f10k_090211.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
(Mark One)
 
X           ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011                                                                           
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                                    to                                 
 
Commission file number   0-17196
 
MGP Ingredients, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Kansas
48-0531200
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
100 Commercial Street, Box 130, Atchison, Kansas
66002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code     (913) 367-1480
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, no par value NASDAQ Global Select Market
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes __ No X
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes __ No X
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes    X      No ____
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes            No        
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to their Form 10-K.  [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “accelerated filer, “large accelerated filer” and smaller company: in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
 
Large accelerated filer ___    Accelerated filer  X    Non-accelerated filer  __   Smaller reporting company ___
 
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   ___ No    X
 
The aggregate market value of common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the last sales price as reported by NASDAQ on December 31, 2010, was $132,500,169.
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of August 30, 2011 was 18,143,757.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
The following documents are incorporated herein by reference:
 
 
(1)
Portions of the MGP Ingredients, Inc. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 20, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report to the extent set forth herein.

 
 

 
CONTENTS PAGE

     
PART I
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
PART II
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
PART III
   
     
PART IV
   
     
 
 
The calculation of the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates is based on the assumption that non-affiliates do not include directors or executive officers. Such assumption does not constitute an admission by the Company or any director or executive officer that any director or executive officer is an affiliate of the Company.
 
 
ii

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report contains forward-looking statements as well as historical information. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding the prospects of our industry and our prospects, plans, financial position and business strategy 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 of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. They reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and 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, (ii) the availability and cost of grain and fluctuations in energy costs, (iii) the effectiveness of our hedging strategy, (iv) the competitive environment and related market conditions, (v) the ability to effectively pass raw material price increases on to customers, (vi) the ability to effectively operate the Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (“ICP”) joint venture, (vii) our ability to maintain compliance with all applicable loan agreement covenants, (viii) our ability to realize operating efficiencies, (ix) and actions of governments. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
We make available through our website (www.mgpingredients.com) under “Investors – Investor Relations,” free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 


 
iii

 
PART I
 
Throughout this document, Dollars are presented in thousands unless otherwise noted.
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
 
As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our” and words of similar import refers to the combined business of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
MGP Ingredients, Inc. is a Kansas corporation headquartered in Atchison, Kansas.  It was incorporated in 1957 and is the successor to a business founded in 1941 by Cloud L. Cray, Sr.
 
The Company produces certain distillery and ingredient products which are derived from corn and wheat flour, respectively, primarily to serve the packaged goods industry.  The Company has three reportable segments:  distillery products, ingredient solutions and other.  Our distillery products segment consists of food grade alcohol, along with a minimal amount of fuel grade alcohol, commonly known as ethanol, and distillers feed, which are co-products of our distillery operations.  The ingredient solutions segment products primarily consist of specialty starches, specialty proteins, commodity starches and commodity vital wheat gluten.  Mill by-products, consisting primarily of mill feeds or “midds,” had also previously been included in this segment but were discontinued with the shutdown of our wheat flour milling operations at the Atchison, Kansas plant in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  Our other segment products are comprised of plant-based biopolymers and wood-based composite resins manufactured through the further processing of certain of our starches and proteins and wood particles.  Prior to the sale of our Kansas City, Kansas facility described below, our other segment also included pet-related products primarily consisting of extruded plant-based resins and finished pet treats.
 
We purchase corn obtained from or through grain elevators.  We purchase wheat flour, the principal raw material used in the manufacture of our protein and starch products, from ConAgra Mills.   We process flour with water to extract vital wheat gluten, the basic protein component of flour, which we use primarily to process into specialty wheat proteins that possess increased protein levels and/or enhanced functional characteristics.  Most wheat protein products are dried into powder and sold in packaged or bulk form.  We further process the starch slurry which results after the extraction of the protein component to extract premium wheat starch, a portion of which we further  process into specialty starches and a portion of which we sell as commodity starch, and all of which we dry into powder and sell in packaged or bulk form.  We mix the remaining starch slurry with corn and water and then cook, ferment and distill it into alcohol.  We dry the residue of the distilling operations and sell it as a high protein additive for animal feed.
 
The principal location at which we make our products as of June 30, 2011 is our plant located in Atchison, Kansas. We also operate a facility in Onaga, Kansas for the production of plant-based biopolymers and wood composite resins. Our line of textured wheat proteins are produced through a toll manufacturing arrangement at a facility in Kansas City, Kansas, which we had previously owned and which we sold to Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Inc. (“Sergeant’s”) on August 21, 2009. Additionally, in November 2009, we entered into a joint venture with SEACOR Energy, Inc.’s affiliate, Illinois Corn Processing Holdings LLC (“ICP Holdings”), to reactivate distillery operations at our facility in Pekin, Illinois.  This facility is now owned and operated by a 50% owned, unconsolidated joint venture entity named Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (“ICP”), which reactivated the plant in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 after we temporarily closed it in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.   ICP produces food grade alcohol for beverage and industrial applications, which we purchase, and fuel grade alcohol, which SEACOR Energy, Inc. purchases.
 
 
1

 
On August 25, 2011 we have changed our fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31, commencing December 31, 2011.  The change will be effective at the start of calendar 2012.  A transition report will be filed for the period beginning July 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011 on Form 10-K.
 
FISCAL 2011 DEVELOPMENTS
 
In fiscal 2011, we continued to concentrate our efforts on the development, production and commercialization of value-added ingredient solutions, consisting of specialty, value-added wheat proteins and wheat starches, and high quality beverage and food grade industrial alcohol.  We have also realigned our production efforts.
 
As a result of the measures we have taken, we saw a $45,944, or 22.7 percent increase in sales.  Despite this increase in sales, our operating and net margins declined for the year.  Our operating results were impacted by significant increases in raw material costs for corn, wheat flour, and natural gas, as well as significant unrealized losses on commodity derivative contracts during the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
           Recent strategic decisions we have made impacting fiscal 2011 include the following:

 
·
As of June 30, 2011, we had substantially completed a capital project designed to provide environmental benefits at our Atchison, Kansas distillery operations.  This project, which was approved by our Board of Directors on June 10, 2010, consisted of the installation of a new, state-of-the-art process water cooling system to replace older equipment used to supply water for multiple components of the distillation process.  The project began in the summer of fiscal 2010 and was completed during July of 2011 at an estimated cost of $9,356.  We financed the project through a capital lease with U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc.

