Renewable Energy Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results

Fourth Quarter 2018 Highlights:

• Net income from continuing operations of $30.4 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $13.9 million, or $0.36 per diluted share y/y
• Net loss from discontinued operations of $12.2 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $3.1 million, or $0.08 per diluted share y/y
• Adjusted EBITDA of $44.5 million, up from $6.5 million y/y, excluding allocation of the 2017 Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credit (BTC)
• Revenues of $519.8 million
• 163.2 million gallons of fuel sold

Full Year 2018 Highlights:

• Net income from continuing operations of $295.8 million, or $6.78 per diluted share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $66.3 million, or $1.71 per diluted share y/y
• Net loss from discontinued operations of $11.3 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $12.8 million, or $0.33 per diluted share y/y
• Adjusted EBITDA of $138.9 million, up from $25.3 million y/y, excluding allocation of the 2017 BTC
• Revenues of $2.4 billion
• 649.2 million gallons of fuel sold

AMES, Iowa, March 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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, 2018.

"REG generated $139 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2018, an outstanding result reflecting strong operational performance and a favorable margin environment," said Cynthia (CJ) Warner, REG President and Chief Executive Officer.

"In addition, we remain confident that Congress will reinstate the BTC for 2018 which we estimate would add approximately $237 million to our 2018 Adjusted EBITDA," Warner added.  "We are excited about the growth opportunities that this level of profitability would permit."

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $519.8 million on 163.2 million gallons sold.  Net income was $19.1 million, net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders was $30.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA was $44.5 million.  Total gallons sold increased by 6.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.  See the table below for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliation to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP.

For the full year 2018, revenues were $2.4 billion on 649.2 million gallons sold.  Net income was $292.3 million, net income from continuing operations was $295.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA was $138.9 million.  In 2018, REG sold 62.5 million more gallons and revenue increased by 10.6% compared to 2017.  See the table below for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliation to net income determined in accordance with GAAP.

If the currently lapsed BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2018 on the same terms as in 2017, the Company estimates that its net income and Adjusted EBITDA would each increase by approximately $58.3 million for business conducted in the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and by approximately $237.0 million for business conducted in the full year of 2018.

The Company’s Board of Directors has decided to pursue a sale of the Company’s life sciences business unit.  As a result, the fourth quarter and year-end financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the life sciences unit as discontinued operations for all historical periods.  The Company also recognized a $11.2 million impairment charge related to this business unit in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Highlights

All figures refer to the quarter ended December 31, 2018, unless otherwise noted. All comparisons are to the quarter ended December 31, 2017, unless otherwise noted.

REG sold 163.2 million total gallons of fuel, an increase of 6.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.  REG produced 131.7 million gallons of biomass-based diesel during the quarter, an increase of 10.6% from the fourth quarter of 2017.

Revenues decreased $56.2 million to $519.8 million, driven by lower biomass-based diesel prices and lower RIN prices, partially offset by the 6.8% increase in gallons sold.  The average price per gallon sold (including RINs, but excluding the allocation of the 2017 BTC) for our biomass-based diesel was $2.82, a decrease of 12.1% from the same period in 2017.

Operating income was $33.4 million compared to operating loss of $51.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.  The increase in operating income was mainly driven by increased volumes and improved margins, while the fourth quarter of 2017 was impacted by a $48.5 million non-cash impairment charge for property, plant and equipment.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders was $30.4 million, or $0.66 per share, on a fully diluted basis.  This compares to net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders of $13.9 million, or $0.36 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $12.2 million or $0.33 per fully diluted share compared to net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders for the fourth quarter of 2017 of $3.1 million or $0.08 per fully diluted share.  The Company recognized a $11.2 million impairment charge related to the life sciences business unit in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Net income was $19.1 million, which compares to a net loss of $17.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA was $44.5 million, compared to $6.5 million, excluding the allocation of the 2017 BTC, in the fourth quarter 2017.  After allocating the net benefit of the BTC to applicable periods in 2017, Adjusted EBITDA was $58.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

At December 31, 2018, REG had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $174.5 million, a decrease of 17% during the quarter.  For the year, the Company's cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities increased by $96.9 million primarily as a result of the receipt of the 2017 BTC in 2018, strong cash generated from operations, partially offset by cash invested in plant upgrades, as well as the repayment of debt and repurchase of common stock and convertible notes.  At December 31, 2018, accounts receivable were $74.6 million, a decrease of $18.3 million from September 30, 2018.  Inventory was $168.9 million, an increase of $27.7 million during the fourth quarter.

