UPDATE - Green Plains Receives Approval for $75 Million in Financing

Rhea-AI Summary

Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRE) has received final credit approval for a $75 million term loan, supporting the execution of its protein strategy. The loan is expected to close by the end of Q3 2020 and is part of the company's transformation into Green Plains 2.0. Additionally, the company will install high protein production at Wood River, with operations starting in Q2 2021. This expansion is projected to enhance margins and production efficiency, with a capacity of 80,000 tons of protein feed.

Positive

• Secured a $75 million loan to support protein production strategy.
• High protein production expected to start in Q2 2021.
• Investment in Wood River expected to increase margins by 15 to 20 cents per gallon.
• Existing facility efficiency supports new protein production capacity.

Negative

• None.

OMAHA, Neb., July 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) today announced it has received final credit approval for a $75 million, 15 year term loan facility that will support the execution of its protein strategy. The new loan, which is subject to final documentation, is expected to close by the end of the third quarter at which time additional details of the facility will be provided. The company today also announced it has chosen Green Plains Wood River LLC as the second location for the installation of high protein production using Fluid Quip Technologies’ patented Maximized Stillage Co-Products (MSC^TM) system. Based on current schedules, high protein ingredient production at Wood River is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2021.

“This financing represents the next step in our transformation to Green Plains 2.0,” said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer. “Securing long term strategic project-based debt enables us to accelerate protein expansion at Wood River with a third location to be announced, and more importantly validates the strategic direction of the company.”  

With the benefits provided by Project 24, Wood River runs at industry leading operating efficiency, now capable of producing 130 million gallons per year with operating expenses as low as $0.22 per gallon, and is a perfect platform for the addition of protein production. Because of the facility’s existing drying capabilities, the investment is expected to be about $50 million with an initial uplift of 15 to 20 cents per gallon to the overall margin structure. With the buildout of protein production, the recent addition of high-quality industrial alcohol and the announced upgrade to USP grade alcohol, Wood River is on a path to be one of the leading biorefineries in the world.

“We are excited to add Fluid Quip’s high protein feed ingredient technology to a second location in our platform,” added Becker. “An additional 80,000 tons of greater than 50% protein production capacity adds redundancy to our supply chain, allowing us to offer customers a premium product, at scale, with the confidence of full reliability. Given the success we’ve experienced at Shenandoah, we expect Wood River to deliver optimal results and believe the product will be fully contracted prior to startup.”

Upon close, the loan is expected to have an interest rate with a 5.00% floor that can be either a fixed rate using the 15 year indicative Treasury yield plus 4.00%, or a floating rate of one-month Libor plus 4.50% and will require principal payments of $1.5 million per year beginning 24 months from the closing date. The loan will be secured by the assets of Green Plains Shenandoah LLC and Green Plains Wood River LLC.

About Green Plains Inc.
Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a diversified commodity-processing business with operations that include corn processing, grain handling and storage and commodity marketing and logistics services. The company is one of the leading corn processors in the world and, through its adjacent businesses, is focused on the production of high-protein feed ingredients. Green Plains owns a 50% interest in Green Plains Cattle Company LLC and owns a 49.0% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners LP. For more information about Green Plains, visit www.gpreinc.com.

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

FAQ

What is the purpose of Green Plains' $75 million loan?

The loan will support the execution of Green Plains' protein production strategy.

When is the high protein production at Wood River expected to begin?

High protein production at Wood River is expected to start in the second quarter of 2021.

How much additional protein capacity will be added at Wood River?

An additional 80,000 tons of protein production capacity will be added at Wood River.

What is the significance of the loan for Green Plains?

The loan enables Green Plains to accelerate protein expansion, validating its strategic direction.

What are the expected margin improvements from the Wood River investment?

The investment is expected to uplift margins by 15 to 20 cents per gallon due to enhanced production capabilities.