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MGP INGREDIENTS REPORTS STRONG FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2020 RESULTS
Full year consolidated sales increased 9.0% from prior year period
Full year operating income increased 14.8%; Adjusted operating income up 20.9%
ATCHISON, Kan., February 25, 2021 - MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq:MGPI), a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.

2020 fourth quarter results compared to 2019 fourth quarter results

Consolidated sales increased 9.1% to $100.9 million, as a result of double-digit growth in both premium beverage alcohol and the Ingredient Solutions segment.
Consolidated gross profit increased 47.2% to a record $31.7 million, representing 31.4% of consolidated sales, due to improved segment gross profits in both the Distillery Products and Ingredients Solutions segments.
Consolidated operating income decreased 4.4% to $15.5 million, primarily due to higher personnel and incentive compensation expense, inclusive of CEO transition costs, as well as business acquisition related costs.
Non-GAAP operating income increased 4.6% to $17.0 million, exclusive of business acquisition related costs (Luxco), and CEO transition costs.
Earnings per share ("EPS") decreased to $0.69 per share from $0.76 per share, primarily due to lower operating income and higher state income taxes.
Non-GAAP EPS decreased to $0.75 per share from $0.76 per share, exclusive of CEO transition costs, and business acquisition related costs (Luxco).

2020 full year results compared to 2019 full year results

Consolidated sales increased 9.0% to $395.5 million, due to Distillery Products and Ingredient Solutions segment sales growth.
Consolidated gross profit increased 29.1% to a record $98.8 million, representing 25.0% of consolidated sales, as a result of higher Distillery Products and Ingredients Solutions segment gross profits.
Consolidated operating income increased 14.8% to $54.2 million, due to higher sales and gross profit, partially offset by higher personnel and incentive compensation expense, inclusive of CEO transition costs, as well as an increase related to business acquisition related costs.
Non-GAAP operating income increased 20.9% to $57.1 million, exclusive of CEO transition costs, and business acquisition related costs (Luxco).
EPS was $2.37 per share compared to $2.27 per share in 2019, due to higher operating income, partially offset by an unfavorable tax impact of vested share-based awards.
Non-GAAP EPS increased to $2.51 per share from $2.27 per share, exclusive of CEO transition costs, and business acquisition related costs (Luxco).

“We are very pleased with the continued momentum by each of our segments this quarter, reflecting strong growth for the year,” said David Colo, president and CEO of MGP Ingredients. “Each quarter this year posted a record gross profit result versus the respective prior years' quarters, and the fourth quarter was no
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exception. Aged whiskey sales experienced another record quarter which drove an 11.4% increase in premium beverage alcohol sales for the year. Specialty ingredients sales posted strong double-digit growth for the quarter and grew 19.2% for the year. While we remain very confident about the long-term potential of our business, we anticipate continued uncertainty related to the pandemic throughout the year. As a result, it continues to be difficult to predict with any level of precision the pandemic’s cumulative impact on our future financial results. For these reasons, we are not providing 2021 annual guidance at this time and will reassess this position based on the visibility of the macroeconomic recovery.”

Distillery Products Segment – Full Year Brown Goods Sales Grew 16.7% Led by Strong Aged Whiskey Sales
For the fourth quarter of 2020, Distillery Products segment sales increased 7.0% to $80.6 million, reflecting a 19.1% increase in sales of premium beverage alcohol, primarily due to higher aged whiskey sales. Gross profit increased to $26.4 million, or 32.7% of segment sales, compared to $18.3 million, or 24.3% of segment sales in the fourth quarter 2019.

For the full year 2020, Distillery Products segment sales increased 6.8% to $317.5 million, primarily due to higher aged whiskey sales. Gross profit increased to $78.0 million, or 24.6% of segment sales in 2020, compared to $66.0 million, or 22.2% of segment sales in 2019.

“The continued robust consumer demand for premium beverage alcohol was highlighted by the strong demand for our American whiskey products,” said Colo. “Our record gross profit results confirm the long-term value of our aging whiskey inventory, supported by our ability to cultivate solid partnerships with existing customers as well as attract new aged whiskey and new distillate customers.”

