As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2010
Registration No. 333- 167292
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Iowa | 84-1652107 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
9420 Underwood Ave., Suite 100
Omaha, Nebraska 68114
(402) 884-8700
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Todd A. Becker
President and Chief Executive Officer
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
9420 Underwood Ave., Suite 100
Omaha, Nebraska 68114
(402) 884-8700
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Michelle S. Mapes, Esq.
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
9420 Underwood Ave., Suite 100
Omaha, Nebraska 68114
(402) 884-8700
Jeffrey T. Haughey, Esq.
Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
(816) 983-8000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
| Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer þ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
| Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount to be Registered(1) |
Proposed Maximum Price Per Unit (2) |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price(2) |
Amount of Registration Fee(3) | ||||
| Common stock, par value $0.001 per share |
14,244,961 | $10.97 | $156,267,223 | $11,142 | ||||
| (1) | Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the shares being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may be issuable by the registrant with respect to the shares being registered hereunder as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions. |
| (2) | Estimated for the sole purpose of computing registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Rule 457 (c)”). Pursuant to Rule 457(c), the offering price and the registration fee are computed based on the average of the high and low prices reported for the registrant’s common stock traded on The NASDAQ Global Market on June 1, 2010. |
| (3) | This amount has previously been paid. |
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the company shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), shall determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling shareholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus in not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 6, 2010
PROSPECTUS
GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.
COMMON STOCK
This prospectus relates to the potential resale of up to 14,244,961 shares of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. common stock that the selling shareholders listed in this prospectus may offer for sale from time to time. The registration of the shares of common stock does not necessarily mean that the selling shareholders will offer or sell all or any of these securities. All of the shares offered hereby are being sold by the selling shareholders named in this prospectus and we will not receive any proceeds from sale of the securities included in this prospectus. We will bear the costs and fees of the registration of the shares, and the selling shareholders will bear all commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to the sales of the shares.
The prices at which the selling shareholders or their permitted transferees may dispose of their shares or interests therein will be determined by the selling shareholders at the time of sale and may be at the prevailing market price for the shares, at prices related to such market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Information regarding the selling shareholders and the times and manner in which they may offer and sell the shares or interests therein under this prospectus is provided under “Selling Shareholders” and “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. The selling shareholders may resell the common stock to or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
Our common stock trades under the symbol “GPRE” on The NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ. On July 1, 2010, the last sale price of our common stock as reported by NASDAQ was $10.17 per share.
Investing in our commons stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 2 of this prospectus as well as in the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JULY 6, 2010.
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All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Green Plains” or the “Company” in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement refer to Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration or continuous offering process. Under this shelf process, selling shareholders may from time to time sell the shares of common stock described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. We will not receive any proceeds from the resale by the selling shareholders of the offered securities described in this prospectus.
Additionally, we may provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of a particular offering by the selling shareholder. We may also provide a prospectus supplement to add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If the information in this prospectus is inconsistent with a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in that prospectus supplement. You should carefully read both this prospectus and each applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and `Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information included in the shelf registration statement. We have omitted parts of the shelf registration statement in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information, we refer you to the shelf registration statement on Form S-3 of which this prospectus is a part, including its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. If the SEC rules and regulations require that an agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the shelf registration statement, please see that agreement or document for a complete description of these matters.
You should rely only on the information that we have provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and
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that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement, or any sale of a security.
Reference to “selling shareholders” refers to those shareholders listed herein under “Selling Shareholders” beginning on page 15 of this prospectus who may sell shares from time to time as described in this prospectus.
CAUTIONARY INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This prospectus contains such “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be made directly in this prospectus, and they may also be made a part of this prospectus by reference to other documents filed with the SEC, which is known as “incorporation by reference.”
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, but rather to plans and objectives for future operations based upon management’s reasonable estimates of future results or trends, and include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “outlook,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and words and phrases of similar impact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future operating or financial performance, business strategy, business environment, key trends, and benefits of actual or planned acquisitions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions, any or all forward-looking statements in this prospectus may turn out to be incorrect. They may be based on inaccurate assumptions or may not account for known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement is guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially from the results expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements in this prospectus expressly qualify all of our forward-looking statements. In addition, we are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference. Specifically, we may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic conditions, including, but not limited to, competition in the ethanol and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks, financial market risks, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risk factors detailed in our reports filed with the SEC. Actual results may differ from projected results due, but not limited, to unforeseen developments.
In light of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference might not occur. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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This summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference. After you read this summary, you should read and consider carefully the more detailed information and financial statements and related notes that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus, especially in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. If you invest in our securities, you are assuming a high degree of risk.
OUR BUSINESS
We are a leading, vertically-integrated producer of ethanol. We have grown rapidly, primarily through acquisitions, and today we have operations throughout the ethanol value chain. Our operations begin upstream with our agronomy and grain handling operations, continue through our approximately 480 million gallons per year, or mmgy, of ethanol production capacity and end downstream with our ethanol marketing, distribution and blending facilities. We focus on generating stable operating margins through our diversified business segments and our risk management strategy. We believe that owning and operating assets throughout the ethanol value chain enables us to mitigate the effects of changes in commodity prices on our profitability and differentiates us from companies focused only on ethanol production.
Our disciplined risk management strategy is designed to lock in operating margins by forward contracting the four primary commodities involved in ethanol production: corn, natural gas, ethanol and distillers grains. We also seek to maintain an environment of continuous operational improvement to increase our efficiency and effectiveness as a low-cost producer of ethanol.
Our executive offices are located at 9420 Underwood Avenue, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and our telephone number is (402) 884-8700. Our website is www.gpreinc.com. Information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus.
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We operate in an evolving industry that presents numerous risks. Many of these risks are beyond our control and are driven by factors that often cannot be predicted. Investors should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below, as well as the other information appearing in this report, before making any investment in our securities. If any of the risks described below or in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement actually occur, our financial results, financial condition or stock price could be materially adversely affected. These risk factors should be considered in conjunction with the other information included in this prospectus.
Risks relating to our business and industry
We have a limited operating history and our business may not be as successful as envisioned.
We began our business in 2004; however, our first ethanol production facility did not commence operations until August 2007, and the fourth quarter of 2009 represents the first full quarter during which all of our current plants were operating at capacity. Accordingly, we have a limited operating history from which you can evaluate our business and prospects. In addition, our prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by a company with limited operating history in rapidly-evolving markets, such as the ethanol market, where supply and demand may change significantly in a short amount of time.
Some of these risks relate to our potential inability to:
| • | effectively manage our business and operations; |
| • | successfully execute plans to sell ethanol at prices and on terms favorable to us; |
| • | recruit and retain key personnel; |
| • | successfully maintain a low-cost structure through the expansion of scale in business; |
| • | manage rapid growth in personnel and operations; and |
| • | successfully address the other risks described throughout this report. |
If we cannot successfully address these risks, our business and our results of operations and financial position may suffer.
Our results of operations and ability to operate at a profit is largely dependent on managing the spread among the prices of corn, natural gas, ethanol and distillers grains, the prices of which are subject to significant volatility and uncertainty.
The results of our ethanol production business are highly impacted by commodity prices, including the spread between the cost of corn and natural gas that we must purchase, and the price of ethanol and distillers grains that we sell. Prices and supplies are subject to and determined by market forces over which we have no control, such as weather, domestic and global demand, shortages, export prices, and various governmental policies in the United States and around the world. As a result of price volatility for these commodities, our operating results may fluctuate substantially. Increases in corn prices or natural gas or decreases in ethanol or distillers grains prices may make it unprofitable to operate our plants. No assurance can be given that we will be able to purchase corn and natural gas at, or near, current prices and that we will be able to sell ethanol or distillers grains at, or near, current prices. Consequently, our results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected by increases in the price of corn or natural gas or decreases in the price of ethanol and distillers grains.
In early 2006, the spread between ethanol and corn prices was at historically high levels, driven in large part by oil companies removing a competitive product, methyl tertiary butyl ether, or MTBE, from the fuel stream and replacing it with ethanol in a relatively short time period. However, since that time, this spread has fluctuated widely
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and narrowed significantly. Fluctuations are likely to continue to occur. A sustained narrow spread or any further reduction in the spread between ethanol and corn prices, whether as a result of sustained high or increased corn prices or sustained low or decreased ethanol prices, would adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Further, combined revenues from sales of ethanol and distillers grains could decline below our marginal cost of production, which could cause us to suspend production of ethanol and distillers grains at some or all of our plants.
Our risk management strategies, including hedging transactions, may be ineffective and may expose us to decreased liquidity.