The table below summarizes REG’s results for Q4 2018:

⁽¹⁾   See Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation below.
⁽²⁾  The 2018 amount is an estimate based on the assumption that the BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2018 on the  same terms as in 2017.

Full Year 2018 Results

All figures refer to the year ended December 31, 2018, unless otherwise noted.  All comparisons are to the year ended December 31, 2017, unless otherwise noted.

REG sold 649.2 million total gallons, an increase of 10.6% compared to 586.7 million gallons in 2017.  The increase in gallons sold is mostly attributable to volume increases in biodiesel and renewable diesel of 27.1 million gallons and petroleum diesel of 35.4 million gallons.

REG produced 501.7 million gallons, compared to 453.7 million gallons in 2017.  The growth in production primarily resulted from our Geismar renewable diesel plant running at higher capacity for the full year and our Ralston and Madison biodiesel plants producing higher volumes following their fourth quarter 2017 down time for expansion and repairs, respectively.

Revenues were $2.4 billion, an increase of $228.3 million, or 10.6%, versus 2017 revenues of $2.2 billion.  The increase was primarily due to the 2017 BTC that was earned during 2017, yet recognized in the first quarter of 2018 when it was retroactively reinstated, coupled with an 11% increase in gallons sold and partially offset by lower RIN prices.  The average biomass-based diesel price per gallon (including RINs, but excluding the allocation of 2017 BTC) sold by REG was $3.03, compared to $3.06 in 2017.

Operating income was $312.4 million, compared to an operating loss of $61.4 million in 2017.  The improvement in operating income for 2018 was due mainly to better margins resulting from favorable feedstock pricing and the 2017 BTC received in 2018 as well as higher volumes.  The operating loss in 2017 was impacted by a $48.5 million non-cash impairment charge for property, plant and equipment.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders was $295.8 million or $6.78 per share on a fully diluted basis for 2018.  The 2018 income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders includes $216.1 million of the BTC that was earned during 2017, yet recognized in the first quarter of 2018.  This compares to a net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders of $66.3 million, or $1.71 per share on a fully diluted basis for 2017.

For the full year 2018, net loss from discontinued operations was $11.3 million or $0.30 per fully diluted share compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $12.8 million, or $0.33 per fully diluted share, for 2017.

Net income was $292.3 million, which compares to a net loss of $79.1 million for 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA was $138.9 million, compared to $25.3 million in 2017, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA margins of 5.8% and 1.2% for 2018 and 2017, respectively.  After reallocating the net benefit of the BTC to applicable periods in 2017, Adjusted EBITDA was $230.2 million for 2017.

The table below summarizes the quarterly and year end results for 2018 and 2017:

⁽¹⁾   See Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation below.
⁽²⁾   Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Revenues.
⁽³⁾  The 2018 amount is an estimate based on the assumption that the BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2018 on the same terms as in 2017.

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 sets forth Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented, as well as a reconciliation to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP for the applicable period:

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 an alternative 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 or the impact of certain cash clauses that the Company considers 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 the Company has 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. (NASDAQ: REGI) is a leading provider of cleaner, lower carbon intensity transportation fuels. We are an international producer of biomass-based diesel and are North America's largest producer of advanced biofuel. REG utilizes an integrated procurement, distribution, and logistics network to convert natural fats, oils and greases into lower carbon intensity products. With 14 active biorefineries, technology development capabilities and a diverse and growing intellectual property portfolio, REG is committed to being a long-term leader in transportation fuels.

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 possible retroactive reinstatement of the BTC for 2018, the estimated net benefits to net income and Adjusted EBITDA if the BTC is retroactively reinstated for 2018, the growth opportunities that reinstatement of the BTC would enable and the possible sale of our Life Sciences business.  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 and adverse changes in governmental programs and policies requiring or encouraging the use of biofuels, including RFS2 on the federal level, and on the state level, programs such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard; availability of federal and state governmental tax incentives and incentives for biomass-based diesel production; 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; risks associated with fire, explosions, leaks and other natural disasters at our facilities; that any disruption of operations at our Geismar renewable diesel refinery would have a disproportionately adverse effect on our profitability; the effect of excess capacity in the biomass-based diesel industry and announced large plant expansions and potential co-processing of renewable diesel by petroleum refiners; unanticipated changes in the biomass-based diesel market from which we generate almost all of our revenues; seasonal fluctuations in our operating results; potential failure to comply with governmental regulations; 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; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in REG's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 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.

Contacts

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED SUPPLEMENTAL QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND 2017
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)

RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND 2017 (IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)