ANDE 2012.06.30 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 June 30, 2012
 
¨
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 18.6 million common shares outstanding, no par value, at July 31, 2012.


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)
 
June 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
23,930

 
$
20,390

 
$
18,616

Restricted cash
5,644

 
18,651

 
12,572

Accounts receivable, net
205,046

 
167,640

 
240,254

Inventories (Note 2)
597,091

 
760,459

 
469,551

Commodity derivative assets – current
122,010

 
83,950

 
187,438

Deferred income taxes
18,784

 
21,483

 
17,710

Other current assets
38,535

 
34,649

 
30,867

Total current assets
1,011,040

 
1,107,222

 
977,008

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent
4,844

 
2,289

 
8,560

Other assets, net
70,040

 
53,327

 
46,610

Equity method investments
189,610

 
199,061

 
179,888

 
264,494

 
254,677

 
235,058

Railcar assets leased to others, net (Note 3)
252,965

 
197,137

 
178,141

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 3)
266,275

 
175,087

 
153,642

Total assets
$
1,794,774

 
$
1,734,123

 
$
1,543,849

Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings under short-term line of credit
$
309,608

 
$
71,500

 
$
194,200

Accounts payable for grain
129,979

 
391,905

 
80,374

Other accounts payable
148,497

 
142,762

 
164,325

Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
55,912

 
79,557

 
64,231

Commodity derivative liabilities – current
29,764

 
15,874

 
24,289

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
51,283

 
60,445

 
51,410

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 10)
29,647

 
32,208

 
45,432

Total current liabilities
754,690

 
794,251

 
624,261

Other long-term liabilities
11,546

 
43,014

 
33,757

Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent
454

 
1,519

 
1,850

Employee benefit plan obligations
50,437

 
52,972

 
30,835

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 10)
317,648

 
238,885

 
260,645

Deferred income taxes
70,806

 
64,640

 
68,038

Total liabilities
1,205,581

 
1,195,281

 
1,019,386

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares, without par value (42,000 shares authorized at 6/30/12, 12/31/11 and 6/30/11; 19,198 shares issued)
96

 
96

 
96

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

 

 

Additional paid-in-capital
180,535

 
179,463

 
177,266

Treasury shares (557, 697 and 629 shares at 6/30/12, 12/31/11 and 6/30/11, respectively; at cost)
(12,519
)
 
(14,997
)
 
(12,214
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(42,998
)
 
(43,090
)
 
(29,467
)
Retained earnings
444,539

 
402,523

 
374,715

Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.
569,653

 
523,995

 
510,396

Noncontrolling interests
19,540

 
14,847

 
14,067

Total equity
589,193

 
538,842

 
524,463

Total liabilities and equity
$
1,794,774

 
$
1,734,123

 
$
1,543,849

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


3

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
1,315,834

 
$
1,338,167

$
2,452,967

 
$
2,339,841

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
1,213,184

 
1,215,395

2,264,447

 
2,138,384

Gross profit
102,650

 
122,772

188,520

 
201,457

Operating, administrative and general expenses
59,210

 
57,730

119,310

 
111,437

Interest expense
5,380

 
7,562

10,710

 
14,898

Other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of affiliates
5,096

 
12,512

9,379

 
19,758

Other income, net
2,671

 
2,018

5,917

 
4,324

Income before income taxes
45,827

 
72,010

73,796

 
99,204

Income tax provision
17,356

 
25,975

27,597

 
35,781

Net income
28,471

 
46,035

46,199

 
63,423

Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(728
)
 
817

(1,407
)
 
939

Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
29,199

 
$
45,218

$
47,606

 
$
62,484

Per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
1.57

 
$
2.44

$
2.56

 
$
3.37

Diluted earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
1.56

 
$
2.42

$
2.54

 
$
3.34

Dividends paid
$
0.1500

 
$
0.1100

$
0.3000

 
$
0.2200

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Net income
$
28,471

 
$
46,035

$
46,199

 
$
63,423

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease in estimated fair value of investment in debt securities (net of income tax of 1,126)
(1,884
)
 

(1,884
)
 

Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $895, ($521), $1,135 and ($411))
1,497

 
(875
)
1,898

 
(689
)
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $8, ($44), $47 and $13)
14

 
(74
)
78

 
21

Other comprehensive income
(373
)
 
(949
)
92

 
(668
)
Comprehensive income
28,098

 
45,086

46,291

 
62,755

Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(728
)
 
817

(1,407
)
 
939

Comprehensive income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
28,826

 
$
44,269

$
47,698

 
$
61,816

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


4

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
46,199

 
$
63,423

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
22,500

 
19,951

Bad debt expense
493

 
2,702

Cash distributions in excess of income of unconsolidated affiliates
9,451

 
(4,439
)
Gains on sales of railcars and related leases
(8,674
)
 
(7,033
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement
(35
)
 
(21
)
Deferred income taxes
4,399

 
4,443

Stock based compensation expense
2,875

 
1,863

Other
62

 
14

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts and notes receivable
(36,277
)
 
(90,627
)
Inventories
176,766

 
177,357

Commodity derivatives
(27,790
)
 
33,294

Other assets
1,624

 
8,790

Accounts payable for grain
(261,925
)
 
(194,222
)
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses
(63,758
)
 
47,744

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(134,090
)
 
63,239

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Purchase of investments
(19,996
)
 
(100
)
Proceeds from redemption of investment
19,998

 

Acquisition of businesses
(93,112
)
 

Purchases of railcars
(77,028
)
 
(32,155
)
Proceeds from sale of railcars
16,057

 
17,774

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(38,171
)
 
(12,572
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
725

 
120

Proceeds from minority investor
6,100

 

Change in restricted cash
13,007

 
(438
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(172,420
)
 
(27,371
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings
238,108

 
(46,900
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
106,878

 
44,391

Payments of long-term debt
(30,675
)
 
(39,663
)
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors
1,350

 
710

Payments of debt issuance costs
(72
)
 
(815
)
Purchase of treasury stock

 
(140
)
Dividends paid
(5,574
)
 
(4,075
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement
35

 
21

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
310,050

 
(46,471
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
3,540

 
(10,603
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
20,390

 
29,219

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
23,930

 
$
18,616

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
The Andersons, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
 
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2010
$
96

 
$
177,875

 
$
(14,058
)
 
$
(28,799
)
 
$
316,317

 
$
13,128

 
$
464,559

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62,484

 
939

 
63,423

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
(668
)
 
 
 
 
 
(668
)
Purchase of treasury shares (4 shares)
 
 
 
 
(140
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(140
)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $1,199 (133 shares)
 
 
(609
)
 
1,984

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,375

Dividends declared ($0.22 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,086
)
 
 
 
(4,086
)
Balance at June 30, 2011
$
96

 
$
177,266

 
$
(12,214
)
 
$
(29,467
)
 
$
374,715

 
$
14,067

 
$
524,463

Balance at December 31, 2011
$
96

 
$
179,463

 
$
(14,997
)
 
