UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2021

OR

 

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 001-09097

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware 31-1095548
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
   
7720 Paragon Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(937) 276-3931

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value REX New York Stock Exchange
 

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   No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).         Yes   No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer    Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company
    Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

 

At the close of business on May 27, 2021 the registrant had 5,992,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

 
 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

    Page
     
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements  
     
  Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets 1
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations 2
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity 3
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 4
  Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 5
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 31
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 31
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 32
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 32
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 32
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 32
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 32
     
Item 5. Other Information 32
     
Item 6. Exhibits 32
 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)  April 30,   January 31,
   2021   2021
Assets:        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $157,105  $144,501
Short-term investments   35,864   36,194
Restricted cash   1,717   1,657
Accounts receivable   27,557   19,713
Inventory   26,687   37,880
Refundable income taxes   6,020   6,020
Prepaid expenses and other   14,831   12,785
Total current assets   269,781   258,750
Property and equipment, net   149,067   153,186
Operating lease right-of-use assets   11,289   12,678
Deferred taxes and other assets   25,977   25,275
Equity method investment   30,026   29,456
Total assets  $486,140  $479,345
         
Liabilities and equity:        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable, trade (includes $1.3 million and $0.7 million with related parties at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, respectively)  $15,808  $16,907
Current operating lease liabilities   4,632   4,875
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $0.1 million with related parties at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021)   9,185   8,955
Total current liabilities   29,625   30,737
Long-term liabilities:        
Deferred taxes   4,294   3,713
Long-term operating lease liabilities   6,327   7,439
Other long-term liabilities   278   273
Total long-term liabilities   10,899   11,425
Equity:        
REX shareholders’ equity:        
Common stock   299   299
Paid-in capital   149,144   149,110
Retained earnings   597,770   589,986
Treasury stock   (354,604)   (354,612)
Total REX shareholders’ equity   392,609   384,783
Noncontrolling interests   53,007   52,400
Total equity   445,616   437,183
Total liabilities and equity  $486,140  $479,345

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

1

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)  Three Months
Ended
 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
           
Net sales and revenue  $164,104   $83,250 
Cost of sales (includes $16.7 million and $12.3 million with related parties for the quarters ended April 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively)   146,302    92,580 
           
Gross profit (loss)   17,802    (9,330) 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (includes $(0.3) million with related parties for the quarter ended April 30, 2020)   (9,988)    (4,605) 
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates   570    (477) 
Interest and other income, (net)   43    669 
           
Income (loss) before income taxes   8,427    (13,743) 
(Provision) benefit for income taxes   (29)    5,313 
           
Net income (loss)   8,398    (8,430) 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (614)    795 
           
Net income (loss) attributable to REX common shareholders  $7,784   $(7,635) 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted   6,010    6,304 
           
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to REX common shareholders  $1.30   $(1.21) 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

2

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity

For the Three Months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)

 

   REX Shareholders         
   Common Shares
Issued
   Treasury   Paid-in   Retained   Noncontrolling   Total 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Interests   Equity 
                                         
Balance at January 31, 2021   29,853   $299    23,861   $(354,612)   $149,110   $589,986   $52,400   $437,183 
                                         
Net income                            7,784    614    8,398 
                                         
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                                 (75)    (75) 
                                         
Capital contributions                                 68    68 
                                         
Issuance of equity awards and stock based compensation expense   -    -    -    8    34    -    -    42 
                                         
Balance at April 30, 2021   29,853   $299    23,861   $(354,604)   $149,144   $597,770   $53,007   $445,616 
                                         
Balance at January 31, 2020   29,853   $299    23,561   $(335,066)   $148,789   $586,985   $52,599   $453,606 
                                         
Net loss                            (7,635)    (795)    (8,430)
                                         
Treasury stock acquired             78    (3,923)                   (3,923) 
                                         
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                                 (35)    (35) 
                                         
Capital contributions                                 10    10 
                                         
Issuance of equity awards and stock based compensation expense   -    -    -    7    32    -    -    39 
                                         
Balance at April 30, 2020   29,853   $299    23,639   $(338,982)   $148,821   $579,350   $51,779   $441,267 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

3

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)  Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests  $8,398   $(8,430) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation   5,249    5,315 
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets   1,389    1,347 
(Income) loss from equity method investments   (570)    477 
Dividends received from equity method investee   -    2,005 
Interest income from investments   (15)    (125) 
Deferred income tax   20    (1,748) 
Stock based compensation expense   291    39 
Gain on sale of property and equipment – net   (3)    (3) 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (7,844)    10,197 
Inventories   11,193    8,366 
Other assets   (2,187)    (3,759) 
Accounts payable, trade   (989)    (11,934) 
Other liabilities   (1,369)    (2,008) 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   13,563    (261) 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Capital expenditures   (1,267)    (4,700) 
Purchases of short-term investments   (25,930)    (19,237) 
Maturities of short-term investments   26,275    12,834 
Other   30    (278) 
Net cash used in investing activities   (892)    (11,381) 
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Treasury stock acquired   -    (3,923) 
Payments to noncontrolling interests holders   (75)    (35) 
Capital contributions from minority investor   68    10 
Net cash used in financing activities   (7)    (3,948) 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   12,664    (15,590) 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   146,158    180,771 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period  $158,822   $165,181 
           
Non cash investing activities – Accrued capital expenditures  $280   $457 
Non cash financing activities – Stock awards accrued  $348   $- 
Right-of-use assets acquired and liabilities incurred upon lease execution  $-   $1,863 
Reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $157,105   $163,771 
Restricted cash   1,717    1,410 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $158,822   $165,181 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

4

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 30, 2021

 

Note 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

References to the Company – References to “REX” or the “Company” in the consolidated condensed financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements refer to REX American Resources Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its majority and wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set forth therein. Any such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Financial information as of January 31, 2021 included in these financial statements has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2021 (fiscal year 2020). It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2021. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

 

Basis of Consolidation – The consolidated condensed financial statements in this report include the operating results and financial position of the Company. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates the results of its four majority owned subsidiaries. The Company includes the results of operations of One Earth Energy, LLC (“One Earth”) in its Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations on a delayed basis of one month as One Earth has a fiscal year end of December 31.

