REGI Renewable Energy Group Inc

Fourth Quarter 2014 Results

• 74 million gallons sold
• Revenue of $337.6 million
• Net income of $69.3 million
• Adjusted EBITDA of $34.0 million
• Retroactive reinstatement of biodiesel tax credit for 2014
• Commenced production and sales of renewable hydrocarbon diesel

Full Year 2014 Results

• 287 million gallons sold
• Full year 2014 revenue of $1.27 billion
• Net income of $82.5 million
• Adjusted EBITDA of $107.8 million
• Production capacity increased to 332 million gallons/year
• Expanded product lines into renewable hydrocarbon diesel and renewable chemicals
• Expanded geographically into Europe

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGI) (“REG” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2014.

For the fourth quarter of 2014, REG increased gallons sold of biomass-based diesel, which includes biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel ("RHD"), by 2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. Revenue decreased by 14% while Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 6% in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

For the full year 2014, REG sold 11% more gallons of biomass-based diesel, although revenue and Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 15% and 27%, respectively, compared to 2013, as a result of lower selling prices.

“This past year we delivered solid results despite a rapidly declining energy market and market uncertainty,” said Daniel J. Oh, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our business model has enabled us to grow consistently, invest in adjacent opportunities, maneuver through market challenges and do so profitably. Our business is proving itself to be durable, reliable and profitable.”

Oh continued, “In 2014, we expanded our product lines by entering the renewable hydrocarbon diesel and renewable chemical markets, we extended our geographic reach and asset base into Europe with our Petrotec investment and we improved distribution capabilities with the establishment of our Energy Services division. Looking forward, we continue to see accretive investment and growth opportunities.”

Fourth Quarter Operating Highlights

REG sold 74.0 million gallons of biomass-based diesel, an increase of 2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. Gallons sold in the quarter included 10.4 million gallons of RHD and 7.8 million gallons purchased from third parties and resold through the Company’s extensive distribution network.

REG produced 74.0 million gallons of biomass-based diesel during the quarter, a 12% increase over the fourth quarter of 2013. The growth in production resulted from REG Geismar ramping up which contributed 10.8 million gallons of RHD, as well as the completion of the upgrades at Mason City and Newton, which further expanded feedstock flexibility. The Company utilized contract or tolled manufacturing, which contributed 4.8 million gallons in the quarter.

In October 2014, REG Geismar began producing and selling RHD, restarting the plant the Company acquired in June. The 75-million gallon nameplate capacity biorefinery had been in stand-by mode since December 2012.

In December, the Company expanded its business to Europe by acquiring a majority interest in the German biodiesel producer Petrotec AG ("Petrotec"). Petrotec’s nameplate production capacity is 55.5 million gallons per year, produced predominantly from used cooking oil. The Company has also made a tender offer to acquire the remaining shares in Petrotec, which is not yet complete.

Fourth Quarter 2014 Financial Results

All figures refer to the quarter ending December 31, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Revenue of $337.6 million decreased 14% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The drop in revenue was driven by lower biomass-based diesel prices caused by lower energy market prices, which more than offset volume growth of 2%. The average price per gallon sold (including RINs) for B100 was $3.03, a decrease of 29% from the same period in 2013.

Gross profit was $111.2 million, compared to $44.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2013. Gross margin was 33%, compared to 11% in the year-earlier quarter. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the recognition of the full year net effect from the 2014 federal biodiesel tax credit reinstated on December 19, 2014, as well as slightly lower feedstock prices. Market participants were acting as if the biodiesel tax credit would be reinstated throughout the year and entered into agreements to capture the credit when or if reinstated. In addition, as a result of the widespread expectation that the credit would be reinstated, production volumes continued that otherwise might not have occurred and demand for feedstock persisted, supporting prices.

Operating income was $81.9 million, compared to $32.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2013.

Net income attributable to common stockholders was $69.4 million, or $1.61 per share on a fully diluted basis. This compares to a net income of $30.1 million, or $0.80 per share on a fully diluted basis in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Adjusted EBITDA (including adjustments for the allocation of the retroactive reinstatement for the first three quarters of 2014) was $34.0 million, a 6% y/y decrease. Fourth quarter 2013 adjusted EBITDA was $36.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and further adjusted for certain items identified below under “Adjusted EBITDA Summary.”