$
(43,090
)
 
$
402,523

 
$
14,847

 
$
538,842

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47,606

 
(1,407
)
 
46,199

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
92

 
 
 
 
 
92

Proceeds received from minority investor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,100

 
6,100

Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $675 (140 shares)
 
 
1,072

 
2,478

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,550

Dividends declared ($0.30 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5,590
)
 
 
 
(5,590
)
Balance at June 30, 2012
$
96

 
$
180,535

 
$
(12,519
)
 
$
(42,998
)
 
$
444,539

 
$
19,540

 
$
589,193

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


5

Table of Contents

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

1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
These Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant 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 a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods indicated, have been made. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.
The year-end Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 2011 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 June 30, 2011 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, 2011 (the “2011 Form 10-K”).
New Accounting Standard
In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. The revised standard allows an entity the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, thus necessitating that it perform the quantitative impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. An entity can choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some, or all of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. Moreover, an entity can bypass the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative impairment test for any indefinite-lived intangible in any period. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Adoption of this guidance will not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

2. Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
June 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
Grain
$
465,453

 
$
570,337

 
$
298,580

Ethanol and by-products
18,516

 
5,461

 
5,381

Agricultural fertilizer and supplies
57,637

 
118,716

 
112,892

Lawn and garden fertilizer and corncob products
21,714

 
37,001

 
22,585

Retail merchandise
30,685

 
25,612

 
27,492

Railcar repair parts
2,777

 
3,063

 
2,252

Other
309

 
269

 
369

 
$
597,091

 
$
760,459

 
$
469,551








6

Table of Contents

3. Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
June 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
Land
$
19,505

 
$
17,655

 
$
15,424

Land improvements and leasehold improvements
52,536

 
47,958

 
45,634

Buildings and storage facilities
172,354

 
150,461

 
142,864

Machinery and equipment
243,216

 
191,833

 
186,245

Software
11,204

 
10,861

 
10,603

Construction in progress
33,613

 
13,006

 
6,696

 
532,428

 
431,774

 
407,466

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
266,153

 
256,687

 
253,824

 
$
266,275

 
$
175,087

 
$
153,642

There have been significant additions to property, plant and equipment in the first half of 2012 primarily related to business acquisitions, construction of a grain load-out facility and the phased implementation of an enterprise resource planning system.
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment amounted to $12.0 million, $20.4 million and $9.9 million for the periods ended June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, respectively.
Railcars
The components of Railcar assets leased to others are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
June 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
Railcar assets leased to others
$
332,997

 
$
272,883

 
$
248,030

Less accumulated depreciation
80,032

 
75,746

 
69,889

 
$
252,965

 
$
197,137

 
$
178,141

Railcar assets leased to others has increased significantly during the six months ended June 30, 2012 due to an increase in railcar purchases. The rail fleet has increased to approximately 23,100 cars from 22,400 last year.
Depreciation expense on railcar assets leased to others amounted to $7.8 million, $13.8 million and $6.7 million for the periods ended June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, 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. 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 are considered 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-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 futures, options 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents at June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, 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 short-term commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
June 30, 2011
(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
$
151,939

 
$

 
$
66,870

 
$

 
$
43,191

 
$

Fair value of derivatives
(106,629
)
 

 
(20,480
)
 

 
40,476

 

Balance at end of period
$
45,310

 
$

 
$
46,390

 
$

 
$
83,667

 
$

Certain of our contracts allow the Company to post items other than cash as collateral. Grain inventory posted as collateral on our derivative contracts are recorded in Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value of such inventory was $6.1 million, $1.0 million, and $78.2 million as of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, respectively.

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 six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in sales and merchandising revenues
$
(12,900
)
 
$
102,585

$
(16,557
)
 
$
103,863

At June 30, 2012, the Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis):
 
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
209,347

 

 

 

Soybeans
32,936

 

 

 

Wheat
10,847

 

 

 

Oats
14,217

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
98,858

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
54,319

 

Other

 

 

 
75

Subtotal
267,347

 
98,858

 
54,319

 
75

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
110,965

 

 

 

Soybeans
27,030

 

 

 

Wheat
38,835

 

 

 

Oats
4,230

 

 

 

Bean oil

 

 
15,480

 

Ethanol

 
1,176

 

 

Other

 
10

 

 

Subtotal
181,060

 
1,186

 
15,480

 

Total
448,407

 
100,044

 
69,799

 
75


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
June 30,
 
Six months ended
June 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
29,199

 
$
45,218

 
$
47,606

 
$
62,484

Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock
146

 
205

 
179

 
235

Earnings available to common shareholders
$
29,053

 
$
45,013

 
$
47,427

 
$
62,249

Earnings per share – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
18,541

 
18,485

 
18,522

 
18,469

Earnings per common share – basic
$
1.57

 
$
2.44

 
$
2.56

 
$
3.37

Earnings per share – diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
18,541

 
18,485

 
18,522

 
18,469

Effect of dilutive awards
132

 
134

 
166

 
168

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
18,673

 
18,619

 
18,688

 
18,637

Earnings per common share – diluted
$
1.56

 
$
2.42

 
$
2.54

 
$
3.34

There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding at June 30, 2012 or 2011.




6. Employee Benefit Plans
Included as charges against income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are the following amounts for pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company:
 
 
Pension Benefits
Pension Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Service cost
$

 
$

$

 
$

Interest cost
1,105

 
1,163

2,248

 
2,289

Expected return on plan assets
(1,534
)
 
(1,558
)
(3,073
)
 
(3,118
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
299

 
247

749

 
470

Benefit cost (income)
$
(130
)
 
$
(148
)
$
(76
)
 
$
(359
)
 
 
Postretirement Benefits
Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Service cost
$
184

 
$
136

$
376

 
$
277

Interest cost
327

 
325

660

 
643

Amortization of prior service cost
(136
)
 
(136
)
(272
)
 
(272
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
313

 
242

640

 
451

Benefit cost
$
688

 
$
567

$
1,404

 
$
1,099


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 investment in Lansing Trade Group, LLC (“LTG”). The Ethanol business purchases and sells ethanol and also manages the ethanol production facilities organized as limited liability companies that are investments accounted for under the equity method (“ethanol LLCs”) and various service contracts for these investments. The Ethanol Group also performs the same functions for The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC, a consolidated subsidiary. Rail operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and locomotives, 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 shop. Included in “Other” are the corporate level amounts not attributable to an operating segment.
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
718,911

 
$
797,130

$
1,418,772

 
$
1,435,097

Ethanol
167,758

 
164,704

318,428

 
297,452

Plant Nutrient
308,797

 
259,823

484,157

 
383,472

Rail
32,046

 
29,501

67,905

 
58,411

Turf & Specialty
43,845

 
41,551

88,972

 
88,821

Retail
44,477

 
45,458

74,733

 
76,588

Other

 


 