 
·
On October 20, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a project to upgrade our protein and starch plant infrastructure.  The upgrades primarily involved interior and exterior renovations to the facility, as well as the redesign of certain protein and starch processing equipment, at a cost of $2,500.  The upgrades should allow us to maintain high quality standards and increase our production efficiency.  The project began in October 2010 and was completed in the latter half of fiscal 2011.

 
·
During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we implemented an SAP information technology system for accounting, sales, supply chain and manufacturing.  SAP was implemented to improve our business processes and deliver enhanced operational and financial information. This implementation is expected to enable us to manage our business and our reporting more efficiently.  We spent $1,269 on the SAP implementation, of which $996 was capitalized.

 
·
During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, we entered into contracts with a third party logistics company, that contracts with the transportation companies, who will provide logistics support in managing all truck and rail carriers in servicing our North American customers, as well as improving delivery times of our inbound materials.  This is part of our strategic initiative to strengthen our customer service capabilities while also increasing our logistics capabilities, efficiencies and cost savings.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT SEGMENTS
 
Note 12. Operating Segments of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference, includes information about sales, depreciation and amortization, income (loss) before income taxes for the last three fiscal years by reportable segment.  Information about sales to external customers and assets located in foreign countries is included.  Information about identifiable assets is included for the last two years.
 
 
2

 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
We seek to strengthen our profit margins and improve returns on capital over time.  To enhance opportunities to achieve our objectives, we have restructured our business and have modified our product portfolio to emphasize a greater mix of higher margin, value-added products, principally specialty food ingredients and high quality food grade alcohol.  To this end, we have taken measures to significantly reduce our production and marketing of lower and negative margin commodity type products.  Our strategy is focused on the development and marketing of wheat-based specialty protein and starch products and high quality food grade alcohol, as well as plant-based biopolymer and wood-based composite resin products for use in unique market niches.  We seek to add value to our customers’ major branded packaged goods products by providing product solutions across a range of food and beverage applications, as well as certain non-food product applications, that can ultimately benefit the consumer.
 
Market trends from which we hope to benefit include health and wellness lifestyle trends in the food area and growing demand for natural versus synthetic products.  Increased interest in bio-economy initiatives may also create opportunities for us, particularly in regard to our partially and totally degradable biopolymers.
 
As a component of our strategy, we have prioritized strengthening our overall operational capabilities and effectiveness through ongoing continuous improvement projects.  Simultaneously, we are boosting our efforts to place greater focus on research, development and innovation initiatives, supply chain management, and customer service practices.  We continue to concentrate on specific, highly functional ingredient solutions for our customers.  We are concentrating our production and marketing efforts on supplying a core base of loyal customers with an array of high quality, premium ingredients that address nutritional, functional, sensory and convenience issues and that can help build value while making more efficient use of our existing capacities.
 
We continue to be a leading company in the food grade alcohol industry and pursue efforts to maintain highly efficient alcohol production operations.  Since early 2004, the majority of our Atchison distillery’s capacity has been dedicated to the production of high quality, high purity food grade alcohol for beverage and industrial applications.  It produces only a minimal amount of fuel alcohol as a co-product of our food grade production activities.  The majority of our former Pekin plant’s capacity for several years had been dedicated to the production of fuel grade alcohol.   The Pekin plant is now owned and operated by a joint venture, ICP, which produces food grade alcohol, which we purchase, and fuel grade alcohol, which SEACOR Energy, Inc. purchases, as elsewhere described.
 
We continued to experience generally favorable conditions in the food grade alcohol market in fiscal 2011, providing our customers with what we believe is among the highest quality, high purity alcohol in the world.  We have been in the food grade alcohol business since the Company’s founding in 1941.
 
Biopolymers continue to represent an emerging part of our business.  Currently, we have two commercial products in the market. The first product comprises plant-based biopolymers in which a large percentage of petroleum-based plastic could be replaced with materials made from renewable sources, specifically wheat starch.  These biopolymers, which serve as bio-based alternatives to traditional plastics, may be utilized in a wide range of products, such as disposable cutlery, cosmetic cases and a host of other items.  The second product is a wood-based composite resin, which compounds wood and recycled plastic materials.  This product is produced for use in the manufacture of deck boarding, toy products, furniture parts and other wood applications in which long-term durability is required.  These products are sold directly to producers of finished products. We are also continuing work on the development and commercialization of a fully bio-based, fully compostable resin.
 
 
3

 
PRODUCT SALES
 
The following table shows our sales from continuing operations by each class of similar products during the past three fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, as well as such sales as a percent of total sales.
 
       
   
PRODUCT GROUP SALES
Fiscal Year Ended,
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
                                     
Distillery Products: (1)
                                   
   Food grade Alcohol
  $ 157,486       63.5 %   $ 118,578       58.7 %   $ 124,199       42.6 %
   Distillers Grain and related Co-products
    20,642       8.3 %     14,340       7.1 %     33,060       11.3 %
   Fuel grade Alcohol
    10,865       4.4 %     7,072       3.5 %     47,445       16.2 %
      Total Distillery Products
  $ 188,993       76.2 %   $ 139,990       69.3 %   $ 204,704       70.1 %
                                                 
Ingredient Solutions: (2)
                                               
   Specialty Starches
  $ 29,459       11.9 %   $ 27,978       13.9 %   $ 32,817       11.2 %
   Specialty Proteins
    20,918       8.4 %     20,847       10.3 %     21,936       7.5 %
   Commodity Wheat Starch
    7,228       2.9 %     9,065       4.5 %     12,629       4.3 %
   Vital Wheat Gluten
    160       0.1 %     1,825       0.9 %     13,684       4.8 %
   Mill By-Products
    -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     1,061       0.4 %
      Total Ingredients
  $ 57,765       23.3 %   $ 59,715       29.6 %   $ 82,127       28.2 %
                                                 
Other Products: (3)
  $ 1,157       0.5 %   $ 2,266       1.1 %   $ 4,981       1.7 %
Net Sales
  $ 247,915       100.0 %   $ 201,971       100.0 %   $ 291,812       100.0 %
 
(1)
In February 2009, we temporarily discontinued distillery operations at our Pekin facility. We now only produce minimal quantities of fuel grade alcohol as a co-product of our food grade alcohol production at our Atchison facility.  As a result, our production of distillers feed, a principal co-product of our alcohol production process, also has declined.  The table includes our sales of food grade alcohol acquired from ICP but does not otherwise reflect distillery product sales of ICP, which now operates our former Pekin plant.
 
