 
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of September 30, 2013
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Low
 
High
 
Weighted Average
Convertible Preferred Securities
$
17,710

 
Market Approach
 
EBITDA Multiples
 
5.50

 
7.00

 
6.60

 
 
 
Income Approach
 
Discount Rate
 
17.0
%
 
17.0
%
 
17.0
%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. As such, the Company has concluded that the fair value of long-term debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
 
(in thousands)
September 30,
2014

December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities
$
369,000

 
$
429,723

 
$
428,726

Fair value in excess of carrying value
2,795

 
2,512

 
3,476

The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying value as they are close to maturity.

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10. Debt
The Company is party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks. One such agreement was amended on March 4, 2014 and provides the Company with $850 million in line of credit. The Company can designate up to $400 million of borrowings as long-term when the debt is used for long-term purposes such as replacing long-term debt that is maturing, funding the purchase of long-term assets, or increasing permanent working capital when needed. The maturity date for the line of credit is March 2019. See Note 10 in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K for an additional description of the remaining arrangements. Total borrowing capacity for the Company under all lines of credit is currently at $878.1 million, including $28.1 million non-recourse debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE"). At September 30, 2014, the Company had a total of $847.1 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit. Our borrowing capacity is reduced by a combination of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. The Company was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants as of September 30, 2014.
The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at September 30, 2014December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 consisted of the following:
 
(in thousands)
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2013
Short-term debt – non-recourse
$

 
$

 
$

Short-term debt – recourse
451

 

 

Total short-term debt
$
451

 
$

 
$

Current maturities of long-term debt – non-recourse
$

 
$
6,012

 
$
3,277

Current maturities of long-term debt – recourse
76,757

 
45,986

 
40,955

Total current maturities of long-term debt
$
76,757

 
$
51,998

 
$
44,232

Long-term debt, less current maturities – non-recourse
$

 
$
4,063

 
$
8,223

Long-term debt, less current maturities – recourse
289,448

 
371,150

 
372,795

Total long-term debt, less current maturities
$
289,448

 
$
375,213

 
$
381,018


11. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is party to litigation, or threats thereof, both as defendant and plaintiff with some regularity, although individual cases that are material in size occur infrequently. As a defendant, the Company establishes reserves for claimed amounts that are considered probable, and capable of estimation. If those cases are resolved for lesser amounts, the excess reserves are taken into income and, conversely, if those cases are resolved for larger than the amount the Company has accrued, the Company records additional expense. The Company believes it is unlikely that the results of its current legal proceedings for which it is the defendant, even if unfavorable, will be material. As a plaintiff, amounts that are collected can also result in sudden, non-recurring income. Litigation results depend upon a variety of factors, including the availability of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the performance of counsel, the state of the law, and the impressions of judges and jurors, any of which can be critical in importance, yet difficult, if not impossible, to predict. Consequently, cases currently pending, or future matters, may result in unexpected, and non-recurring losses, or income, from time to time. Finally, litigation results are often subject to judicial reconsideration, appeal and further negotiation by the parties, and as a result, the final impact of a particular judicial decision may be unknown for some time, or may result in continued reserves to account for the potential of such post-verdict actions. In 2013, the Company recorded a $3.5 million gain in other income related to the settlement of an early rail lease termination.
The estimated range of loss for all outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible of occurring is not material. The Company has received, and is cooperating fully with, a request for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regarding the history of the grain and fertilizer facility along the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The U.S. EPA is investigating the possible introduction into the Maumee River of hazardous materials potentially leaching from rouge piles deposited along the riverfront by glass manufacturing operations that existed in the area prior to the initial acquisition of the land in 1960. The Company has on several prior occasions cooperated with local, state and federal regulators to install or improve drainage systems to contain storm water runoff and sewer discharges along the riverfront property to minimize the potential for such leaching. Other area land owners and the successor to the original glass making operations have also been contacted by the U.S. EPA for information. No claim or finding has been asserted thus far.





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Table of Contents

12. Business Acquisitions

There were no business acquisitions completed through the third quarter of 2014. See Note 15. Subsequent Events for acquisitions completed in October 2014.

Prior Years Business Acquisitions

On December 9, 2013, the Turf and Specialty Group completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Cycle Group, Inc. for a purchase price of $4.2 million. The operation consists of a modern granulated products facility in Mocksville, North Carolina.

The summarized final purchase price allocation is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Inventory
$
77

Intangible assets
330

Property, plant and equipment
3,825

Total purchase price
$
4,232


Details of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Useful
Life
Customer relationships
$
150

 
5 years
Noncompete agreement
55

 
7 years
Patents
125

 
5 years
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
330

 
5 years *
*weighted average number of years

On August 5, 2013, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Mile Rail, LLC and a sister entity for a purchase price of $7.8 million. The operations consist of a railcar repair and cleaning facility headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with 2 satellite locations in Nebraska and Indiana.
The summarized final purchase price allocation is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Inventory
$
512

Other assets
14

Intangible assets
650

Goodwill
4,167

Property, plant and equipment
2,605

Other liabilities
(144
)
Total purchase price
$
7,804

The goodwill recognized as a result of the Mile Rail acquisition is $4.2 million, which is fully deductible for tax purposes, and is included in the Rail segment. The goodwill relates to geography that is complimentary to the Rail Group's existing repair network and from its additional connections to several U.S. Class I railroads, from which the Company anticipates future growth and capacity to generate gross profit.
Details of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Useful
Life
Customer relationships
$
400

