Renewable Energy Group Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Q2 2019 Highlights

  • 197 million gallons sold
  • 127 million gallons produced
  • Revenues of $560.6 million
  • Net loss from continuing operations of $57.6 million, or $1.52 per diluted share
  • Adjusted EBITDA of negative $42.3 million
  • Estimated net benefit of potential reinstatement of the federal Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credit (BTC) of $81.0 million for the second quarter 2019, $136.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and $373.0 million cumulatively for 2018 and the first six months of 2019
  • Settled 2019 convertible notes on maturity in June 2019 without refinancing

 

AMES, Iowa--()--Renewable Energy Group, Inc. ("REG" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: REGI) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Revenues for the second quarter were $560.6 million on 197.4 million gallons of fuel sold. Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders was $57.6 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders of $28.3 million in the second quarter of 2018. Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter was negative $42.3 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $44.3 million in the second quarter of 2018.

"The challenging margin environment continued in the second quarter as a result of uncertainty around both the BTC and small refinery exemptions," said Cynthia (CJ) Warner, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Within this context, our underlying performance was strong with a 15.0% increase in gallons sold and a 2.0% increase in gallons produced. We continue to believe that the BTC will be reinstated, which will reward our strong operational performance."

Warner continued, "On the non-operating front, we are pleased that we finalized the sale of our Life Sciences business and paid off our 2019 convertible notes without financing, primarily from cash on hand."

Estimated Adjusted EBITDA if BTC is Reinstated

 

Three months
ended June 30,
2019

 

Six months
ended June 30,
2019

 

Twelve months
ended December 31,
2018

 

Aggregate
Total

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA without BTC

$

(42,337

)

 

$

(69,697

)

 

$

151,981

 

 

$

82,284

 

Estimated net benefit if BTC is reinstated

81,000

 

 

136,000

 

 

237,000

 

 

373,000

 

Estimated Adjusted EBITDA if BTC is reinstated

$

38,663

 

 

$

66,303

 

 

$

388,981

 

 

$

455,284

 

The Company estimates that if the currently lapsed BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2019 and 2018 on the same terms as in 2017, REG's Adjusted EBITDA would increase by approximately $81.0 million and $66.2 million for business conducted in the quarters ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively, and would increase by approximately $136.0 million and $109.2 million for business conducted in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively. The aggregate estimated increase in REG's Adjusted EBITDA for 2018 and the six months ended June 30, 2019 would be $373.0 million.

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights

All figures refer to the quarter ended June 30, 2019, unless otherwise noted. All comparisons are to the quarter ended June 30, 2018, unless otherwise noted.

REG sold 197.4 million gallons of fuel, an increase of 14.8%. The average selling price per gallon was $2.70, a decrease of 13.2% resulting primarily from lower biodiesel prices, which were down $0.55 per gallon from the second quarter of 2018. The lower biodiesel prices resulted from customers' preference to take on smaller share of the benefit of a potential BTC reinstatement, and from lower ULSD prices. D4 RIN prices in the second quarter of 2019 were $0.16 per RIN lower on average compared to the second quarter of 2018. The Company produced 126.8 million gallons of biomass-based diesel during the quarter, a 2.0% increase.

Revenues were $560.6 million, a decrease of 3.2%. Revenues were significantly impacted by an 18.1% lower average selling price for biodiesel, partially offset by an increase in gallons sold.

Gross loss was $26.8 million compared to gross profit of $57.5 million, resulting from lower average selling prices coupled with higher prices for traditionally lower cost feedstocks in the second quarter of 2019.

Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders was $57.6 million, or $1.52 per share on a fully diluted basis. This compares to net income of $28.3 million, or $0.67 per share on a fully diluted basis in the second quarter of 2018.

At June 30, 2019, REG had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $61.6 million, a decrease of $112.9 million from December 31, 2018. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities is mainly due to significant cash flows used in operations and $67.4 million of cash used for the settlement of the 2019 convertible notes, offset by borrowings on the lines of credit.