(2)
In October 2008, we shut down our Atchison wheat flour mill and began purchasing high quality flour for use as the principal raw material in our protein and starch production processes.  As a result, we quit selling Mill By-Products.  In November 2008, we discontinued producing protein and starch at our Pekin facility and consolidated production of value-added protein and starch products at our Atchison facility. These actions were driven by our planned reduction in the manufacturing and sales of commodity vital wheat gluten and significantly curtailed emphasis on the production and commercialization of commodity wheat starch.
 
(3)
Other products formerly included personal care products and pet products. We ceased production of personal care products in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and sold our pet business in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Substantially all of our sales are made directly or through distributors to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or bakeries.  Sales to our customers purchasing food grade alcohol are made primarily on a spot, monthly, or quarterly basis with some annual contracts, depending on the customer’s needs and market conditions.  Sales of fuel grade alcohol are made on the spot market.  Contracts with distributors may be for multi-year terms with periodic review of pricing.  Contracts with ingredients customers are generally price and term agreements which are fixed for quarterly or six month periods, with very few agreements of twelve months duration or more.  During fiscal 2011, our five largest distillery products customers combined accounted for 29.1% of our consolidated revenues. Our five largest ingredients products customers combined accounted for 16.1% of our consolidated revenues in fiscal 2011.
 
DISTILLERY PRODUCTS SEGMENT
 
Our Atchison plant processes corn, mixed with starch slurry from the wheat starch and protein processing operations, into food grade alcohol and distillery co-products such as fuel grade alcohol and distillers feed.
 
Food grade alcohol consists of beverage alcohol and industrial food grade alcohol that are distilled to remove impurities.  Fuel grade alcohol is grain alcohol that has been distilled to remove all water to yield 200 proof alcohol suitable for blending with gasoline.  In fiscal 2009, we decided to reduce our exposure to the fuel grade alcohol market and presently generate and sell only minimal amounts as a co-product of the food grade alcohol production process at our Atchison distillery.
 
 
4

 
In February 2009, we temporarily discontinued operations at our former Pekin facility.  Historically, the Pekin plant had been principally dedicated to the production of fuel grade alcohol.  On November 20, 2009, we completed a series of transactions whereby we contributed our former Pekin plant to a newly-formed company, ICP, and then sold 50% of the membership interest in this company to ICP Holdings, an affiliate of SEACOR Energy Inc., for $15,000 cash ($13,951 net of closing costs). ICP reactivated distillery operations at the Pekin facility during the quarter ended March 31, 2010. We purchase food grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP and SEACOR Energy Inc. purchases fuel grade alcohol products manufactured by it.
 
Food Grade Alcohol.  The majority of the Atchison distillery’s capacity is dedicated to the production of high quality, high purity food grade alcohol for beverage and industrial applications.    New state-of-the-art equipment that was installed in 2004 has resulted in improved alcohol production efficiencies at the Atchison plant.  During fiscal 2011, we generally operated at full production capacity for our food grade alcohol at the Atchison plant.
 
Food grade alcohol sold for beverage applications consists primarily of grain neutral spirits and gin.  Grain neutral spirits are sold in bulk quantities at various proof concentrations to bottlers and rectifiers, which further process the alcohol for sale to consumers under numerous labels.  Our gin is created by redistilling grain neutral spirits together with proprietary customer formulations of botanicals or botanical oils.
 
We believe that in terms of fiscal 2011 net sales, we are one of the three largest merchant market sellers of food grade alcohol in the United States.  Our principal competitors in the beverage alcohol market are Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa and Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of Decatur, Illinois.
 
Much consolidation in the beverage alcohol industry has occurred at the customer level over the past two decades.  As these consolidations have come about, we have maintained a strong and steady presence in the market due to longstanding relationships with customers and our reputation for producing very high quality, high purity alcohol products.
 
We sell food-grade industrial alcohol for use as an ingredient in foods (e.g., vinegar and food flavorings), personal care products (e.g., hair sprays and hand sanitizers), cleaning solutions, biocides, insecticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, and a variety of other products.  Although grain alcohol is chemically the same as petroleum-based or synthetic alcohol, certain customers prefer a natural grain-based alcohol.  We sell food-grade industrial alcohol in tank truck or rail car quantities direct to a number of industrial processors.
 
Historically, synthetic alcohol was a highly significant component of the food grade industrial alcohol market.  In recent years, however, the use of grain-based alcohol has exceeded synthetic alcohol in this market.  Our principal competitors in the grain-based food grade industrial alcohol market are Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa and Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of Decatur, Illinois.  Competition is based primarily upon price, service and quality factors.
 
Distillery Co-Products.
 
The bulk of fiscal 2011 sales of alcohol co-products consisted of distillers feed and fuel grade alcohol.
 
Distillers Feed. Distillers feed is principally derived from the residue of corn from alcohol processing operations.  The residue is dried and sold primarily to processors of animal feeds as a high protein additive.  We compete with other distillers of alcohol as well as a number of other producers of animal food additives in the sale of distillers feed.  In fiscal 2011, distillers feed prices were higher on average compared to the prior year due to increased prices for corn, the basic raw material from which distillers feed is derived.
 
 
5

 
Fuel Grade Alcohol.  Fuel grade alcohol is sold primarily for blending with gasoline to increase the octane and oxygen levels of the gasoline.  As an octane enhancer, fuel grade alcohol can serve as a substitute for lead and petroleum-based octane enhancers.  As an oxygenate, fuel grade alcohol has been used in gasoline to meet certain environmental regulations and laws relating to air quality by reducing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon particulates and other toxic emissions generated from the burning of gasoline (“toxics”).  Because fuel grade alcohol is produced from grain, a renewable resource, it also provides a fuel alternative that tends to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil.
 