 

Nature of Operations – The Company has two reportable segments: i) ethanol and by-products; and ii) refined coal. Within the ethanol and by-products segment, the Company has equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which are majority ownership interests. Within the refined coal segment, the Company has a majority equity interest in one refined coal limited liability company.

 

Note 2. Accounting Policies

 

The interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s fiscal year 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. While management believes that the procedures followed in the preparation of interim financial information are reasonable, the accuracy of some estimated amounts is dependent upon facts that will exist or calculations that will be accomplished at fiscal year-end. Examples of such estimates include accrued liabilities, such as management bonuses, and the provision for income taxes. Any adjustments pursuant to such estimates during the quarter were of a normal recurring nature. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

5

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents includes bank deposits as well as short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

For ethanol and by-products segment sales, the Company recognizes sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil when obligations under the terms of the respective contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs with the transfer of control of products, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products. For refined coal segment sales, the Company recognizes sales of refined coal when obligations under the term of the contract with its customer are satisfied; this occurs when title and control of the product transfers to its customer, generally upon the coal leaving the refined coal plant. Refined coal sales are recorded net of the cost of coal as the Company purchases the coal feedstock from the customer to which the processed refined coal is sold.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales includes depreciation, costs of raw materials, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, other distribution expenses, warehousing costs, plant management, certain compensations costs and general facility overhead charges.

 

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

 

The Company includes non-production related costs such as professional fees, outbound freight charges, selling charges and certain payroll in SG&A expenses. Outbound freight charges were approximately $5,596,000 and $1,323,000 in the first quarter of fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Certain of the forward grain purchase and ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sale contracts are accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) because these arrangements are for purchases of grain that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company and sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil quantities expected to be produced by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business.

 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to manage a portion of the risk associated with changes in commodity prices, primarily related to corn. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities, there are

6

situations in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The changes in fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in current period earnings as the Company does not use hedge accounting.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company determined that small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

The Company provides for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company provides for a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company paid no income taxes nor received refunds of income taxes during the three months ended April 30, 2021. The Company paid income taxes of approximately $0.3 million and received refunds of income taxes of approximately $0.2 million during the three months ended April 30, 2020.

 

As of April 30, 2021, and January 31, 2021, total unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $8,518,000 and $8,380,000 respectively. Accrued penalties and interest were approximately $25,000 and approximately $20,000 at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, respectively. If the Company were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by approximately $8.3 million. In addition, the impact of penalties and interest would also benefit the effective tax rate. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are recorded within income tax expense. On a quarterly basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory includes direct production costs and certain overhead costs such as depreciation, property taxes and utilities associated with producing ethanol and related by-products and refined coal. Inventory is written down for instances when cost exceeds estimated net realizable value; such write-downs are based primarily upon commodity prices as the market value of inventory is often dependent upon changes in commodity prices. The Company recorded approximately $1.0 million of inventory write-downs in cost of sales at January 31, 2021. There were no inventory write-downs at April 30, 2021. Fluctuations in the write-down of inventory generally relate to the levels and composition of such inventory and changes in commodity prices at a given point in time. The components of inventory are as follows as of the dates presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   April 30,
2021
       January 31,
2021
       
Ethanol and other finished goods  $6,102  $18,346
Work in process   5,213   4,374
Grain and other raw materials   15,372   15,160
Total  $26,687  $37,880
7

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is recorded at cost or the fair value on the date of acquisition (for property and equipment acquired in a business combination). Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 2 to 20 years for fixtures and equipment.

 

In accordance with ASC 360-10 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. During fiscal year 2020, the Company concluded that the impact of the coronavirus (” COVID- 19”) pandemic on the ethanol industry and the Company’s operating results was an indicator that impairment may exist related to certain of its long-lived assets. As a result, the Company performed a recoverability test and determined that there was no impairment for fiscal year 2020. There were no impairment charges in the first three months of fiscal year 2020.

 

The Company did not identify any indicators of impairment during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. There were no impairment charges in the first three months of fiscal year 2021.

 

The Company tests for recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying amount to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, if any.

 

Investments

 

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for investments in a limited liability company in which it has a less than 20% ownership interest using the equity method of accounting when the factors discussed in ASC 323, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures” are met. The excess of the carrying value over the underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees is allocated to specific assets and liabilities. Investments in businesses that the Company does not control but for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters are accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its investment in Big River Resources, LLC (“Big River”) using the equity method of accounting and includes the results on a delayed basis of one month as Big River has a fiscal year end of December 31.

8

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations include general economic and company-specific evaluations. If the Company determines that a decline in market value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

 

Short-term investments are considered held to maturity, and therefore are carried at amortized historical cost.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company has no components of other comprehensive income, and therefore, comprehensive income equals net income.

 

Accounting Changes and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The Company adopted this update effective February 1, 2021. The adoption of this update did not impact the consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3. Net Sales and Revenue

 

The Company recognizes sales of products when obligations under the terms of the respective contracts with customers are satisfied. This occurs with the transfer of control of products, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods. Sales, value added and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from net sales and revenue.

 

The majority of the Company’s sales have payment terms ranging from 5 to 10 days after transfer of control. The Company has determined that sales contracts do not generally include a significant financing component. The Company has not historically, and does not intend to, enter into sales contracts in which payment is due from a customer prior to transferring product to the customer. Thus, the Company does not record unearned revenue.

 

See Note 14 for disaggregation of net sales and revenue by operating segment and by product.