At December 31, 2014, REG had cash and equivalents of $63.5 million, a decrease of 6% during the quarter. For the year, the Company's cash balance decreased by $89.7 million as a result of the investments in facility upgrades and acquisitions and cash set aside as collateral for debts assumed from the Geismar acquisition and other borrowings. At December 31, 2014, accounts receivable were $294.7 million, an increase of $259.2 million from September 30, 2014, mainly as a result of all of the 2014 federal biodiesel tax credit being recorded in the fourth quarter. Inventory was $97.5 million, an increase of $48.1 million during the quarter.

The table below summarizes REG’s results for Q4 2014:

  REG Q4 2014 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Summary (dollars and gallons in thousands except for per gallon data)   4Q-2014   4Q-2013   Y/Y Change Gallons sold 74,005 72,860 2

 %

Average Selling Price $ 3.03 $ 4.24 (29 )%   Total Revenue $ 337,615 $ 390,591 (14 )% Adjusted EBITDA (1)(2)   $ 34,033     $ 36,076   (6 )%       (1)   On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which reinstated a set of tax extender items including the federal biodiesel mixture excise tax credit for 2013 and retroactively reinstated the credit for 2012. The retroactive credit for 2012 resulted in a net benefit to us that was recognized in first quarter 2013, but because this credit relates to the operating performance and results of 2012, it is excluded from 2013 adjusted EBITDA and allocated to the 2012 periods based upon gallons sold.   (2) On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 was signed into law, which reinstated a set of tax extender items including the retroactive reinstatement of the federal biodiesel mixture excise tax credit for 2014 and expired on December 31, 2014. The retroactive credit for 2014 resulted in a net benefit to us that was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014, however because this credit relates to the full year operating performance and results, we allocated the first three quarters of 2014, respectively, based upon gallons sold and excluded those amounts from the fourth quarter 2014 adjusted EBITDA.  

Full Year 2014 Results

All figures refer to the full year ending December 31, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

REG sold 287.3 million gallons of biomass-based diesel, an increase of 11% compared to 258.6 million gallons in 2013. The average B100 price per gallon (including RINs) sold by REG was $3.62, compared to $4.58 in 2013.

REG produced 235.9 million gallons of biomass-based diesel, compared to 219.2 million gallons in 2013. The growth in production resulted from REG Geismar ramping up and the completion of the upgrades at Mason City and Newton, which further expanded feedstock flexibility. The Company utilized contract or tolled manufacturing, which contributed 15.9 million gallons.

Revenue was $1.27 billion, a 15% decrease versus 2013 revenue of $1.50 billion. The decrease was due to a sharp decline in biomass-based diesel prices throughout 2014 as compared to 2013 resulting from the decrease in energy prices, the 2012 biodiesel tax credit recognized in 2013 and reduction in revenue from separated RINs inventory, offset by an 11% increase in gallons sold.

Gross profit was $160.6 million, compared to $239.4 million in 2013.

Operating income was $85.5 million, compared to $193.3 million in 2013.

Adjusted EBITDA was $107.8 million, compared to $148.4 million in 2013, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 8%. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $81.6 million as compared to $165.3 million in 2013.

The tables below summarize the quarterly and year end results for 2014 and 2013:

  REG Annual Results Summary (dollars and gallons in thousands except per gallon data)   1Q-2014   2Q-2014   3Q-2014   4Q-2014   Year Gallons sold 2014 47,266 77,173 88,821 74,005 287,265 Gallons sold 2013 38,876 69,224 77,626 72,860 258,586 Y/Y Change 22

 %

11

 %

14

 %

2

 %

11

 %

  B100 ASP per gallon 2014 $ 3.81 $ 3.90 $ 3.77 $ 3.03 $ 3.62 B100 ASP per gallon 2013 $ 4.26 $ 4.67 $ 4.95 $ 4.24 $ 4.58   Total Revenue 2014 $ 219,040 $ 332,918 $ 384,258 $ 337,615 $ 1,273,831 Total Revenue 2013 $ 264,368 $ 384,735 $ 458,444 $ 390,591 $ 1,498,138 Y/Y Change (17 )% (13 )% (16 )% (14 )% (15 )%   Adjusted EBITDA 2014 $ 14,706 $ 24,248 $ 34,780 $ 34,033 $ 107,767 Adjusted EBITDA 2013 $ 21,894 $ 41,554 $ 48,901 $ 36,076 $ 148,425 Y/Y Change (33 )% (42 )% (29 )% (6 )% (27 )%   Adjusted EBITDA margin 2014 7