Total
$
1,315,834

 
$
1,338,167

$
2,452,967

 
$
2,339,841

 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Inter-segment sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$

 
$
1

$
1

 
$
2

Ethanol

 


 

Plant Nutrient
5,334

 
3,221

8,417

 
8,606

Rail
208

 

411

 
189

Turf & Specialty
497

 
627

1,473

 
1,332

Retail

 


 

Other

 


 

Total
$
6,039

 
$
3,849

$
10,302

 
$
10,129

 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Interest expense (income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
2,687

 
$
3,859

$
5,939

 
$
8,699

Ethanol
185

 
274

209

 
686

Plant Nutrient
632

 
973

1,342

 
1,816

Rail
1,156

 
1,511

2,334

 
2,958

Turf & Specialty
312

 
372

668

 
821

Retail
157

 
207

353

 
467

Other
251

 
366

(135
)
 
(549
)
Total
$
5,380

 
$
7,562

$
10,710

 
$
14,898


 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
7,505

 
$
5,428

$
13,457

 
$
11,658

Ethanol
(2,410
)
 
7,082

(4,081
)
 
8,096

Plant Nutrient
1

 
2

3

 
4

Rail

 


 

Turf & Specialty

 


 

Retail

 


 

Other

 


 

Total
$
5,096

 
$
12,512

$
9,379

 
$
19,758

 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Other income, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
489

 
$
522

$
1,316

 
$
1,102

Ethanol
20

 
37

36

 
95

Plant Nutrient
1,010

 
134

1,128

 
259

Rail
824

 
841

1,600

 
1,594

Turf & Specialty
289

 
259

490

 
549

Retail
155

 
144

279

 
300

Other
(116
)
 
81

1,068

 
425

Total
$
2,671

 
$
2,018

$
5,917

 
$
4,324

 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
2012
 
2011
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
15,277

 
$
36,541

$
34,712

 
$
51,642

Ethanol
(2,105
)
 
8,830

(1,984
)
 
12,401

Plant Nutrient
27,953

 
24,077

33,781

 
29,191

Rail
7,199

 
2,763

15,217

 
6,309

Turf & Specialty
2,753

 
1,778

4,955

 
5,056

Retail
1,428

 
1,877

(1,321
)
 
(787
)
Other
(5,950
)
 
(4,673
)
(10,157
)
 
(5,547
)
Noncontrolling interests
(728
)
 
817

(1,407
)
 
939

Total
$
45,827

 
$
72,010

$
73,796

 
$
99,204


(in thousands)
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
June 30, 2011
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
844,526

 
$
883,395

 
$
772,995

Ethanol
212,094

 
148,975

 
93,059

Plant Nutrient
214,617

 
240,543

 
281,691

Rail
310,651

 
246,188

 
214,971

Turf & Specialty
66,580

 
69,487

 
61,141

Retail
56,986

 
52,018

 
54,243

Other
89,320

 
93,517

 
65,749

Total
$
1,794,774

 
$
1,734,123

 
$
1,543,849














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 ethanol LLCs). 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.
The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity:
 
(in thousands)
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
June 30, 2011
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
$
31,248

 
$
32,829

 
$
31,075

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
38,225

 
40,001

 
40,106

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
37,782

 
43,019

 
37,577

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
80,052

 
81,209

 
69,175

Other
2,303

 
2,003

 
1,955

Total
$
189,610

 
$
199,061

 
$
179,888

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.
The Company holds a majority interest (85%) in The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE") which is a consolidated entity. The noncontrolling interest in TADE is attributed 15% of the gains and losses of TADE recorded by the Company.
The following table summarizes income (losses) earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity:
 
(in thousands)
% ownership at
June 30, 2012
(direct and indirect)
 
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
50%
 
$
(215
)
 
$
2,146

 
$
418

 
$
2,530

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
38%
 
(655
)
 
2,783

 
(1,012
)
 
2,919

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
50%
 
(1,540
)
 
2,153

 
(3,487
)
 
2,648

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
51% *
 
7,244

 
5,346

 
13,160

 
11,512

Other
7%-33%
 
262

 
84

 
300

 
149

Total
 
 
$
5,096

 
$
12,512

 
$
9,379

 
$
19,758


 *    This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 2%.

Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates were $18.8 million for the first half of 2012.
While the Company holds a majority of the outstanding shares of LTG, all major operating decisions of LTG are made by LTG’s Board of Directors and the Company does not have a majority of the board seats. In addition, based on the terms of the LTG operating agreement, the minority shareholders have substantive participating rights that allow them to effectively participate in the decisions made in the ordinary course of business that are significant to LTG. Due to these factors, the Company does not have control over LTG and therefore accounts for this investment under the equity method.

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, redemption and conversion. 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 June 30, 2012 was $17.4 million.
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 $20.2 million, which represents the Company’s investment at fair value plus unpaid accrued dividends to date of $2.8 million. The Company does not have any obligation or commitments to provide additional financial support to IANR.
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:
 
(in thousands)
Three months ended
June 30,
 
Six months ended
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Sales revenues
$
226,989

 
$
233,966

 
$
420,050

 
$
416,836

Service fee revenues (a)
5,393

 
5,852

 
10,872

 
11,019

Purchases of product
145,513

 
159,781

 
294,322

 
288,779

Lease income (b)
1,855

 
1,415

 
3,733

 
2,667

Labor and benefits reimbursement (c)
3,010

 
2,611

 
5,751

 
5,384

Other expenses (d)
197

 
45

 
336

 
45

Accounts receivable at June 30 (e)
16,575

 
23,558

 


 


Accounts payable at June 30 (f)
20,478

 
21,409

 


 


 
(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 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 shop rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, as well as payment to LTG for the lease of railcars.
(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.

For the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol that the Company purchased from the ethanol LLCs were $151.9 million and $168.7 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol that the Company purchased from the ethanol LLCs were $294.9 million and $326.7 million, respectively. For the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the ethanol LLCs under these agreements were $165.3 million and $194.4 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the ethanol LLCs were $344.4 million and $341.1 million, respectively.
From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties, including the ethanol LLCs and LTG, for the purchase and sale of corn and ethanol, for similar price risk mitigation purposes and on similar terms as the purchase and sale derivative contracts it enters into with unrelated parties. The fair value of derivative contracts with related parties was a gross asset for the periods ended June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 of $1.1 million, $0.6 million, and $4.1 million, respectively. The fair value of derivative contracts with related parties was a gross liability for the periods ended June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 of $1.8 million, $1.9 million, and $2.3 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 June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011:
 
(in thousands)
June 30, 2012
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
104

 
$

 
$

 
$
104

Restricted cash
5,644

 

 

 
5,644

Commodity derivatives, net
48,558

 
48,078

 

 
96,636

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
17,350

 
17,350

Other assets and liabilities (a)
7,182

 
(2,022
)
 

 
5,160

Total
$
61,488

 
$
46,056

 
$
17,350

 
$
124,894

 
(in thousands)
December 31, 2011
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
183