 

Note 4. Leases

 

At April 30, 2021, the Company has lease agreements, as lessee, for railcars. All of the leases are accounted for as operating leases. The lease agreements do not contain a specified implicit interest rate; therefore, the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate was used to determine the present value of future minimum lease payments. The exercise of any lease renewal is at the Company’s sole discretion. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease and any

9

periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Certain leases include rent escalations pre-set in the agreements, which are factored into the lease payment stream. The components of lease expense, classified as SG&A expenses on the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations are as follows:

 

   Three Months
Ended
  Three Months
Ended
   April 30, 2021     April 30, 2020
       
Operating lease expense  $1,550        $1,686
Variable lease expense   44   131
Total lease expense  $1,594  $1,817

 

The following table is a summary of future minimum rentals on such leases at April 30, 2021 (amounts in thousands):

 

Years Ended January 31,  Minimum
Rentals
 
     
Remainder of 2022       $3,881 
2023   3,690 
2024   2,524 
2025   1,648 
2026    49 
Total   11,792 
Less: present value discount   833 
Operating lease liabilities  $10,959 

 

At April 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term is 2.8 years, and the weighted average discount rate is 5.24% for the above leases.

 

The following table is a summary of future minimum rentals on such leases at January 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):

 

Years Ended January 31,  Minimum
Rentals
 
     
2022      $5,397 
2023   3,690 
2024   2,524 
2025   1,648 
2026   49 
Total   13,308 
Less:  present value discount   994 
Operating lease liabilities  $12,314 

 

At January 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term was 3.0 years, and the weighted average discount rate was 5.26% for the above leases.

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Note 5. Fair Value

 

The Company applies ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), which provides a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

 

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values which are provided below. The Company carries certain cash equivalents, investments and derivative instruments at fair value.

 

The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the over-the-counter market are determined using quantitative models that require the use of multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices to generate pricing and volatility factors, which are used to value the position. The predominance of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. Estimation risk is greater for derivative asset and liability positions that are either option-based or have longer maturity dates where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable, in which case interest rate, price or index scenarios are extrapolated in order to determine the fair value. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality, the Company’s own credit standing and other specific factors, where appropriate.

 

To ensure the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, investments and property and equipment, various processes and controls have been adopted, which include: (i) model validation that requires a review and approval for pricing, financial statement fair value determination and risk quantification; and (ii) periodic review and substantiation of profit and loss reporting for all derivative instruments. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2021 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

   Level 1       Level 2       Level 3       Fair Value
             
Investment in cooperative (1)  $
-
  $
-
  $354  $354
Forward purchase contracts (2)   
-
   4,480   
-
   4,480
Total assets  $-  $4,480  $354  $4,834
                 
Commodity futures liability (3)  $
-
  $1,825  $
-
  $1,825
11

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2021 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

   Level 1       Level 2       Level 3       Fair Value
             
Investment in cooperative (1)  $
-
  $
-
  $354  $354
Forward purchase contracts asset (2)   
-
   2,144   
-
   2,144
Total assets  $-  $2,144  $354  $2,498
                 
Commodity futures liability (3)  $
-
  $1,794  $
-
  $1,794

 

(1) The investment in cooperative is included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

(2) The forward purchase contracts asset is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

(3) The commodity futures liability is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

The Company determined the fair value of the investment in cooperative by using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows. Inputs used in the analysis include the face value of the allocated equity amount, the projected term for repayment based upon a historical trend and a risk adjusted discount rate based on the expected compensation participants would demand because of the uncertainty of the future cash flows. The inherent risk and uncertainty associated with unobservable inputs could have a significant effect on the actual fair value of the investment.

 

There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at April 30, 2021 or January 31, 2021.

 

Note 6. Property and Equipment

 

The components of property and equipment are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   April 30,
2021
   January 31,
2021
 
         
Land and improvements  $27,437   $27,437 
Buildings and improvements   23,702    23,701 
Machinery, equipment and fixtures   305,820    305,640 
Construction in progress   899    215 
    357,858    356,993 
Less:  accumulated depreciation   (208,791)    (203,807) 
Total  $149,067   $153,186 
12

Note 7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   April 30,
2021
   January 31,
2021
 
         
Accrued payroll and related items  $1,391    $690 
Accrued utility charges   1,873     2,515 
Accrued transportation related items   1,560     1,560 
Accrued real estate taxes   1,945     1,778 
Commodity futures   1,825     1,794 
Accrued income taxes   34     55 
Other   557     563 
Total  $9,185    $8,955 

 

Note 8. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in commodity prices (raw materials and finished goods). To manage risks associated with the volatility of these natural business exposures, the Company enters into commodity agreements and forward purchase (corn and natural gas) and sale (ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil) contracts. The Company does not purchase or sell derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company does not purchase or sell derivative financial instruments for which a lack of marketplace quotations would require the use of fair value estimation techniques. The changes in fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in current period earnings as the Company does not use hedge accounting.

 

The following table provides information about the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments (that are not accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815) and the line items on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets in which the fair values are reflected (in thousands):

 

   Asset Derivatives   Liability Derivatives 
   Fair Value   Fair Value 
   April 30, 2021   January 31, 2021   April 30, 2021   January 31, 2021 
                 
Commodity futures (1)  $
-
   $
-
   $1,825   $1,794 
Forward purchase contracts (2)   4,480    2,144    
-
    
-
 
Total  $4,480   $2,144   $1,825   $1,794 

 

(1) Commodity futures liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. These contracts are short/sell positions for approximately 2.6 million bushels of corn at April 30, 2021. These contracts are short/sell positions for approximately 6.9 million bushels of corn at January 31, 2021.

(2) Forward purchase contracts assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. These contracts are for purchases of approximately 9.5 million bushels of corn at April 30, 2021 and 6.4 million bushels of corn at January 31, 2021.

13

As of April 30, 2021, and January 31, 2021, all of the derivative financial instruments held by the Company were subject to enforceable master netting arrangements. The Company’s accounting policy is to offset positions and amounts owed or owing with the same counterparty. As of April 30, 2021, and January 31, 2021, the gross positions of the enforceable master netting agreements are not significantly different from the net positions presented in the table above. Depending on the amount of an unrealized loss on a derivative contract held by the Company, the counterparty may require collateral to secure the Company’s derivative contract position. The Company was required to maintain collateral in the amount of approximately $1,717,000 and approximately $1,657,000 to secure the Company’s derivative position at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, respectively.