 
5 years
Noncompete agreement
250

 
5 years
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
650

 
5 years *

24

Table of Contents

*weighted average number of years

On December 3, 2012, the Company completed the purchase of a majority of the grain and agronomy assets of Green Plains Grain Company ("GPG"), a subsidiary of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. for a purchase price of $120.2 million, which included a $3.3 million payable to the acquiree that was outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and paid in January 2013. The various facilities located in Iowa and Tennessee have a combined grain storage capacity of more than 32.0 million bushels and 12,000 tons of nutrient storage.
During the first quarter of 2013, the purchase price allocation for Green Plains Grain Company, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2012, was finalized. The measurement period adjustments to the purchase price allocation were the result of additional information obtained since the filing of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The summarized final purchase price allocation is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Accounts receivable
$
19,174

Inventory
121,983

Property, plant and equipment
57,828

Intangible assets
4,600

Goodwill
33,175

Commodity derivatives
4,701

Other assets
1,775

Accounts payable
(91,001
)
Debt assumed
(29,632
)
Other liabilities and noncontrolling interests
(2,371
)
Total purchase price
$
120,232


The goodwill recognized as a result of the GPG acquisition is $33.2 million, for which the full amount is deductible for tax purposes, and is included in the Grain reportable segment. The goodwill relates to the value of a fully functional business consisting of a successful management team and an experienced and talented work force.
Details of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Useful
Life
Supplier relationships
$
4,600

 
3 to 5 years
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
4,600

 
4 years *
*weighted average number of years

13. Income Taxes

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense of $10.3 million was provided at 34.7%. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, income tax expense of $10.3 million was provided at 36.5%. The lower 2014 effective tax rate is due primarily to the benefit associated with income attributable to noncontrolling interests that does not increase tax expense.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense of $49.8 million was provided at 34.5%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, income tax expense of $36.9 million was provided at a rate of 37.7%. The higher 2013 effective tax rate was due primarily to a correction made with respect to the accounting for the other comprehensive income (“OCI”) portion of the Company’s retiree health care plan liability and the Medicare Part D subsidy. The 2014 effective tax rate also reflects a benefit associated with income attributable to noncontrolling interests that does not increase tax expense.







25

Table of Contents

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables summarize the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 
 
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(506
)
 
$
2,399

 
$
(28,916
)
 
$
(27,023
)
 
$
(637
)
 
$
7,861

 
$
(28,405
)
 
$
(21,181
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
79

 
(1,214
)
 
272

 
(863
)
 
210

 
(6,676
)
 
(69
)
 
(6,535
)
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 
(85
)
 
(85
)
 

 

 
(255
)
 
(255
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
79

 
(1,214
)
 
187

 
(948
)
 
210

 
(6,676
)
 
(324
)
 
(6,790
)
Ending balance
 
$
(427
)
 
$
1,185

 
$
(28,729
)
 
$
(27,971
)
 
$
(427
)
 
$
1,185

 
$
(28,729
)
 
$
(27,971
)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 
 
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2013
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(764
)
 
$
2,872

 
$
(44,133
)
 
$
(42,025
)
 
$
(902
)
 
$
2,569

 
$
(47,046
)
 
$
(45,379
)
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
56

 

 
468

 
524

 
194

 
303

 
3,551

 
4,048

 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 
(85
)
 
(85
)
 

 

 
(255
)
 
(255
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
 
56

 

 
383

 
439

 
194

 
303

 
3,296

 
3,793

Ending balance
 
$
(708
)
 
$
2,872

 
$
(43,750
)
 
$
(41,586
)
 
$
(708
)
 
$
2,872

 
$
(43,750
)
 
$
(41,586
)
(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicates debits
The following tables show the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)
For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service cost
 
$
(136
)
 
(b)
 
$
(408
)
 
(b)
 
 
(136
)
 
Total before tax
 
(408
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
51

 
Tax expense
 
153

 
Tax expense
 
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(255
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(255
)
 
Net of tax

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Table of Contents

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)
For the three months ended September 30, 2013
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service cost
 
$
(136
)
 
(b)
 
$
(408
)
 
(b)
 
 
(136
)
 
Total before tax
 
(408
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
51

 
Tax expense
 
153

 
Tax expense
 
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(255
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(255
)
 
Net of tax
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit/loss
(b) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6. Employee Benefit Plans footnote for additional details).
    
15. Subsequent Events

Acquisitions
On October 7, 2014, the Company purchased Auburn Bean and Grain, which included six grain and four agronomy assets. The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Auburn Bean and Grain, in related transactions valued at an aggregate $39.5 million, including $5.0 million in cash, and a stock for stock merger transaction for approximately 556 thousand unregistered shares of the Company's common stock. Separately, the Company paid $20.4 million in cash for certain facilities previously leased by Auburn Bean and Grain. Simultaneous with the purchase of the Sellers' shares the Company assumed long term debt, principally in the form of a senior secured term loan, in the amount of approximately $11.5 million. The purchase provides combined grain storage capacity of approximately : 18.1 million bushels, 16.0 thousand tons of dry and 3.7 million gallons of liquid nutrient capacity. In addition to the increased capacity, the acquisition enhances the Company's presence in Michigan, which is a core geographic state, and includes rail interchange agreements already in place with all of the eastern U.S. Class I railroads.