To encourage the production of fuel grade alcohol for use in gasoline, the Federal government and various states have enacted tax and other incentives designed to make fuel grade alcohol competitive with gasoline and gasoline additives.  Under the internal revenue code, and until the end of the 2010 calendar year, gasoline that was blended with fuel grade alcohol provides sellers of the blend with certain credits or payments.  Until the end of calendar year 2008, these amounted to $0.51 per gallon of fuel grade alcohol with a proof of 190 or greater that was mixed with the gasoline; during calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011, they amounted to $0.45 per gallon.  Although these benefits have not been directly available to us, they were intended to permit us to sell our fuel grade alcohol at prices which generally are competitive with less expensive additives and gasoline.  On June 16, 2011 the U.S. Senate voted to allow these credits to expire on December 31, 2011.  Additionally, the U.S. Senate voted to allow the expiration of the $0.54 per gallon of fuel alcohol import tariff. The U.S. House of Representatives has yet to debate these issues and it is unclear at this time how either the U.S. House of Representatives or the President of the United States may weigh-in on these issues.  Various initiatives have been proposed to extend the blended incentives.   However, the outcome and/or extent of such proposals is uncertain.  The impact of this change on the market for fuel grade alcohol, if any, and the profitable operations of ICP cannot be determined at this time.
 
At times in the past, there has been significant volatility in corn and fuel grade alcohol markets, making incremental fuel grade alcohol production decisions difficult.  In fiscal 2009, we at times encountered fuel grade alcohol prices below our production costs.  With industry capacity in excess of federal mandates, it did not seem likely to us at the time that equilibrium would return to the fuel grade alcohol markets in the short term.  Accordingly, we determined to substantially reduce our production of this product and now only produce fuel grade alcohol as a co-product of our food grade alcohol business at our distillery in Atchison.  For the year ended June 30, 2011 fuel grade alcohol sales represented approximately 5.7 percent of total sales for the distillery products segment.  Although we retain some exposure to the volatility of the fuel alcohol market through our investment in ICP in Pekin, Illinois, we have an opportunity to participate when the economics of that market are good and we believe that the extent of our exposure to bad markets is significantly less than when we operated the Pekin facility ourselves.
 
Major market participants in the fuel grade alcohol market include Poet Biorefining, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Valero Energy Corporation, which together account for approximately a third of the total production capacity.  We and our joint venture, ICP, compete with other producers of fuel grade alcohol on the basis of price and delivery service.
 
INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
 
Our ingredient solutions segment consists primarily of specialty wheat starches, specialty wheat proteins, commodity wheat starch and vital wheat gluten.  Through the second quarter of fiscal 2009, mill feeds, the principal by-product of the flour milling process, was also included in this segment.  With the discontinuation of our wheat milling operations, we have ceased the production and sale of mill feeds. As noted above, we have substantially exited the commodity wheat gluten market and have curtailed the production of commodity wheat starches.
 
In recent years, our specialty wheat starches and proteins have accounted for a sizeable share of our total sales in this segment.  This primarily has been due to the following factors: partnering with customers on product development, increased capacity to produce these products, and increased marketing efforts that have resulted in greater customer recognition.
 
 
6

 
Specialty Wheat Starches.  Wheat starch constitutes the carbohydrate-bearing portion of wheat flour.  We produce a pure white premium wheat starch powder by extracting the starch from the starch slurry, substantially free of all impurities and fibers, and then drying the starch by spray, flash or drum.    Premium wheat starch differs from low grade or B wheat starches, which are extracted along with impurities and fibers and are used primarily as a binding agent for industrial applications, such as the manufacture of charcoal briquettes.  We do not sell low grade or B starches.  Premium wheat starch differs from corn starch in its granular structure, color, granular size and name identification.
 
A substantial portion of our premium wheat starch is altered during processing to produce certain unique specialty wheat starches designed for special applications.  Our strategy is to market our specialty wheat starches in special market niches where the unique characteristics of these starches are better suited to a customer’s requirements for a specific use.  We have developed a number of different specialty wheat starches, and continue to explore the development of additional starch products with the view to increasing sales of value-added specialty starches.  We produce our Fibersym® resistant starch, which has become one of our more popular specialty starches, using a patented technology referred to below under Patents.  We sell our specialty starches on a nationwide basis, primarily to food processors and distributors.
 
Our specialty wheat starches are used primarily for food applications as an additive in a variety of food products to affect their nutritional profile, appearance, texture, tenderness, taste, palatability, cooking temperature, stability, viscosity, binding and freeze-thaw characteristics.  Important physical properties contributed by wheat starch include whiteness, clean flavor, viscosity and texture.  For example, our starches are used to improve the taste and mouth feel of cream puffs, éclairs, puddings, pie fillings, breadings and batters; to improve the size, symmetry and taste of angel food cakes; to alter the viscosity of soups, sauces and gravies; to improve the freeze-thaw stability and shelf life of fruit pies and other frozen foods; to improve moisture retention in microwavable foods; and to add stability and to improve spreadability in frostings, mixes, glazes and sugar coatings.  We also sell our specialty starches for a number of non-food applications, which include biopolymer products, and for use in the manufacture of adhesives, paper coatings, carbonless paper, and wall board.
 
Our wheat starches as a whole generally compete primarily with corn starch, which dominates the United States starch market.  However, the unique characteristics of our specialty wheat starches provide them with a number of advantages over corn and other starches for certain baking and other end uses.  Our principal competitors in the starch market are Cargill Incorporated (primarily corn and tapioca starch), Corn Products International Incorporated (corn starch), Manildra Milling Corporation (wheat starch), Penford Corporation (potato starch), Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (wheat and other grain starches) and various European companies.  Competition is based upon price, name, color and differing granular characteristics which affect the food product in which the starch is used.  Specialty wheat starches usually enjoy a price premium over corn starches and low grade wheat starches. Commodity wheat starch price fluctuations generally track the fluctuations in the corn starch market.  As we experienced in fiscal 2010, the specialty wheat starch market usually permits pricing consistent with costs which affect the industry in general, including increased grain costs. However, this is not always the case; during fiscal 2011, 2006 and fiscal 2003, for example, increases in grain and fuel prices outpaced market price increases in the specialty wheat starch market.
 
Specialty Wheat Starches
 
 
·
Fibersym® Resistant Starch series.  These starches serve as a convenient and rich source of dietary fiber.  Unlike traditional fiber sources like bran, our resistant starches possess a clean, white color and neutral flavor that allow food formulators to create a wide range of both traditional and non-traditional fiber enhanced products that are savory in both appearance and taste.  Applications include pan breads, pizza crust, flour tortillas, cookies, muffins, pastries and cakes.
 