 

See Note 5 which contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

 

The Company recognized losses (included in net sales and revenue) on derivative financial instruments of approximately $1,126,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. There were no recognized gains or losses (included in net sales and revenue) on derivative financial instruments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

 

The Company recognized (losses) gains (included in cost of sales) on derivative financial instruments of approximately $(1,894,000) and approximately $3,144,000 for the first quarter of fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Note 9. Investments

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity method investment at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

        Carrying Amount
Entity   Ownership Percentage   April 30, 2021   January 31, 2021
             
Big River   10.3%   $30,026   $29,456

 

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s equity method investee totaled approximately $10.0 million and approximately $9.4 million at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, respectively. The Company did not receive any dividends from its equity method investee in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 and received dividends of approximately $2.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

14

Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investee is presented in the following table for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
   2021         2020 
          
Net sales and revenue  $256,416    $197,632 
Gross profit (loss)  $1,544    $(5,943) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  $5,535    $(4,626) 
Net income (loss)  $5,535    $(4,626) 

 

At April 30, 2021, the Company owned certificates of deposit that had an amortized cost, or carrying value, of approximately $35,864,000. The contractual maturity of these investments was less than one year. The yield to maturity rate was approximately 0.2%. Unrealized gains or losses were insignificant.

 

At January 31, 2021, the Company owned certificates of deposit that had an amortized cost, or carrying value, of approximately $36,194,000. The contractual maturity of these investments was less than one year. The yield to maturity rate was approximately 0.2%. Unrealized gains or losses were insignificant.

 

Note 10. Employee Benefits

 

The Company maintains the REX 2015 Incentive Plan, approved by its shareholders, which reserves a total of 550,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms. The plan provides for the granting of shares of stock, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Since plan inception, the Company has only granted restricted stock awards. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company records noncash compensation expense related to liability and equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. At April 30, 2021, 473,830 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. As a component of their compensation, restricted stock has been granted to directors at the closing market price of REX common stock on the grant date. In addition, one third of executives’ incentive compensation is payable by an award of restricted stock based on the then closing market price of REX common stock on the grant date. The Company’s board of directors has determined that the grant date will be June 15th, or the next business day if June 15th is not a business day, for all grants of restricted stock.

15

At April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock was approximately $189,000 and $272,000, respectively. The following tables summarize non-vested restricted stock award activity for the periods presented:

 

   Three Months Ended April 30, 2021 
             
       Weighted   Weighted 
       Average Grant   Average Remaining 
   Non-Vested   Date Fair Value   Vesting Term 
   Shares   (000’s)   (in years) 
             
Non-Vested at January 31, 2021   19,705   $1,398    1 
Granted   -    -      
Forfeited   -    -      
Vested   -    -      
                
Non-Vested at April 30, 2021   19,705   $1,398    1 

 

   Three Months Ended April 30, 2020 
             
       Weighted   Weighted 
       Average Grant   Average Remaining 
   Non-Vested   Date Fair Value   Vesting Term 
   Shares   (000’s)   (in years) 
             
Non-Vested at January 31, 2020   28,576   $2,193    2 
Granted   -    -      
Forfeited   -    -      
Vested   -    -      
                
Non-Vested at April 30, 2020   28,576   $2,193    1 

 

The above tables include 14,777 and 24,219 non-vested shares at April 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in the number of weighted average shares outstanding used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to REX common shareholders. Such shares are treated, for accounting purposes, as being fully vested at the grant date as they were granted to recipients who were retirement eligible at the time of grant.

 

Note 11. Income Taxes

 

The Company determined that small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020.

16

The Company’s income tax provision was approximately 0.3% and a benefit of approximately 38.7% for the three months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fluctuation in the rate results primarily from the production tax credits the Company expects to receive associated with its refined coal segment relative to consolidated pre-tax income or loss. Through its refined coal operation, the Company earns production tax credits pursuant to IRC Section 45. The credits can be used to reduce future income tax liabilities for up to 20 years. The Company’s income tax benefit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 includes approximately $1.4 million related to the lengthening of a net operating loss carryback allowed by the CARES Act.

 

The Company assessed all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it expects sufficient future taxable income will be generated to allow for the realization of existing federal deferred tax assets. For the three year period ended April 30, 2021, the Company has a cumulative pre-tax book loss on a comprehensive basis, including the impact of an operation that has historically produced pre-tax book losses, but after tax net income. The Company expects that this entity will cease operations in fiscal year 2021. There is sufficient objectively verifiable income for management to conclude that it is more likely than not that the Company will utilize available federal deferred tax assets prior to their expiration.

 

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and various state income tax returns. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended January 31, 2014 and prior. The Company is currently undergoing a federal income tax examination for the years ended January 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

 

On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months; however, the Company does not expect the change to have a material effect on results of operations or financial position. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
   2021   2020 
         
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period  $8,400   $7,370 
Changes for prior years’ tax positions   5    1 
Changes for current year tax positions   138    - 
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period  $8,543   $7,371 

 

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. After taking into consideration legal counsels’ evaluations of such actions, management is of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 9.5 million bushels of corn, the principal raw material for their ethanol plants, and they have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 666,000 MmBtu (million british thermal units) of natural gas.

17

One Earth and NuGen have combined sales commitments for approximately 45.4 million gallons of ethanol, approximately 58,000 tons of distillers grains and approximately 14.4 million pounds of non-food grade corn oil.

 

The refined coal entity has various agreements (site license, operating agreements, etc.) containing payment terms based upon production of refined coal under which the Company is required to pay various fees. These fees totaled approximately $0.9 million and approximately $0.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Note 13. Related-Party Transactions

 

During the first quarter of fiscal years 2021 and 2020, One Earth and NuGen purchased approximately $16.7 million and approximately $12.3 million, respectively, of corn (and other supplies) from minority equity investors and board members of those subsidiaries. The Company had amounts payable to related parties of approximately $1.3 million and approximately $0.7 million at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, respectively.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized commission expense of approximately $36,000 and approximately $(297,000), respectively, payable to the minority investor in the refined coal entity. The commission expense is associated with the refined coal segment. The Company had accrued liabilities and accounts payable related to the commission expense of approximately $0.1 million at April 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021.