The Company also acquired substantially all of the assets of two San Antonio, Texas-based, food grade companies, United Grain LLC and Keller Grain, Inc. for a purchase price of $7.2 million plus an adjustment for excess working capital. The purchase of United Grain LLC was completed on October 14, 2014 and Keller Grain, Inc. on October 17, 2014. The facilities allow the Company continue to grow its food grade corn business, by expanding into a region that it does not currently have a presence and where there is a reliable source of food grade corn.

Due to the timing of the Auburn Bean and Grain, United Grain LLC and Keller Grain, Inc. acquisitions, the initial accounting and valuation work for the acquisitions was incomplete at the time these financial statements were issued. As such, other than the information noted above, the provisional balance sheet and purchase price allocation, along with the amount of goodwill acquired, the breakdown of each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, contingent consideration arrangements, and the intangible asset details, were unknown and unable to be disclosed.

Pension Plan Termination
In October 2014, the Company started the process to terminate the Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The process is in the preliminary stages and the termination is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. The distribution of assets will occur through a lump sum payment option for participants and, for those who do not elect a lump sum payment, annuity contracts. Upon the distribution of assets, the projected benefit obligation will be removed from the balance sheet and the Company will recognize any unamortized net gain or loss included within accumulated other comprehensive income related to the defined benefit plan into current period earnings.


27

Table of Contents


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements which relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully consider these risks and others, including those risk factors listed under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013 Form 10-K”). In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than any imposed by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies and critical accounting estimates, as described in our 2013 Form 10-K, have not materially changed through the first three quarters of 2014.
Executive Overview
Our agricultural commodity-based business is one in which changes in selling prices generally move in relationship to changes in purchase prices. Therefore, increases or decreases in prices of the agricultural commodities that the business deals in will have a relatively equal impact on sales and cost of sales and a much less significant impact on gross profit. As a result, changes in sales for the period may not necessarily be indicative of the overall performance of the business and more focus should be placed on changes to merchandising revenues and service income.
Grain Group
Our Grain Group primarily operates grain elevators in various states in the U.S. Corn Belt. In addition to storage, merchandising and grain trading, Grain performs marketing, risk management, and corn origination services for its customers and affiliated ethanol production facilities. Grain is a significant investor in Lansing Trade Group, LLC (“LTG”), an established commodity trading, grain handling and merchandising business with operations throughout the country and with global trading/merchandising offices. On January 22, 2014, we entered into an agreement with LTG for a partial share redemption of our investment in LTG, reducing our interest at the time from approximately 47.5 percent to approximately 39.2 percent on a fully diluted basis.
Grain inventories on hand at September 30, 2014 were 53.8 million bushels, of which 2.0 million bushels were stored for others. This compares to 46.8 million bushels on hand at September 30, 2013, of which 4.7 million bushels were stored for others.
The third quarter results show improved space income, attributable to wheat basis appreciation. We were also able to capitalize on a short window of unprecedented bean basis premiums on the old crop prior to current year bean harvest. Crop conditions were good in the majority of our areas, leading to record yields. The harvest, however, has had a slow start due to unfavorable weather conditions. High yield expectations in conjunction with a late harvest, however, are likely to make harvest logistics a challenge and could delay shipments out of our facilities.
We have also completed several acquisitions during October 2014, the most significant was Auburn Bean and Grain, which includes six grain and four agronomy assets. The six grain locations will provide additional storage capacity of approximately 18.1 million bushels, enhancing our presence in Michigan, which is one of our core states. The agronomy assets will provide additional storage capacity of 16.0 thousand tons of dry and 3.7 million gallons of liquid nutrient and will be part of our Plant Nutrient Group. We also acquired a majority of the assets of two San Antonio, Texas-based, food grade grain companies, United Grain LLC and Keller Grain, Inc., as we continue to expand our food grade corn business.
Ethanol Group
Our Ethanol Group holds investments in four ethanol production facilities organized as separate limited liability companies, three are accounted for under the equity method (the "unconsolidated ethanol LLCs") and one is consolidated, The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC. The Ethanol Group purchases and sells ethanol, offers facility operations, risk management, and ethanol and corn oil marketing to the ethanol plants it invests in and operates.

28

Table of Contents

The third quarter reflects continued strong margins due to several key factors, including a drop in corn prices due to optimal growing conditions. While ethanol prices also fell during the quarter, the spread between corn and ethanol prices remained in strong positive alignment as ethanol export demand remained high. Much of the third quarter sales were hedged prior to the quarter and at higher margins than currently available in the spot market. Further, all four ethanol plants had scheduled maintenance shut-downs during the third quarter and have experienced increased production since the maintenance was performed. At this time, we have approximately 85 percent of the fourth quarter futures risk hedged. The majority of those hedges were placed in the second and third quarters, consistent with our strategy to lock-in reasonable forward returns when available in the market. Other hedges were added in the third quarter, consistent with our risk management strategy.
Ethanol volumes shipped for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Ethanol (gallons shipped)
69,202

 
70,271

 
216,968

 
209,986

E-85 (gallons shipped)
8,113

 
7,875

 
20,913

 
18,223

Corn Oil (pounds shipped)
20,686

 
22,736

 
64,034

 
61,592

DDG (tons shipped)
41

 
42

 
123

 
132


The above table shows only shipped volumes that flow through the Company's sales revenues. Total ethanol and DDG production by the unconsolidated LLCs are higher, however, the portion of this volume that is sold directly to their customers is excluded here.
Plant Nutrient Group
Our Plant Nutrient Group is a leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of agricultural and related plant nutrients, pelleted lime and gypsum products in the U.S. Corn Belt, Florida and Puerto Rico. The Plant Nutrient Group provides warehousing, packaging and manufacturing services to basic producers and other distributors. The Group also manufactures and distributes a variety of industrial products throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico including nitrogen reagents for air pollution control systems used in coal-fired power plants and water treatment products. The major nutrient products sold by the business principally contain nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and sulfur.