Ingredient Solutions Segment – Full Year Gross Profit Increased 97.0%
For the fourth quarter of 2020, Ingredient Solutions segment sales increased 18.4% to $20.3 million. Gross profit increased to $5.3 million, or 26.3% of segment sales, compared to $3.3 million, or 19.0% of segment sales in the fourth quarter 2019.

For the full year 2020, Ingredient Solutions segment sales increased 19.2% to $78.1 million, driven by higher sales of specialty wheat starches and specialty wheat proteins. Gross profit increased to $20.8 million, or 26.7% of segment sales, compared to $10.6 million, or 16.2% of segment sales in the prior year period.

"Ingredient Solutions again finished the year with great momentum, with the fourth quarter being one of our strongest quarters ever," Colo continued. "The solid revenue and profit growth this quarter and year reflect our diverse customer base and our ability to further optimize the product mix. Our product offerings remain aligned with strong consumer trends, as evidenced by our ability to effectively recruit new business and grow with existing customers."

Other
In May 2020, the Company was affected by a ransomware cyber-attack that temporarily disrupted production at its Atchison facilities. While no financial information was affected and there is no evidence that any sensitive or confidential data was improperly accessed or extracted from the network, it is estimated that this attack adversely impacted gross profit by $1.7 million during the second quarter, of which $633 thousand was recovered through insurance in December 2020. Additionally, MGP experienced a fire at the Atchison facility during the fourth quarter, which damaged feed drying equipment and caused a temporary loss of production time. It is estimated that this incident adversely impacted gross profit for the quarter by $4.5 million. During the fourth quarter, the Company recorded a $3.8 million partial settlement from its insurance carrier, and is working to construct a replacement drying system that is anticipated to be operational in the back half of 2021.

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Corporate selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the fourth quarter 2020 increased $10.9 million to $16.2 million as compared to the fourth quarter 2019, primarily driven by higher incentive compensation expense and business acquisition related costs (Luxco). For the full year 2020, corporate SG&A expenses of $44.6 million increased by $15.3 million or 52.2% from 2019 due to higher personnel and incentive compensation expense, inclusive of certain incremental costs incurred relating to the transition at the CEO position, and an increase in business acquisition related costs (Luxco).

The corporate effective tax rate for the fourth quarter 2020 was 23.7% compared with 18.5% a year ago. The corporate effective tax rate for the full year 2020 was 23.3% compared with 15.6% in 2019.

EPS declined to $0.69 for the fourth quarter 2020, compared to $0.76 for the fourth quarter 2019. Fourth quarter 2020 non-GAAP EPS decreased to $0.75 per share from $0.76 per share, exclusive of business acquisition related costs (Luxco), and CEO transition costs, as compared to the prior year period. For the full year 2020, EPS increased to $2.37, compared to $2.27 for the full year 2019. Full year non-GAAP EPS increased to $2.51 per share from $2.27 per share, exclusive of CEO transition costs, and business acquisition related costs (Luxco), as compared to the prior year period.

"This year marked an inflection point of implementing our long-term strategic plan, which has delivered substantial improvements to our financial results and built a strong foundation for future growth," Colo continued. "A critical part of that foundation was positioning MGP to benefit from the robust growth of the American Whiskey category. Two key components of this effort have been our inventory of aging whiskey and accelerating our branded initiative. Our inventory of aging whiskey declined $3.0 million from the third quarter to $105.4 million, at cost, at the end of 2020, reflecting strong sales of aged whiskey and reduced put-away of whiskey for aging. We believe our library of various mash bills and vintages will continue to contribute significant levels of profit and cash flow for the company. We also took a material step towards accelerating our branded initiative through the recent Luxco definitive merger agreement announcement. This acquisition, which is expected to close in the first half of this year, significantly expands our product line in the higher-value branded-spirits sector and increases our sales and distribution capabilities across all 50 states.

“We are very pleased with the revenue and profit results for each of our segments this year. While the COVID pandemic brought with it accelerated growth for certain parts of our business, it also continues to bring increased uncertainty during these unprecedented times. Despite these changing dynamics, we believe the underlying macro consumer trend supporting the ongoing growth of the American whiskey category remains strong. Notably, we rolled out our Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV Straight Bourbon Whiskey during the fourth quarter, while also debuting single barrel programs for our George Remus® and Rossville Union® brands earlier in the year. While still small, total annual sales for our brands grew, as expected, by solid double-digit growth rates in 2020. We believe our brands are well positioned for additional growth in 2021 as we integrate with Luxco’s national distribution capabilities.