 
$

 
$

 
$
183

Restricted cash
18,651

 

 

 
18,651

Commodity derivatives, net
43,503

 
22,876

 
2,467

 
68,846

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
20,360

 
20,360

Other assets and liabilities (a)
6,224

 

 
(2,178
)
 
4,046

Total
$
68,561

 
$
22,876

 
$
20,649

 
$
112,086

 
(in thousands)
June 30, 2011
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
182

 
$

 
$

 
$
182

Restricted cash
12,572

 

 

 
12,572

Commodity derivatives, net
89,769

 
71,296

 
8,794

 
169,859

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
15,790

 
15,790

Other assets and liabilities (a)
6,345

 

 
(1,883
)
 
4,462

Total
$
108,868

 
$
71,296

 
$
22,701

 
$
202,865

 
(a)
Included in other assets and liabilities is interest rate and foreign currency derivatives, swaptions and deferred compensation assets.
(b)
Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets

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, we have concluded that “basis” is a “Level 2” fair value input for purposes of the fair value disclosure requirements related to our 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 their businesses, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a significant input to fair value for the majority of these commodity contracts.
The Company’s convertible preferred securities are measured at fair value using a combination of the income approach on a quarterly basis and the market approach on an annual basis. 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.
A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
 
 
2012

2011
(in thousands)
Interest
rate
derivatives
and
swaptions

Convertible
preferred
securities

Commodity
derivatives,
net

Interest
rate
derivatives
and
swaptions

Convertible
preferred
securities

Commodity
derivatives,
net
Asset (liability) at December 31,
$
(2,178
)
 
$
20,360

 
$
2,467

 
$
(2,156
)
 
$
15,790

 
$
12,406

Gains (losses) included in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

New contracts

 

 

 

 

 
442

Change in market prices

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
1,877

Settled contracts

 

 

 

 

 
(2,242
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income

 

 

 
149

 

 

New contracts entered into

 

 

 
507

 

 

Transfers to level 2
2,178

 

 
(2,467
)
 

 

 

Transfers from level 2

 

 

 

 

 
2,500

Asset (liability) at March 31,
$

 
$
20,360

 
$

 
$
(1,502
)
 
$
15,790

 
$
14,983

Gains (losses) included in earnings:


 


 


 


 


 


       New contracts

 

 

 


 

 
(290
)
       Change in market prices

 

 

 
(310
)
 

 
(5,179
)
       Settled contracts

 

 

 


 

 
(929
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income

 
(3,010
)
 

 
(120
)
 

 

New contracts entered into

 

 

 
49

 

 

Transfers to level 2

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers from level 2

 

 

 

 

 
209

Asset (liability) at June 30,
$

 
$
17,350

 
$

 
$
(1,883
)
 
$
15,790

 
$
8,794


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)
June 30,
2012

December 31,
2011
Fair value of long-term debt
$
360,911

 
$
279,001

Fair value in excess of carrying value
13,615

 
7,908

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

10. Debt
The Company is party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks. See Note 10 in the Company’s 2011 Form 10-K for a complete description of these 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") discussed below. At June 30, 2012, the Company had a total of $463.4 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit.

Borrowings on the short-term line of credit increased to $309.6 million at June 30, 2012 due to margin calls on commodity contracts as a result of rising commodity prices. The Company drew $55 million on the long-term syndicate line in the second quarter. The long-term portion of the syndicate line can be drawn on and the resulting debt considered long-term when 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 expectation at the time of drawing is that it will be kept open until more permanent replacement debt is secured, until other long-term assets are sold, or earnings are generated to pay it down.

TADE, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, entered into borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of financial institutions which provide a $13 million short-term line of credit, a $15.1 million long-term line of credit, and a $12.4 million term loan. TADE had standby letters of credit outstanding of $822 thousand at June 30, 2012, which reduces the amount available on the lines of credit. As of June 30, 2012, $1.6 million in borrowings were outstanding on the short-term line of credit, $15.0 million in borrowings were outstanding on the long-term line of credit and $12.4 million in borrowings were outstanding on the term loan. Borrowings under the lines of credit and the term loan bear interest at variable interest rates, which are based off LIBOR plus an applicable spread. The maturity date for the short-term line of credit is June 1, 2013, January 20, 2022 for the long-term line of credit and January 1, 2017 for the term loan. TADE was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants as of June 30, 2012, including but not limited to minimum working capital and net worth. TADE debt is collateralized by the mortage on the ethanol facility and related equipment or other assets and is not guaranteed by the Company.
The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at June 30, 2012December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
(in thousands)
June 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
Borrowings under short-term line of credit - nonrecourse
$
1,608

 
$

 
$

Borrowings under short-term line of credit - recourse
308,000

 
71,500

 
194,200

Total borrowings under short-term line of credit
$
309,608

 
$
71,500

 
$
194,200

Current maturities of long -term debt – nonrecourse
$
1,385

 
$
157

 
$
2,827

Current maturities of long-term debt – recourse
28,262

 
32,051

 
42,605

Total current maturities of long-term debt
$
29,647

 
$
32,208

 
$
45,432

Long-term debt, less current maturities – nonrecourse
$
32,544

 
$
797

 
$
11,690

Long-term debt, less current maturities – recourse
285,104

 
238,088

 
248,955

Total long-term debt, less current maturities
$
317,648

 
$
238,885

 
$
260,645



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 a charge to income. 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.
The estimated range of loss for all outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible of occurring is not material. There are several pending claims for which the question of loss or the range of loss cannot be estimated at this time, among them the investigation of the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. 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.
In 2011, the Company received a trial verdict in the amount of $3.2 million in a civil suit, for which both the Company and the defendant have subsequently filed appeals. No income has been recorded to-date due to uncertainty of the final amount and overall collectibility of any amount against the defendant.


12. Business Acquisition
On May 1, 2012, the Company and its subsidiary, The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE") completed the purchase of certain assets of an ethanol production facility in Denison, Iowa for a purchase price of $77.8 million. Previously owned by Amaizing Energy Denison LLC and Amaizing Energy Holding Company, LLC, the operations consist of a 55 million gallon capacity ethanol facility with an adjacent 2.7 million bushel grain terminal, with direct access to two Class 1 railroads in Iowa. TADE has been organized to provide investment opportunity for the Company and potential outside investors. The Company owns the grain terminal, manages TADE, and provides grain origination, risk management, and DDG and ethanol marketing services. The Company currently owns a controlling interest of 85% of TADE, and therefore includes TADE's results of operations in its consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest in TADE purchased by the minority investor at the acquisition date was $6.1 million.
The summarized preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Grain elevator
$
14,285

Inventory
10,343

Intangible assets
4,335

Other assets
962

Property, plant and equipment
47,902

Total purchase price
$
77,827

Details of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Useful
Life
Lease intangibles
$
4,085

 
10 months to 4.5 years
Noncompete agreement
250

 
2 years
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
4,335

 


On January 31, 2012, the Company purchased 100% of the stock of New Eezy Gro, Inc. (“NEG”) for a purchase price of $16.8 million. New Eezy Gro is a manufacturer and wholesale marketer of specialty agricultural nutrients and industrial products.

