MGP Ingredients Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results

Strong Performance Across Both Segments Drives 15% Increase in Operating Income

ATCHISON, Kan., Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq:MGPI), a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

2017 results compared to 2016

  • Second quarter consolidated net sales increased 6.7% to $85.8 million as net sales growth of premium beverage alcohol and specialty ingredients more than offset declines in net sales of industrial alcohol.
  • Second quarter consolidated gross profit increased 21.2% to $18.8 million, reflecting stronger gross profit results in both the Distillery Products and Ingredient Solutions segments.
  • Consolidated gross margin increased 270 basis points to 22.0% for the second quarter, reflecting a 210 basis point improvement in Distillery Products and a 540 basis point margin expansion in Ingredient Solutions.
  • Second quarter operating income increased 15.2% to $10.5 million.
  • Equity in joint venture earnings decreased from $1.1 million to a loss of $0.8 million in the second quarter.
  • Net income increased 1.0% to $6.4 million for the second quarter.
  • Second quarter earnings per share, calculated on the two-tier method, remained consistent at $0.37 per share.

"Our second quarter results reflect continued progress from the aggressive implementation of our long term strategic plan," said Gus Griffin, president and CEO of MGP.  "Results in both Distillery Products and Ingredient Solutions showed solid growth over the prior year.  Through the first half of 2017, we have grown operating income 10.3% and we remain optimistic about the outlook for the full year."

Distillery Products Segment - Beverage Alcohol Drives 17% Gross Profit Growth

For the second quarter of 2017, net sales for the Distillery Products segment increased 5.9% to $70.7 million, as a 15.2% increase in net sales of premium beverage alcohol more than offset a 7.4% decline in sales of industrial alcohol.  Gross profit improved to $16.0 million, or 22.6% of net segment sales, compared with $13.7 million, or 20.5% of net segment sales in the second quarter 2016. 

Griffin said, "We continue to see strong demand for our premium beverage alcohol products.  This demand reflects the strength of the underlying market trends and our ability to attract, retain and build strong partnerships with existing and new customers.  While the demand for our products remains strong, our margins continue to reflect downward pressure from marketwide soft pricing conditions for our distillers feed co-product (Dried Distillers Grain, or DDG)."

Food Grade Alcohol Net Sales Quarter
Ended June 30,
  Quarter vs. Quarter
Net Sales Change
Increase/(Decrease)
 
  2017   2016   $ Change   % Change  
Premium Beverage Alcohol $ 42,287     $ 36,710     $ 5,577     15.2 %  
Industrial Alcohol 19,342     20,896     (1,554 )   (7.4 )  
Food Grade Alcohol $ 61,629     $ 57,606     $ 4,023     7.0    

Ingredient Solutions - Segment Gross Profit Grows 54%

For the 2017 second quarter, net sales for the Ingredient Solutions segment increased 10.3% to $15.1 million.  Gross profit increased to $2.9 million, or 19.1% of net segment sales, compared with $1.9 million, or 13.7% of net segment sales in the second quarter 2016.

Griffin said, "Consistent with our strategy of maximizing the value of our production, we saw strong growth from our higher margin specialty proteins and starches.   We are particularly pleased with our progress in developing our TruTex textured protein business."

Other

Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses were $8.3 million for the second quarter 2017 compared to $6.4 million in the second quarter 2016, primarily due to an increase in professional fees, advertising and promotion, and personnel costs.

MGP equity method investment earnings for the second quarter 2017 decreased to a loss of $0.8 million compared to earnings of $1.1 million for the second quarter 2016.  On July 3, MGP completed the previously announced sale of this equity investment in Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (ICP).

The corporate effective tax rate for the quarter was 31.6% compared with 36.1% a year ago, primarily due to the favorable impact of a valuation allowance release and state tax credits in Indiana and Kansas.

Earnings per share was $0.37 for the second quarter 2017, compared with $0.37 for the second quarter 2016, reflecting the continued improved performance from operations and lower tax rate offset by the decline in ICP results.

2017 and Long Term Guidance

MGP is offering the following guidance for fiscal 2017 and beyond.

