REX REX American Resources Corporation

Extends streak of consecutive positive earnings to 16 straight fiscal quarters

• Reported net income attributable to REX shareholders of $12.4 million for Fiscal Q2 ’24, an increase of approximately 37% compared to the same period in Fiscal 2023
• Generated $0.70 of net income per share in Fiscal Q2 ‘24, an increase of $0.18 per share over the same period in Fiscal Q2 ‘23
• Reported gross profit of $19.8 million for Fiscal Q2 ‘24, an increase of more than 7% over the same period in Fiscal 2023
• Reported consolidated ethanol sales volumes of 65.1 million gallons for Fiscal Q2 ‘24, a decrease of approximately 6% compared to the same period in Fiscal 2023

REX American Resources Corporation (“REX” or the “Company”) (NYSE: REX), a leading ethanol production company, today announced financial and operational results for the Company’s fiscal second quarter 2024.

REX American Resources’ fiscal second quarter 2024 results principally reflect its interests in six ethanol production facilities. The One Earth Energy, LLC (“One Earth”) and NuGen Energy, LLC (“NuGen”) ethanol production facilities are consolidated, while the four other ethanol plants are reported as equity in income of unconsolidated ethanol affiliates.

Fiscal Second Quarter 2024 Results

For fiscal second quarter 2024, REX reported net sales and revenue of $148.2 million, compared with $212.0 million for fiscal second quarter 2023. The year-over-year net sales and revenue decrease primarily reflects reduced pricing for ethanol and co-products. Fiscal second quarter 2024 gross profit for the Company was $19.8 million, compared with $18.4 million in fiscal second quarter 2023, reflecting decreased corn and natural gas prices. Interest and other income for the second fiscal quarter 2024 was $4.4 million, compared to $3.3 million for second fiscal quarter 2023. This resulted in higher fiscal second quarter 2024 income before income taxes and non-controlling interests of $19.5 million, compared with $16.1 million in the prior year period.

Net income attributable to REX shareholders in fiscal second quarter 2024 was $12.4 million, compared to $9.1 million in fiscal second quarter 2023. Fiscal second quarter 2024 diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders was $0.70, compared to $0.52 per share in fiscal second quarter 2023. Per share results for fiscal second quarters 2024 and 2023 are based on 17,671,000 and 17,460,000 diluted weighted average shares outstanding, respectively.

Update on One Earth Energy Carbon Capture Project and Ethanol Production Expansion

REX continues to progress construction of the carbon capture and compression facility portion of its One Earth Energy carbon capture and sequestration project.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class VI injection well technical review process is ongoing. Approval of REX’s Class VI injection well application is necessary to begin construction on the sequestration portion of the project and to begin operations. The EPA currently projects issuance of a draft permit for the project by the end of 2024, with a final permit decision in second quarter 2025.

On July 18, 2024, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a moratorium on the construction of carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines in the state. The law pauses construction on CO2 pipelines in Illinois until July 1, 2026, or until finalization of new Federal pipeline rules that may be issued by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, whichever comes first.

At this time, the necessary utility interconnection work required for testing and commissioning of the carbon capture and compression facility is progressing well. The Illinois utility carrying out the interconnection work anticipates the new interconnection will be complete by first quarter 2025.

In light of the currently in flux timetable for permitting of the complete facility, and the utility interconnection schedule, REX management took the financially prudent decision not to accelerate the current pace of construction, which resulted in the facility’s construction phase extending past the previously anticipated completion timeframe of the end of July. This approach will allow for completion of the carbon capture and compression facility on an appropriate timeline, while controlling expenditures.

REX is on track to complete the expansion of its One Earth Energy ethanol production facility by the end of first quarter 2025. When complete, production capacity will increase from 150 million to 175 million gallons per year. Once this is achieved, REX plans to move forward with the further permitting of the facility to produce 200 million gallons per year of ethanol, which the Company expects will require no further capital expenditure.

Through the end of fiscal second quarter 2024, capital expenditures related to the One Earth Energy carbon capture and sequestration project totaled $49.1 million, and expenditures for expansion of ethanol production capacity totaled $41.7 million. The combined capital spending of $90.8 million remains on plan, with the Company still budgeting a total spend of $165-$175 million for these projects.

Balance Sheet

At the end of fiscal second quarter 2024 on July 31, 2024, REX had $346.0 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments available and no bank debt.

Management Commentary

“REX American’s ethanol production operations continue to produce industry-leading results across varying market environments,” said Zafar Rizvi, REX Chief Executive Officer. “This quarter the REX team was again able to deliver standout gross margin and earnings per share. By keeping a focus on managing our expenses and seizing on opportunities available to us in the corn market REX continues to consistently deliver positive returns for our shareholders.

“The One Earth Energy carbon capture and sequestration facility is moving forward. We continue to monitor developments in Illinois and remain positive on the ultimate outcome of the regulatory process in the state. The EPA Class VI well permit process is moving forward, with overall approval of the injection wells anticipated in second quarter 2025. The required utility interconnection work has begun and we anticipate its completion by end of the first quarter 2025, in line with when we expect completion of the expansion of our ethanol production facility’s capacity to 175 million gallons per year. In our permitting work, construction efforts, and in our ongoing ethanol operations, we are working within conditions to achieve the optimal outcome every day, and realize the best possible results for our shareholders,” concluded Mr. Rizvi.

Conference Call Information

REX will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET today to discuss the Company’s quarterly results and will also host a question and answer session. To access the conference call, interested parties may dial (877) 269-7751 (US) or (201) 389-0908 (international). Participants can also view an updated presentation, as well as listen to a live webcast of the call by going to the Investors section on the REX website at www.rexamerican.com. A replay will be available shortly after the live conference call and can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (US) or (412) 317-6671 (international). The passcode for the replay is 13748164. The replay will be available for 30 days after the call.