“2020 represented a solid year of improved effectiveness in our tactical execution while accelerating the pace of our strategic implementation. Our objective to optimize brown goods profit by increasing volume share at market-based pricing paid dividends as gross profits for the Distillery Products segment and company finished the quarter and year at record levels. Additionally, our ability to improve throughput and profitability in our Ingredients Solutions segment resulted in an increase of 97% in gross profit. The management team’s focus on continually refining the effectiveness of our tactical execution, accelerating the pace of our strategic implementation, and leveraging the strong foundation we have built has positioned MGP for sustainable long-term growth,” concluded Colo.




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Conference Call and Webcast Information
MGP Ingredients will host a conference call for analysts and institutional investors at 10 a.m. ET today to discuss these results and current business trends. The conference call and webcast will be available via:

Webcast: ir.mgpingredients.com on the Events & Presentations page
Conference Call: 844-308-6398 (domestic) or 412-717-9605 (international)

About MGP Ingredients, Inc.
Founded in 1941, MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science backed by a long history 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 it produces premium distilled spirits and food ingredients. The company also produces premium distilled spirits in Washington, D.C., and at its historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected effects on MGP Ingredients, Inc. ("the Company") of the proposed acquisition of Luxco, Inc. and its affiliates ("Luxco"), the expected timing and conditions precedent relating to the proposed acquisition of Luxco, anticipated earnings enhancements, synergies and other strategic options. 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.

These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance, and Company financial results and financial condition 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 statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, among others: (i) the satisfaction of the conditions to closing the transaction to acquire Luxco in the anticipated timeframe or at all; (ii) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals related to the acquisition of Luxco; (iii) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Luxco; (iv) the ability to successfully integrate the businesses; (v) disruption from the acquisition of Luxco making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; (vi) significant transaction costs and unknown liabilities;(vii) litigation or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition of Luxco, and (viii) the financing of the acquisition of Luxco. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially include, among others, (i) disruptions in operations at our Atchison facility, our Indiana facility, or any Luxco 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 impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, (viii) the ability to effectively pass raw material price increases on to customers, (ix) our ability to maintain compliance with all applicable loan agreement covenants, (x) our ability to realize operating efficiencies, (xi) actions of governments, and (xii) 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, 2020.



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For More Information
Investors & Analysts:
Mike Houston
646-475-2998 or investor.relations@mgpingredients.com

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

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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
OPERATING INCOME ROLLFORWARD
Operating incomeOperating Income Change Quarter-versus-Quarter
Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2019
$16,251 
Increase in gross profit - Distillery Products segment8,097 49.8 
pp(a)
Increase in gross profit - Ingredient Solutions segment2,074 12.8 pp
Increase in SG&A expenses(10,879)(66.9)pp
Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020
$15,543 (4.4)%

Operating incomeOperating Income Change Year-versus-Year
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2019
$47,242 
Increase in gross profit - Distillery Products segment12,008 25.4 
pp(a)
Increase in gross profit - Ingredient Solutions segment10,266 21.7 pp
Increase in SG&A expenses(15,275)(32.3)pp
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2020
$54,241 14.8 %

(a) Percentage points ("pp").

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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
EARNINGS PER SHARE ROLLFORWARD

Change in basic and diluted EPSBasic and Diluted EPSChange Quarter-versus-Quarter
Basic and diluted EPS for the quarter ended December 31, 2019
$0.76 
Change in operations(a)
(0.03)(4.0)
pp(b)
Change in weighted average shares outstanding: withholding taxes(c)
0.01 1.3 pp
Tax: Change in effective tax rate(0.05)(6.6)pp
Basic and diluted EPS for the quarter ended December 31, 2020
$0.69 (9.2)%

Change in basic and diluted EPSBasic and Diluted EPSChange Year-versus-Year
Basic and diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2019
$2.27 
Change in operations(a)
0.41 18.1 
pp(b)
Change in weighted average shares outstanding: share repurchase program(c)
0.02 0.9 pp
Change in weighted average shares outstanding: withholding taxes(c)
0.01 0.4 pp
Tax: Change in share-based compensation(0.21)(9.3)pp
Tax: Change in effective tax rate(0.13)(5.7)pp
Basic and diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2020
$2.37 4.4 %