Storage capacity at our wholesale nutrient and farm center facilities, including leased storage, was approximately 495,000 tons for dry nutrients and approximately 440,000 tons for liquid nutrients at September 30, 2014.
Fertilizer tons sold for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales tons
285

 
229

 
1,335

 
1,221

Service tons
45

 
46

 
199

 
197

Total tons
330

 
275

 
1,534

 
1,418

Volume for the quarter was less than anticipated due to an overall weakening in the nutrient markets and uncertainty of corn acres in 2015. Rail performance was also problematic causing delays of certain products. We expect part of this volume shortage to shift to the fourth quarter as summer and early fall orders are still waiting to be filled. With a late harvest and the nutrient depletion caused by high yields, we expect good demand for the remainder of the year, barring additional transportation interruptions.
As noted previously, the purchase of Auburn Bean and Grain will provide four additional agronomy locations, with increased dry and liquid nutrient capacity.
Rail Group
Our Rail Group buys, sells, leases, rebuilds and repairs various types of used railcars and rail equipment. The Group also provides fleet management services to fleet owners. Rail has a diversified fleet of car types (boxcars, gondolas, covered and open top hoppers, tank cars and pressure differential cars), locomotives and barges.

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In the third quarter, Rail had gains on sales of railcars and related leases in the amount of $1.4 million compared to $2.8 million in the prior year. Railcars and locomotives under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at September 30, 2014 were 22,139 compared to 22,651 at September 30, 2013. The average utilization rate (railcars and locomotives under management that are in lease services, exclusive of railcars managed for third party investors) has increased to 89.9% from 86.2% for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
The Rail Group is focused on strategically growing the rail fleet and continues to look for opportunities to open new repair facilities and other adjacent business. We also anticipate future repair business related to mandated modification in the tank car industry.
Turf & Specialty Group
Turf & Specialty produces granular fertilizer products for the professional lawn care and golf course markets. It also sells consumer fertilizer and weed and turf pest control products for “do-it-yourself” application to mass merchandisers, small independent retailers and other lawn fertilizer manufacturers, and performs contract manufacturing of fertilizer and weed and turf pest control products. These products are distributed throughout the United States and Canada and into Europe and Asia. The turf products industry is highly seasonal, with the majority of sales occurring from early spring to early summer. Turf & Specialty is also one of a very limited number of processors of corncob-based products in the United States. Corncob-based products are manufactured for a variety of uses including laboratory animal bedding, cat litter, as well as absorbents, blast cleaners, carriers and polishers. Corncob-based products are sold throughout the year.
Retail Group
Our Retail Group includes large retail stores operated as “The Andersons” and a specialty food market operated as “The Andersons Market”. It also operates a sales and service facility for outdoor power equipment. The retail concept is A Store Like no Other and the conventional retail stores focus on providing significant product breadth with offerings in home improvement and other mass merchandise categories, as well as specialty foods, wine and indoor and outdoor garden centers.
The retail business is highly competitive. Our stores compete with a variety of retail merchandisers, including home centers, department and hardware stores, as well as local and national grocers. The Retail Group continues to optimize departments and products to maximize the profitability.
Other
Our “Other” represents corporate functions that provide support and services to the operating segments. The results contained within this segment include expenses and benefits not allocated back to the operating segments, including implementation expenses for our Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") project. We anticipate an increase in our ERP project expenses throughout the remainder of the year as the first stage of the project implementation commenced during the second quarter.

Operating Results
The following discussion focuses on the operating results as shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income with a separate discussion by segment. Additional segment information is included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements herein in Note 7. Segment Information.
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
952,927

 
$
1,181,374

 
$
3,268,303

 
$
4,020,308

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
868,009

 
1,108,228

 
2,985,115

 
3,764,660

Gross profit
84,918

 
73,146

 
283,188

 
255,648

Operating, administrative and general expenses
76,737

 
69,193

 
223,997

 
192,665

Interest expense
4,253

 
5,348

 
16,401

 
16,607

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
23,917

 
22,177

 
76,631

 
39,991

Other income, net
1,685

 
7,605

 
25,094

 
11,623

Income before income taxes
29,530

 
28,387

 
144,515

 
97,990

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,454

 
878

 
10,844

 
1,805

Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
27,076

 
$
27,509

 
$
133,671

 
$
96,185


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Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2014 with the three months ended September 30, 2013:
Grain Group
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
575,354

 
$
765,833

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
542,606

 
738,828

Gross profit
32,748

 
27,005

Operating, administrative and general expenses
26,414

 
24,518

Interest expense
1,723

 
1,391

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
10,190

 
12,003

Other income (expense), net
(2,354
)
 
1,216

Income before income taxes
12,447

 
14,315

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(2
)
 
(8
)
Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
12,449


$
14,323


Operating results for the Grain Group have decreased $1.9 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $190.5 million and primarily is the result of lower grain prices, with corn down almost 40 percent. Wheat and soybean revenues were also lower due to decreases in both price and volume. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $196.2 million compared to the third quarter of 2013 also driven by lower prices in corn and volume in wheat and soybeans. Gross profit is up $5.7 million over the third quarter of 2013 with most of the increase a result of higher space income, including basis appreciation in wheat. Basis is defined as the difference between cash price of a commodity in one of the Company's facilities and an exchange traded futures price.