About REX American Resources Corporation

REX American Resources Corporation has interests in six ethanol production facilities, which in aggregate have production capacity totaling approximately 730 million gallons per year. REX’s effective ownership of annual volumes is approximately 300 million gallons. Further information about REX is available at www.rexamerican.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news announcement contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned that there are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those referred to in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include among other things: the effect of pandemics such as COVID-19 on the Company’s business operations, including impacts on supplies, demand, personnel and other factors, the impact of legislative and regulatory changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, distillers grains, ethanol, distillers corn oil, commodity market risk, gasoline and natural gas, ethanol plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, logistical interruptions, success in permitting and developing the planned carbon sequestration facility near the One Earth Energy ethanol plant, changes in the international, national or regional economies, the impact of inflation, the ability to attract employees, weather, results of income tax audits, changes in income tax laws or regulations, the impact of U.S. foreign trade policy, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the effects of terrorism or acts of war. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Unaudited

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net sales and revenue

$

148,155

$

211,977

 

$

309,386

$

424,691

Cost of sales

 

128,382

 

193,625

 

275,162

 

396,173

Gross profit

 

19,773

 

18,352

 

 

34,224

 

28,518

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(6,440)

 

(8,618)

 

 

(12,551)

 

(14,387)

Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

 

1,747

 

3,047

 

 

3,465

 

4,537

Interest and other income, net

 

4,416

 

3,271

 

10,321

 

6,072

Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 

19,496

 

16,052

 

 

35,459

 

24,740

Provision for income taxes

 

(4,489)

 

(3,768)

 

(8,179)

 

(5,756)

Net Income

 

15,007

 

12,284

 

 

27,280

 

18,984

Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(2,629)

 

(3,229)

 

(4,711)

 

(4,693)

Net income attributable to REX common shareholders

$

12,378

$

9,055

 

22,569

$

14,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

 

17,548

 

17,460

 

17,528

 

17,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders

$

0.71

$

0.52

$

1.29

$

0.82

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

 

17,671

 

17,460

 

17,648

 

17,427

 

Diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders

$

0.70

$

0.52

$

1.28

$

0.82

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

Unaudited

 

 

July 31,

 

January 31,

 

2024

2024

ASSETS

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

261,040

 

$

223,397

Short-term investments

 

84,942

 

 

155,260

Accounts receivable

 

24,262

 

 

23,185

Inventory

 

29,162

 

 

26,984

Refundable income taxes

 

5,272

 

 

5,728

Prepaid expenses and other

 

14,236

 

17,549

Total current assets

 

418,914

 

 

452,103

Property and equipment, net

 

190,188

 

 

155,587

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

13,221

 

 

13,038

Other assets

 

19,285

 

 

9,138

Equity method investment

 

38,401

 

34,936

TOTAL ASSETS

$

680,009

$

664,802

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Accounts payable – trade

$

31,254

 

$

42,073

Current operating lease liabilities

 

3,482

 

 

4,469

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

17,173

 

19,717

Total current liabilities

 

51,909

 

66,259

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Deferred taxes

 

1,598

 

 

1,598

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

9,716

 

 

8,378

Other long-term liabilities

 

600

 

970

Total long-term liabilities

 

11,914

 

10,946

EQUITY

 

 

 

REX shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

Common stock

 

299

 

 

299

Paid-in capital

 

5,961

 

 

3,769

Retained earnings

 

724,330

 

 

701,761

Treasury stock

 

(190,957)

 

(191,911)

Total REX shareholders’ equity

 

539,633

 

 

513,918

Noncontrolling interests

 

76,553

 

73,679

Total equity

 

616,186

 

587,597

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

680,009

$

664,802

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

Unaudited

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

2024

2023

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Net Income including noncontrolling interest

$

27,280

 

$

18,984

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

8,824

 

 

8,915

Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets

 

3,153

 

 

2,671

Income from equity method investments

 

(3,465)

 

 

(4,537)

Interest income from investments

 

(3,292)

 

 

(3,967)

Deferred income taxes

 

5,495

 

 

3,947

Stock based compensation expense

 

1,772

 

3,892

Loss on disposal of property and equipment – net

 

78

 

 

205

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(1,077)

 

 

(6,836)

Inventories

 

(2,178)

 

 

2,784

Refundable income taxes

 

456

 

(2,692)

Other assets

 

(12,344)

 

(7,162)

Accounts payable – trade

 

(14,009)

 

 

(12,595)

Other liabilities

 

(4,985)

 

 

3,019

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

5,708

 

 

6,628

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(40,219)

 

 

(8,173)

Purchase of short-term investments

 

(156,125)

 

 

(194,400)

Maturity of short-term investments

 

229,735

 

 

227,490

Deposits

 

203

 

 

(20)

Proceeds from sale of real estate and property and equipment

 

178

 

 

10

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

33,772

 

24,907

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Payments to noncontrolling interests holders

 

(1,837)

 

 

(716)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,837)

 

 

(716)

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

37,643

 

 

30,819

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – Beginning of period

 

223,397

 

71,347

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – End of period

$

261,040

 

$

102,166

 

Non-cash financing activities – Stock awards accrued

$

798

$

570

Non-cash financing activities – Stock awards issued

$

2,172

$

965

Non-cash investing activities – Accrued capital expenditures

$

4,573

$

1,029

Non-cash investing activities – Capital additions transferred from prepaid expenses

$

188

$

-

Right-of-use assets acquired and liabilities incurred upon lease execution

$

3,335

$

312

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240827575355/en/

Investors Douglas Bruggeman Chief Financial Officer

Caldwell Bailey ICR, Inc. rexamerican@icrinc.com