In an attempt to partially offset the effects of volatility of ethanol, distillers grains, corn and natural gas prices, we enter into forward contracts to sell a portion of our respective ethanol and distillers grains production or to purchase a portion of our respective corn or natural gas requirements. To a much lesser extent, we also engage in other hedging transactions involving exchange-traded futures contracts for corn, natural gas, ethanol and unleaded gasoline from time to time. The financial statement impact of these activities is dependent upon, among other things, the prices involved and our ability to physically receive or deliver the commodities involved. Hedging arrangements also expose us to the risk of financial loss in situations where the other party to the hedging contract defaults on its contract or, in the case of exchange-traded contracts, where there is a change in the expected differential between the price of the commodity underlying the hedging agreement and the actual prices paid or received by us for the physical commodity bought or sold. Hedging activities can themselves result in losses when a position is purchased in a declining market or a position is sold in a rising market. A hedge position is often settled in the same time frame as the physical commodity is either purchased (corn and natural gas) or sold (ethanol and distillers grains). Hedging losses may be offset by a decreased cash price for corn and natural gas and an increased cash price for ethanol and distillers grains. We also vary the amount of hedging or other risk mitigation strategies we undertake, and we may choose not to engage in hedging transactions at all. We cannot assure you that our risk management and hedging activities will be effective in offsetting the effects of volatility. If we fail to offset such volatility, our results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected.
We also attempt to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices through the use of derivative financial instruments. Sudden changes in commodity prices may require cash deposits with brokers, or margin calls. Depending on our open derivative positions, we may require additional liquidity with little advance notice to meet margin calls. As part of our risk management strategy, we have routinely had to, and in the future will likely be required to, cover margin calls. While we continuously monitor our exposure to margin calls, we cannot guarantee you that we will be able to maintain adequate liquidity to cover margin calls in the future.
Price volatility of each commodity that we buy and sell could each adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to operate at a profit.
Corn. Because ethanol competes with non-corn derived fuels, we generally are unable to pass along increased corn costs to our customers. At certain levels, corn prices may make ethanol uneconomical to produce. There is significant price pressure on local corn markets caused by nearby ethanol plants, livestock industries and other corn consuming enterprises. Additionally, local corn supplies and prices could be adversely affected by rising prices for alternative crops, increasing input costs, changes in government policies, shifts in global markets, or damaging growing conditions such as plant disease or adverse weather.
Natural Gas. The prices for and availability of natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions often are affected by factors beyond our control, such as weather conditions, overall economic conditions, and foreign and domestic governmental regulation and relations. Significant disruptions in the supply of natural gas could impair our ability to manufacture ethanol for our customers. Furthermore, increases in natural gas prices or changes in our natural gas costs relative to natural gas costs paid by competitors may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.
Ethanol. Our revenues are dependent on market prices for ethanol. These market prices can be volatile as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the availability and price of competing fuels, the overall supply and demand for ethanol and corn, the price of gasoline and corn, and the level of government support.
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Ethanol is marketed as a fuel additive to reduce vehicle emissions from gasoline, as an octane enhancer to improve the octane rating of the gasoline with which it is blended and, to a lesser extent, as a gasoline substitute. As a result, ethanol prices are influenced by the supply of and demand for gasoline. Our results of operations may be materially harmed if the demand for, or the price of, gasoline decreases. Conversely, a prolonged increase in the price of, or demand for, gasoline could lead the U.S. government to relax import restrictions on foreign ethanol that currently benefit us.
Distillers Grains. Distillers grains compete with other protein-based animal feed products. The price of distillers grains may decrease when the prices of competing feed products decrease. The prices of competing animal feed products are based in part on the prices of the commodities from which these products are derived. Downward pressure on commodity prices, such as soybeans, will generally cause the price of competing animal feed products to decline, resulting in downward pressure on the price of distillers grains.
Historically, sales prices for distillers grains have tracked along with the price of corn. However, there have been occasions when the price increase for this co-product has lagged behind increases in corn prices. In addition, our distillers grains co-product competes with products made from other feedstocks, the cost of which may not have risen as corn prices have risen. Consequently, the price we may receive for distillers grains may not rise as corn prices rise, thereby lowering our cost recovery percentage relative to corn.
Due to recent and planned industry increases in U.S. dry mill ethanol production, the production of distillers grains in the United States has increased dramatically, and this trend may continue. This may cause distillers grains prices to fall in the United States, unless demand increases or other market sources are found. To date, demand for distillers grains in the United States has increased roughly in proportion to supply. We believe this is because U.S. farmers use distillers grains as a feedstock, and distillers grains are slightly less expensive than corn, for which it is a substitute. However, if prices for distillers grains in the United States fall, it may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our existing debt arrangements require us to abide by certain restrictive loan covenants that may hinder our ability to operate and reduce our profitability.
The loan agreements governing secured debt financing at our subsidiaries contain a number of restrictive affirmative and negative covenants. These covenants limit the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make capital expenditures above certain limits, pay dividends, merge or consolidate, or dispose of substantially all of their assets.
We are also required to maintain specified financial ratios, including minimum cash flow coverage, minimum working capital and minimum net worth. Some of our loan agreements require us to utilize a portion of any excess cash flow generated by operations to prepay the respective term debt. A breach of any of these covenants or requirements could result in a default under our loan agreements. If any of our subsidiaries default, and if such default is not cured or waived, our lenders could, among other remedies, accelerate their debt and declare that debt immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may not be able to repay such debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance. Even if new financing is available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable. No assurance can be given that the future operating results of our subsidiaries will be sufficient to achieve compliance with such covenants and requirements, or in the event of a default, to remedy such default.
In the past, we have received waivers from our lenders for failure to meet certain financial covenants and have amended our subsidiary loan agreements to change these covenants if they have not been met. For example, during 2009, loan agreements for Bluffton, Obion and Superior were amended to reduce certain financial covenants related to working capital and net worth balances. No assurance can be given that, if we are unable to comply with these covenants in the future, we will be able to obtain the necessary waivers or amend our subsidiary loan agreements to prevent a default.
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The ethanol industry is highly dependent on government usage mandates affecting ethanol production and favorable tax benefits for ethanol blending and any changes to such regulation could adversely affect the market for ethanol and our results of operations.
The domestic market for ethanol is largely dictated by federal mandates for blending ethanol with gasoline. The RFS mandate level for 2010 of 12.0 billion gallons approximates current domestic production levels. Future demand will be largely dependent upon the economic incentives to blend based upon the relative value of gasoline versus ethanol, taking into consideration the blender’s credit and the RFS. Any significant increase in production capacity beyond the RFS level might have an adverse impact on ethanol prices. Additionally, the RFS mandate with respect to ethanol derived from grain could be reduced or waived entirely. A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate could adversely affect the prices of ethanol and our future performance.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created the volumetric ethanol excise tax credit, or VEETC, which is currently set to expire on December 31, 2010. Referred to as the blender’s credit, VEETC provides companies with a tax credit to blend ethanol with gasoline. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, or the 2008 Farm Bill, amended the amount of tax credit provided under VEETC to 45 cents per gallon of pure ethanol and 38 cents per gallon for E85, a blended motor fuel containing 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The elimination or further reduction of VEETC or other federal tax incentives to the ethanol industry could have a material adverse impact on our business by reducing demand and price for the ethanol we produce.
Federal law mandates the use of oxygenated gasoline. If these mandates are repealed, the market for domestic ethanol would be diminished significantly. Additionally, flexible-fuel vehicles receive preferential treatment in meeting corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, standards. However, high blend ethanol fuels such as E85 result in lower fuel efficiencies. Absent the CAFE preferences, it may be unlikely that auto manufacturers would build flexible-fuel vehicles. Any change in these CAFE preferences could reduce the growth of E85 markets and result in lower ethanol prices.
To the extent that such federal or state laws are modified, the demand for ethanol may be reduced, which could negatively and materially affect our ability to operate profitably.
Future demand for ethanol is uncertain and may be affected by changes to federal mandates, public perception and consumer acceptance, any of which could negatively affect demand for ethanol and our results of operations.
Ethanol production from corn has not been without controversy. Although many trade groups, academics and governmental agencies have supported ethanol as a fuel additive that promotes a cleaner environment, including the recently-released EPA regulations on the Renewable Fuel Standard program, others have criticized ethanol production as consuming considerably more energy and emitting more greenhouse gases than other biofuels and potentially depleting water resources. Some studies have suggested that corn-based ethanol is less efficient than ethanol produced from switchgrass or wheat grain and that it negatively impacts consumers by causing prices for dairy, meat and other foodstuffs from livestock that consume corn to increase. Additionally, ethanol critics contend that corn supplies are redirected from international food markets to domestic fuel markets. If negative views of corn-based ethanol production gain acceptance, support for existing measures promoting use and domestic production of corn-based ethanol could decline, leading to reduction or repeal of federal mandates which would adversely affect the demand for ethanol. These views could also negatively impact public perception of the ethanol industry and acceptance of ethanol as an alternative fuel.