The summarized purchase price allocation is as follows:

(in thousands)
 
Current assets
$
5,106

Intangible assets
9,600

Goodwill
6,681

Property, plant and equipment
3,586

Current liabilities
(3,784
)
Deferred tax liability, net
(4,412
)
Total purchase price
$
16,777


The goodwill recognized as a result of the NEG acquisition is $6.7 million and is included in the Plant Nutrient reportable segment. The goodwill relates to the value of proprietary products and processes as well as an assembled workforce.

Details of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:

(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Useful
Life
Trademarks
$
1,200

 
10 years
Customer list
5,500

 
10 years
Technology
2,100

 
5 years
Noncompete agreement
800

 
7 years
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
9,600

 
 

The year-to-date spending on acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired is $93.1 million.

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, 2011 (“2011 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 2011 Form 10-K, have not materially changed during the first six months of 2012.
Executive Overview
Grain Business
Our Grain business operates grain elevators in various states, primarily in the U.S. Corn Belt. In addition to storage, merchandising and grain trading, Grain performs marketing, risk management, and corn origination services to 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.
The 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 inventories on hand at June 30, 2012 were 57.9 million bushels, of which 1.2 million bushels were stored for others. This compares to 47.1 million bushels on hand at June 30, 2011, of which 46 thousand bushels were stored for others.
Total storage capacity is approximately 109.0 million bushels as of June 30, 2012. We are currently constructing a grain shuttle loader facility in Anselmo, Nebraska. The 3.8 million bushel capacity grain elevator will primarily handle corn and soybeans and is expected to open in the fall of 2012.
While the early 2012 spring planting initially created high expectations for favorable crop yields, the hot, dry weather patterns during this growing season have caused predicted corn yields to be the lowest in over 10 years. Soybean yield may also be at risk, however their most sensitive period is in the early weeks of August. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the states where we have grain storage facilities, 17% of the corn is rated good to excellent, compared to 64% at the same time last year. Soybeans rated as good to excellent were an average of 21% compared to 63% at this same time last year. The drought conditions will likely have a negative effect on income for the Grain business for the remainder of 2012 and into 2013 due to anticipated drops in space income.
As a result of the high demand and tight supply situation, corn and bean prices have risen significantly. In the near future, high prices may encourage growers to expand acreage, the most immediate of which will be Midwestern U.S. wheat plantings in September and October.
Ethanol Business
Our Ethanol business holds investments in four ethanol production facilities organized as separate limited liability companies, three of which are accounted for under the equity method (the "ethanol LLCs") and one that is consolidated ("The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC"). The business purchases and sells ethanol, offers facility operations, risk management, and ethanol,

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corn oil and distillers dried grains (“DDG”) marketing to the ethanol plants in which it invests in and operates, as well as third parties.
On May 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC (“TADE”), completed the purchase of certain assets of an 55 million gallon capacity ethanol production facility in Denison, Iowa which has an adjacent 2.7 million bushel grain terminal, with direct access to two Class 1 railroads in Iowa. Our Ethanol Group manages TADE, and provides grain origination, risk management, and DDG and ethanol marketing services for the ethanol facility.
Equity in earnings of the three ethanol LLCs that are accounted for under the equity method had lower results for the second quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due to the decline in ethanol margins resulting from increased corn costs and lower ethanol demand. With the addition of TADE during the quarter, gallons sold increased significantly, however, the higher volume was more than offset by a larger decline in the average price per gallon of ethanol. With the current price volatility of various inputs, in addition to lower estimated corn yields due to the hot and dry weather experienced this summer, we can expect adverse impacts on gross profit in future periods.
Ethanol gallons shipped for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were 66.4 million and 125.4 million, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 of 60.0 million and 118.9 million. DDG tons shipped by the Ethanol LLCs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were 0.3 million and 0.5 million, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 of 0.2 million and 0.5 million. Corn oil pounds shipped for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were 14.5 million and 23.6 million, respectively, compared to the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 of 2.4 million and 4.1 million. E-85 gallons shipped for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were 5.1 million and 9.2 million, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 of 4.0 million and 7.0 million.
Plant Nutrient Business
Our Plant Nutrient business is a leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of agricultural and related plant nutrients and pelleted lime and gypsum products in the U.S. Corn Belt and Florida. It operates facilities in the Midwest, Florida and Puerto Rico. The Plant Nutrient Group provides warehousing, packaging and manufacturing services to basic manufacturers and other distributors. The business also manufactures and distributes a variety of industrial products in the U.S. including nitrogen reagents for air pollution control systems used in coal-fired power plants, water treatment products, and de-icers and anti-icers for airport runways, roadways, and other commercial applications. The major nutrient products sold by the business principally contain nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and sulfur.
As anticipated, corn acreage of 96 million was planted this spring, so demand for nutrient products was high through most of the second quarter. However, the impact of the heat and drought conditions that have impacted much of the Midwest are slowing plant nutrient activity as damage to the crops is being assessed. The expected reductions in crop volume and quality may cause continued rises in grain prices into 2013 which should also support good nutrient demand moving into the next crop cycle.

Storage capacity at our wholesale nutrient and farm center facilities was approximately 433,000 tons for dry nutrients and approximately 390,000 tons for liquid nutrients at June 30, 2012.
Fertilizer tons (including sales and service tons) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were 0.7 million tons and 1.2 million tons, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 of 0.7 million tons and 1.1 million tons.
Rail Business
Our Rail business buys, sells, leases, rebuilds and repairs various types of used railcars and rail equipment. The business 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) and locomotives.
Railcars and locomotives under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at June 30, 2012 were 23,107 compared to 22,390 at June 30, 2011. The average utilization rate (railcars and locomotives under management that are in lease services, exclusive of railcars managed for third party investors) has remained unchanged at 84.7% for both the quarters ended June 30, 2011 and 2012.
In the second quarter, Rail had gains on sales of railcars and related leases in the amount of $2.4 million compared to $2.3 million in the prior year.


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Turf & Specialty Business
Our Turf & Specialty business 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. Turf & Specialty is one of a limited number of processors of corncob-based products in the United States. These products primarily serve the weed and turf pest control and feed ingredient carrier, animal litter and industrial markets, and 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. Corncob-based products are sold throughout the year.
Retail Business
Our Retail business 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 More for Your Home ® 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 work on new departments and products to maximize the profitability.
Other
Our “Other” business segment 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.