 
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·
FiberRite® RW Resistant Starch.  FiberRite® RW is a product that boosts dietary fiber levels while also reducing fat and caloric content in such foods as breads, sweet goods, ice cream, yogurt, salad dressings, sandwich spreads and emulsified meats.
 
 
·
Pregel Instant Starch series.  Our Pregel starches perform as an instant thickener in bakery mixes, allowing fruit, nuts and other particles such as chocolate pieces to be uniformly suspended in the finished product.  In coating systems, batter pick-up can be controlled for improved yield and consistent product appearance.  Additionally, shelf-life can be enhanced due to improved moisture retention, allowing products to remain tender and soft over an extended storage period.
 
 
·
Midsol Cook-up Starch series.  As a whole, these starches deliver increased thickening, clarity, adhesion and tolerance to high shear, temperature and acidity during food processing.  Certain varieties in this line of starches can also be used to reduce sodium content in some food formulations.  Such properties are important in products such as soups, sauces, gravies, salad dressings, fillings and batter systems.  Processing benefits of these starches also include the ability to control expansion in extruded breakfast cereals.  In addition, they provide textural enhancement and moisture management in processed foods, especially during storage under frozen and refrigerated conditions.
 
Commodity Wheat Starch.  As is the case with value-added wheat starches, our commodity wheat starch has both food and non-food applications, but such applications are more limited than those of value-added wheat starches and typically sell for a lower price in the marketplace.  As noted above, commodity wheat starch competes primarily with corn starches, which dominate the marketplace and prices generally track the fluctuations in the corn starch market.
 
Specialty Wheat Proteins.  We have developed a number of specialty wheat proteins for food and non-food applications. Specialty wheat proteins are derived from vital wheat gluten through a variety of proprietary processes which change its molecular structure.  Wheat proteins for food applications include products in the Arise®, Wheatex®, HWG 2009™ and FP™ series.  Our specialty wheat proteins generally compete with other ingredients and modified proteins having similar characteristics, primarily soy proteins and other wheat proteins, with competition being based on factors such as functionality, price and, in the case of food applications, flavor. Our principal competitors in the specialty proteins market are Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (wheat and other grain proteins), The Solae Company (soy), Manildra Milling (gluten and wheat proteins), and various European companies.  Although we are producing a number of our specialty wheat proteins on a commercial basis, some products are in the test marketing or development stage.
 
Specialty Wheat Proteins
 
 
·
Arise® series.  Our Arise® series of products consists of specialty wheat proteins that increase the freshness and shelf life of frozen, refrigerated and fresh dough products after they are baked. Certain ingredients in this series are also sold for use in the manufacture of high protein, lower net carbohydrate products.
 
 
·
Wheatex® series.  This series consists of texturized wheat proteins made from vital wheat gluten by changing it into a pliable substance through special processing.  The resulting solid food product can be further enhanced with flavoring and coloring and reconstituted with water.  Texturized wheat proteins are used for meat, poultry and fish product enhancements and/or substitutes.  Wheatex® mimics the textural characteristics and appearance of meat, fish and poultry products.  It is available in a variety of sizes and colors and can be easily formed into patties, links or virtually any other shape the customer requires.
 
 
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·
FP series.  The FP™ series of products consists of specialty wheat proteins, each tailored for use in a variety of food applications. These include proteins that can be used to form barriers to fat and moisture penetration to enhance the crispness and improve batter adhesion in fried products, effectively bond other ingredients in vegetarian patties and extended meat products, increase the softness and pliability of flour tortillas, and fortify nutritional drinks.
 
 
·
HWG 2009.  This is a lightly hydrolyzed wheat protein that is rich in peptide-bonded glutamine, an amino acid that counters muscle fatigue brought on by exercise and other physical activities. Applications include nutritional beverages and snack products.
 
Vital Wheat Gluten.   Vital wheat gluten is a free-flowing light tan powder which contains approximately 75 to 80 percent protein.  When we process flour to derive starch, we also derive vital wheat gluten.  Vital wheat gluten is added by bakeries and food processors to baked goods, such as breads, and to pet foods, cereals, processed meats, fish and poultry to improve the nutritional content, texture, strength, shape and volume of the product.  The neutral flavor and color of wheat gluten also enhances, but does not change, the flavor and color of food.  The cohesiveness and elasticity of the gluten enables the dough in wheat and other high protein breads to rise and to support added ingredients, such as whole cracked grains, raisins and fibers.  This allows the baker to make an array of different breads by varying the gluten content of the dough.  Vital wheat gluten is also added to white breads, hot dog buns and hamburger buns to improve the strength and cohesiveness of the product.
 
Vital wheat gluten in recent years has been considered a commodity, and therefore, competition primarily has been based upon price.
 
In prior years, vital wheat gluten has sometimes been a principal ingredients product.  However, we generally have been unable to compete with subsidized imports and now use it as a base for further processing into our specialty wheat proteins.
 
OTHER SEGMENT
 
Our plant-based biopolymers and composite resins, which are produced from the further processing of certain of our wheat proteins and wheat starches (and other plant sources), can be used to produce a variety of eco-friendly products. We formerly manufactured plant-based resins for use primarily in pet treat applications.  Our production of the pet-related products was discontinued with the sale of our pet products business and Kansas City facility in August 2009. After giving effect to the sale, our principal products in our other segment consist of our MGPI Terratek® biopolymers and composite resins.   The MGPI Terratek® SC starch-based biopolymers are our environmentally-friendly biopolymers that can be molded to produce a variety of formed objects. Applications include disposable eating utensils, golf tees, food and feed containers and similar type vessels, as well as non-degradable hard plastic-like products.   We also produce MGPI Terratek® WC wood-based composite resins, which can be used in the manufacture of eco-friendly decking materials, furniture parts, toys and a number of other wood-like products.
 
PATENTS
 
We are involved in a number of patent-related activities.  We have filed patent applications to protect a range of inventions made in our expanding research and development efforts, including inventions relating to applications for our products.  Our most significant patents or patent licenses are described below.
 