Beyond the federal mandates, there are limited markets for ethanol. Discretionary blending and E85 blending is an important secondary market. Discretionary blending is often determined by the price of ethanol versus the price of gasoline. In periods when discretionary blending is financially unattractive, the demand for ethanol may be reduced. A reduction in the demand for our products may depress the value of our products, erode our margins, and reduce our ability to generate revenue or to operate profitably. Consumer acceptance of E85 fuels and flexible-fuel technology vehicles is needed before ethanol can achieve any significant growth in market share.
Increased federal support of cellulosic ethanol may result in reduced incentives to corn-derived ethanol producers.
Recent legislation, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, provides numerous funding opportunities in support of cellulosic ethanol, which is obtained from other sources of biomass such as switchgrass and fast growing poplar trees. In addition, the amended RFS mandates an increasing level of production of biofuels that are not derived from corn. Federal policies suggest a long-term political preference for cellulosic processes using alternative feedstocks such as switchgrass, silage, wood
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chips or other forms of biomass. Cellulosic ethanol has a smaller carbon footprint because the feedstock does not require energy-intensive fertilizers and industrial production processes. Additionally, cellulosic ethanol is favored because it is unlikely that foodstuff is being diverted from the market. Several cellulosic ethanol plants are under development. As research and development programs persist, there is the risk that cellulosic ethanol could displace corn ethanol. In addition, any replacement of federal incentives from corn-based to cellulosic-based ethanol production may reduce our profitability.
Our plants are designed as single-feedstock facilities and would require significant additional investment to convert to the production of cellulosic ethanol. Additionally, our plants are strategically located in high-yield, low-cost corn production areas. At present, there is limited supply of alternative feedstocks near our facilities. As a result, the adoption of cellulosic ethanol and its use as the preferred form of ethanol would have a significant adverse impact on our business.
Any inability to maintain required regulatory permits may impede or completely prohibit our ability to successfully operate our plants. Additionally, any change in environmental and safety regulations, or violations thereof, could impede our ability to successfully operate our businesses.
Our ethanol production and agribusiness segments are subject to extensive air, water and other environmental regulation. We have had to obtain a number of environmental permits to construct and operate our plants. Ethanol production involves the emission of various airborne pollutants, including particulate, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. In addition, the governing state agencies could impose conditions or other restrictions in the permits that are detrimental to us or which increase our costs above those required for profitable operations. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
Environmental laws and regulations, both at the federal and state level, are subject to change and changes can be made retroactively. It is possible that more stringent federal or state environmental rules or regulations could be adopted, which could increase our operating costs and expenses. Consequently, even if we have the proper permits at the present time, we may be required to invest or spend considerable resources to comply with future environmental regulations. Furthermore, ongoing plant operations are governed by OSHA. OSHA regulations may change in a way that increases the costs of operations at our plants. If any of these events were to occur, they could have a material adverse impact on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
Part of our business is regulated by environmental laws and regulations governing the labeling, use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials. Because we use and handle hazardous substances in our businesses, changes in environmental requirements or an unanticipated significant adverse environmental event could have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot assure you that we have been, or will at all times be, in compliance with all environmental requirements, or that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements. Private parties, including current and former employees, could bring personal injury or other claims against us due to the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances used, stored or disposed of by us, or contained in its products. We are also exposed to residual risk because some of our facilities and land may have environmental liabilities arising from their prior use. In addition, changes to environmental regulations may require us to modify existing plant and processing facilities and could significantly increase the cost of those operations.
Our business is affected by the regulation of greenhouse gases, or GHG, and climate change. New climate change regulations could impede our ability to successfully operate our business.
Our plants emit carbon dioxide as a by-product of the ethanol production process. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court classified carbon dioxide as an air pollutant under the Clean Air Act in a case seeking to require the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide in vehicle emissions. On February 3, 2010, the EPA released its final regulations on RFS 2. We believe these final regulations grandfather our plants at their current operating capacity, though expansion of our plants will need to meet a threshold of a 20% reduction in GHG emissions from a 2005 baseline measurement for the ethanol over current capacity to be eligible for the RFS 2 mandate. Additionally, legislation is pending in Congress on a comprehensive carbon dioxide regulatory scheme, such as a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system. In order to expand capacity at our plants, we may have to apply for additional permits, install advanced technology
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such as corn oil extraction, or reduce drying of certain amounts of distillers grains. We may also be required to install carbon dioxide mitigation equipment or take other steps unknown to us at this time in order to comply with other future law or regulation. Compliance with future law or regulation of carbon dioxide, or if we choose to expand capacity at certain of our plants, compliance with then-current regulation of carbon dioxide, could be costly and may prevent us from operating our plants as profitably, which may have a material adverse impact on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
The California Air Resources Board has adopted a Low Carbon Fuel Standard requiring a 10% reduction in GHG emissions from transportation fuels by 2020. Additionally, an Indirect Land Use Change, or ILUC, component is included in the lifecycle GHG emissions calculation. While this standard is currently being challenged by various lawsuits, implementation of such a standard may have an adverse impact on our market for corn-based ethanol if it is determined that in California corn-based ethanol fails to achieve lifecycle GHG emission reductions.
Our agribusiness operations are subject to significant governmental and private sector regulations.
Our agribusiness operations are subject to government regulation and regulation by certain private sector associations, compliance with which can impose significant costs on our business. Failure to comply with such regulations can result in additional costs, fines or criminal action. Production levels, markets and prices of the grains we merchandise are affected by federal government programs, which include acreage control and price support programs of the USDA. In addition, grain that we sell must conform to official grade standards imposed by the USDA. Other examples of government policies that can have an impact on our business include tariffs, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions and outright embargos. Changes in government policies and producer supports may impact the amount and type of grains planted, which in turn, may impact our ability to buy grain in our market region. Because a portion of our grain sales are to exporters, the imposition of export restrictions could limit our sales opportunities.
Our agribusiness segment is affected by the supply and demand of commodities, and is sensitive to factors that are often outside of our control.
Within our agribusiness segment, we compete with other grain merchandisers, grain processors and end-users for the purchase of grain, as well as with other grain merchandisers, private elevator operators and cooperatives for the sale of grain. Many of our grain competitors are significantly larger and compete in more diverse markets, and our failure to compete effectively would impact our profitability.
We buy and sell various other commodities within our agribusiness division, some of which are readily traded on commodity futures exchanges. For example, we sell agronomy products to producers which necessitates the purchase of large volumes of fertilizer and chemicals for retail sale. Fixed-price purchase obligations and carrying inventories of these products subject us to the risk of market price fluctuations for periods of time between the time of purchase and final sale. Weather, economic, political, environmental and technological conditions and developments, both local and worldwide, as well as other factors beyond our control, can affect the supply and demand of these commodities and expose them to liquidity pressures due to rapidly rising or falling market prices. Changes in the supply and demand of these commodities can also affect the value of inventories held for resale, as well as the price of raw materials. Fluctuating costs of inventory and prices of raw materials could decrease operating margins and adversely affect profitability.
While our grain business hedges the majority of its grain inventory positions with derivative instruments to manage risk associated with commodity price changes, including purchase and sale contracts, we are unable to hedge all of the price risk of each transaction due to timing, unavailability of hedge contract counterparties and third-party credit risk. Furthermore, there is a risk that the derivatives we employ will not be effective in offsetting the changes associated with the risks we are attempting to manage. This can happen when the derivative and the hedged item are not perfectly matched. Our grain derivatives, for example, do not hedge the basis pricing component of our grain inventory and contracts. Basis is defined as the difference between the cash price of a commodity in one of our grain facilities and the nearest in time exchange-traded futures price. Differences can reflect time periods, locations or product forms. Although the basis component is smaller and generally less volatile than the futures component of grain market prices, significant unfavorable basis movement on grain positions as large as ours may significantly impact our profitability.
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Our debt level could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.