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
June 30,
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
1,315,834

 
$
1,338,167

 
$
2,452,967

 
$
2,339,841

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
1,213,184

 
1,215,395

 
2,264,447

 
2,138,384

Gross profit
102,650

 
122,772

 
188,520

 
201,457

Operating, administrative and general expenses
59,210

 
57,730

 
119,310

 
111,437

Interest expense
5,380

 
7,562

 
10,710

 
14,898

Equity in earnings of affiliates
5,096

 
12,512

 
9,379

 
19,758

Other income, net
2,671

 
2,018

 
5,917

 
4,324

Income before income taxes
45,827

 
72,010

 
73,796

 
99,204

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(728
)
 
817

 
(1,407
)
 
939

Operating income
$
46,555

 
$
71,193

 
$
75,203

 
$
98,265







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Comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2012 with the three months ended June 30, 2011:
Grain Group
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
718,911

 
$
797,130

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
692,471

 
745,650

Gross profit
26,440

 
51,480

Operating, administrative and general expenses
16,470

 
17,030

Interest expense
2,687

 
3,859

Equity in earnings of affiliates
7,505

 
5,428

Other income, net
489

 
522

Operating income
$
15,277

 
$
36,541


Operating results for the Grain Group decreased $21.3 million from the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $78.2 million and is the primarily the result of a decrease in the average price per bushel sold for corn, wheat and oats. Bushels shipped were up 2.7% due to increases in oats and corn, but were partially offset with decreases in wheat and soybean bushels shipped. Gross profit decreased $25.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2011 and is primarily a result of lower wheat basis appreciation, a component of space income. Basis is defined as the difference between the cash price of a commodity in one of the Company's facilities and the nearest exchange traded futures price.

Operating expenses decreased slightly compared to the same period in 2011 due to lower bad debt expense and incentive compensation expense, partially offset by an increase in labor related to organizational growth. Interest expense decreased $1.2 million from prior year due primarily to lower interest rates. Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $2.1 million over the same period in 2011, primarily due to the investment in LTG. Other income did not change significantly quarter over quarter.
Ethanol Group
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues
$
167,758

 
$
164,704

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
165,833

 
159,875

Gross profit
1,925

 
4,829

Operating, administrative and general expenses
2,183

 
2,027

Interest expense
185

 
274

Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates
(2,410
)
 
7,082

Other income, net
20

 
37

Income (loss) before income taxes
(2,833
)
 
9,647

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(728
)
 
817

Operating income
$
(2,105
)
 
$
8,830


Operating results for the Ethanol Group decreased $10.9 million from the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues increased $3.1 million and is primarily due to an increase in volume, as the average price per gallon sold was down compared to the same quarter last year. The addition of TADE on May 1, 2012 added $17.3 million of ethanol sales, $5.3 million of DDG sales, and $1.0 million of corn oil and syrup sales. Gross profit decreased $2.9 million from the second quarter of 2011 due to mark to market loss in certain hedges (where a gain was recorded in 2011) as well as a decrease in ethanol service fee income.

Operating expenses increased over the three months ended June 30, 2011 primarily due to added labor, benefits, depreciation and other operating expenses for TADE for the months of May and June 2012, partially offset by a decrease in performance

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incentives. There were no significant changes in interest expense and other income. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $9.5 million compared to the same period in 2011 and relates to losses from the investment in three ethanol LLCs.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
308,797

 
$
259,823

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
267,140

 
220,572

Gross profit
41,657

 
39,251

Operating, administrative and general expenses
14,083

 
14,337

Interest expense
632

 
973

Equity in earnings of affiliates
1

 
2

Other income, net
1,010

 
134

Operating income
$
27,953

 
$
24,077


Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group increased $3.9 million over the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $49.0 million due primarily to a combination of an increase in sales volume and average price per ton sold compared to the same quarter last year. Gross profit increased $2.4 million as a result of the impact of price escalation.

There were no significant changes in operating expenses, interest expense, and equity in earnings of affiliates compared to the same period last year. Other income increased $0.9 million primarily due to gains recognized on assets that were involuntarily converted during the quarter.
Rail Group
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
32,046

 
$
29,501

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
20,483

 
23,086

Gross profit
11,563

 
6,415

Operating, administrative and general expenses
4,032

 
2,982

Interest expense
1,156

 
1,511

Other income, net
824

 
841

Operating income
$
7,199

 
$
2,763


Operating results for the Rail Group improved by $4.4 million compared to the results from the same period last year. Leasing revenues increased $3.1 million, sales in the repair and fabrication shops increased $2.6 million and car sales decreased $3.1 million. The increase in revenues is primarily attributed to more railcars in service, as well as favorable lease rates.

Rail gross profit increased by $5.1 million compared to the second quarter of 2011. Gross profit in the leasing business increased $3.7 million and is attributed to improved lease rates and a decrease in lease expense compared to the same period last year. Gross profit in the repair and fabrication shops increased $1.3 million due to higher volume of activity. Gross profit on car sales was comparable to the same period last year.

Operating expenses increased $1.1 million compared to the second quarter of 2011 due to higher labor and benefits, including performance incentives. There were no significant changes in interest expense and other income line items compared to the same period last year.



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Turf & Specialty Group
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
43,845

 
$
41,551

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
36,355

 
34,583

Gross profit
7,490

 
6,968

Operating, administrative and general expenses
4,714

 
5,077

Interest expense
312

 
372

Other income, net
289

 
259

Operating income
$
2,753

 
$
1,778


Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group increased $1.0 million compared to results from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $2.3 million primarily due to an increase in the average price per ton sold as volumes were down slightly quarter over quarter. Gross profit increased $0.5 million due to improved margin per unit.

There were no significant fluctuations in operating expenses, interest expense and other income quarter over quarter.
Retail Group
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
44,477

 
$
45,458

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
30,902

 
31,629

Gross profit
13,575

 
13,829

Operating, administrative and general expenses
12,145

 
11,889

Interest expense
157

 
207

Other income, net
155

 
144

Operating loss
$
1,428

 
$
1,877


Operating results for the Retail Group decreased nearly $0.5 million compared to the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $1.0 million. Customer counts decreased 4.5%, while the average sale per customer increased by 2.6%. As a result, gross profit decreased $0.3 million.

There were no significant changes in operating expenses, interest expense and other income quarter over quarter.

Other
 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
5,583

 
4,388

Interest income
251

 
366

Other income, net
(116
)
 
81

Operating loss
$
(5,950
)
 
$
(4,673
)



12

Table of Contents

Net corporate operating loss not allocated to business segments increased $1.3 million compared to the second quarter of the prior year. Operating expenses increased mainly due to employee benefits related expenses and costs incurred related to phased implementation of an enterprise resource planning system. There were no significant changes in interest expense and other income.

Income tax expense of $17.4 million was provided at 37.9%. In the second quarter of 2011, income tax expense of $26.0 million was provided at a rate of 36.1%. The increase in the effective tax rate was due primarily to income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests that did not impact income tax expense. The Company anticipates that its 2012 effective annual rate will be 36.5%. The Company's actual 2011 effective tax rate was 34.5%. The lower effective rate for 2011 was due primarily to benefits related to domestic production activities and the income attributable to the noncontrolling interest that did not increase taxes.
 
Comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2012 with the six months ended June 30, 2011:
Grain Group
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
1,418,772

 
$
1,435,097

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
1,359,731

 
1,352,325

Gross profit
59,041

 
82,772

Operating, administrative and general expenses
33,163

 
35,191

Interest expense
5,939

 
8,699

Equity in earnings of affiliates
13,457

 
11,658

Other income, net
1,316

 
1,102

Operating income
$
34,712

 
$
51,642


Operating results for the Grain Group decreased $16.9 million from the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $16.3 million and is primarily the result of a decrease in the average price per bushel sold, most significantly wheat, as well as significantly lower merchandising revenues. Gross profit decreased $23.7 million over the first six months of 2011 and relates primarily to a decrease in space income, and more specifically basis appreciation. Basis is defined as the difference between the cash price of a commodity in one of the Company's facilities and the nearest exchange traded futures price.

Operating expenses decreased $2.0 million from the same period in 2011 due primarily to a decrease in bad debt expense and incentive compensation expense, partially offset by an increase in labor related to organizational growth. Interest expense decreased $2.8 million from the same period in 2011 due to lower working capital levels and interest rates. Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $1.8 million over the same period in 2011 and relates to income from the investment in LTG. There were no significant changes in other income year over year.



















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Ethanol Group
 
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues
$
318,428

 
$
297,452

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
313,730

 
288,158

Gross profit
4,698

 
9,294

Operating, administrative and general expenses
3,835

 
3,459

Interest expense
209

 
686

Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates
(4,081
)
 
8,096

Other income, net
36

 
95

Income (loss) before income taxes
(3,391
)
 
13,340

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1,407
)
 
939

Operating income
$
(1,984
)
 
$
12,401


Operating results for the Ethanol Group decreased $14.4 million from the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues increased $21.0 million as a result of an increase in volume partially offset by a decrease in the average price per gallon sold. The addition of TADE on May 1, 2012 added $17.3 million in ethanol sales, $5.3 million of DDG sales, and $1.0 million of corn oil and syrup sales. Gross profit decreased $4.6 million over the first six months of 2011 due to mark to market loss in certain hedges (where a gain was recorded in 2011), as well as a decrease in ethanol service fee income.

Operating expenses increased over the six months ended June 30, 2011 primarily due to added labor, benefits, depreciation and other operating expenses for TADE for the months of May and June 2012, partially offset by a decrease in performance incentives. Interest expense decreased $0.5 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011 as a result of lower levels of working capital. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $12.2 million over the same period in 2011 and relates to losses from the investment in three ethanol LLCs. Other income did not fluctuate significantly period over period.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
484,157

 
$
383,472

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
421,182

 
326,137

Gross profit
62,975

 
57,335

Operating, administrative and general expenses
28,983

 
26,591

Interest expense
1,342

 
1,816

Equity in earnings of affiliates
3

 
4

Other income, net
1,128

 
259

Operating income
$
33,781

 
$
29,191


Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group increased $4.6 million over the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $100.7 million due to both an increase in the average price per ton sold and volume. The increase in the average price per ton sold is a result of the escalating prices of the basic nutrients used. Gross profit increased $5.6 million as a result of the strong margins achieved through price appreciation on tons sold.

Operating expenses increased $2.4 million over the same period last year due to an increase in labor and benefits primarily related to the business acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. In addition, performance incentive expense is higher due to improved performance compared to the same period of the prior year. Interest expense decreased $0.5 million compared to the first half of 2011 due to lower levels of working capital. There were no significant changes in equity in earnings of affiliates and other income.

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Rail Group
 
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
67,905

 
$
58,411

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
43,777

 
44,879

Gross profit
24,128

 
13,532

Operating, administrative and general expenses
8,177

 
5,859

Interest expense
2,334

 
2,958

Other income, net
1,600

 
1,594

Operating income
$
15,217

 
$
6,309


Operating results for the Rail Group increased $8.9 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Leasing revenues increased $7.0 million, sales in the repair and fabrication shops increased $4.3 million and car sales decreased $1.6 million. The increase in revenues is attributable to higher lease rates and utilization rates achieved in the first half of the year, as well as having more cars in service.

Gross profit increased $10.6 million compared to the first six months of 2011. Gross profit in the leasing business increased $6.4 million and is attributed to favorable lease rates and decreased lease expense compared to the same period last year. Gross profit in the repair and fabrication shops increased $2.6 million for the first half of the year. Gross profit on car sales increased $1.6 million and is due to higher volume of non-recourse lease transactions.
  

Operating expenses increased $2.3 million from the same period in 2011 due to higher labor and benefits, including performance incentives. Interest expense decreased $0.6 million from the same period last year due to rail financing debt that was paid off in the fourth quarter of 2011. Other income did not change significantly period over period.
Turf & Specialty Group
 
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
88,972

 
$
88,821

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
73,483

 
73,077

Gross profit
15,489

 
15,744

Operating, administrative and general expenses
10,356

 
10,416

Interest expense
668

 
821

Other income, net
490

 
549

Operating income
$
4,955

 
$
5,056


Operating results for the Turf & Specialty Group are comparable to results of the same period last year. Sales in the lawn fertilizer business increased slightly due to an increase in the average selling price partially offset by a decrease in volume. Gross profit decreased $0.3 million.

There were no significant changes in operating expenses, interest expense and other income.




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Retail Group
 
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
74,733

 
$
76,588

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
52,544

 
53,808

Gross profit
22,189

 
22,780

Operating, administrative and general expenses
23,436

 
23,400

Interest expense
353

 
467

Other income, net
279

 
300

Operating loss
$
(1,321
)
 
$
(787
)

Operating loss for the Retail Group has increased $0.5 million compared to the first six months of 2011. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $1.9 million as customer counts were down compared to prior year, partially offset by a slight increase in the average sale per customer. Gross profit decreased $0.6 million primarily as a result of lower store traffic.

There were no significant changes in operating expenses, interest expense and other income.
Other
 
 
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2012
 
2011
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
11,360

 
6,521

Interest income
(135
)
 
(549
)
Other income, net
1,068

 
425

Operating loss
$
(10,157
)
 
$
(5,547
)

Net corporate operating loss not allocated to business segments increased $4.6 million over the same period last year due to an increase in operating expenses. Operating expenses were higher as the Company incurred expenses related to the phased implementation of an enterprise resource planning software system. There was also an increase in employee benefit related expenses during the first half of 2012 compared to prior year. There were no significant changes in interest income. Other income increased $0.6 million due primarily to income received related to involuntarily converted land and higher earnings on deferred compensation plan assets.