  • Reconfirming previous guidance, operating income is expected to grow between 10% and 15% annually from 2016 through 2018. This guidance excludes the anticipated gain from the sale of equity interest in ICP and the gain from a favorable litigation settlement and asset sale gain recorded in the third quarter of 2016.
  • Recognizing the difficulty of projecting three years in the future, our conservative estimate of growth in operating income in 2019 is 15% to 20% as sales of aged whiskey inventory becomes a more significant factor.
  • Moderate growth is expected in net sales in 2017, subject to some volatility as the company continues to shift sales from industrial to premium beverage alcohol.
  • 2017 gross margins are expected to continue to grow versus 2016.
  • 2017 effective tax rate is forecast to be 30%, and shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 16.8 million at year end.

Conclusion

"These results demonstrate both the strength and potential of our long term strategy.  We are making great strides against that strategy, as evidenced by both our results and our progress implementing specific strategic initiatives,” Griffin added. “Expanding our premium beverage alcohol product offerings, capabilities and customer focus has enabled us to continue our migration away from industrial alcohol.  We continue to invest in building our inventory of aged whiskey to support our longer term growth, and the value of that inventory, at cost, now totals $56.4 million.  While still very early, we are pleased with the progress on our brands initiative. Ingredient Solutions is a core piece of our long term strategy and we are encouraged by developments within that segment.  Divesting our non-core interest in ICP will allow us to further sharpen our focus on the drivers of our long term growth.”

About MGP Ingredients, Inc.
MGP is a leading producer and supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science and backed by over 150 years of experience. The company's proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements as well as historical information. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release regarding the prospects of our industry and our prospects, plans, financial position, business strategy, guidance on growth in operating income, net sales, gross margin, and future effective tax rate may constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "hopeful," "should," "may," "will," "could," "encouraged," "opportunities," "potential" and/or the negatives or variations of these terms or similar terminology. They reflect management's current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance, and company financial results and are not guarantees of future performance. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, among others: (i) disruptions in operations at our Atchison facility, Indiana facility, or at the Illinois Corn Processing, LLC ("ICP") facility, (ii) the availability and cost of grain and flour, and fluctuations in energy costs, (iii) the effectiveness of our grain purchasing program to mitigate our exposure to commodity price fluctuations, (iv) the effectiveness or execution of our strategic plan, (v) potential adverse effects to operations and our system of internal controls related to the loss of key management personnel, (vi) the competitive environment and related market conditions, (vii) the ability to effectively pass raw material price increases on to customers, (viii) the positive or adverse impact to our earnings as a result of the ownership of our equity method investment in ICP and the volatility of its operating results, (ix) our limited influence over the ICP joint venture operating decisions, strategies, financial or other decisions (including investments, capital spending and distributions), (x) our ability to source product from the ICP joint venture or unaffiliated third parties, (xi) our ability to maintain compliance with all applicable loan agreement covenants, (xii) our ability to realize operating efficiencies, (xiii) actions of governments, and (xiv) consumer tastes and preferences. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, including risks specific to our Distillery Products and Ingredient Solutions segments, see Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
OPERATING INCOME ROLLFORWARD

Operating income quarter-versus-quarter   Operating
Income
   Change  
Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2016   $ 9,127        
Increase in gross profit - distillery products segment   2,290     25.1   pp(a)
Increase in gross profit - ingredient solutions segment   1,004     11.0   pp
Increase in SG&A expenses   (1,907 )   (20.9 ) pp
Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2017                       $ 10,514     15.2 %  
 
(a)  Percentage points ("pp").


Operating income year to date-versus-year to date   Operating
Income
   Change  
Operating income for the year to date period ended June 30, 2016   $ 19,852        
Increase in gross profit - distillery products segment   4,053     20.4   pp(a)
Increase in gross profit - ingredient solutions segment   1,236     6.2   pp
Increase in SG&A expenses   (3,235 )   (16.3 ) pp
Operating income for the year to date period ended June 30, 2017   $ 21,906     10.3 %  
 
(a)  Percentage points ("pp").


MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
EARNINGS PER SHARE ROLLFORWARD

Change in basic and diluted earnings per share quarter-versus-quarter   Basic and
Diluted
EPS
  Change  
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2016   $ 0.37        
Change in operations(a)   0.06     16.2   pp(b)
Change in equity method investments(a)   (0.07 )   (18.9 ) pp
Tax: Valuation allowance release   0.01     2.7   pp
Tax: State tax credits   0.01     2.7   pp
Tax: Change in effective tax rate (excluding tax items above)   (0.01 )   (2.7 ) pp
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2017                                     $ 0.37     %  
 
(a) Changes are net of tax based on the effective tax rate for the base year (2016).
(b) Percentage points ("pp").


Change in basic and diluted earnings per share year to date period-versus-year to date period   Basic and
Diluted
EPS
  Change  
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year to date period ended June 30, 2016   $ 0.77        
Change in operations(a)   0.08     10.4   pp(b)
Change in equity method investments(a)   (0.08 )   (10.4 ) pp
Change in weighted average shares outstanding   (0.01 )   (1.3 ) pp
Tax: Current effect of ASU 2016-09   0.07     9.1   pp
Tax: Valuation allowance release   0.02     2.6   pp
Tax: State tax credits   0.02     2.6   pp
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year to date period ended June 30, 2017   $ 0.87     13.0 %  
 
(a) Changes are net of tax based on the effective tax rate for the base year (2016).
(b) Percentage points ("pp").
 

MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

    Quarter Ended   Year to Date Ended
    June 30,
 2017
  June 30,
 2016
  June 30,
 2017
  June 30,
 2016
Sales   $ 87,892     $ 82,174     $ 179,237     $ 159,365  
Less: excise taxes   2,139     1,782     6,315     2,138  
Net sales   85,753     80,392     172,922     157,227  
Cost of sales   66,928     64,861     135,056     124,650  
Gross profit   18,825     15,531     37,866     32,577  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   8,311     6,404     15,960     12,725  
Operating income   10,514     9,127     21,906     19,852  
Equity method investment earnings   (819 )   1,079     (348 )   1,596  
Interest expense, net   (379 )   (328 )   (710 )   (639 )
Income before income taxes   9,316     9,878     20,848     20,809  
Income tax expense   2,947     3,570     5,801     7,442  
Net income   $ 6,369     $ 6,308     $ 15,047     $ 13,367  
                 
Income attributable to participating securities   183     240     433     506  
Net income attributable to common shareholders and used in EPS calculation   $ 6,186     $ 6,068     $ 14,614     $ 12,861  
                 
Share information:                
Diluted weighted average common shares   16,745,679     16,617,857     16,727,305     16,612,416  
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.37     $ 0.37     $ 0.87     $ 0.77  
Dividends and dividend equivalents per common share   $ 0.04     $     $ 0.08     $ 0.08  


MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands) June 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
  (Dollars in thousands) June 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
ASSETS         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current Assets:         Current Liabilities:      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,911     $ 1,569     Current maturities of long-term debt $ 4,366     $ 4,359  
Receivables 34,930     26,085     Accounts payable 16,140     20,342  
Inventory 85,551     78,858     Accounts payable to affiliate, net 3,181     3,349  
Prepaid expenses 2,832     1,684     Accrued expenses 8,009     8,945  
Refundable income taxes 3,131     2,705            
Total Current Assets 134,355     110,901     Total Current Liabilities 31,696     36,995  
          Other Liabilities:      
          Long-term debt, less current maturities 14,034     16,218  
          Revolving credit facility 25,332     15,424  
Property and equipment 252,586     246,219     Deferred credits 2,568     2,978  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (158,812 )   (153,428 )   Accrued retirement, health and life insurance benefits 3,415     3,604  
Net Property, Plant         Deferred income taxes 4,009     3,432  
and Equipment 93,774     92,791     Other noncurrent liabilities 402     393  
Equity method investments 11,152     18,934     Total Liabilities 81,456     79,044  
Other assets 2,665     2,710     Stockholders’ equity 160,490     146,292  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 241,946     $ 225,336     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 241,946     $ 225,336  

 

For More Information
Investors & Analysts:

Mike Houston
313-309-9506 or Investor.Relations@mgpingredients.com

Media:
Greg Manis
913-360-5440 or greg.manis@mgpingredients.com

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Source: MGP Ingredients Inc.