As of March 31, 2010, our total debt was $447.5 million. Our level of debt could have significant consequences to our shareholders, including the following:
| • | requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to make payments on debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures and other general business activities; |
| • | requiring a substantial portion of our corporate cash reserves to be held as a reserve for debt service, limiting our ability to invest in new growth opportunities; |
| • | limiting the ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate and other activities; |
| • | limiting the flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the business and industry in which we operate; |
| • | increasing our vulnerability to both general and industry-specific adverse economic conditions; |
| • | being at a competitive disadvantage against less leveraged competitors; |
| • | being vulnerable to increases in prevailing interest rates; |
| • | subjecting all or substantially all of our assets to liens, which means that there may be no assets left for shareholders in the event of a liquidation; and |
| • | limiting our ability to make business and operational decisions regarding our business and subsidiaries, including, among other things, limiting our ability to pay dividends to our respective shareholders, make capital improvements, sell or purchase assets or engage in transactions deemed appropriate and in our best interest. |
Most of our debt bears interest at variable rates, which creates exposure to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations with respect to the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income would decrease.
We operate in capital intensive businesses and rely on cash generated from operations and external financing. Limitations on access to external financing could adversely affect our operating results.
Some ethanol producers have faced financial distress recently, culminating with bankruptcy filings by several companies. This, in combination with continued volatility in the capital markets has resulted in reduced availability of capital for the ethanol industry generally. Construction of our plants and anticipated levels of required working capital were funded under long-term credit facilities. Increases in liquidity requirements could occur due to, for example, increased commodity prices. Our operating cash flow is dependent on our ability to profitably operate our businesses and overall commodity market conditions. In addition, we may need to raise additional financing to fund growth of our businesses. In this market environment, we may experience limited access to incremental financing. This could cause us to defer or cancel growth projects, reduce our business activity or, if we are unable to meet our debt repayment schedules, cause a default in our existing debt agreements. These events could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and financial position.
Our subsidiaries’ debt facilities have ongoing payment requirements which we generally expect to meet from their operating cash flow. Our ability to repay current and anticipated future indebtedness will depend on our financial and operating performance and on the successful implementation of our business strategies. Our financial and operational performance will depend on numerous factors including prevailing economic conditions, volatile commodity prices, and financial, business and other factors beyond our control. If we cannot pay our debt service, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, restructure our indebtedness or seek additional capital. If we are unable to restructure our indebtedness or raise funds through sales of assets, equity or otherwise, our ability to operate could be harmed and the value of our stock could be significantly reduced.
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We are a holding company, and there are limitations on our ability to receive distributions from our subsidiaries.
We conduct most of our operations through subsidiaries and are dependent upon dividends or other intercompany transfers of funds from our subsidiaries to generate free cashflow. Moreover, some of our subsidiaries are currently, or are expected in the future to be, limited in their ability to pay dividends or make distributions to us by the terms of their financing agreements. Consequently, we are not able to rely on the cash flow from one subsidiary to satisfy the loan obligations of another subsidiary. As a result, if a subsidiary is unable to satisfy its loan obligations, we may not be able to prevent a default on the loan by providing additional cash to that subsidiary, even if sufficient cash exists elsewhere in our consolidated organization.
Increased ethanol industry penetration by oil companies or other multinational companies may adversely impact our margins.
We operate in a very competitive environment. The ethanol industry is primarily comprised of smaller entities that engage exclusively in ethanol production and large integrated grain companies that produce ethanol along with their base grain businesses. We face competition for capital, labor, corn and other resources from these companies. Until recently, oil companies, petrochemical refiners and gasoline retailers have not been engaged in ethanol production to a large extent. These companies, however, form the primary distribution networks for marketing ethanol through blended gasoline. During the past year, several large oil companies have entered the ethanol production market. If these companies increase their ethanol plant ownership or other oil companies seek to engage in direct ethanol production, there will be less of a need to purchase ethanol from independent ethanol producers like us. Such a structural change in the market could result in a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
We operate in a highly competitive industry.
In the United States, we compete with other corn processors and refiners, including Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, POET, LLC and Valero Energy Corporation. Some of our competitors are divisions of larger enterprises and have greater financial resources than we do. Although some of our competitors are larger than we are, we also have many smaller competitors. Farm cooperatives comprised of groups of individual farmers have been able to compete successfully. As of May 14, 2010, the top ten domestic producers accounted for approximately 46% of all production. If our competitors consolidate or otherwise grow and we are unable to similarly increase our size and scope, our business and prospects may be significantly and adversely affected.
Our competitors also include plants owned by farmers who earn their livelihood through the sale of corn, and competitors whose primary business is oil refining and retail gasoline sales. Hence, these competitors may not be as focused on obtaining optimal value for their produced ethanol as we are.
Depending on commodity prices, foreign producers may produce ethanol at a lower cost than we can, which may result in lower ethanol prices which would adversely affect our financial results.
There is a risk of foreign competition in the ethanol industry. Brazil is currently the second largest ethanol producer in the world. Brazil’s ethanol production, which is sugar-cane based as opposed to corn based, at times has been less expensive to produce. Other foreign producers may be able to produce ethanol at lower input costs, including costs of feedstock, facilities and personnel, than we can.
At present, there is a 54 cents per gallon tariff on foreign ethanol. However, this tariff might not be sufficient to deter overseas producers from importing ethanol into the domestic market, resulting in depressed ethanol prices. It is also important to note that the tariff on foreign ethanol is the subject of ongoing controversy and disagreement amongst lawmakers. Many lawmakers attribute increases in food prices to growth in the ethanol industry. They see foreign competition in ethanol production as a means of reducing food prices. Additionally, the tariff on ethanol is controversial internationally because critics contend that it diverts corn from export and impedes Latin American agricultural development.
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Ethanol produced or processed in numerous countries in Central America and the Caribbean region is eligible for tariff reduction or elimination upon importation to the United States under a program known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Large multinational companies have expressed interest in building dehydration plants in participating Caribbean Basin countries, such as El Salvador, which would convert ethanol into fuel-grade ethanol for shipment to the United States Ethanol imported from Caribbean Basin countries may be a less expensive alternative to domestically produced ethanol. As a result, our business faces a threat from imported ethanol either from Brazil, even with the import tariff, or from a Caribbean Basin source. While transportation and infrastructure constraints may temper the market impact throughout the United States, competition from imported ethanol may affect our ability to sell our ethanol profitably, which may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
If significant additional foreign ethanol production capacity is created, such facilities could create excess supplies of ethanol on world markets, which may result in lower prices of ethanol throughout the world, including the United States. Such foreign competition is a risk to our business. Further, if the tariff on foreign ethanol is ever lifted, overturned, reduced, repealed or expires, our ability to profitably compete with low-cost international producers could be impaired. Any penetration of ethanol imports into the domestic market may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our success may depend on our ability to manage our growing and changing operations.
Since our formation in 2004, our business has grown significantly in size and complexity. This growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, significant demands on our management, systems, internal controls and financial and physical resources. Much of our operations are decentralized at our various facilities, with many functions being performed at the local level. This requires us to expend significant resources implementing and monitoring compliance at the local level. In addition, we expect that we will need to further develop our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems to accommodate future growth. This will require us to incur expenses related to hiring additional qualified personnel, retaining professionals to assist in developing the appropriate control systems and expanding our information technology infrastructure. Our inability to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of mergers and acquisitions that we have undertaken or may undertake because of integration challenges.
We have increased the size of our operations significantly through mergers and acquisitions and intend to continue to explore potential merger or acquisition opportunities. The anticipated benefits and cost savings of such mergers and acquisitions may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, any of which could harm our business, including:
| • | difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, products, existing contracts, accounting processes and personnel of the target and realizing the anticipated synergies of the combined businesses; |
| • | risks relating to environmental hazards on purchased sites; |
| • | risks relating to acquiring or developing the infrastructure needed for facilities or acquired sites, including access to rail networks; |
| • | difficulties in supporting and transitioning customers, if any, of the target company; |
| • | diversion of financial and management resources from existing operations; |
| • | the purchase price or other devoted resources may exceed the value realized, or the value we could have realized if the purchase price or other resources had been allocated to another opportunity; |
| • | risks of entering new markets or areas in which we have limited or no experience, or are outside our core competencies; |
| • | potential loss of key employees, customers and strategic alliances from either our current business or the business of the target; |
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| • | assumption of unanticipated problems or latent liabilities, such as problems with the quality of the target company’s products; and |
| • | inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition costs and development costs. |
We also may pursue growth through joint ventures or partnerships. Partnerships and joint ventures typically involve restrictions on actions that the partnership or joint venture may take without the approval of the partners. These types of provisions may limit our ability to manage a partnership or joint venture in a manner that is in our best interest but is opposed by our other partner or partners.