(a)Items are net of tax based on the effective tax rate for the base year (2019)
(b)Percentage points ("pp")
(c)Income attributable to participating securities changes primarily due to the awarding and vesting of the employee RSUs that receive dividend equivalent payments. Weighted average shares outstanding change primarily due to our repurchases of Common Stock, the vesting of employee RSUs, our purchase of vested RSUs from employees to pay withholding taxes, and the granting of Common Stock to directors.

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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
SALES BY OPERATING SEGMENT
(Dollars in thousands)

DISTILLERY PRODUCTS SALES
Quarter Ended December 31,Quarter versus Quarter Sales Change Increase/(Decrease)
20202019$ Change% Change
Brown goods$36,084 $28,136 $7,948 28.2 %
White goods16,041 15,630 411 2.6 
Premium beverage alcohol52,125 43,766 8,359 19.1 
Industrial alcohol16,650 19,229 (2,579)(13.4)
Food grade alcohol68,775 62,995 5,780 9.2 
Fuel grade alcohol1,660 1,612 48 3.0 
Distillers feed and related co-products6,220 6,837 (617)(9.0)
Warehouse services3,990 3,895 95 2.4 
Total Distillery Products$80,645 $75,339 $5,306 7.0 %


INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SALES
Quarter Ended December 31,Quarter versus Quarter Sales Change Increase / (Decrease)
20202019$ Change% Change
Specialty wheat starches$10,693 $8,293 $2,400 28.9 %
Specialty wheat proteins6,588 6,475 113 1.7 
Commodity wheat starches2,383 2,052 331 16.1 
Commodity wheat proteins606 304 302 99.3 
Total Ingredient Solutions$20,270 $17,124 $3,146 18.4 %






















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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
SALES BY OPERATING SEGMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

DISTILLERY PRODUCTS SALES
Year Ended December 31,Year versus Year Sales Change Increase/(Decrease)
20202019$ Change% Change
Brown Goods$125,059 $107,190 $17,869 16.7 %
White Goods64,347 62,862 1,485 2.4 
Premium beverage alcohol189,406 170,052 19,354 11.4 
Industrial alcohol80,682 79,833 849 1.1 
Food grade alcohol270,088 249,885 20,203 8.1 
Fuel grade alcohol5,630 5,949 (319)(5.4)
Distillers feed and related co-products26,109 26,743 (634)(2.4)
Warehouse services15,631 14,656 975 6.7 
Total Distillery Products$317,458 $297,233 $20,225 6.8 %



INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SALES
Year Ended December 31,Year versus Year Sales Change Increase/(Decrease)
20202019$ Change% Change
Specialty wheat starches$41,631 $30,816 $10,815 35.1 %
Specialty wheat proteins26,960 22,359 4,601 20.6 
Commodity wheat starches7,630 9,628 (1,998)(20.8)
Commodity wheat proteins1,842 2,709 (867)(32.0)
Total Ingredient Solutions$78,063 $65,512 $12,551 19.2 %

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

 Quarter EndedYear Ended
December 31,December 31,
 2020201920202019
Sales$100,915 $92,463 $395,521 $362,745 
Cost of sales69,184 70,903 296,715 286,213 
Gross profit31,731 21,560 98,806 76,532 
Selling, general and administrative expenses16,188 5,309 44,565 29,290 
Operating income15,543 16,251 54,241 47,242 
Interest expense, net and other(291)(368)(1,640)(1,305)
Income before income taxes15,252 15,883 52,601 45,937 
Income tax expense3,620 2,936 12,256 7,144 
Net income11,632 12,947 40,345 38,793 
Income attributable to participating securities75 82 261 253 
Net income attributable to common shareholders and used in EPS calculation$11,557 $12,865 $40,084 $38,540 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares16,919,241 17,030,274 16,937,125 17,012,288 
Basic and diluted EPS$0.69 $0.76 $2.37 $2.27 