Operating expenses increased $1.9 million compared to the same period in 2013, as a result of higher labor and benefit costs, including additional headcount and merit increases. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $1.8 million over the same period in 2013, due to lower operating results of LTG in the third quarter of 2014. Other income (expense) decreased $3.6 million of which, $3.3 million relates to a guarantee expense due to one customer's contracts in default.
Ethanol Group
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues
$
179,405

 
$
213,384

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
166,635

 
208,649

Gross profit
12,770

 
4,735

Operating, administrative and general expenses
2,782

 
2,865

Interest expense
77

 
289

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
13,727

 
10,174

Other income, net
71

 
35

Income before income taxes
23,709

 
11,790

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,456

 
886

Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
21,253

 
$
10,904


Operating results for the Ethanol Group increased $10.3 million over the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues decreased $34.0 million, as the average prices of ethanol and DDG decreased 11 percent and 25 percent, respectively. The $42.0 million decrease in cost of sales is due primarily to lower corn and ethanol prices. The increase in gross profit quarter over quarter is attributed to the increase in ethanol demand and the price of ethanol relative to corn value.


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Table of Contents

Equity in earnings of affiliates improved $3.6 million and relates to improved earnings from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. The ethanol plants' performance was favorably impacted by higher ethanol margins resulting from declining corn costs and higher demand for ethanol.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
110,809

 
$
95,681

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
96,875

 
82,128

Gross profit
13,934

 
13,553

Operating, administrative and general expenses
15,663

 
14,770

Interest expense
1,017

 
746

Other income, net
2,617

 
320

Loss before income taxes
$
(129
)
 
$
(1,643
)

Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group improved $1.5 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $15.1 million due to an increase in sales volumes of almost 25 percent. The increase is partially offset by a six percent decrease in average price per ton sold, which followed the price of nutrients in the market. The increase in cost of sales and merchandising revenues follows that of revenues, which is a result of higher volumes and lower costs per ton sold. The lower cost per ton sold is comparable with the selling price decrease and reflective of the market. Gross margin increased slightly, reflecting the impact of the higher volumes and lower margins.

Operating expenses were up slightly from the same period in 2013, due to additional depreciation from recent capital projects. Other income increased $2.3 million due to the settlement of a legal claim during the quarter.
Rail Group
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
32,022

 
$
47,523

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
21,181

 
34,523

Gross profit
10,841

 
13,000

Operating, administrative and general expenses
5,652

 
4,451

Interest expense
1,821

 
1,220

Other income, net
792

 
5,031

Income before income taxes
$
4,160

 
$
12,360


Operating results for the Rail Group decreased by $8.2 million compared to the results from the same period last year. The $15.5 million decrease in revenues is due to an $18.1 million decrease in car sales, partially offset by an increase in revenues at the repair facilities of $2.3 million and a minor increase in lease revenues. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $13.3 million compared to the same period last year primarily as a result of a lower volume of car sales. Rail gross profit decreased by $2.2 million compared to the third quarter of 2014, as increased depreciation and freight expenses impacted margins on the leasing business.

Operating expenses increased $1.2 million quarter over quarter due to increased labor, benefits, and depreciation expenses from recent expansion in the repair business. Other income in the prior year includes a $3.5 million gain from the settlement of an early rail lease termination.




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Table of Contents

Turf & Specialty Group
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
22,631

 
$
27,624

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
17,325

 
21,216

Gross profit
5,306

 
6,408

Operating, administrative and general expenses
8,097

 
6,423

Interest expense
338

 
203

Other income, net
244

 
135

Loss before income taxes
$
(2,885
)
 
$
(83
)

Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group decreased $2.8 million compared to results from the same period last year. Despite a 16 percent increase in average price per ton, sales and merchandising revenues decreased $5.0 million as volumes decreased almost 30 percent. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased by $3.9 million. Both decreases are attributable to lost contract manufacturing sales, which typically realize higher selling prices and lower margins.

Operating expenses increased $1.7 million, most of which relates to labor and benefit costs and depreciation expense from recent acquisitions. There were no significant fluctuations in interest expense and other income quarter over quarter.
Retail Group
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
32,706

 
$
31,329

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
23,387

 
22,884

Gross profit
9,319

 
8,445

Operating, administrative and general expenses
10,523

 
10,438

Interest expense
182

 
152

Other income, net
418

 
102

Loss before income taxes
$
(968
)
 
$
(2,043
)

Operating results for the Retail Group improved $1.1 million over the third quarter 2013. The prior year results reflect additional costs of several store resets, which the Group was able to realize a benefit from in the current year.
Other
 
Three months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
7,606

 
5,728

Interest expense (income)
(905
)
 
1,347

Other income (expense), net
(103
)
 
766

Loss before income taxes
$
(6,804
)
 
$
(6,309
)

The other operating loss not allocated to business segments increased slightly compared to the third quarter 2013. Operating expenses were higher in the third quarter of 2014 due to higher labor and benefit costs and additional ERP project expenses. Interest expense (income) improved $2.3 million over prior year primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate

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Table of Contents

derivative contracts and lower levels of borrowing in the current year. Other income (expense) decreased due to lower earnings on the deferred compensation plan.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense of $10.3 million was provided at 34.7%. In the third quarter of 2013, income tax expense of $10.3 million was provided at a rate of 36.5%. The lower 2014 effective tax rate is due primarily to the benefit associated with income attributable to noncontrolling interests that does not increase tax expense.