At June 30, 2019, accounts receivable were $75.2 million, or 12 days of sales. Accounts receivable at December 31, 2018 were $74.6 million, or 12 days of sales. Inventory was $171.4 million at June 30, 2019, or 26 days of cost of sales, an increase of $2.5 million from December 31, 2018.

The table below summarizes REG’s results for the second quarter of 2019.

REG Q2 2019 and Q2 2018 Revenues, Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA Summary

(in thousands except per gallon amounts)

 

Q2 2019

 

Q2 2018

 

Y/Y Change

Total gallons sold

197,377

 

 

171,943

 

 

14.8 %

ASP per gallon

$

2.70

 

 

$

3.11

 

 

(13.2)%

Total revenues

$

560,643

 

 

$

578,900

 

 

(3.2)%

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

$

(57,635

)

 

$

28,277

 

 

N/M

Adjusted EBITDA (1)(2)

$

(42,337

)

 

$

44,272

 

 

N/M

(1) See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures below.
(2) The Company estimates that if the currently lapsed BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2019 and 2018 on the same terms as in 2017, REG's Adjusted EBITDA would increase by approximately $81.0 million and $66.2 million for business conducted in the quarters ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.

Reconciliation of Non - GAAP Measures

The Company uses earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for certain additional items identified in the table below, or Adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental performance measure. Adjusted EBITDA is presented in order to assist investors in analyzing performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that are not believed to be indicative of core operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is used by the Company to evaluate, assess and benchmark financial performance on a consistent and a comparable basis and as a factor in determining incentive compensation for company executives.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the operations of REG Life Sciences were classified as discontinued operations. The Company has excluded the results from these discontinued operations from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. The corresponding prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. The following table sets forth Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented, as well as a reconciliation to net income (loss) from continuing operations determined in accordance with GAAP:

 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2019

 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2018

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2019

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2018

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

$

(57,635

)

 

$

29,042

 

 

$

(99,022

)

 

$

246,886

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

(90

)

 

3,835

 

 

(520

)

 

2,632

 

Interest expense

3,737

 

 

4,925

 

 

7,956

 

 

9,576

 

Depreciation

9,142

 

 

9,004

 

 

18,241

 

 

17,743

 

Amortization of intangible assets

510

 

 

44

 

 

844

 

 

86

 

EBITDA

(44,336

)

 

46,850

 

 

(72,501

)

 

276,923

 

Gain on involuntary conversion

 

 

(454

)

 

 

 

(4,454

)

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

(990

)

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

398

 

 

30

 

 

702

 

 

488

 

Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment

 

 

(2,337

)

 

2

 

 

(2,105

)

Other income, net

(691

)

 

(2,067

)

 

(1,545

)

 

(2,292

)

Impairment of assets

468

 

 

 

 

468

 

 

 

Straight-line lease expense

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

(36

)

Executive severance

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

215

 

Non-cash stock compensation

1,824

 

 

2,203

 

 

3,177

 

 

3,997

 

Adjusted EBITDA excluding 2017 BTC allocation

$

(42,337

)

 

$

44,272

 

 

$

(69,697

)

 

$

271,746

 

Biodiesel tax credit (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(206,521

)

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

$

(42,337

)

 

$

44,272

 

 

$

(69,697

)

 

$

65,225

 

(1) On February 9, 2018, the BTC was retroactively reinstated for the 2017 calendar year. The retroactive credit for 2017 resulted in a net benefit to us that was recognized in the first quarter of 2018 for GAAP purposes. Because this credit relates to the 2017 full year operating performance and results, the net benefit of the 2017 BTC has been removed from our 2018 Adjusted EBITDA in the table above.
(2) The Company estimates that if the BTC is retroactively reinstated on the same terms as in 2017, Adjusted EBITDA for business conducted in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 would increase by approximately $81.0 million and $66.2 million, respectively, and would increase by approximately $136.0 million and $109.2 million for business conducted in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental performance measure that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities or a measure of liquidity or profitability. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for any of the results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash expenditures or the impact of certain cash charges that the Company considers not to be an indication of ongoing operations;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital requirements;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on indebtedness;
  • Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;
  • Stock-based compensation expense is an important element of the Company’s long term incentive compensation program, although the Company has excluded it as an expense when evaluating our operating performance;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include loss from discontinued operations. Loss from discontinued operations mainly relates to the research and development activities of REG Life Sciences prior to its sale in the second quarter of 2019; and
  • Other companies, including other companies in the same industry, may calculate these measures differently, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure.

