Green Plains Partners Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Green Plains Partners LP (NASDAQ:GPP) reported a net income of $10.3 million, or $0.44 per common unit, for Q4 2020, slightly down from $10.4 million in Q4 2019. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $13.8 million from $13.3 million year-over-year, with distributable cash flow at $11.3 million. The partnership also announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.12 per unit, with a distribution coverage ratio of 3.98x. The year saw strategic asset sales aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and reducing debt, positioning the partnership for future growth.

Positive

• Net income remained relatively stable at $10.3 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased to $13.8 million, showing operational improvement.
• Distribution coverage ratio improved significantly to 3.98x.

Negative

• Ethanol throughput decreased to 215.1 million gallons, below contracted minimums.
• Total liquidity was only $7.5 million, limiting financial flexibility.

Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2020

• Net income of $10.3 million, or $0.44 per common unit
• Adjusted EBITDA of $13.8 million and distributable cash flow of $11.3 million
• Quarterly cash distribution of $0.12 per unit
• Distribution coverage ratio of 3.98x, LTM distribution coverage ratio of 3.99x

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Plains Partners LP (NASDAQ:GPP) today announced financial and operating results for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net income attributable to the partnership was $10.3 million, or $0.44 per common unit, for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with net income of $10.4 million, or $0.44 per common unit, for the same period in 2019.

The partnership also reported adjusted EBITDA of $13.8 million and distributable cash flow of $11.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with adjusted EBITDA of $13.3 million and distributable cash flow of $11.2 million for the same period in 2019. Distribution coverage was 3.98x for the three months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 0.99x for the same period a year ago.

“Green Plains Partners achieved consistent financial results for its unitholders while continuing to reduce its debt,” said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer. “With the recent sale of Green Plains Hereford and the announced sale of Green Plains Ord, we believe the partnership will continue to strengthen its balance sheet which accrues value to the unitholders as we work toward achieving our end goal of a debt free partnership.”

Full Year Highlights and Recent Developments

• On June 4, 2020, the partnership refinanced its debt facility into a $130.0 million term loan and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility, maturing December 31, 2021.
• On December 28, 2020, Green Plains Inc. closed on the sale of its Hereford, Texas ethanol plant. Correspondingly, the partnership’s storage and transportation assets affiliated with the location were sold to Green Plains Inc. for $10.0 million, along with the transfer of certain railcar leases. In accordance with the loan agreement, the proceeds were used to repay debt.
• On January 21, 2021, the board of directors of the partnership’s general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.12 per unit, or approximately $2.8 million, for the fourth quarter of 2020. The distribution is payable on February 12, 2021, to unitholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2021.
• On January 27, 2021, the partnership announced an agreement to sell its storage and transportation assets located at the Green Plains Inc. Ord, Neb. ethanol facility to Green Plains Ord LLC for $27.0 million, along with the transfer of certain railcar leases. In accordance with the loan agreement, the proceeds will be used to repay debt.

Results of Operations
Consolidated revenues increased $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared with the same period for 2019. Storage and throughput services revenue increased $0.7 million due to an increase in the rate per gallon charged to Green Plains Trade beginning on July 1, 2020. Railcar transportation services revenue increased $0.3 million primarily due to an increase in average volumetric capacity provided and the average capacity fee charged of $0.4 million, offset by a decrease in railcar sublease revenue of $0.1 million. Trucking and other revenue increased $0.2 million due to an increase in volumes transported for Green Plains Trade. Terminal services revenue decreased $0.2 million as a result of a reduction in fees associated with minimum volume commitments.

Operations and maintenance expenses increased $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared with the same period for 2019, primarily due to an increase in railcar lease expense as a result of higher average railcar lease rates. General and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared with the same period for 2019, primarily due to an increase in insurance expense.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, Green Plains Inc.’s average production utilization rate was approximately 75.7% of capacity. Ethanol throughput was 215.1 million gallons, which was below the contracted minimum volume commitment. As a result, the partnership charged Green Plains Trade $1.1 million related to the minimum volume commitment deficiency for the quarter, resulting in a credit to be applied against potential excess volumes in future periods. The cumulative minimum volume deficiency credits available to Green Plains Trade as of December 31, 2020 totaled $7.8 million. If these credits are unused by Green Plains Trade, $4.3 million will expire on June 30, 2021, $2.4 million will expire on September 30, 2021, and $1.1 million will expire on December 31, 2021. These credits have been recognized in revenue by the partnership, and as such, future volumes throughput by Green Plains Trade in excess of the quarterly minimum volume commitment, up to the amount of these credits, will not be recognized in revenue in future periods prior to expiration.