The Company anticipates that its 2014 effective annual rate will be 34.2%. The Company’s actual 2013 effective tax rate was 36.0%. The lower effective rate for 2014 is due to increased benefits related to domestic production activities and the 2013 correction made with respect to the accounting for the OCI portion of the Company’s retiree health care plan liability and the Medicare Part D subsidy.
Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2014 with the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
Grain Group
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
1,814,517

 
$
2,493,678

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
1,736,852

 
2,419,731

Gross profit
77,665

 
73,947

Operating, administrative and general expenses
73,868

 
67,944

Interest expense
7,203

 
7,714

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
20,541

 
24,940

Other income, net
16,967

 
1,438

Income before income taxes
34,102

 
24,667

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(8
)
 
(8
)
Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
34,110

 
$
24,675


Operating results for the Grain Group have improved $9.4 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $679.2 million and primarily is the result of lower grain prices, with corn down almost 40 percent. Wheat and soybean revenues were also lower due primarily to decreases in volume. These decreases were partially offset by higher oats volumes and prices. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $682.9 million, driven by lower prices in corn and volume in wheat and soybeans. Gross profit is up $3.7 million over the third quarter of 2013 with most of the increase a result of higher basis appreciation in wheat.

Operating expenses increased $5.9 million compared to prior year. The increase is a result of higher labor and benefit costs, including additional headcount, merit increases, and incentive compensation expense. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $4.4 million over prior year, primarily driven by a decreased ownership percentage of the investment in LTG and lower 2014 year-to-date operating results of LTG. This decrease was partially offset by earnings from our Thompsons Limited investment. Other income is higher in the current year due to a gain, net of deal costs, recognized from the partial share redemption in our investment in LTG of $17.1 million, partially offset by the $3.3 million charge from a guarantee expense on one customer's contracts in default.

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Table of Contents

Ethanol Group
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues
$
594,613

 
$
634,933

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
555,840

 
615,744

Gross profit
38,773

 
19,189

Operating, administrative and general expenses
8,978

 
8,013

Interest expense
253

 
895

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
56,090

 
15,051

Other income, net
201

 
465

Income before income taxes
85,833

 
25,797

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
10,852

 
1,813

Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
74,981

 
$
23,984


Operating results for the Ethanol Group increased $51.0 million over the prior year. Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues decreased $40.3 million primarily due to a decrease in the average price per gallon of ethanol sold and price per ton of DDG sold, partially offset by an increase in volume for both. The decrease in cost of sales primarily is due to lower corn and ethanol prices. The increase in gross profit quarter over quarter is attributed to the increase in ethanol demand and the price of ethanol and DDG relative to corn value which contributed to more favorable margins.

Operating expenses increased slightly due to higher labor and incentive compensation expense in 2014. Equity in earnings of affiliates improved $41.0 million and relates to improved earnings from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. The ethanol plants' performance was impacted favorably by higher ethanol margins resulting from declining corn costs and strong demand for ethanol.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
530,334

 
$
537,922

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
461,592

 
473,219

Gross profit
68,742

 
64,703

Operating, administrative and general expenses
45,723

 
41,666

Interest expense
2,748

 
2,461

Other income, net
3,193

 
459

Loss before income taxes
$
23,464

 
$
21,035


Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group increased $2.4 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $7.6 million due to a 10 percent decrease in average price per ton sold, which followed the price of nutrients in the market. This decrease was partially offset by a nine percent increase in volume of sales tons. The decreases in cost of sales and merchandising revenues were driven by lower costs per ton sold, comparable with the selling price decrease and reflective of the market. The majority of the $4.0 million increase in gross profit relates to the increase in volume.

Operating expenses increased $4.1 million from the same period in 2013, due to increases in incentive compensation expense and additional depreciation from recent capital projects. The increase in other income is due to a $2.3 million settlement of a legal claim during the third quarter of 2014.





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Table of Contents

Rail Group
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
117,733

 
$
132,488

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
71,164

 
85,952

Gross profit
46,569

 
46,536

Operating, administrative and general expenses
17,588

 
12,439

Interest expense
5,381

 
4,162

Other income, net
2,289

 
6,679

Income before income taxes
$
25,889

 
$
36,614


Operating results for the Rail Group decreased by $10.7 million compared to the results from the same period last year. The $14.8 million decrease in revenues was driven by a $20.2 million decrease in car sales, offset by an increase in leasing revenues of $1.7 million and an increase in revenues at the repair facilities of $3.6 million. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues also decreased $14.8 million compared to the same period last year primarily as a result of a lower volume of car sales. Rail gross profit remained flat compared to prior year.

Operating expenses increased $5.1 million from the same period in 2013 primarily due to increased labor and benefits costs, and maintenance expense from recent expansion in the repair business. Interest expense increased $1.2 million due to higher fixed asset costs for leasing. Other income in the prior year, includes a $3.5 million gain from the settlement of an early rail lease termination.
Turf & Specialty Group
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
109,269

 
$
117,955

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
87,683

 
95,208

Gross profit
21,586

 
22,747

Operating, administrative and general expenses
20,938

 
16,268

Interest expense
1,178

 
951

Other income, net
1,018

 
585

Income before income taxes
$
488

 
$
6,113


Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group decreased $5.6 million compared to results from the prior year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $8.7 million as volumes were down approximately 10 percent. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $7.5 million compared to the prior year, also due to lower volumes. As such, gross profit decreased $1.2 million. These decreases are attributable to lost contract manufacturing sales, which typically realize higher selling prices and lower margins.