About Renewable Energy Group

Renewable Energy Group, Inc., (Nasdaq: REGI) is leading the energy industry transition to sustainability by transforming renewable resources into high-quality, cleaner fuels. REG is an international producer of cleaner fuels and North America’s largest producer of biodiesel. REG solutions are alternatives for petroleum diesel and produce significantly lower carbon emissions. REG utilizes an integrated procurement, distribution and logistics network to operate 13 biorefineries in the U.S. and Europe. In 2018, REG produced 502 million gallons of cleaner fuel delivering over four million metric tons of carbon reduction. REG is meeting the growing global demand for lower-carbon fuels and leading the way to a more sustainable future.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended, including statements regarding the possible retroactive reinstatement of the BTC for 2018 and 2019 and the estimated benefits to Adjusted EBITDA if the BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2018 and 2019. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections that are subject to change, and actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, potential changes in governmental programs and policies requiring or encouraging the use of biofuels, including RFS2 on the federal level, programs such as California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard; availability of federal and state governmental tax incentives and incentives for biomass-based diesel production, including that the BTC may not be retroactively reinstated for 2018 or 2019 or that it may be reinstated on less favorable terms; changes in the spread between biomass-based diesel prices and feedstock costs; that any disruption of operations at our Geismar renewable diesel refinery have a disproportionately adverse effect on our profitability; the future price and volatility of feedstocks; the future price and volatility of petroleum and products derived from petroleum; risks associated with fire, explosions, leaks and other natural disasters at our facilities; the effect of excess capacity in the biomass-based diesel industry and announced large plant expansions and potential co-processing of renewable diesel by petroleum refiners; unanticipated changes in the biomass-based diesel market from which we generate almost all of our revenues; seasonal fluctuations in our operating results; potential failure to comply with government regulations; competition in the markets in which we operate; our dependence on sales to a single customer; technological advances or new methods of biomass-based diesel production or the development of energy alternatives to biomass-based diesel; our ability to successfully implement our acquisition strategy; and other risks and uncertainties described in REG's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and REG does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements based on new developments or changes in our expectations.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

Three months ended

 

Six months ended

 

June 30, 2019

 

June 30, 2018

 

June 30, 2019

 

June 30, 2018

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biomass-based diesel sales

$

540,019

 

 

$

551,109

 

 

$

995,225

 

 

$

825,870

 

Separated RIN sales

 

19,596

 

 

 

26,186

 

 

 

42,059

 

 

 

73,365

 

Biomass-based diesel government incentives

 

530

 

 

 

915

 

 

 

998

 

 

 

366,200

 

 

 

560,145

 

 

 

578,210

 

 

 

1,038,282

 

 

 

1,265,435

 

Other revenue

 

498

 

 

 

690

 

 

 

570

 

 

 

1,467

 

 

 

560,643

 

 

 

578,900

 

 

 

1,038,852

 

 

 

1,266,902

 

COSTS OF GOODS SOLD:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biomass-based diesel

 

580,133

 

 

 

510,375

 

 

 

1,064,546

 

 

 

916,184

 

Separated RINs

 

7,282

 

 

 

11,011

 

 

 

13,867

 

 

 

43,749

 

Other costs of goods sold

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

587,415

 

 

 

521,386

 

 

 

1,078,416

 

 

 

959,933

 

GROSS PROFIT (LOSS)

 

(26,772

)

 

 

57,514

 

 

 

(39,564

)

 

 

306,969

 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

26,865

 

 

 

24,512

 

 

 

52,010

 

 

 

56,166

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE

 

176

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

385

 

 

 

1,061

 