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(unaudited, in million gallons)
	Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,								December 31,
	2020		2019		% Var.				2020		2019		% Var.
Product volumes
Storage and throughput services	215.1		240.1		(10.4	)	%		796.4		859.8		(7.4	)	%
Terminal services:
Affiliate	23.6		28.5		(17.2	)			102.9		114.9		(10.4	)
Non-affiliate	25.3		26.9		(5.9	)			103.6		106.0		(2.3	)
	48.9		55.4		(11.7	)			206.5		220.9		(6.5	)
Railcar capacity billed (daily average)	81.1		77.7		4.4				80.6		79.8		1.0

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total liquidity as of December 31, 2020, was $7.5 million, including $2.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $5.0 million available under the partnership’s revolving credit facility. Total debt outstanding was $97.7 million, net of debt issuance costs.

Conference Call Information
On February 10, 2021, Green Plains Partners LP and Green Plains Inc. will host a joint conference call at 11 a.m. Eastern time (10 a.m. Central time) to discuss fourth quarter 2020 financial and operating results for each company. Domestic and international participants can access the conference call by dialing 877.711.2374 and 281.542.4862, respectively, and referencing conference ID 4376897. The company advises participants to call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Alternatively, the conference call, transcript and presentation will be accessible on Green Plains Partners’ website at http://ir.greenplainspartners.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are supplemental financial measures used to assess the partnership’s financial performance. Management believes adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow provide investors useful information in assessing the partnership’s financial condition and results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, plus adjustments for transaction costs related to acquisitions or financing transactions, unit-based compensation expense, net gains or losses on asset sales and the partnership’s proportional share of EBITDA adjustments of our equity method investee. Distributable cash flow is defined as adjusted EBITDA less interest paid or payable, income taxes paid or payable, maintenance capital expenditures and the partnership’s proportionate share of distributable cash flow adjustments of our equity method investee. References to LTM refer to results from the immediately preceding twelve-month period. Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are not presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP to analyze the partnership’s results.

About Green Plains Partners LP
Green Plains Partners LP (NASDAQ:GPP) is a fee-based Delaware limited partnership formed by Green Plains Inc. to provide fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. For more information about Green Plains Partners, visit www.greenplainspartners.com.

About Green Plains Inc.
Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a leading biorefining company focused on the development and utilization of fermentation, agricultural and biological technologies in the processing of annually renewable crops into sustainable value-added ingredients. This includes the production of cleaner low carbon biofuels, renewable feedstocks for advanced biofuels and high purity alcohols for use in cleaners and disinfectants. Green Plains is an innovative producer of ultra-high protein and novel ingredients for animal and aquaculture diets to help satisfy a growing global appetite for sustainable protein. The Company also owns a 48.9% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners LP. For more information, visit www.gpreinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views, which are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, anticipated financial and operating results, plans and objectives that are not historical in nature. These statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in Green Plains Partners’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Green Plains Partners assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Consolidated Financial Results

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
	December 31,				December 31,
	2020				2019
ASSETS	(unaudited)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,478			$	261
Accounts receivable, including from affiliates		14,744				16,651
Other current assets		772				517
Total current assets		17,994				17,429
Property and equipment, net		32,119				37,355
Operating lease right-of-use assets		40,604				35,456
Other assets		14,603				15,413
Total assets	$	105,320			$	105,653
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, including to affiliates	$	4,399			$	5,593
Operating lease current liabilities		11,506				13,093
Current maturities of long-term debt		97,739				132,100
Other current liabilities		5,438				5,026
Total current liabilities		119,082				155,812
Asset retirement obligations		2,865				2,500
Operating lease long-term liabilities		29,835				23,088
Total liabilities		151,782				181,400
Partners' deficit		(46,462	)			(75,747	)
Total liabilities and partners' deficit	$	105,320			$	105,653