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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
ASSETS  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Assets:Current Liabilities:  
Cash and cash equivalents$21,662 $3,309 Current maturities of long-term debt$1,600 $401 
Receivables, net56,966 40,931 Accounts payable30,273 29,511 
Inventory141,011 136,931 Income taxes payable704 — 
Prepaid expenses2,644 2,048 Accrued expenses20,752 9,383 
Refundable income taxes 987 
Total Current Assets222,283 184,206 Total Current Liabilities53,329 39,295 
     
Other Liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current maturities38,271 40,658 
Credit agreement - revolver 
Property, plant and equipment313,730 313,958 Long-term operating lease liabilities3,057 4,267 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(181,738)(185,539)Deferred credits2,196 1,233 
Other noncurrent liabilities4,898 4,170 
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment131,992 128,419 Deferred income taxes2,298 1,929 
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net5,151 6,490 Total Liabilities104,049 91,553 
Other assets7,149 3,482 Stockholders’ equity262,526 231,044 
TOTAL ASSETS$366,575 $322,597 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$366,575 $322,597 
 
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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31,
 20202019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities  
Net income $40,345 $38,793 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization12,961 11,572 
Share-based compensation3,002 3,304 
Deferred income taxes, including change in valuation allowance593 252 
Other, net494 (116)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net(16,173)(2,134)
Inventory(3,886)(28,162)
Prepaid expenses(748)(728)
Income taxes payable (refundable)1,750 (275)
Accounts payable1,817 2,107 
Accrued expenses11,503 (4,547)
Deferred credits963 (332)
Other, net634 (12)
Net cash provided by operating activities53,255 19,722 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Additions to property, plant, and equipment(19,701)(16,730)
Acquisition of business(2,750)— 
Proceeds from sale of property and other2,906 — 
Other, net(102)(1,201)
Net cash used in investing activities(19,647)(17,931)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payment of dividends and dividend equivalents(8,188)(6,856)
Purchase of treasury stock(4,411)(5,489)
Loan fees incurred with borrowings(1,148)— 
Proceeds from long-term debt 20,000 
Principal payments on long-term debt(1,208)(386)
Proceeds from credit agreement - revolver54,700 17,440 
Payments on credit agreement - revolver(55,000)(28,140)
Other, net (76)
Net cash used in financing activities(15,255)(3,507)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents18,353 (1,716)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year3,309 5,025 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$21,662 $3,309 

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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)


Quarter Ended December 31, 2020
Operating IncomeIncome before Income TaxesNet IncomeMGP Earnings (a)Basic and Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP Results$15,543 $15,252 $11,632 $11,557 $0.69
Adjusted to remove:
CEO transition costs (b)542542188 188 0.01
Business acquisition costs (c)919 919 919 919 0.05
Adjusted Non-GAAP results$17,004 $16,713 $12,739 $12,664 $0.75 


Quarter Ended December 31, 2019
Operating IncomeIncome before Income TaxesNet IncomeMGP Earnings (a)Basic and Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP Results$16,251 $15,883 $12,947 $12,865 $0.76
Adjusted to remove:
Adjusted Non-GAAP results$16,251 $15,883 $12,947 $12,865 $0.76 

Year Ended December 31, 2020
Operating IncomeIncome before Income TaxesNet IncomeMGP Earnings (a)Basic and Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP Results$54,241 $52,601 $40,345 $40,084 $2.37
Adjusted to remove:
CEO transition costs (b)1,932 1,932 1,467 1,467 0.09
Business acquisition costs (c)919 919 919 919 0.05
Adjusted Non-GAAP results$57,092 $55,452 $42,731 $42,470 $2.51 


Year Ended December 31, 2019
Operating IncomeIncome before Income TaxesNet IncomeMGP Earnings (a)Basic and Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP Results$47,242 $45,937 $38,793 $38,540 $2.27
Adjusted to remove:
Adjusted Non-GAAP results$47,242 $45,937 $38,793 $38,540 $2.27 


(a)MGP Earnings has been defined as "Net income attributable to common shareholders and used in EPS calculation."

(b)The CEO transition costs are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Selling, general and administrative line item. The adjustment includes additional employee related costs in connection with the transition of CEOs.

(c)The Business acquisition costs are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Selling, general and administrative line item. The adjustment includes transaction and integration costs associated with the Luxco acquisition.
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