Future acquisitions may involve the issuance of equity securities as payment or in connection with financing the business or assets acquired and, as a result, could dilute your ownership interest. In addition, additional debt may be necessary in order to complete these transactions, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. The failure to successfully evaluate and execute acquisitions or joint ventures or otherwise adequately address the risks associated with acquisitions or joint ventures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have had a history of operating losses and may incur future operating losses.
We have had a history of operating losses and may incur operating losses in the future, which could be substantial. Although we recently achieved profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis, which could result in a decrease in the trading price of our common stock.
Our ability to use our net operating losses to offset future taxable income will be subject to certain limitations.
In general, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change net operating losses, or NOLs, to offset future taxable income. Our existing NOLs will be subject to limitations arising from previous ownership changes, and if we undergo an ownership change in the future, our ability to utilize NOLs could be further limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Furthermore, our ability to utilize NOLs of any companies that we may acquire in the future may be subject to limitations. As a result, if we earn net taxable income, our ability to use our pre-change net operating loss carryforwards to offset U.S. federal taxable income will be subject to limitations, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability to us.
Our ability to successfully operate is dependent on the availability of energy and water at anticipated prices.
Our plants require a significant and uninterrupted supply of natural gas, electricity and water to operate. We rely on third parties to provide these resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to secure an adequate supply of energy or water to support current and expected plant operations. If there is an interruption in the supply of energy or water for any reason, such as supply, delivery or mechanical problems, we may be required to halt production. If production is halted for an extended period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
Replacement technologies are under development that might result in the obsolescence of corn-derived ethanol or our process systems.
Ethanol is primarily an additive and oxygenate for blended gasoline. Although use of oxygenates is currently mandated, there is always the possibility that a preferred alternative product will emerge and eclipse the current market. Critics of ethanol blends argue that ethanol decreases fuel economy, causes corrosion of ferrous components and damages fuel pumps. Any alternative oxygenate product would likely be a form of alcohol (like ethanol) or ether (like MTBE). Prior to federal restrictions and ethanol mandates, MTBE was the dominant oxygenate. It is possible that other ether products could enter the market and prove to be environmentally or economically superior to ethanol. It is also possible that alternative biofuel alcohols such as methanol and butanol could evolve into ethanol replacement products.
Research is currently underway to develop other products that could directly compete with ethanol and may
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have more potential advantages than ethanol. Advantages of such competitive products may include, but are not limited to: lower vapor pressure, making it easier to add gasoline; energy content closer to or exceeding that of gasoline, such that any decrease in fuel economy caused by the blending with gasoline is reduced; an ability to blend at a higher concentration level for use in standard vehicles; reduced susceptibility to separation when water is present; and suitability for transportation in gas pipelines. Such products could have a competitive advantage over ethanol, making it more difficult to market our ethanol, which could reduce our ability to generate revenue and profits.
New ethanol process technologies may emerge that require less energy per gallon produced. The development of such process technologies would result in lower production costs. Our process technologies may become outdated and obsolete, placing us at a competitive disadvantage against competitors in the industry. The development of replacement technologies may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our revenue from the sale of distillers grains depends upon its continued market acceptance as an animal feed.
Distillers grains is a co-product from the fermentation of various crops, including corn, to produce ethanol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s, or FDA’s, Center for Veterinary Medicine has expressed concern about potential animal and human health hazards from the use of distillers grains as an animal feed. As a result, the market value of this co-product could be diminished if the FDA were to introduce regulations that limit the sale of distillers grains in the domestic market or for export to international markets, which in turn would have a negative impact on our profitability. In addition, if public perception of distillers grains as an acceptable animal feed were to change or if the public became concerned about the impact of distillers grains in the food supply, the market for distillers grains would be negatively impacted, which would have a negative impact on our profitability.
Our operating results may suffer if our marketing and sales efforts are not effective.
We have established our own marketing, transportation and storage infrastructure. We lease tanker railcars and have contracted with storage depots near our customers and at strategic locations for efficient delivery of our finished ethanol product. We have also hired a marketing and sales force, as well as logistical and other operational personnel to staff our distribution activities. The marketing, sales, distribution, transportation, storage or administrative efforts we have implemented may not achieve expected results. Any failure to successfully execute these efforts would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. Our financial results also may be adversely affected by our need to establish inventory in storage locations to fulfill our marketing and distribution contracts.
We are exposed to credit risk resulting from the possibility that a loss may occur from the failure of our contractual counterparties to perform according to the terms of our agreements.
In selling ethanol and distillers grains, we may experience concentrations of credit risk from a variety of customers, including major integrated oil companies, large independent refiners, petroleum wholesalers, other marketers and jobbers. We are also exposed to credit risk resulting from sales of grain to large commercial buyers, including other ethanol plants. Our fixed-price forward contracts also result in credit risk when prices change significantly prior to delivery. We continually monitor this credit risk exposure. In addition, we may prepay or make deposits on undelivered inventories. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to inventory advances are primarily with a few major suppliers of petroleum products and agricultural inputs. The inability of a third party to make payments to us for our accounts receivable or to provide inventory to us on advances made may cause us to experience losses and may adversely impact our liquidity and our ability to make our payments when due.
A loss may occur from the failure of our counterparties to perform according to the terms of their marketing agreements.
Under our third-party marketing agreements, we purchase all of our third-party producers’ ethanol production. In turn, we sell the ethanol in various markets for future deliveries. Under these marketing agreements, the third-party producers are not obligated to produce any minimum amount of ethanol and we cannot assure you that we will receive the full amount of ethanol that these third-party plants are expected to produce. The interruption or curtailment of production by any of our third-party producers for any reason could cause us to be unable to deliver
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quantities of ethanol sold under the contracts. As a result, we may be forced to purchase replacement quantities of ethanol at higher prices to fulfill these contractual obligations. However, these recoveries would be dependent on our third-party producer’s ability to pay, and in the event they were unable to pay, our profitability could be materially and adversely impacted.
We are exposed to potential business disruption from factors outside our control, including natural disasters, seasonality, severe weather conditions, accidents, and unforeseen plant shutdowns, any of which could adversely affect our cash flows and operating results.
Potential business disruption in available transportation due to natural disasters, significant track damage resulting from a train derailment, or strikes by our transportation providers could result in delays in procuring and supplying raw materials to our ethanol or grain facilities, or transporting ethanol and distillers grains to our customers. We also run the risk of unforeseen operational issues that may result in an extended plant shutdown. Such business disruptions would cause the normal course of our business operations to stall and may result in our inability to meet customer demand or contract delivery requirements, as well as the potential loss of customers.
Many of our grain business activities, as well as corn procurement for our ethanol plants, are dependent on weather conditions. Adverse weather may result in a reduction in the sales of fertilizer or pesticides during typical application periods, a reduction in grain harvests caused by inadequate or excessive amounts of rain during the growing season, or by overly wet conditions, an early freeze or snowy weather during the harvest season. Additionally, corn stored in an open pile may become damaged by too much rain and warm weather before the corn is dried, shipped, consumed or moved into a storage structure.
Casualty losses may occur for which we have not secured adequate insurance.
We have acquired insurance that we believe to be adequate to prevent loss from foreseeable risks. However, events occur for which no insurance is available or for which insurance is not available on terms that are acceptable to us. Loss from such an event, such as, but not limited to, earthquake, tornados, war, riot, terrorism or other risks, may not be insured and such a loss may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our Obion, Tennessee plant is located within a recognized seismic zone. The design of this facility has been modified to fortify it to meet structural requirements for that region of the country. We have also obtained additional insurance coverage specific to earthquake risk for this plant. However, there is no assurance that this facility would remain in operation if a seismic event were to occur.
If our internal computer network and applications suffer disruptions or fail to operate as designed, our operations will be disrupted and our business may be harmed.
We rely on network infrastructure and enterprise applications, and internal technology systems for our operational, marketing support and sales, and product development activities. The hardware and software systems related to such activities are subject to damage from earthquakes, floods, lightning, tornadoes, fire, power loss, telecommunication failures and other similar events. They are also subject to acts such as computer viruses, physical or electronic vandalism or other similar disruptions that could cause system interruptions and loss of critical data, and could prevent us from fulfilling our customers’ orders. We cannot assure you that any of our backup systems would be sufficient. Any event that causes failures or interruption in our hardware or software systems could result in disruption of our business operations, have a negative impact on our operating results, and damage our reputation.
We may not be able to hire and retain qualified personnel to operate our ethanol plants.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain competent personnel. For each of our plants, qualified managers, engineers, operations and other personnel must be hired, which can be challenging in a rural community. Competition for both managers and plant employees in the ethanol industry is intense, and we may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel. If we are unable to hire and retain productive and competent personnel, the amount of ethanol we produce may decrease and we may not be able to efficiently operate our ethanol plants and execute our business strategy.