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands except per unit amounts)
	Three Months Ended												Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,												December 31,
	2020				2019				% Var.				2020				2019				% Var.
Revenues
Affiliate	$	20,183			$	18,780			7.5		%		$	78,510			$	75,531			3.9		%
Non-affiliate		1,128				1,541			(26.8	)				4,835				6,856			(29.5	)
Total revenues		21,311				20,321			4.9					83,345				82,387			1.2
Operating expenses
Operations and maintenance (excluding depreciation and amortization reflected below)		6,715				6,344			5.8					26,125				25,658			1.8
General and administrative		1,168				1,001			16.7					4,206				4,055			3.7
Depreciation and amortization		939				694			35.3					3,806				3,441			10.6
Total operating expenses		8,822				8,039			9.7					34,137				33,154			3.0
Operating income		12,489				12,282			1.7					49,208				49,233			(0.1	)
Other income (expense)
Interest income		-				20			*					-				81			*
Interest expense		(2,331	)			(1,986	)		17.4					(8,513	)			(8,310	)		2.4
Other, net		-				(1	)		*					-				14			*
Total other expense		(2,331	)			(1,967	)		18.5					(8,513	)			(8,215	)		3.6
Income before income taxes and income from equity method investee		10,158				10,315			(1.5	)				40,695				41,018			(0.8	)
Income tax expense		(46	)			(76	)		(39.5	)				(212	)			(220	)		(3.6	)
Income from equity method investee		176				151			16.6					664				681			(2.5	)
Net income	$	10,288			$	10,390			(1.0	)	%		$	41,147			$	41,479			(0.8	)	%
Net income attributable to partners' ownership interests:
General partner	$	206			$	209			(1.4	)	%		$	823			$	830			(0.8	)	%
Limited partners - common unitholders		10,082				10,181			(1.0	)				40,324				40,649			(0.8	)
Earnings per limited partner unit (basic and diluted):
Common units	$	0.44			$	0.44			*		%		$	1.74			$	1.76			(1.1	)	%
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding (basic and diluted):
Common units		23,161				23,138								23,149				23,129
Supplemental Revenues Data:
Storage and throughput services	$	12,513			$	11,785			6.2		%		$	48,603			$	47,140			3.1		%
Rail transportation services		5,460				5,136			6.3					21,496				21,265			1.1
Terminal services		2,018				2,270			(11.1	)				8,506				9,664			(12.0	)
Trucking and other		1,320				1,130			16.8					4,740				4,318			9.8
Total revenues	$	21,311			$	20,321			4.9		%		$	83,345			$	82,387			1.2		%
* Percentage variance not considered meaningful.

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,
	2020				2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	41,147			$	41,479
Noncash operating adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization		3,806				3,441
Distribution from equity method investee		1,000				-
Other		1,690				592
Net change in working capital		146				1,145
Net cash provided by operating activities		47,789				46,657
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(162	)			(305	)
Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment		-				331
Disposition of assets		10,000				-
Net cash provided by investing activities		9,838				26
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of distributions		(19,800	)			(45,098	)
Net payments on revolving credit facility		(5,100	)			(1,900	)
Net payments on long-term debt		(27,000	)			-
Payments of loan fees		(3,517	)			-
Other		7				7
Net cash used in financing activities		(55,410	)			(46,991	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		2,217				(308	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		261				569
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2,478			$	261

GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP
RECONCILIATIONS TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(unaudited, dollars in thousands)
	Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,								December 31,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
Net income	$	10,288			$	10,390			$	41,147			$	41,479
Interest expense		2,331				1,986				8,513				8,310
Income tax expense		46				76				212				220
Depreciation and amortization		939				694				3,806				3,441
Transaction costs		25				-				25				-
Unit-based compensation expense		81				80				320				319
Gain on the disposal of assets		-				-				-				(14	)
Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments of equity method investee (1)		44				43				181				196
Adjusted EBITDA		13,754				13,269				54,204				53,951
Interest paid or payable		(2,331	)			(1,986	)			(8,513	)			(8,310	)
Income taxes paid or payable		(46	)			(97	)			(137	)			(238	)
Maintenance capital expenditures		(65	)			(32	)			(181	)			(94	)
Distributable cash flow (2)	$	11,312			$	11,154			$	45,373			$	45,309
Distributions declared (3)	$	2,841			$	11,280			$	11,361			$	45,109
Coverage ratio		3.98x				0.99x				3.99x				1.00x
(1) Represents the partnership's proportional share of depreciation and amortization of its equity method investee.
(2) Distributable cash flow does not include adjustments for the principal payments on the term loan of $17.5 million and $30.0 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(3) Distributions declared for the applicable period and paid in the subsequent quarter.

Green Plains Contacts
Investors: Phil Boggs | Senior Vice President, Investor Relations | 402.884.8700 | phil.boggs@gpreinc.com
Media: Leighton Eusebio | Manager, Public Relations | 402.952.4971 | leighton.eusebio@gpreinc.com        

FAQ

What were Green Plains Partners' earnings for Q4 2020?

Green Plains Partners reported a net income of $10.3 million for Q4 2020.

How much was the distribution for Green Plains Partners in Q4 2020?

The quarterly cash distribution was $0.12 per unit.

What is the adjusted EBITDA for Green Plains Partners in Q4 2020?

The adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2020 was $13.8 million.

What was the distribution coverage ratio for Green Plains Partners in Q4 2020?

The distribution coverage ratio was 3.98x for the quarter.

What significant asset sales did Green Plains Partners complete recently?

Green Plains Partners sold its Hereford ethanol plant for $10.0 million and agreed to sell its Ord facility for $27.0 million.