 %

7

 %

9

 %

10

 %

8

 %

Adjusted EBITDA margin 2013   8

 %

  11

 %

  11

 %

  9

 %

  10

 %

 

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

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

The following table provides Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented, as well as reconciliation to net income:

                                                                    Full year           Full year (In thousands) 1Q-2014 2Q-2014 3Q-2014 4Q-2014 2014 1Q-2013 2Q-2013 3Q-2013 4Q-2013 2013 Net income (loss) $ (2,359 ) $ 11,007 $ 4,572 $ 69,318 $ 82,538 $ 46,403 $ 23,130 $ 86,703 $ 30,130 $ 186,366 Adjustments: Income tax (benefit) expense (107 ) (11,919 ) (248 ) 15,846 3,572 30,189 15,314 (42,051 ) 1,483 4,935 Interest expense 551 1,204 2,867 2,068 6,690 576 604 577 640 2,397 Other income (expense), net (48 ) (384 ) (124 ) (106 ) (662 ) (117 ) (93 ) (66 ) (112 ) (388 ) Change in fair value of contingent consideration — (384 ) (1,059 ) (5,188 ) (6,631 ) — — — — — Straight-line lease expense (163 ) (150 ) (142 ) (184 ) (639 ) (159 ) (162 ) (163 ) (162 ) (646 ) Depreciation 3,004 3,190 3,332 5,729 15,255 2,080 2,296 2,598 2,731 9,705 Amortization (185 ) (184 ) 303 (150 ) (216 ) (199 ) (191 ) (181 ) (181 ) (752 ) Other — — — 73 73 (863 ) — — — (863 ) Lease cancellation (1) — 1,904 — — 1,904 — — — — — Biodiesel tax credit (2), (3) 12,778 18,550 23,887 (55,215 ) — (57,372 ) (373 ) — — (57,745 ) Non-cash stock compensation 1,235   1,414   1,392   1,842   5,883   1,356   1,029   1,484   1,547   5,416   Adjusted EBITDA   $ 14,706     $ 24,248     $ 34,780     $ 34,033     $ 107,767     $ 21,894     $ 41,554     $ 48,901     $ 36,076     $ 148,425         (1)   In April 2014, we bought out the remaining life of the land lease at our Danville, Illinois facility and subsequently purchased the land. The amount represents the portion related to canceling the lease.   (2) On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which reinstated a set of tax extender items including the federal biodiesel mixture excise tax credit for 2013 and retroactively reinstated the credit for 2012. The retroactive credit for 2012 resulted in a net benefit to us that was recognized in first quarter 2013, but because this credit relates to the operating performance and results of 2012, it is excluded from 2013 adjusted EBITDA and allocated to the 2012 periods based upon gallons sold.   (3) On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 was signed into law, which reinstated a set of tax extender items including the retroactive reinstatement of the federal biodiesel mixture excise tax credit for 2014 and expired on December 31, 2014. The retroactive credit for 2014 resulted in a net benefit to us that was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014, however because this credit relates to the full year operating performance and results, we allocated the first three quarters of 2014, respectively, based upon gallons sold and excluded those amounts from the fourth quarter 2014 adjusted EBITDA.  

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

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash expenditures for capital assets or the impact of certain cash clauses that we consider not to be an indication of ongoing operations;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital requirements;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on indebtedness;
• Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;
• Stock-based compensation expense is an important element of the Company’s long term incentive compensation program, although we have excluded it as an expense when evaluating our operating performance; and
• Other companies, including other companies in the same industry, may calculate these measures differently, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure.

About Renewable Energy Group

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is a leading North American advanced biofuels producer and developer of renewable chemicals. REG utilizes a nationwide production, distribution and logistics system as part of an integrated value chain model to focus on converting natural fats, oils and greases into advanced biofuels and converting diverse feedstocks into renewable chemicals. With 10 active biorefineries across the country, research and development capabilities, and a diverse and growing intellectual property portfolio, REG is committed to being a long-term leader in bio-based fuels and chemicals.