Risks relating to ownership of our common stock
The price of our common stock may be volatile.
The trading price of our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to fluctuations in response to a number of factors beyond our control. Some of these factors are:
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| • | our results of operations and the performance of our competitors; |
| • | the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC; |
| • | changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who follow us or other companies in our industry; |
| • | changes in general economic conditions; |
| • | changes in market prices for our products or for our raw materials; |
| • | actions of our historical equity investors, including sales of common stock by our directors, executive officers and significant shareholders; |
| • | actions by institutional investors trading in our stock; |
| • | disruption of our operations; |
| • | any major change in our management team; |
| • | other developments affecting us, our industry or our competitors; and |
| • | U.S. and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance. |
In recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations may be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause declines in the market price of our common stock. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our company or its performance, and those fluctuations could materially reduce our common stock price.
Our principal shareholders have substantial influence over us and they may make decisions with which you disagree.
Subsidiaries of NTR, plc, Wilon Holdings, S.A., and Wayne Hoovestol, a director and our former Chief Executive Officer, beneficially own approximately 35.4%, 6.5% and 3.0%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock. NTR, Wilon and Mr. Hoovestol have entered into a Shareholders’ Agreement with us, in which NTR has the right to designate four individuals to be nominated to our board, so long as it owns more than 33.5% of our outstanding stock, and Wilon has the right to designate one individual to be nominated to our board, so long it holds more than 2.5% of our outstanding stock. NTR, Wilon and Mr. Hoovestol have agreed to vote for such nominees at any meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing directors. As a result, these persons have the ability to control the composition of our Board of Directors and significantly influence other matters requiring shareholder approval including mergers and other significant transactions. These shareholders may have interests that differ from yours, and they may vote in a way with which you disagree and that may be adverse to your interests. This concentration of ownership could present or delay a change of control of us or deprive shareholders of a right to receive a premium for their shares as part of our sale, which could also affect the market price of our common stock.
A significant percent of our outstanding voting stock is held by a concentrated number of shareholders which could impact your liquidity.
Approximately 50% of our outstanding common stock is held by NTR, Wilon, and our executive officers and directors. Continued concentrated ownership could result in fewer shares being available to be traded in the market, resulting in reduced liquidity. In addition, a decision by one or more large shareholder to liquidate its holdings could adversely affect the trading price of our stock.
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Anti-takeover provisions could make it difficult for a third party to acquire us.
Our second amended and restated articles of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and Iowa law contain anti-takeover provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control of us or our management. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our shareholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions without the concurrence of our management or Board of Directors. The provisions in our charter documents include the following:
| • | a classified Board of Directors pursuant to which our directors are divided into three classes, with three-year staggered terms; |
| • | members of our Board of Directors can only be removed for cause by shareholders with the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock; |
| • | shareholder action may be taken only at a special or annual meeting, and not by any written consent, except where required by Iowa law; |
| • | our bylaws restrict our shareholders’ ability to make proposals at shareholder meetings; and |
| • | our Board of Directors has the ability to cause us to issue authorized and unissued shares of stock from time to time. |
We are subject to the provisions of the Iowa Business Corporations Act, or IBCA, under which, certain business combinations between an Iowa corporation whose stock is publicly traded or held by more than 2,000 shareholders and an interested shareholder are prohibited for a three-year period following the date that such a shareholder became an interested shareholder unless certain exemption requirements are met. In addition, certain other provisions of the IBCA may have anti-takeover effects in certain situations.
The foregoing items may discourage transactions that otherwise could provide for the payment of a premium over prevailing market prices of our common stock and also could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
Non-U.S. holders may be subject to U.S. income tax with respect to gain on disposition of their common stock.
If we are or have been a U.S. real property holding corporation at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding a disposition of common stock by a non-U.S. holder or such holder’s holding period of the stock disposed of, such non-U.S. holder may be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to gain on such disposition. Because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our United States real property interests relative to the fair market value of our other trade or business assets and our non-U.S. real property interests, there can be no assurance that we are not a USRPHC or will not become one in the future.
All proceeds from the disposition of the common shares covered by this prospectus will go to the selling shareholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the disposition of the common stock by the selling shareholders. See “Plan of Distribution” for more details.
The selling shareholders will pay any underwriting discounts and commissions, expenses incurred for brokerage, accounting, tax or legal services, stock transfer taxes, or any other expenses incurred in disposing of their shares. We will bear the costs, fees and expenses incurred to effect the registration of the shares covered by this prospectus, including all registration, qualification and filing fees, printing fees and fees and expenses of our counsel and our independent registered public accounting firm.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding shares of common stock as of July 1, 2010 by each of the selling shareholders, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares in this offering. As of July 1, 2010, approximately 31,730,642 shares of our common stock were outstanding.
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The information under the heading “Shares Beneficially Owned” is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect to such shares. Shares of common stock subject to options, or issuable upon conversion of convertible securities currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days from July 1, 2010, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options or convertible securities, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
Shares listed under the column “Shares Being Offered” represent the number of shares that may be sold by each selling shareholder pursuant to this prospectus. Pursuant to Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also covers additional shares of our common stock which become issuable in connection with such shares because of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of outstanding shares of our common stock.
The information under the heading “Shares Beneficially Owned After Offering” assumes each selling shareholder sells all of its shares offered pursuant to this prospectus to unaffiliated third parties and that the selling shareholders will acquire no additional Green Plains common stock prior to the completion of this offering or sell any other shares of Green Plains common stock that they may own. Each selling shareholder may sell all, part or none of its shares. This table is based upon information supplied by the selling shareholders.
| Selling Shareholders |
Shares Beneficially Owned | Shares Being Offered |
Shares Beneficially Owned After Offering (1) | ||||||||
| Number | Percentage | Number | Number | Percentage | |||||||
| NTR plc (2) |
11,227,653 | 35.4 | % | 11,227,653 | — | — | |||||
| Wilon Holdings (3) |
2,070,716 | 6.5 | % | 2,070,716 | — | — | |||||
| Wayne B. Hoovestol (4) |
946,592 | 3.0 | % | 946,592 | — | — | |||||
| (1) | Assumes that the selling shareholder will sell all shares of common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus. |
| (2) | Although voting and investment control of the shares held by NTR plc are matters subject to the approval of its board of directors, Jim Barry, Chief Executive Officer of NTR, exercises shared voting and dispositive power, as agent of NTR, with respect to these shares. NTR’s address is Burton Court, Burton Hall Drive, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland. All shares are held of record by the following wholly-owned subsidiary of NTR: |
Greenstar North America Holdings, Inc.
3411 Richmond Avenue
Suite 700
Houston, TX 77046
| (3) | Although voting and investment control of the shares held by Wilon Holdings are matters subject to the approval of its board of directors, Alain Treuer, who has controlled Wilon Holdings since 2006, exercises voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares. The address for Wilon Holdings is: |
53rd E Street
Urbanizacion Marbella
MGM Tower 16th Floor
Panama City, Republic of Panama
| (4) | Includes options exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2010 for 50,000 shares. Also includes 30,000 shares owned by Mr. Hoovestol’s wife. The address for Mr. Hoovestol is: |
57575 190th Street
Pacific Junction, IA 51561
NTR has the right to designate four individuals to be nominated to our Board, so long as it owns more than 33.5% of our outstanding stock. NTR’s four designees who are currently serving on our Board are Jim Anderson, Jim Barry, James Crowley and Michael Walsh. Wilon has the right to designate one individual to be nominated to
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our board, so long as it holds more than 2.5% of our outstanding stock. Wilon’s designee who is currently serving on our board is Alain Treuer. In October 2008, upon the consummation of the merger among the Company, its wholly-owned merger subsidiary, VBV LLC and certain other parties, the shares of VBV that were held by NTR, the controlling shareholder of VBV, were converted into a total of 6,548,532 shares of the Company’s common stock, and the shares that were held by Wilon were converted into a total of 749,837 shares of the Company’s common stock. At the same time, affiliates of NTR purchased an additional 6,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $10.00 per share, for a total cash purchase price of $60,000,000.
Wayne B. Hoovestol has served as a Director since March 2006 and as Chairman of the Board since October 2008. Mr. Hoovestol served as Chief Operating Officer from January 2007 to February 2007, and as Chief Executive Officer from February 2007 to December 2008 (he resigned from this position effective January 1, 2009). He was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer in March 2009. He resigned as Chief Strategy Officer in November 2009 and is no longer an employee of the Company. Mr. Hoovestol had purchased 400,100 shares of the Company’s common stock by March 2006 when he became a Director of the Company. Since then he has purchased additional shares from two former officers of the Company and has been paid in stock under the Company’s equity compensation plans. Mr. Hoovestol has paid between $8.90 and $42.17 per share for 879,592 shares of stock over the years at an average price exceeding $17.00 per share (excluding exercisable options and shares of restricted stock awarded to Mr. Hoovestol under the Company’s equity compensation plans).