IMPAIRMENT OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

468

 

 

 

 

468

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

 

(54,281

)

 

 

32,975

 

 

 

(92,427

)

 

 

249,742

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

 

(3,444

)

 

 

(98

)

 

 

(7,115

)

 

 

(226

)

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

(57,725

)

 

 

32,877

 

 

 

(99,542

)

 

 

249,516

 

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)

 

90

 

 

 

(3,835

)

 

 

520

 

 

 

(2,632

)

NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

(57,635

)

 

 

29,042

 

 

 

(99,022

)

 

 

246,884

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ON DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

(4,462

)

 

 

4,808

 

 

 

(6,479

)

 

 

1,353

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) TO THE COMPANY

$

(62,097

)

 

$

33,850

 

 

$

(105,501

)

 

$

248,237

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

$

(57,635

)

 

$

28,277

 

 

$

(99,022

)

 

$

240,662

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

$

(4,462

)

 

$

4,681

 

 

$

(6,479

)

 

$

1,319

 

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

$

(1.52

)

 

$

0.76

 

 

$

(2.63

)

 

$

6.31

 

Discontinued operations

$

(0.12

)

 

$

0.13

 

 

$

(0.17

)

 

$

0.03

 

Net income (loss) per share

$

(1.64

)

 

$

0.88

 

 

$

(2.81

)

 

$

6.35

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

$

(1.52

)

 

$

0.67

 

 

$

(2.63

)

 

$

5.91

 

Discontinued operations

$

(0.12

)

 

$

0.11

 

 

$

(0.17

)

 

$

0.03

 

Net income (loss) per share

$

(1.64

)

 

$

0.78

 

 

$

(2.81

)

 

$

5.94

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

37,851,735

 

 

 

37,413,387

 

 

 

37,603,921

 

 

 

38,112,531

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to the common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

37,851,735

 

 

 

42,081,341

 

 

 

37,603,921

 

 

 

40,713,114

 

Discontinued operations

 

37,851,735

 

 

 

42,081,341

 

 

 

37,603,921

 

 

 

40,713,114

 

Net income (loss)

 

37,851,735

 

 

 

42,081,341

 

 

 

37,603,921

 

 

 

40,713,114

 

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

AS OF JUNE 30, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

61,597

 

$

123,575

Marketable securities

 

 

50,932

Accounts receivable, net

 

75,207

 

 

74,551

Inventories

 

171,397

 

 

168,900

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

40,654

 

 

41,169

Restricted cash

 

3,000

 

 

3,000

Current assets held for sale

 

 

3,250

Total current assets

 

351,855

 

 

465,377

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

591,710

 

 

590,723

Right of use assets

 

43,490

 

Goodwill

 

16,080

 

 

16,080

Intangible assets, net

 

12,802

 

 

13,646

Other assets

 

21,466

 

 

21,270

TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,037,403

 

$

1,107,096

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Lines of credit

$

70,854

 

$

14,250

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

83,324

 

 

149,006

Current maturities of operating lease obligations

 

18,580

 

Accounts payable

 

107,246

 

 

95,866

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

24,570

 

 

35,256

Deferred revenue

 

4,536

 

 

300

Total current liabilities

 

309,110

 

 

294,678

Unfavorable lease obligation

 

 

2,259

Deferred income taxes

 

7,879

 

 

8,410

Long-term debt (net of debt issuance costs of $3,063 and $3,390, respectively)

 

30,454

 

 

33,421

Long-term operating lease obligations

 

35,577

 

Other liabilities

 

1,562

 

 

3,075

Total liabilities

 

384,582

 

 

341,843

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

652,821

 

 

765,253

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

1,037,403

 

$

1,107,096

 

Contacts

Investor Relations:
Renewable Energy Group
Todd Robinson
Treasurer
+1 (515) 239-8048
Todd.Robinson@regi.com

Release Summary

Renewable Energy Group Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Contacts

Investor Relations:
Renewable Energy Group
Todd Robinson
Treasurer
+1 (515) 239-8048
Todd.Robinson@regi.com