Operating expenses increased $4.7 million. The largest drivers of this increase were labor and benefit costs, and depreciation expense due to recent acquisitions.






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Table of Contents

Retail Group
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
101,837

 
$
103,332

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
71,984

 
74,806

Gross profit
29,853

 
28,526

Operating, administrative and general expenses
31,723

 
31,996

Interest expense
516

 
519

Other income, net
720

 
316

Loss before income taxes
$
(1,666
)
 
$
(3,673
)

Operating results for the Retail Group improved $2.0 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $1.5 million. The prior year sales and merchandising revenues includes $2.3 million from the Woodville store, which was closed in the first quarter of 2013. The average sale per customer remained consistent but we saw a decrease in customer count from prior year, caused, in part, by the weather conditions in the first quarter of 2014 and the closing of the Woodville store in the prior year. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $2.8 million also driven by lower customer counts. Despite lower volumes, gross profit increased due to the strong margins realized on work wear and in the deli. The prior year results also reflect additional costs of several store resets, which the Group was able to realize a benefit from in the current year.
Other
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
25,179

 
14,339

Interest (income) expense
(878
)
 
(95
)
Other income, net
706

 
1,681

Loss before income taxes
$
(23,595
)
 
$
(12,563
)

The other operating loss not allocated to business segments increased $11.0 million compared to the prior year. Operating expenses were higher in 2014 due to higher labor and benefit costs, including performance based compensation accruals, and additional ERP project expenses.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense of $49.8 million was provided at 34.5%. In 2013, income tax expense of $36.9 million was provided at a rate of 37.7%. The higher 2013 effective tax rate was due primarily to a correction made with respect to the accounting for the other comprehensive income (“OCI”) portion of the Company’s retiree health care plan liability and the Medicare Part D subsidy. The 2014 effective tax rate also reflects a benefit associated with income attributable to noncontrolling interests that does not increase tax expense.

The Company anticipates that its 2014 effective annual rate will be 34.2%. The Company’s actual 2013 effective tax rate was 36.0%. The lower effective rate for 2014 is due to increased benefits related to domestic production activities and the 2013 correction made with respect to the accounting for the OCI portion of the Company’s retiree health care plan liability and the Medicare Part D subsidy.






37

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
At September 30, 2014, we had working capital of $257.3 million. The following table presents changes in the components of current assets and current liabilities:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
Variance
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
326,946

 
$
134,441

 
$
192,505

Restricted cash
173

 
164

 
9

Accounts receivable, net
162,270

 
178,970

 
(16,700
)
Inventories
396,464

 
429,017

 
(32,553
)
Commodity derivative assets – current
126,396

 
105,390

 
21,006

Deferred income taxes
148

 
5,254

 
(5,106
)
Other current assets
36,518

 
42,278

 
(5,760
)
Total current assets
1,048,915

 
895,514

 
153,401

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
451

 

 
451

Accounts payable for grain
222,178

 
241,575

 
(19,397
)
Other accounts payable
165,133

 
200,664

 
(35,531
)
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
27,246

 
23,974

 
3,272

Commodity derivative liabilities – current
229,265

 
88,234

 
141,031

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
70,598

 
63,900

 
6,698

Current maturities of long-term debt
76,757

 
44,232

 
32,525

Total current liabilities
791,628

 
662,579

 
129,049

Working Capital
$
257,287

 
$
232,935

 
$
24,352

In comparison to September 30, 2013, current assets increased primarily related to cash. See the discussion below on sources and uses of cash for an understanding of the change in cash from prior year. Accounts receivable are lower in the current year due to lower grain prices and decreased revenues in several of our business units. The decrease in inventory is also due to lower grain prices. Other current assets decreased in 2014 as we continue to use up the prepaid federal income tax balance that resulted from significant overpayments in 2013, and timing of amortization and payments on prepaid assets. Commodity derivative assets and liabilities have increased and reflect the customer net asset or liability based on the value of forward contracts as compared to market prices at the end of the period. Current liabilities increased primarily due to increases in commodity derivative liabilities and current maturities of long-term debt. Current maturities of long-term debt increased due to the scheduled timing of payments of certain notes that are due within the next year. Offsetting this increase, are decreases in accounts payable for grain and other accounts payable. The decrease in accounts payable for grain is attributable to lower grain prices. The decrease in other accounts payable is the result of decreased nutrient purchases in Plant Nutrient, as the nutrient supply is tight, along with timing of payments.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Our operating activities provided cash of $102.3 million and $129.0 million in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Increased net income and certain working capital changes, including decreases in inventory and commodity derivatives, and distributions from investments in affiliates provided significant cash. The ethanol LLCs made distributions throughout the year to us as a result of strong financial performance, and a portion of the proceeds received from LTG as part of the partial share redemption agreement was a distribution of earnings. The most significant uses of cash in both periods relate to the significant payout to farmers in January of each year and other accounts payable and accrued expenses.
We have made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $33.2 million through the third quarter of 2014. We expect to make payments totaling approximately $11.7 million for the remainder of 2014.