 

Note 14. Segment Reporting

 

The Company has two reportable segments: i) ethanol and by-products; and ii) refined coal. The Company evaluates the performance of each reportable segment based on net income attributable to REX common shareholders. Segment profitability measures are determined using the same accounting policies used in the preparations of the consolidated condensed financial statements. The following tables summarize segment and other results and assets (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
Net sales and revenue:          
Ethanol and by-products  $164,042   $83,235 
Refined coal 1   62    15 
Total net sales and revenue  $164,104   $83,250 

 

1 The Company records sales in the refined coal segment net of the cost of coal as the Company purchases the coal feedstock from the customer to which refined coal is sold.

18
   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
Segment gross profit (loss):          
Ethanol and by-products  $19,477   $(8,223) 
Refined coal   (1,675)    (1,107) 
Total gross profit (loss)  $17,802   $(9,330) 
           
Income (loss) before income taxes:          
Ethanol and by-products  $11,082   $(12,351) 
Refined coal   (1,795)    (847) 
Corporate and other   (860)    (545) 
Total income (loss) before income taxes  $8,427   $(13,743) 
           
(Provision) benefit for income taxes:          
Ethanol and by-products  $(2,436)   $4,161 
Refined coal   2,195    959 
Corporate and other   212    193 
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes  $(29)   $5,313 
           
Net income (loss) attributable to REX common shareholders:          
Ethanol and by-products  $7,952   $(7,433) 
Refined coal   480    150 
Corporate and other   (648)    (352) 
Net income (loss) attributable to REX common shareholders  $7,784   $(7,635) 
         
Assets:  April 30, 2021   January 31, 2021 
Ethanol and by-products  $406,595   $397,281 
Refined coal   2,163    2,861 
Corporate and other   77,382    79,203 
Total assets  $486,140   $479,345 
     
   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
Sales of products, ethanol and by-products segment:  2021   2020 
Ethanol  $126,069   $60,597 
Dried distillers grains   31,119    18,918 
Non-food grade corn oil   5,594    3,188 
Modified distillers grains   2,293    457 
Derivative financial instruments losses   (1,126)    - 
Other   93    75 
Total  $164,042   $83,235 
           
Sales of products, refined coal segment:
          
Refined coal  $62   $15 
19

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Ethanol and By-Products

 

At April 30, 2021, investments in our ethanol business include equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which we have a majority ownership interest in. The following table is a summary of ethanol gallons shipped at our plants:

 

Entity Trailing 12
Months
Ethanol
Gallons
Shipped
REX’s
Current
Effective
Ownership
Interest
Current Effective
Ownership of
Trailing 12
Months Ethanol
Gallons Shipped
One Earth Energy, LLC 119.2 M 75.5% 90.0 M
NuGen Energy, LLC 119.6 M 99.5% 119.0 M

Big River Resources, LLC:

Big River Resources W Burlington, LLC

Big River Resources Galva, LLC

Big River United Energy, LLC

Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC

 

97.3 M

111.5 M

113.8 M

55.8 M

 

10.3%

10.3%

5.7%

10.3%

 

10.0 M

11.5 M

6.5 M

5.7 M

Total 617.2 M   242.7 M

 

Our ethanol operations and the results thereof are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains, non-food grade corn oil and natural gas and availability of corn. As a result of price volatility for these commodities, our operating results can fluctuate substantially. The price and availability of corn is subject to significant fluctuations depending upon several factors that affect commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, the amount of corn stored on farms, weather, federal policy and foreign trade. Because the market prices of ethanol and distillers grains are not always directly related to corn prices (for example, demand for crude and other energy and related prices, the

20

export market demand for ethanol and distillers grains and the results of federal policy decisions and trade negotiations can impact ethanol and distillers grains prices), at times ethanol and distillers grains prices may not follow movements in corn prices and, in an environment of higher corn prices or lower ethanol or distillers grains prices, reduce the overall margin structure at the plants. As a result, at times, we may operate our plants at negative or minimally positive operating margins.

 

We expect our ethanol plants to produce approximately 2.8 gallons of denatured ethanol for each bushel of grain processed in the production cycle. We refer to the actual gallons of denatured ethanol produced per bushel of grain processed as the realized yield. We refer to the difference between the price per gallon of ethanol and the price per bushel of grain (divided by the realized yield) as the “crush spread”. Should the crush spread decline, it is possible that our ethanol plants will generate operating results that do not provide adequate cash flows for sustained periods of time. In such cases, production at the ethanol plants may be reduced or stopped altogether in order to minimize variable costs at individual plants.

 

We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of commodity prices by utilizing forward grain purchase, forward ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil sale contracts and commodity futures agreements, as management deems appropriate. We attempt to match quantities of these sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our fixed price contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in our realized crush spread for more than four months; thus, we are unable to predict the likelihood or amounts of future income or loss from the operations of our ethanol facilities. We utilize derivative financial instruments, primarily exchange traded commodity future contracts, in conjunction with certain of our grain procurement activities.

 

Refined Coal

 

On August 10, 2017, we purchased the entire ownership interest of an entity that owns a refined coal facility, through a 95.35% owned subsidiary, for approximately $12.0 million. We began operating the refined coal facility immediately after the acquisition. We expect that the revenues from the sale of refined coal produced in the facility will be subsidized by federal production tax credits through November 18, 2021, subject to meeting qualified emissions reductions as governed by Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to maintain compliance with Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code, we are required to test the effectiveness of our process with respect to emissions reductions every six months through an independent laboratory. Annually, the IRS publishes the amount of federal income tax credit earned per ton of refined coal produced and sold. We expect to earn credits at the rate of approximately $7.38 per ton of refined coal produced and sold during calendar year 2021. The tax credits can be earned for refined coal produced and sold by our facility through November 18, 2021. Absent the tax credits, our refined coal operations would not be profitable.