The Company is filing this registration statement on Form S-3 pursuant to its obligations to register shares held by the selling shareholders under the Shareholders’ Agreement between the Company and the selling shareholders. See “Description of Common Stock” beginning on page 18 of this Prospectus. The selling shareholders also have certain rights to designate individuals to be nominated for election of directors. See “Risks relating to ownership of our common stock” within “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this Prospectus for a discussion of these rights. Certain designees of the selling shareholders currently serve on our board. See “Item 10, Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as amended, incorporated by reference herein. For a description of certain transactions between the Company and the selling shareholders, see “Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as amended, incorporated by reference herein.
The selling shareholders may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market or in privately-negotiated transactions in each case subject to compliance with the Company’s insider trading policy in effect at the time of sale. These sales may be at fixed prices, prevailing market prices at the time of sale, prices related to the prevailing market prices, varying prices determined at the time of sale or negotiated prices. The selling shareholders will act independently of us in making decisions regarding the timing, manner and size of each sale. The selling shareholders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
| • | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| • | block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
| • | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
| • | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
| • | privately-negotiated transactions between a selling shareholder and one or more purchasers; |
| • | settlement of short sales by third parties; |
| • | broker-dealers may agree with the selling shareholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and |
| • | a combination of any such methods of sale or any other legally available means, whether or not described in this prospectus. |
Each selling shareholder shall have the sole and absolute discretion not to accept any purchase offer or make any sale of shares if it or he deems the purchase price to be unsatisfactory at any particular time.
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In connection with distributions of the common stock, the selling shareholders may enter into hedging transactions with brokers or dealers and the brokers or dealers may engage in short sales of the common stock by third parties in the course of hedging the positions they assume with the selling shareholders. The selling shareholders also may enter into option or other transactions with brokers or dealers that involve the delivery of the common stock to the brokers or dealers, who may then resell or otherwise transfer such common stock.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling shareholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling shareholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling shareholders do not expect these commissions and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The selling shareholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock from time to time under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling shareholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling shareholders under this prospectus.
The selling shareholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The selling shareholders have informed the Company that they do not have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock.
The selling shareholders may decide not to sell all or a portion of the common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, the selling shareholders may transfer, devise or give the common stock by other means not described in this prospectus. Any common stock covered by this prospectus that qualifies for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act, or Regulation S under the Securities Act, may be sold under Rule 144, Rule 144A or Regulation S rather than pursuant to this prospectus.
The selling shareholders and any other persons participating in the distribution of the common stock will be subject to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Exchange Act rules include, without limitation, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the common stock by the selling shareholders and any such other person. In addition, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular common stock being distributed for a period of up to five business days prior to the commencement of such distribution. This may affect the marketability of the common stock and the ability to engage in market-making activities with respect to the common stock.
The Company is required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares, but is not required to pay selling shareholder underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with the selling shareholders’ offers and sale of the common stock.
We are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value $0.001 per share. As of July 1, 2010, there were approximately 31,730,642 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, held by approximately 1,839 shareholders of record, not including beneficial holders whose shares are held in names other than their own.
The following descriptions of our common stock and provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, are only summaries, and we encourage you to review complete copies of these documents, which have been filed as exhibits to our periodic reports with the SEC.
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Dividends, Voting Rights and Liquidation
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The holders of common stock have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange, pre-emption or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “GPRE.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock. Their address is 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, and their telephone number is (800) 962-4284.
Iowa Law and Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions
The provisions of (1) Iowa law, (2) our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, and (3) our Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, discussed below could discourage or make it more difficult to accomplish a proxy contest or other change in our management or the acquisition of control by a holder of a substantial amount of our voting stock. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish, or could deter, transactions that shareholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interests or in our best interests. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies formulated by the board of directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of us. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.
Iowa Statutory Business Combinations Provision. We are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 490.1110 of the Iowa Business Corporation Act. In general, Section 490.1110 prohibits a publicly-held Iowa corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested shareholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless the business combination is, or the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder was, approved in a prescribed manner or another prescribed exception applies. For purposes of Section 490.1110, a “business combination” is defined broadly to include a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested shareholder, and, subject to certain exceptions, an “interested shareholder” is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior, did own) 10% or more of the corporation’s voting stock.
Classified Board of Directors; Removal of Directors for Cause. Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that our board of directors is divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms ending at the annual meeting of our shareholders. All directors elected to our classified board of directors will serve until the election and qualification of their respective successors or their earlier resignation or removal. The board of directors is authorized to create new directorships and to fill such positions so created and is permitted to specify the class to which any such new position is assigned. The person filling such position would serve for the term applicable to that class. The board of directors (or its remaining members, even if less than a quorum) is also empowered to fill vacancies on the board of directors occurring for any reason for the remainder of the term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred. Members of the board of directors may only be removed for cause and only by the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock. These provisions are likely to increase the time required for shareholders to change the composition of the board of directors. For example, in general, at least two annual meetings will be necessary for shareholders to effect a change in a majority of the members of the board of directors.
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Advance Notice Provisions for Shareholder Proposals and Shareholder Nominations of Directors. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that, for nominations to the board of directors or for other business to be properly brought by a shareholder before a meeting of shareholders, the shareholder must first have given timely notice of the proposal in writing to our Secretary. A shareholder’s notice generally must be delivered not less than 50 days nor more than 75 days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event less than 60 days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given, the notice must be received not later than the 10th day following notice of the meeting or such public disclosure. Detailed requirements as to the form of the notice and information required in the notice are specified in the Amended and Restated Bylaws. If it is determined that business was not properly brought before a meeting in accordance with our bylaw provisions, such business will not be conducted at the meeting.
Special Meetings of Shareholders. Special meetings of the shareholders may be called only by our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, the Board of Directors, or as otherwise allowed under the Iowa Business Corporation Act.
No Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws do not permit our shareholders to act by written consent, except where otherwise required by the Iowa Business Corporation Act. As a result, any action to be effected by our shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the shareholders.
Super-Majority Shareholder Vote Required for Certain Actions. The Iowa Business Corporation Act provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, unless the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. An affirmative 66 2/3% vote of our outstanding voting stock is required for any amendment to, or repeal of, our Amended and Restated Bylaws by the shareholders. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws may be amended or repealed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Shareholders’ Agreement
Under a Shareholders’ Agreement dated May 7, 2008, between the Company and the selling shareholders:
| • | The holders of at least 30% of the registrable securities subject to the agreement may request that the Company file a Form S-1 registration statement with respect to at least 20% of their registrable securities. |
| • | The holders of at least 20% of the registrable securities subject to the agreement may request that the Company file a Form S-3 registration statement with respect to registrable securities having an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $5 million dollars. |
In both cases, if the Company believes in its good faith judgment that such registration statement would be materially detrimental to the Company and its shareholders, because such action would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to the filing such registration statement for a period of not more than 75 days after such request. The Company may invoke this right two times in any 12-month period.
The Company shall not be obligated to file a Form S-1 registration statement (i) during a period that is 30 days before and 90 days after the effective date of a Company-filed registration statement; (ii) after the Company has effected two registration statements under the Shareholders’ Agreement; or (iii) if the request for registration can be effected on a Form S-3 registration. Additionally, the Company shall not be obligated to file a Form S-3 registration statement (i) during a period that is 30 days before and 90 days after the effective date of a Company filed registration statement; or (ii) if the Company has effected two Form S-3 registrations within the 12 months preceding such request. In no event shall the Company be obligated to effect more than four registrations under the Shareholders’ Agreement.
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In the event the Company proposes to register any of its common stock, it shall be obligated to give notice to the holders of registrable securities under the Shareholders’ Agreement to allow them to piggyback onto such registration, and include such holders’ registrable securities in such registration. In any offering by the Company involving an underwriting of Company shares, the Company shall not be required to include any holders’ registrable securities unless the holders agree to the terms agreed to by the Company and then only in such amounts as the underwriters determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company.
If the registration request by holders includes a request to distribute registrable securities by means of an underwriting, the holders must make such a request of the Company. All holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall be party to an underwriting agreement and if a limit is imposed on the number of shares to be underwritten, then all holders shall be allocated their proportionate share of such underwriting. If, as a result of an underwriter cutback, fewer than 50% of the registrable securities requested to be registered by the holders are included in such registration, then that registration shall not be counted toward the maximum number of registrations permitted under the Shareholders’ Agreement.