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Investing Activities
Total capital spending for 2014 on property, plant and equipment in our base business, inclusive of information technology spending is expected to be approximately $80 million. In addition to spending on conventional property, plant and equipment, we expect to spend $72 million for the purchase of railcars, nonrailcar assets and related leases and capitalized modifications of railcars. We also expect to offset this amount by proceeds from the sales and dispositions of $45 million. Through September 30, 2014, we invested $39.3 million in the purchase of additional railcars, which is partially offset by proceeds from sales of railcars of $30.9 million. Through September 30, 2013, we invested $71.6 million in the purchase of additional railcars, which was more than offset by proceeds from sales of $87.6 million. In the first quarter of 2014, we recognized a portion of the proceeds received from LTG as part of the partial share redemption as proceeds from sale of investments. The prior year reflects our $49.2 million purchase of the Thompons Limited investment.
Financing Activities
Due to strong cash positions, our short-term borrowing in 2014 is significantly lower than the prior year. In 2013, we had a significant amount of committed short-term lines of credit available to finance working capital, primarily inventories, margin calls on commodity contracts and accounts receivable. We are party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks that provides a total of $878.1 million in borrowings, which includes $28.1 million non-recourse debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC. Of that total, we had $847.1 million remaining available for borrowing at September 30, 2014. Peak short-term borrowings to date were $270.6 million on April 2, 2014. Typically, our highest borrowing occurs in the Spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in our fertilizer and grain businesses.

We paid $0.1100 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April and July 2014, and $0.1067 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April, July and October 2013. On August 28, 2014, we declared a cash dividend of $0.11 per common share payable on October 22, 2014 to shareholders of record on October 1, 2014. During the first nine months, we granted approximately 156 thousand shares and share units to employees and directors under our equity-based compensation plans. During the first nine months of 2013, approximately 500 shares were issued under our equity-based compensation plans.
Certain of our long-term borrowings include covenants that, among other things, impose minimum levels of equity and limitations on additional debt. We are in compliance with all such covenants as of September 30, 2014. In addition, certain of our long-term borrowings are collateralized by first mortgages on various facilities or are collateralized by railcar assets. Our non-recourse long-term debt is collateralized by railcar and ethanol plant assets.
Because we are a significant consumer of short-term debt in peak seasons and the majority of this is variable rate debt, increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our profitability. In addition, periods of high grain prices and/or unfavorable market conditions could require us to make additional margin deposits on our exchange traded futures contracts. Conversely, in periods of declining prices, we receive a return of cash.
We believe our sources of liquidity will be adequate to fund our operations, capital expenditures and payments of dividends through the next twelve months.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Our Rail Group utilizes leasing arrangements that provide off-balance sheet financing for its activities. We lease railcars from financial intermediaries through sale-leaseback transactions, the majority of which involve operating sale leasebacks. Railcars we own or lease from a financial intermediary are generally leased to a customer under an operating lease. We also arrange non-recourse lease transactions under which we sell railcars or other long-term assets to a financial intermediary and assign the related operating lease to the financial intermediary on a non-recourse basis. In such arrangements, we generally provide ongoing maintenance and management services for the financial intermediary, and receive a fee for such services. On most of the railcar and non-railcar assets, we hold an option to purchase these assets at the end of the lease.









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The following table describes our railcar and non-railcar asset positions at September 30, 2014: 
Method of Control
Financial Statement
Units
Owned-railcars available for sale
On balance sheet – current
52

Owned-railcar assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
14,570

Railcars leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
3,758

Railcars – non-recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet
3,713

Total Railcars
 
22,093

Locomotive assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
42

Barge assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
5

Locomotives leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
4

Locomotives – non-recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet

Total Non-railcars
 
51

In addition, we manage 376 railcars for third-party customers or owners for which we receive a fee.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically commodity and interest rate risk during the quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer ("Certifying Officers"), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on the results of this evaluation, management concluded that, as of September 30, 2014, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013.  As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of any change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company is undertaking the phased implementation of an ERP software system.  The phased implementation was started during the second quarter of 2014, resulting in changes to certain processes, primarily close and consolidations.  The Company believes it is maintaining and monitoring appropriate internal controls during the implementation period and further believes that its internal control environment will be enhanced as a result of this implementation.  There have been no other changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.




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Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We have received, and are cooperating fully with, a request for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regarding the history of our grain and fertilizer facility along the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The U.S. EPA is investigating the possible introduction into the Maumee River of hazardous materials potentially leaching from rouge piles deposited along the riverfront by glass manufacturing operations that existed in the area prior to our initial acquisition of the land in 1960. We have on several prior occasions cooperated with local, state and federal regulators to install or improve drainage systems to contain storm water runoff and sewer discharges along our riverfront property to minimize the potential for such leaching. Other area land owners and the successor to the original glass making operations have also been contacted by the U.S. EPA for information. No claim or finding has been asserted thus far.
We are also currently subject to various claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, which include environmental issues, employment claims, contractual disputes, and defensive counter claims. We accrue liabilities where litigation losses are deemed probable and estimable. We believe it is unlikely that the results of our current legal proceedings, even if unfavorable, will be materially different from what we currently have accrued. There can be no assurance, however, that any claims or suits arising in the future, whether taken individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this Form 10-Q and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. These risks can be impacted by factors beyond our control as well as by errors and omissions on our part. The significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results are described in the 2013 10-K (Item 1A).

Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
 
 
 
No.
  
Description
 
 
12
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
32.1
  
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
101
 
Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: November 7, 2014
 
By /s/ Michael J. Anderson
 
 
Michael J. Anderson
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: November 7, 2014
 
By /s/ John Granato
 
 
John Granato
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 


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Exhibit Index
The Andersons, Inc.
 
 
 
 
No.
  
Description
 
 
12
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
32.1
  
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
101
 
Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


44