21

The refined coal facility is located at the site of a utility-owned electrical generating power station, which is our refined coal operation’s sole customer. Refined coal production and sales vary depending on fluctuations in demand from the site host utility, which generally changes based upon weather conditions in the geographic markets the utility serves and competing energy prices and supplies and the state of the economy. We have contracted with an experienced third party to operate and maintain the refined coal facility and to provide us with management reporting and operating data as required. We do not have any employees on site at the refined coal facility.

 

Future Energy

 

During fiscal year 2013, we entered into a joint venture with Hytken HPGP, LLC (“Hytken”) to file and defend patents for eSteam technology relating to heavy oil and oil sands production methods, and to commercially exploit the technology to generate license fees, royalty income and development opportunities. The patented technology is an enhanced method of heavy oil recovery involving zero emissions downhole steam generation. We own 60% and Hytken owns 40% of the entity named Future Energy, LLC (“Future Energy”).

 

We have agreed to fund direct patent expenses relating to patent applications and defense, annual annuity fees and maintenance on a country by country basis, with the right to terminate funding and transfer related patent rights to Hytken. We have funded all costs relating to new intellectual property, consultants, research and development, pilot field tests and equipment purchases with respect to the proposed commercialization stage of the technology. To date, we have paid and expensed approximately $2.5 million cumulatively to purchase our ownership interest and fund patent and other expenses. We have not yet tested or proven the commercial feasibility of the technology.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

During the three months ended April 30, 2021, we did not change any of our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2021.

 

Fiscal Year

 

All references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to REX’s fiscal year ended January 31. For example, “fiscal year 2021” means the period February 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022.

 

Results of Operations

 

 

Trends and Uncertainties

 

In recent years, operating results in our ethanol and by-products segment have been, at times affected by a weak margin environment including such factors as higher costs for corn, lower availability of local corn, lower ethanol demand and the EPA granting small refiner waivers.

22

During the early months of 2020, COVID-19 spread into the United States and other countries. In an effort to contain the spread of this virus, there were various government mandated restrictions, in addition to voluntary privately implemented restrictions, including limiting public gatherings, retail store closures, restrictions on employees working and the quarantining of people who may have been exposed to the virus. This led to reduced demand for gasoline and ethanol, and consequently, historically low ethanol pricing. As a result, we idled our NuGen and One Earth ethanol plants in March of 2020. In May of 2020, businesses and other activities slowly began to reopen, which led to an increase in demand for gasoline and ethanol, and in related prices. As a result, we resumed production operations at the One Earth ethanol plant in late May of 2020 and at NuGen in late June of 2020. In addition, actions by the Federal Reserve related to the COVID-19 outbreak, reduced interest rates. Given the amount of cash and short-term investments we have, this could significantly reduce our interest income in future periods, depending on the length of time interest rates remain at these levels. The impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business operations, including the duration and impact on ethanol demand, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, although a prolonged production stoppage at our plants would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods.

 

Congress passed the CARES Act in March 2020, which provided the United States department of Agriculture (“USDA”) with additional funding for the “Commodity Credit Corporation (“CCC”). The USDA is using this additional funding to provide direct payments to farmers, including farmers that we purchase corn from. Such direct payments to farmers could cause them to delay marketing decisions. Consequently, this could reduce the supply of corn and result in a price increase for what we pay for corn. In addition, China has been purchasing large quantities of corn, which has led to higher prices for corn. We have experienced an increase in the local basis paid for corn during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

Renewable Fuel Standard II (“RFS II”), established in October 2010, has been an important factor in the growth of ethanol usage in the United States. When it was originally established, RFS II required the volume of “conventional” or corn derived ethanol to be blended with gasoline to increase each year until it reached 15.0 billion gallons in 2015 and was to remain at that level through 2022. There are no established congressional target volumes beginning in 2023. The EPA has the authority to waive the biofuel mandate, in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the requirement severely harms the domestic economy or environment. On December 19, 2019, the EPA announced the final 2020 renewable volume obligation for conventional ethanol, which met the 15.0 billion gallons congressional target. The EPA has missed its deadline and has not yet released a draft renewable volume obligation rule for the 2021 volumes. On April 15, 2020, five state Governors sent a letter to the EPA requesting a general waiver from RFS II due to the drop in demand caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. On October 21, 2020, 15 U.S. Senators sent a letter to the EPA requesting a general waiver from RFS II to reduce the 2021 renewable volume obligation, citing the reduced demand for fuels due to COVID-19. It is unclear when the renewable volume obligation for 2021 will be released.

 

Throughout fiscal year 2020 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, operating results in our refined coal segment were affected by inconsistent utility plant demand (our only customer). We expect to cease these operations and earning the resulting production tax credits by November 18, 2021.

 

Should these trends and uncertainties continue, our future operating results are likely to be negatively impacted.

23

Comparison of Three Months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020

 

The following sections discuss the results of operations for each of our business segments and corporate and other. Amounts in the corporate and other category include activities that are not separately reportable or related to a segment. We have two reportable segments: i) ethanol and by-products; and ii) refined coal. We evaluate the performance of each reportable segment using net income attributable to REX common shareholders. Segment profitability measures are determined using the same accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The following tables summarizes segment and other results (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
Net sales and revenue:          
Ethanol and by-products  $164,042   $83,235 
Refined coal 1   62    15 
Total net sales and revenue  $164,104   $83,250 
   
1We record sales in the refined coal segment net of the cost of coal as we purchase the coal feedstock from the customer to which refined coal is sold.