In 2003, we licensed, on an exclusive basis, certain patented technology from The Kansas State University Research Foundation relating to U. S. Patent No. 5,855,946, which describes and claims processes for making food-grade starches resistant to alpha-amylase digestion, as well as products and uses for the resistant starches.  The license relates to products derived from plant-based starches and is a royalty-bearing, worldwide license whose term, subject to termination for material, uncured breaches or bankruptcy, extends until the patent rights expire in 2017.  Royalties generally are based on net sales.  The patent rights relate to the referenced U.S. patent and any corresponding foreign patent application, which has been filed in Australia.  Under the license, we can make, have made, use, import, offer for sale, and sell licensed products within the scope of a claim of the patent rights or which are sold for a use within the scope of the patent rights and may, with approval of the licensor, grant similar rights to sublicensees.  We produce and sell our resistant wheat starch under this patent.  We have granted sublicenses from time to time under this patent.  Under one such arrangement, we granted Cargill Incorporated a royalty bearing sublicense to use the patented process in the production of tapioca-based starches for use in food products.  We also have agreements with Cargill that would apply if we determined to use the patented process to make starches derived from other plant sources (other than wheat or potato).

 
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We hold U.S. Patent No. 5,610,277 expiring in 2015 relating to the alcohol-free wet extraction of gluten dough into gliadin and glutenin.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
During the last three fiscal years, we have spent an aggregate of $3,765 on research and development activities, principally all in the ingredient solutions and other segments, as follows: 2011- $1,431; 2010-$918; and 2009-$1,416.
 
SEASONALITY
 
Our sales are not seasonal.
 
TRANSPORTATION
 
Historically, our output has been transported to customers by truck and rail transportation equipment, most of which is provided by common carriers.

We currently lease 357 rail cars, which may be dispatched on short notice.  ICP, our joint venture operation in Pekin, Illinois, also has the ability to transport by barge from its site, with barge loading facilities on the Illinois River.

We use third party transportation companies to help us manage truck and rail carriers who deliver inbound materials to us and our products to our North American customers.

RAW MATERIALS
 
Our principal raw materials are wheat flour, which is processed into our starches and proteins, and corn, which is processed into food grade alcohol and distillery co-products consisting of fuel grade alcohol and animal feed.  We purchase corn throughout the year from or through grain elevators.  Currently we purchase our corn requirements from a single supplier. Our practice is to order corn for a month at a time.  We provide for our flour requirements through a supply contract with ConAgra Mills whose initial term, as amended, expires in October 2015.  The supply contract is automatically renewable for an additional term of 5 years unless either party gives at least 180 days written notice of termination. Pricing is based on a formula that contains several factors, including wheat futures prices, mill feed prices and freight costs.

Historically, the cost of grain has been subject to substantial fluctuations depending upon factors such as crop conditions, weather, disease, plantings, government programs and policies, purchases by foreign governments and changes in demand resulting from population growth and customer preference.  Variations in grain prices have had from time to time significant adverse effects on the results of our operations in cases where we cannot recoup the cost increase in our selling prices.  Fuel grade alcohol prices, which historically have tracked the cost of gasoline, do not usually adjust to rising grain costs.  It generally has been difficult for us to compensate for increases in grain costs through adjustments in prices charged for our vital wheat gluten due to subsidized European Union wheat gluten, whose traditionally lower prices are not affected by such costs.   We have taken steps to reduce the impact of cost fluctuations on our business,  primarily by ceasing and/or significantly reducing our production and marketing of lower and negative margin commodity type products such as gluten and fuel grade alcohol, but we will continue to be affected by cost fluctuations to some degree, particularly when they are volatile.

 
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Historically, we have engaged in the forward purchase of grain and in the purchase of commodity futures and options to hedge economic risks associated with fluctuating grain and grain products prices.   Under our current hedging program, we generally purchase commodity futures and options and contract for the future delivery of grain only to protect margins on contracted, and a portion of spot market, alcohol sales.  We intend to contract for the future delivery of flour only to protect margins on expected ingredients sales.  See Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Derivative and Hedging Activities.  Also see Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

ENERGY
 
Because energy comprises a major cost of operations, we seek to assure the availability of fuels at competitive prices.
 
We use natural gas to operate boilers that we use to make steam heat.  We procure natural gas for the Atchison plant in the open market from various suppliers.  We can purchase contracts for the delivery of natural gas in the future or can purchase future contracts on the exchange.  Depending on existing market conditions, at Atchison we have the ability to transport the gas through a gas pipeline owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary.  Historically, prices of natural gas have been higher in the late fall and winter months than during other periods.
 
We have a risk management program whereby, at pre-determined prices, we may purchase a portion of our natural gas requirements for future delivery.  However, we intend to enter contracts for future delivery only to protect margins on contracted alcohol sales and expected ingredients sales.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
As of June 30, 2011, we had a total of 192 employees, of which 97 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with one labor union.  This agreement, which expires on August 31, 2014, covers employees at the Atchison Plant.  As of June 30, 2010, we had 193 employees.
 
As of June 30, 2011, our joint venture, ICP, had 64 employees, of which 37 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with one labor union.  This agreement expires on October 31, 2016.  As of June 30, 2010, ICP had 61 employees.
 
Although we experienced a brief work stoppage at the Atchison plant from September 27 through October 10, 2008, we consider our relations with our personnel to generally be good.   Previously, we had not experienced a work stoppage since 1978.
 
REGULATION
 
Our beverage and industrial alcohol business is subject to regulation by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) and the alcoholic beverage agencies in the States of Kansas and Illinois.  Such regulation covers virtually every aspect of our alcohol operations, including production facilities, marketing, pricing, labeling, packaging, and advertising.  Food products are also subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.  TTB regulation includes periodic TTB audits of all production reports, shipping documents, and licenses to assure that proper records are maintained.  We are also required to file and maintain monthly reports with the TTB of alcohol inventories and shipments.
 