Income tax expense of $27.6 million was provided at 37.4%. In 2011, income tax expense of $35.8 million was provided at 36.1%. The increase in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the 2012 loss and the 2011 income attributable to the noncontrolling interests that did not impact income tax expense. The Company anticipates that its 2012 effective tax rate will be 36.5%. The Company's actual 2011 effective tax rate was 34.5%. The lower effective tax rate for 2011 was due primarily to benefits related to domestic production activities and the income attributable to the noncontrolling interest that did not increase taxes.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
At June 30, 2012, we had working capital of $256.4 million, a decrease of about $96.4 million from the prior year. This decrease is attributable to changes in the following components of current assets and current liabilities:
 

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(in thousands)
June 30,
2012

 
June 30,
2011

 
Variance
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
23,930

 
$
18,616

 
$
5,314

Restricted cash
5,644

 
12,572

 
(6,928
)
Accounts receivables, net
205,046

 
240,254

 
(35,208
)
Inventories
597,091

 
469,551

 
127,540

Commodity derivative assets – current
122,010

 
187,438

 
(65,428
)
Deferred income taxes
18,784

 
17,710

 
1,074

Other current assets
38,535

 
30,867

 
7,668

Total current assets
1,011,040

 
977,008

 
34,032

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowing under short-term line of credit
309,608

 
194,200

 
115,408

Accounts payable for grain
129,979

 
80,374

 
49,605

Other accounts payable
148,497

 
164,325

 
(15,828
)
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
55,912

 
64,231

 
(8,319
)
Commodity derivative liabilities – current
29,764

 
24,289

 
5,475

Other current liabilities
51,283

 
51,410

 
(127
)
Current maturities of long-term debt
29,647

 
45,432

 
(15,785
)
Total current liabilities
754,690

 
624,261

 
130,429

Working capital
$
256,350

 
$
352,747

 
$
(96,397
)
In comparison to the quarter ended June 30, 2011, current assets increased primarily as a result of higher grain inventories driven by rising commodity prices in addition to higher wheat ownership, but also due to the purchase of $10.3 million in inventories with the acquisition of TADE on May 1, 2012. Commodity derivatives assets have decreased due to having fewer bushels contracted for purchase. Accounts receivable have decreased from the same quarter of the prior year largely due to timing as we had an earlier spring season in 2012 compared to a late spring season in 2011. Current liabilities increased primarily due to borrowings on the short-term line of credit to fund margin calls on commodity contracts as a result of rising commodity prices. Accounts payable for grain has also increased compared to the same quarter of the prior year due to growth in our Grain business, but also tends to fluctuate with the timing of grain receipts, along with variations in the prices of grain.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Our operating activities used cash of $134.1 million in the first six months of 2012 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $63.2 million in the first six months of 2011.
We made income tax payments of $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2012 and made payments of $23.2 million in the second quarter of 2012. We expect to make additional payments totaling approximately $11.4 million for the remainder of 2012.
Investing Activities
The Company spent $77.8 million on a business acquisition during the second quarter for a total of $93.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012. Total capital spending for 2012 on property, plant and equipment in our base business, inclusive of information technology spending is expected to be approximately $120 million. Through the second quarter of 2012, we have spent $38.2 million.

In addition to spending on conventional property, plant and equipment, we expect to spend $100 million for the purchase of railcars, locomotives and related leases and capitalized modifications of railcars. We also expect to offset this amount by proceeds from the sales and dispositions of railcars of $97 million. Through June 30, 2012, we invested $77.0 million in the purchase of additional railcars, partially offset by proceeds from sales of $16.1 million.
Financing Activities
We have significant committed short-term lines of credit available to finance working capital, primarily inventories, margin

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calls on commodity contracts and accounts receivable. We are party to a borrowing arrangement with a syndicate of banks, which 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 $463.4 million remaining available for borrowing at June 30, 2012. We continue to feel that we have adequate capacity to meet our funding needs going forward. Peak short-term borrowings to date were $430.5 million on May 1, 2012. Typically, our highest borrowing occurs in the spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in our fertilizer and retail businesses.
We paid $0.11 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April, July and September 2011, and $0.15 per common share for the dividends paid in January and April 2012. On May 11, 2012, we declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per common share payable on July 23, 2012 to shareholders of record on July 2, 2012. During the first half of 2012, we issued approximately 166 thousand shares to employees and directors 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 June 30, 2012. 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 locomotive 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.
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 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 locomotives 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 railcar maintenance and management services for the financial intermediary, and receive a fee for such services. On most of the railcars and locomotives, we hold an option to purchase these assets at the end of the lease.
The following table describes our railcar and locomotive positions at June 30, 2012:
 
Method of Control
Financial Statement
Units
Owned-railcars available for sale
On balance sheet – current
339

Owned-railcar assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
16,756

Railcars leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
3,908

Railcars – non-recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet
1,981

Total Railcars
 
22,984

Owned-containers leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
637

Total Containers
 
637

Locomotive assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
43

Locomotives leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
4

Locomotives leased from financial intermediaries under limited recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet

Locomotives – non-recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet
76

Total Locomotives
 
123

In addition, we manage 344 railcars for third-party customers or owners for which we receive a fee.

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, 2011. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically commodity and interest rate risk during the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures


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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. Also, the Company has investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As the Company does not control these entities, its disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily substantially more limited than those maintained with respect to its consolidated subsidiaries.
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. As of June 30, 2012, we did not maintain effective controls over the preparation and review of the level of the Company's retained risk associated with non-recourse financing transactions in our Rail business. In a non-recourse financing transaction, the Company sells railcars along with the underlying operating leases to a financial intermediary, and we may recognize the transaction as a sale and remove the railcars from our balance sheet only if we do not retain a specified level of risk associated with the railcars subject to the transaction. Conversely, if we do retain a certain level of risk associated with the railcars, we cannot recognize this transaction as a sale and must continue to maintain the railcars subject to the transaction on our balance sheet. While this control deficiency did not result in an error in our interim consolidated financial statements, this control deficiency could result in a material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Accordingly, management determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012. In addition, while the deficiency did not change the impact on income in total for the year, it resulted in recognition of $4.3 million in operating income in the third quarter versus the second quarter.
Based on the foregoing, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2012.
Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness
Management is taking steps to remediate the material weakness noted above. Controls over the preparation and review of non-recourse financing transactions are being enhanced through improved procedural and review controls. Management believes the improved control procedures, as implemented and when validated, will fully remediate this material weakness.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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 Certifying Officers, 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. There have been no 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, except for the material weakness discussed herein. As previously disclosed, as of June 30, 2012, we did not maintain effective controls over the preparation and review of the level of the Company's retained risk associated with non-recourse financing transactions in our Rail business.




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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 2011 10-K (Item 1A). While we have previously disclosed the unpredictable nature of weather as an ongoing risk to our agricultural businesses, we would like to point out that the recent drought conditions have impacted and are expected to continue to negatively impact our business in future periods.

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 June 30, 2012, 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: August 9, 2012
 
By /s/ Michael J. Anderson
 
 
Michael J. Anderson
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: August 9, 2012
 
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 June 30, 2012, 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.


22