For more than a decade, REG has been a reliable supplier of advanced biofuels which meet or exceed ASTM quality specifications. REG sells REG-9000™ biomass-based diesel to distributors so consumers can have cleaner burning fuels that help diversify the energy complex and increase energy security. REG-9000™ biomass-based diesel is distributed in most states in the U.S. REG also markets ultra-low sulfur diesel and heating oil in the northeastern US.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended, including statements regarding the reliability and profitability of our business model and future accretive investment and growth opportunities. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections that are subject to change, and actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, potential changes in governmental programs and policies requiring or encouraging the use of biofuels, including RFS2; changes in the spread between biomass-based diesel prices and feedstock costs; the future price and volatility of feedstocks; the future price and volatility of petroleum and products derived from petroleum; availability of federal and state governmental tax credits and incentives for biomass-based diesel production; the effect of excess capacity in the biomass-based diesel industry; unanticipated changes in the biomass-based diesel market from which we generate almost all of our revenues; seasonal fluctuations in our operating results; competition in the markets in which we operate; our dependence on sales to a single customer; technological advances or new methods of biomass-based diesel production or the development of energy alternatives to biomass-based diesel; our ability to successfully implement our acquisition strategy; our ability to use the technology acquired from LS9 to produce renewable chemicals, fuels and other products on a commercial scale and at a competitive cost, and customer acceptance of the products produced; our ability to successfully integrate Syntroleum and Dynamic Fuels and their employees into our existing business; whether REG Geismar will be able to produce renewable hydrocarbon diesel consistently or profitably; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in REG's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q and other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and REG does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements based on new developments or changes in our expectations.

             

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

     

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

(UNAUDITED)

  2014 2013 2012 REVENUES: Biomass-based diesel sales $ 1,052,772 $ 1,207,618 $ 1,006,471 Biomass-based diesel government incentives 220,634   290,393   8,326   1,273,406 1,498,011 1,014,797 Services 425   127   237   1,273,831   1,498,138   1,015,034   COSTS OF GOODS SOLD: Biomass-based diesel 1,113,052 1,258,549 956,448 Services 167   156   263   1,113,219   1,258,705   956,711   GROSS PROFIT 160,612 239,433 58,323 SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 62,681 45,865 42,408 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE 12,424   258   14   INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 85,507 193,310 15,901 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET 603   (2,009 ) 7,812   INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 86,110 191,301 23,713 INCOME TAX EXPENSE (3,572 ) (4,935 ) (1,454 ) NET INCOME $ 82,538   $ 186,366   $ 22,259     NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $ 81,620   $ 165,254   $ 43,482   Net income per share attributable to common stockholders: Basic $ 2.00   $ 5.00   $ 1.53   Diluted $ 1.99   $ 5.00   $ 0.27   Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders: Basic 40,740,411   33,045,164   28,381,676   Diluted 40,749,913   33,052,879   34,340,466              

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013 (IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

  2014 2013 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,516 $ 153,227 Marketable securities 16,770 — Accounts receivable, net 294,669 82,911 Inventories 97,508 85,814 Prepaid expenses and other assets 43,135 25,568 Restricted cash 12,845   — Total current assets 528,443   347,520 Property, plant and equipment, net 493,196 286,044 Property, plant and equipment, net—variable interest entity — 5,180 Goodwill 188,275 84,864 Intangible assets, net 28,837 4,867 Investments 9,736 7,351 Other assets 19,586 5,029 Restricted cash 104,815   — TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,372,888   $ 740,855 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Revolving line of credit $ 16,679 $ 10,986 Current maturities of long-term debt 5,746 6,729 Current maturities of long-term debt—variable interest entity — 300 Accounts payable 202,821 48,727 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 28,486 12,305 Deferred income taxes 14,899 3,687 Deferred revenue 16,680   15,503 Total current liabilities 285,311 98,237 Unfavorable lease obligation 19,170 7,905 Deferred income taxes 6,905 2,691 Contingent consideration for acquisitions 30,091 — Long-term debt 247,183 23,422 Long-term debt—variable interest entity — 3,729 Other liabilities 5,566   6,838 Total liabilities 594,226   142,822 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Series B Preferred Stock — 3,963 TOTAL EQUITY 778,662   594,070 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 1,372,888   $ 740,855  

Investor Relations:ICR, LLCGary Dvorchak, CFA, 310-954-1123Senior Vice Presidentgary.dvorchak@icrinc.comorCompany:Renewable Energy GroupTodd Robinson, 515-239-8048Director, Investor RelationsTodd.Robinson@regi.com