 
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We are subject to extensive environmental regulations at the federal, state and local levels.  The regulations include the regulation of water usage, waste water discharge, disposal of hazardous wastes and emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, particulates and other substances into the air.  Under these regulations, we are required to obtain operating permits and to submit periodic reports to regulating agencies.  For the Atchison, Kansas plant, the air quality is regulated by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) and the Division of Environment of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (the “KDHE”).  The KDHE regulates all air emissions.  We also were required to obtain a Class I air operating permit from the KDHE and must obtain KDHE approval to make plant alterations that could modify the emission levels.  The KDHE also regulates the discharge water quality at the Atchison plant.  This includes process water, non-contact water and storm water.  We monitor process water and non-contact water discharge on a daily basis and submit monthly reports to the KDHE documenting the test results from these water discharges.  The USEPA and KDHE also monitor hazardous waste disposal for the Atchison plant.  We also are required to submit annual reports pursuant to the Kansas and Federal Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Acts.  Local officials, such as the local emergency planning committee in the Atchison community, also receive copies of these annual reports.  We additionally file an Annual Emissions Report and a Toxic Release Inventory annually with the KDHE.  The Atchison facility is also required to submit periodic reports pursuant to the Federal Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Acts. We have been working with the KDHE and recently received a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit that is to be effective September 1, 2011 and which will extend through September 30, 2015.  As a part of this renewal, we were required to install a new distillery water cooling system referred to below at the Atchison plant.  This system involved the installation of a new, state-of-the art process water cooling system to replace older equipment used to supply water for multiple components of the distillation process at our Atchison plant at a cost of $9,356.  The new system is designed to meet KDHE Volatile Organic Compounds (“VOC”) emission standards, while also enhancing alcohol production efficiencies.  Also as a part of this renewal, we are required to complete a study to determine the improvements needed to reduce phosphorus concentrations in the wastewater discharges at the Atchison plant.  By February 1, 2012, we are required to select a consultant to perform this study as well as to confirm to KDHE, in writing, the name of the consultant and their required qualifications; by August 1, 2014, we are required to submit a draft study to KDHE; and within 180 days after KDHE comments on the draft study, we are required to submit a final study.
 
Similar environmental regulations apply to the operations of ICP, our joint venture in Pekin, Illinois.  Air quality at the Pekin plant is regulated by both the USEPA and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (the “IEPA”).  The IEPA regulates all air emissions.  The joint venture has permits to make certain emissions, and the IEPA has the right to do on-site testing to verify that emissions comply with these permits.  Also, the IEPA regulates waste water, cooling water and storm water discharge at the Pekin plant. The joint venture tests wastewater effluent quality twice each week and files monthly reports with the IEPA.  It also files an Annual Emissions Report and a Toxic Release Inventory annually with the IEPA.  Likewise, the Pekin facility is also required to submit periodic reports pursuant to the Federal Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Acts.
 
In January 2006 we entered a consent agreement with the KDHE resolving past allegations relating to permits, emissions levels and compliance with pollution regulations.  Prior to fiscal 2010 we made approximately $14,000 in capital expenditures to comply with the consent agreement and paid $66 in civil penalties for instances of non compliance.  During the second half of fiscal 2010, due to increased production activity we anticipated that we would exceed the emissions cap imposed by the KDHE in the 2006 consent and began negotiating an amendment to the consent agreement with the KDHE.  This amendment, which was approved by the KDHE in May 2010, required us to complete the closed-loop, process water cooling  system project described above, resulting in significant VOC reduction, in accordance with a scheduled timeline extending over an approximate seventeen month period ending on September 30, 2011.  We agreed to pay a $5 per month penalty for any month that we might have exceeded the rolling 12-month emissions cap imposed in the consent agreement, as well as a $1 per day penalty for each day we might have failed to file monthly progress reports or exceed established completion dates for various stages of the project.   The most recent results, compiled on August 29, 2011 show that we have not exceeded the emissions cap and therefore we have not been subject to related penalties.
 
 
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JOINT VENTURES

Illinois Corn Processing, LLC. On November 20, 2009 we completed a series of related transactions pursuant to which we contributed our Pekin plant and certain maintenance and repair materials to a newly-formed company, Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (“ICP”), and then sold 50% of the membership interest in ICP to Illinois Corn Processing Holdings LLC (“ICP Holdings”), an affiliate of SEACOR Energy Inc., for proceeds of $15,000, less closing costs of $1,049.  ICP reactivated distillery operations at the Pekin facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. We purchase food grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP, and SEACOR Energy Inc. purchases fuel grade alochol products manufactured by ICP.

In connection with these transactions, we entered into various agreements with ICP and ICP Holdings, including a Contribution Agreement, an LLC Interest Purchase Agreement, a Limited Liability Company Agreement and a Marketing Agreement.

 
·
Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, we contributed the Pekin plant to ICP at an agreed value of $30,000, consisting of land and fixed assets valued at $29,063 and materials and supply inventory valued at $937.

 
·
Under the LLC Interest Purchase Agreement, we sold ICP Holdings 50% of the membership interest in ICP for a purchase price of $15,000.  This agreement gives ICP Holdings the option to purchase up to an additional 20% of the membership interest in ICP at any time between the second and fifth anniversary of the closing date for a price equal to the percentage of such interests times the greater of (i) four times ICP’s trailing twelve months EBITDA or (ii) $40,000, adjusted for pro rata additional capital investment, as defined in the agreement (“Option Price”).

 
·
Pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement, each joint venture party initially has 50% of the voting and equity interests in ICP.  Control of day to day operations generally is retained by the members, acting by a majority in interest.  However, if either MGPI or SEACOR Energy is in default under its marketing agreement, referred to below, the other party (or ICP Holdings, in the case of a default by us) may assume sole control of ICP's daily operations until the default is cured.  If ICP defaults for two consecutive months on its obligation to pay principal or interest on its loan from SEACOR Energy's affiliate, ICP Holdings may assume control of ICP's daily operations until it has positive EBITDA and is current on principal and interest payments.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement also provides for the creation of an advisory board consisting of three advisors appointed by us and three advisors appointed by ICP Holdings. If ICP Holdings exercises its purchase option described above, it will be entitled to appoint four advisors and we will be entitled to appoint two.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement generally provides for distributions to members to the extent of net cash flow, as defined, to provide for taxes attributable to allocations to them of tax items from ICP.  Any distributions of net cash flow in excess of taxes may be distributed at such time as the Board of Advisors determines.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement gives either member certain rights to shut down the plant if it operates at a loss.  Such rights are conditional in certain instances but absolute if EBITDA losses aggregate $1,500 over any three consecutive quarters or if ICP's net working capital is less than $2,500.  ICP Holdings also has the right to shut down the plant if ICP is in default under its loan agreement for failure to pay principal or interest for two months.