 

Segment gross profit (loss):          
Ethanol and by-products  $19,477   $(8,223) 
Refined coal   (1,675)    (1,107) 
Total gross profit (loss)   $17,802   $(9,330) 
           
Income (loss) before income taxes:          
Ethanol and by-products  $11,082   $(12,351) 
Refined coal   (1,795)    (847) 
Corporate and other   (860)    (545) 
Total income (loss) before income taxes  $8,427   $(13,743) 
           
(Provision) benefit for income taxes:          
Ethanol and by-products  $(2,436)   $4,161 
Refined coal   2,195    959 
Corporate and other   212    193 
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes  $(29)   $5,313 
24
   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
Net income (loss) attributable to REX common shareholders:          
Ethanol and by-products  $7,952   $(7,433) 
Refined coal   480    150 
Corporate and other   (648)    (352) 
Net income (loss) attributable to REX common shareholders  $7,784   $(7,635) 

 

The following table summarizes net sales and revenue from the ethanol and by-products segment (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
         
Ethanol  $126,069   $60,597 
Dried distillers grains   31,119    18,918 
Non-food grade corn oil   5,594    3,188 
Modified distillers grains   2,293    457 
Derivative financial instruments losses   (1,126)    - 
Other   93    75 
Total  $164,042   $83,235 
25

The following table summarizes selected data from the ethanol and by-products segment:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2021   2020 
         
Average selling price per gallon of ethanol (net of hedging)  $1.79   $1.25 
Gallons of ethanol sold (in millions)   70.0    48.3 
Average selling price per ton of dried distillers grains  $208.92   $145.64 
Tons of dried distillers grains sold   148,951    129,895 
Average selling price per pound of non-food grade corn oil  $0.33   $0.25 
Pounds of non-food grade corn oil sold (in millions)   17.1    12.8 
Average selling price per ton of modified distillers grains  $71.54   $65.82 
Tons of modified distillers grains sold   32,060    6,941 
Average cost per bushel of grain  $5.16   $3.93 
Average cost of natural gas (per MmBtu)  $3.18   $3.93 

 

Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended April 30, 2021 increased approximately 97% compared to the prior year’s first quarter. We had significantly lower production and sales volumes in our ethanol and by-products segment during fiscal year 2020, which related primarily to operations at NuGen as diminished local availability of corn, the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and lower ethanol pricing resulted in the idling of the NuGen ethanol plant in March of 2020. Both of our consolidated plants produced at or near capacity during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

Ethanol sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 as the number of gallons sold increased 45% and the average selling price per gallon increased 43% over the prior year first quarter. The increase in the ethanol selling price resulted primarily from an increase in demand and an increase in commodity prices.

 

Dried distillers grains sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 as the number of tons sold increased 15% and the average selling price per ton increased 43% over the prior year first quarter. The increase in the dried distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from an increase in corn prices as dried distillers grains prices often follow corn pricing.

 

Non-food grade corn oil sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 as the number of pounds sold increased 34% and the average selling price per pound increased 32% over the prior year first quarter. The increase in the non-food grade corn oil selling price resulted primarily from an increase in demand from the biodiesel industry.

26

Modified distillers grains sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 as the number of tons sold increased 362% and the average selling price per ton increased 9% over the prior year first quarter. The increase in the modified distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from an increase in corn prices.

 

Losses on derivative financial instruments, included in net sales and revenue, of approximately $1.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 related to our risk management activities and were impacted by the significant increase in ethanol prices during that quarter. There were no gains or losses on derivative financial instruments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

 

Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 increased approximately $27.1 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter. This was primarily caused by significantly higher production and sales volumes in our ethanol and by-products segment during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the depressed levels during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 discussed above. The crush spread for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 was approximately $0.04 per gallon of ethanol sold compared to $(0.08) per gallon of ethanol sold during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The selling price per gallon of ethanol sold increased 43% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, outpacing the 31% increase in the cost per bushel of corn during the same periods. In addition, higher sales volumes and prices of by-products contributed to the increase in gross profit during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 the impact from the COVID-19 outbreak and lower oil pricing resulted in lower ethanol and corn pricing which severely impacted operations and resulted in the large gross loss.

 

Grain accounted for approximately 84% ($121.8 million) of our cost of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to approximately 75% ($65.8 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Natural gas accounted for approximately 3% ($3.6 million) of our cost of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to approximately 6% ($5.4 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The grain increase was primarily attributable to the higher production levels in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the depressed production levels in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and the significant rise in corn prices during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The natural gas decrease was primarily attributable to gains realized on the sales of unused natural gas during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The sales were a result of unusual and significant increases in the spot price of natural gas during portions of the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 which resulted in an opportunity for us to sell forward natural gas purchases at a gain.

 

We attempt to match quantities of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sales contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given time period when we can obtain a satisfactory margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price sales contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in our realized crush spread for more than four months.

 

SG&A expenses were approximately $10.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, significantly higher than the approximately $4.6 million of expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. A majority of the increase results from higher shipping costs as more sales contracts in our ethanol and by-products segment provided for shipping to be paid by us in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

27

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, we recognized income of approximately $0.6 million compared to a loss of approximately $0.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, from our equity investment in Big River, which is included in our ethanol and by-products segment results. Big River has interests in four ethanol production plants that shipped approximately 378 million gallons in the trailing twelve months ended April 30, 2021 and has an effective ownership of ethanol gallons shipped for the same period of approximately 328 million gallons. Big River’s operations also include agricultural elevators. Due to the inherent volatility of commodity prices within the ethanol industry, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.