When required to effect a registration, the Company is obligated to, among other things, (i) prepare and file with the SEC the applicable registration statement, amendments and supplements as necessary; (ii) take other usual and customary actions to provide information to the holders, and effect such registration; (iii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registrable securities to be listed on a national securities exchange or trading system; and (iv) pay all such expenses of such registration other than (a) selling expenses, underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes related to the selling holders’ shares, and (b) fees of selling holders’ legal counsel.
The Company and the selling holders agree to indemnify the other, under certain circumstances, from any loss, damage or liability to which a party may become subject under federal and state securities laws in connection with their respective obligations under the Shareholders’ Agreement. The Company further agrees (i) to make and keep available adequate current public information, and (ii) that it shall not, for a period two years after the date of the Shareholders’ Agreement, without the consent of the holders of the majority of registrable securities covered by the agreement, allow any holder or prospective holder to include such securities in any registration or allow any holder or prospective holder to initiate a demand for registration. The registration rights granted under the Shareholders’ Agreement shall terminate upon the fifth anniversary of the date of the agreement.
The validity of our common stock offered hereby will be passed on for us by Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP.
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedule of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, have been incorporated by reference herein and in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The report of KPMG LLP on the 2009 consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedule contains an explanatory paragraph that refers to the Company’s adoption in 2009 of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 141(R), Business Combinations, included in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, included in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.
L.L. Bradford & Company, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, audited our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and for the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2008 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as set forth in their report thereon dated March 26, 2009 included therein and incorporated herein by reference, and in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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The consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows of VBV, LLC and subsidiaries (predecessor of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.) for the year ended March 31, 2008 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, have been incorporated by reference herein and in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The report of KPMG LLP on the March 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements of VBV, LLC and subsidiaries contains an explanatory paragraph that refers to the Company’s adoption in 2009 of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, included in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Station Place, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and on our website at www.gpreinc.com. The information contained on our website is not included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
This prospectus is only part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore omits certain information contained in the Registration Statement. We have also filed exhibits and schedules with the Registration Statement that are excluded from this prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit or schedule for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document. You may:
| • | inspect a copy of the Registration Statement, including the exhibits and schedules, without charge at the public reference room; |
| • | obtain a copy from the SEC upon payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC; or |
| • | obtain a copy from the SEC’s website or our website. |
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The documents we are incorporating by reference and their respective dates of filing are:
| • | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 24, 2010. |
| • | Our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed on February 25, 2010. |
| • | Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 8, 2010 (but only portions thereof incorporated by reference into our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed on February 25, 2010). |
| • | Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 3, 2010, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 6, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 27, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 5, 2010. |
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| • | Our amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed on March 5, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 22, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 6, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 3, 2010. |
| • | Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 9, 2010. |
| • | The description of the registrant’s common stock set forth in the registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A filed pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act on December 16, 2005, including any amendment or report filed with the Commission for the purpose of updating this description. |
You may request, orally or in writing, a copy of these filings, which will be provided to you at no cost, by contacting our investor relations department at our principal executive offices, which are located at 9420 Underwood Ave., Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, Attention: Investor Relations (or telephone: (402) 884-8700).
To the extent that any statements contained in a document incorporated by reference are modified or superseded by any statements contained in this prospectus, such statements shall not be deemed incorporated in this prospectus except as so modified or superseded.
All documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and prior to the termination of this offering are incorporated by reference and become a part of this prospectus from the date such documents are filed. Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated by reference is modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequent filed document modifies or supersedes such statement.
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14,244,961 Shares
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
July 6, 2010
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
The following table sets forth the Company’s estimates (other than the SEC registration fee) of the expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions.
| Item |
Amount | ||
| SEC registration fee |
$ | 11,142 | |
| Legal fees and expenses |
15,000 | ||
| Accounting fees and expenses |
14,000 | ||
| Miscellaneous |
5,000 | ||
| Total |
$ | 45,142 | |
| Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
The Iowa Business Corporation Act permits us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents, subject to limitations imposed by the Iowa Business Corporation Act. Our Bylaws require us to indemnify directors and officers to the full extent permitted by the Iowa Business Corporation Act.
Under Iowa law, a corporation may indemnify its directors and officers where: (A)(i) the individual acted in good faith; (ii) the individual reasonably believed that (a) in the case of conduct in the individual’s official capacity, that the individual’s conduct was in the best interests of the corporation or (b) in all other cases, that the individual’s conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual had no reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was unlawful, or (B) the individual engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the articles of incorporation.
We carry insurance policies insuring our directors and officers against certain liabilities that they may incur in their capacity as directors and officers.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our officers and directors. Pursuant to the indemnification agreements, we are required to, among other things, indemnify each indemnitee against all expenses (including, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and retainers, accounting and witness fees and other disbursements and expenses) incurred in connection with certain proceedings that relate to the indemnitee’s service as an officer or director of the Company. Further, we are required to indemnify for expenses incurred by the indemnitee in defense of a proceeding to the extent the indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise. Finally, if the indemnitee is involved in certain proceedings as a result of the indemnitee’s serving as our officer or director, we are required to advance all expenses incurred by or on behalf of the indemnitee in connection with such proceeding, without regard to the indemnitee’s ability to repay the expenses and without regard to the indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of the indemnification agreement; provided, however, that to the extent required by Iowa law, the indemnitee shall repay all the expenses paid to the indemnitee if it is finally determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified.
The indemnification agreements contain certain exceptions to our obligation to indemnify. Among these exceptions, we are not obligated to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against the indemnitee: (i) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of the indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provisions, (ii) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by the indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; (iii) for which indemnitee settles a claim without our consent; (v) for which such indemnitee is finally adjudged to have gained any person profit or advantage
II-1
to which he or she was not legally entitled; or (vi) for which indemnitee’s conduct is finally adjudged to have been willful misconduct, knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or in violation of indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to us.
The indemnification agreements also require us to obtain and maintain a policy or policies of insurance with a reputable insurance company providing the indemnitee with coverage for losses from wrongful acts and an indemnitee who is an officer or director shall be named as an insured.
All agreements and obligations of the Company contained in the indemnification agreements shall continue during the period when the officer or director who is a party to an indemnification agreement is an officer or director of the Company (or is serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or other agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise) and shall continue thereafter so long as such director shall be subject to any possible claim or threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, arbitrational, administrative or investigative. In addition, the indemnification agreements provide for partial indemnification and advance of expenses.
We have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, indemnification for certain liabilities is against public policy as expressed in the Exchange Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
| Item 16. | Exhibits. |
| Exhibit |
Description of Document | |
| 4.1 | Shareholders’ Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Appendix F of the Company’s Registration Statement of Form S-4/A filed September 4, 2008) | |
| 5.1 | Opinion of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP | |
| 23.1 | Consent of KPMG LLP | |
| 23.2 | Consent of L.L. Bradford & Company, LLC | |
| 23.3 | Consent of KPMG LLP | |
| 23.4 | Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (included in Ex. 5.1 to this Registration Statement on Form S-3) | |
| 24.1* | Power of Attorney | |
| * | Previously filed. |
| Item 17. | Undertakings. |
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 % change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
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(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this Registration Statement; and
(B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of this Registration Statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free-writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free-writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
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registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Omaha, State of Nebraska on July 2, 2010.
| GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. | ||
| By: | /S/ TODD A. BECKER | |
| Todd A. Becker | ||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
| /S/ TODD A. BECKER Todd A. Becker |
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Jerry L. Peters |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Wayne B. Hoovestol |
Chairman of the Board | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Jim Anderson |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Jim Barry |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * James F. Crowley |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Gordon F. Glade |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Gary R. Parker |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Brian D. Peterson |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Alain Treuer |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
| * Michael Walsh |
Director | July 2, 2010 | ||
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| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||||
| * By: |
/S/ TODD A. BECKER Todd A. Becker Attorney-in-Fact |
July 2, 2010 | ||||
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EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit |
Description of Document | |
| 4.1 | Shareholders’ Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Appendix F of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed September 4, 2008) | |
| 5.1 | Opinion of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP | |
| 23.1 | Consent of KPMG LLP | |
| 23.2 | Consent of L.L. Bradford & Company, LLC | |
| 23.3 | Consent of KPMG LLP | |
| 23.4 | Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (included in Ex. 5.1 to this Registration Statement on Form S-3) | |
| 24.1* | Power of Attorney | |
| * | Previously filed. |
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