 

Interest and other income was approximately $43,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 versus approximately $669,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Interest income decreased as yields on our excess cash decreased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

 

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes was approximately $8.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 versus loss of approximately $13.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

 

We determined that small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020. Our tax provision was approximately 0.3% for the three months ended April 30, 2021 versus a benefit of approximately 38.7% for the three months ended April 30, 2020. The fluctuation in the rate results primarily from the production tax credits we expect to receive associated with our refined coal segment relative to pre-tax income or loss. Our income tax benefit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 includes approximately $1.4 million related to the lengthening of a net operating loss carryback allowed by the CARES Act.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income was approximately $8.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to net loss of approximately $8.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

 

(Income) loss related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $(0.6) million and approximately $0.8 million during the first quarter of fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts represent the other owners’ share of the income or loss of NuGen, One Earth and the refined coal entity.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 was approximately $7.8 million, an increase of approximately $15.4 million from net loss attributable to REX common shareholders of approximately $7.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

28

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $13.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to cash used of approximately $0.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, cash was provided by net income of approximately $8.4 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $6.4 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $7.8 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen in addition to higher sales. Inventories decreased by approximately $11.2 million, primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials and the shipment of finished goods. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $2.2 million primarily relates to increases in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts recorded at fair value as commodity price increased significantly during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $1.0 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $1.4 million, which was primarily a result of operating lease payments.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $0.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, cash was used by a net loss of approximately $8.4 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $5.3 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, loss from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. We received dividends from Big River of approximately $2.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. A decrease in the balance of accounts receivable provided cash of approximately $10.2 million, which was primarily a result of idling production at the NuGen facility during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Inventories decreased by approximately $8.4 million, which was primarily a result of lower of cost or net realizable value writedowns, the timing of receipt of raw materials, plant shutdowns and the shipment of finished goods. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $3.8 million primarily relates to a net operating loss we intended to carry back for federal income tax purposes. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $11.9 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts, vendor payments and idling production at the NuGen facility during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $2.0 million, which was primarily a result of payments of operating leases and incentive compensation.

 

At April 30, 2021, working capital was approximately $240.2 million, compared to approximately $228.0 million at January 31, 2021. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 9.1 to 1 at April 30, 2021 and 8.4 to 1 at January 31, 2021.

 

Cash of approximately $0.9 million was used in investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to approximately $11.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, we had capital expenditures of approximately $1.3 million, primarily for improvements at the One Earth and NuGen facilities. We expect capital expenditures to be in the range of approximately $5.0 million to $8.0 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2021. During the first quarter

29

of fiscal year 2021, we purchased certificates of deposit (classified as short-term investments) of approximately $25.9 million. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, certificates of deposit (classified as short-term investments) of approximately $26.3 million matured. The certificates of deposit, both matured and sold, had maturities of less than one year. Depending on investment options available, we may elect to retain the funds, or a portion thereof, in cash investments, short-term investments or long-term investments.

 

Cash of approximately $11.4 million was used in investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, we had capital expenditures of approximately $4.7 million, primarily for the purchase of land at One Earth Energy. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, we purchased certificates of deposit (classified as short-term investments) of approximately $19.2 million. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, certificates of deposit (classified as short-term investments) of approximately $12.8 million matured.

 

Cash used in financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 was insignificant compared to approximately $3.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, we used cash of approximately $3.9 million to purchase approximately 78,000 shares of our common stock in open market transactions.

 

We are investigating various uses for our excess cash and short-term investments. We have a stock buyback program, and given our current authorization level, can repurchase a total of approximately 34,000 shares at April 30, 2021. We also plan to seek and evaluate investment opportunities including ethanol and/or energy related, carbon dioxide related, agricultural or other ventures we believe fit our investment criteria in addition to investing in highly liquid short-term securities.

 

We are working with the University of Illinois to explore the development of a carbon sequestration project to be located near the One Earth ethanol plant. The University of Illinois has received a United States Department of Energy award through the CarbonSAFE program, and, will evaluate the greenhouse gas storage potential beneath the site by drilling a test well and performing seismic surveys. Further work and research is needed to determine if this will be a feasible project.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains or may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned that there are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those referred to in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include among other things: the effect of pandemics such as COVID-19 on the Company’s business operations, including impacts on supplies, demand, personnel and other factors, the impact of legislative and regulatory changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, distillers grains, ethanol, non-food grade corn oil, gasoline, natural gas, logistical delays, our ethanol and refined coal plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, changes in the international, national or regional economies, weather, results of income tax audits, changes in income tax laws or regulations and the effects of terrorism or acts of war. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 (File No. 001-09097).

30

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices as discussed below.

 

We manage a portion of our risk with respect to the volatility of commodity prices inherent in the ethanol industry by using forward purchase and sale contracts and exchange traded commodity futures contracts. Our exposure to market risk, which includes the impact of our risk management activities, is based on the estimated effect on pre-tax income starting on April 30, 2021 is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

Commodity

  Estimated Total
Volume for
12 Months
  Unit of Measure   Decrease in Pre-tax
Income From a 10%
Adverse Change in Price
             
Ethanol    280,000   Gallons   $56,430
Corn    100,000   Bushels   $58,823
Distillers Grains           745   Tons   $13,670
Non-food grade Corn Oil      72,300   Pounds   $ 2,054
Natural Gas        7,400   MmBtu   $ 1,727

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

31

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We are not party to any legal proceedings that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

During the quarter ended April 30, 2021, there have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2021.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report:

 

31   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
     
32   Section 1350 Certifications
     
101   The following information from REX American Resources Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2021, formatted in iXBRL: (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity, (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
32

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.

 

REX American Resources Corporation
Registrant

 

Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Zafar Rizvi Chief Executive Officer and President  
(Zafar Rizvi) (Chief Executive Officer) May 28, 2021
     
/s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman Vice President, Finance and Treasurer  
(Douglas L. Bruggeman) (Chief Financial Officer) May 28, 2021
33
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Exhibit 31

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Zafar Rizvi, certify that:

 

1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of REX American Resources Corporation;

 

2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  Date: May 28, 2021
   
  /s/ Zafar Rizvi
  Zafar Rizvi
  Chief Executive Officer and President
 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Douglas L. Bruggeman, certify that:

 

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of REX American Resources Corporation;

 

2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  Date: May 28, 2021
   
  /s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman
  Douglas L. Bruggeman
  Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and
  Chief Financial Officer
 

Exhibit 32

 

REX American Resources Corporation

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED BY SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

The undersigned officers of REX American Resources Corporation (the “Company”) hereby certify, to their knowledge, that the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2021 which this certificate accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained therein fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

/s/Zafar Rizvi  
Zafar Rizvi  
Chief Executive Officer and President  
   
/s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman  
Douglas L. Bruggeman  
Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and  
Chief Financial Officer  
   
Date:  May 28, 2021