 
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The Limited Liability Company Agreement contains various buy/sell provisions and restrictions on transfer of membership interests. These include buy/sell provisions relating to a member's entire interest that may apply if the members are unable to agree on a material decision about ICP or that may be exercised by any member at any time.    Another provision would entitle MGPI to a disproportionate distribution of the excess of the sales price over specified amounts if ICP is sold before November 20, 2012.

 
·
Under the Marketing Agreement, ICP manufactures and supplies food grade and industrial-use alcohol products for us and we purchase, market and sell such products for a marketing fee.  The Marketing Agreement provides that we will share margin realized from the sale of the products under the agreement with ICP.

The Marketing Agreement has an initial term of one year but automatically renews for one year terms thereafter, subject to specified exceptions, including the following:  (i) there is an uncured breach by one of the parties, (ii) we give timely notice of termination, (iii) we cease to be a member of the joint venture, or (iv) the parties are unable to mutually agree to modifications to the Marketing Agreement that are proposed in good faith by one of the parties as necessary or desirable to further the purposes of the parties' respective expectations of economic benefits to be derived under the Marketing Agreement and their interests in ICP.  For six months following expiration or termination of the Marketing Agreement, ICP will provide us with reasonable assistance to transition production of the products it makes for us to another producer that we designate.   SEACOR Energy Inc. has entered into a similar agreement with ICP with respect to the marketing of fuel grade alcohol.
 
An affiliate of SEACOR Energy, Inc. has provided funding to ICP through two loans secured by all of the assets of ICP, including the Pekin Plant. Among other matters, losses or working capital deficiencies that would entitle a member of ICP to shut down the plant are events of default under these loan agreements which, upon any requisite notice and/or lapse of time, would entitle the lender to exercise its remedies, including foreclosing on ICP’s assets and, in the case of the working capital deficiency or successive losses, enforcing the plant closure provisions in the Limited Liability Company Agreement referred to above. The loans are non-recourse to us.
 
D.M. Ingredients GmbH. On July 2, 2007 we acquired a 50% interest in D.M. Ingredients, GmbH, a German joint venture company which produces certain MGPI specialty ingredients products through a toller for distribution in the European Union (“E.U.”) and elsewhere.  As of June 30, 2011 our total capital commitment to the joint venture was $750, of which we had contributed $571.
 
 
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Our Executive Officers are as follows:

Name
Age
Position
     
Timothy W. Newkirk
43
President and  Chief Executive Officer
Don Tracy
54
Vice President, Finance and  Chief Financial Officer
Donald G. Coffey, Ph.D.
56
Executive Vice President, Research, Development and Innovation
David E. Dykstra
48
Vice President, Alcohol Sales and Marketing
Michael J. Lasater
43
National Director of Sales
Marta L. Myers
51
Corporate Secretary and Executive Assistant to the President and Board Chairman
Scott B.  Phillips
46
Vice President, Supply Chain Operations
David E. Rindom
56
Vice President, Human Resources
Randy M. Schrick
61
Vice President, Engineering of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and President of ICP

Mr. Newkirk has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since March, 2008.  He previously had been President and Chief Operating Officer since October, 2006 and Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer since April, 2006.  He first joined the Company in 1991, serving initially as a distillery shift manager and later as a process engineer, project engineer and quality control manager at the Atchison, Kansas plant.  He became manager of the Company’s Pekin, Illinois plant in 1997.  From 2000 to 2002, he was Vice President of Operations for the former High Plains Corporation, a fuel grade alcohol production company located in Wichita, Kansas.  He became Vice President of Global Operations for Abengoa Bioenergy S.L. following that company’s acquisition of High Plains in January, 2002.  He then served as Chief Operating Officer of Abengoa Bioenergy Corporation from August, 2003 until his return to MGP Ingredients as Director of Operations in 2005.
 
Mr. Tracy has served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of MGP Ingredients, Inc. since November 2009. From 2007 until joining the Company, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Emery Oleochemicals, a global chemical manufacturer, and was based in Cincinnati.  Prior to his position at Emery Oleochemicals, Mr. Tracy served as Chief Financial Officer at Briggs Industries, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of kitchen and bath fixtures, at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, from 2005 to 2007.  Before that, he spent four years with the Tenaris Corp., a global producer of steel tubes, where he began as Director of Financial Projects and subsequently was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of Tenaris, North America. Mr. Tracy’s previous experience included serving as Senior Vice President of the process improvement group of National City Corporation, Cleveland, from 1999 to 2001; as a consultant at two large consulting firms from 1993 through 1998; and various positions with the Procter & Gamble Company from 1983 to 1992.  From 1979 to 1981, he served as an Auditor with Deloitte & Touche.

 
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Dr. Coffey has served as Executive Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation since August 2010.  Prior to that, he had jointly served as Executive Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation and of Sales and Marketing since June 2009.   Prior to that, he had been Executive Vice President of the Company’s Ingredient Solutions segment since November 2008.  He joined the Company as Vice President of Innovation in July 2007.  He previously spent 22 years in commercialization and research positions with the Dow Chemical Co.  For 12 years beginning in 1985, he worked in the commercial and research operations of the METHOCEL business, a global business unit within Dow’s Special Chemical Group that manufactures cellulose derivatives for a variety of food and non-food applications.  He was later promoted to General Manager of Dow Food Stabilizers with responsibilities for global sales, marketing and research.

Mr. Dykstra has served as Vice President of Alcohol Sales and Marketing since 2009.  He previously has been industrial alcohol sales manager since 2006.  He first joined the Company in 1988 eventually serving as director of sales for both beverage and fuel grade alcohol.  In 1999, he left the company to assume the role of vice president of sales and marketing for Abengoa Bio Energy, Wichita, Kansas.  He remained in that position until 2003, when he joined United Bio Energy Fuels, L.L.C., in Wichita as vice president of that company’s alcohol marketing division. He returned to MGPI in 2006. 

Mr. Lasater re-joined the Company in 2010 and serves as our National Sales Director.  He has nearly 20 years of experience in food ingredient sales, including eight years with MGPI, where he began his career as a territorial sales manager in the company’s former wheat starch business unit in 1992.  Following his initial years of employment with MGPI, Lasater joined National Starch and Chemical Co. as corporate accounts manager in 2000 and was responsible for select customer accounts located mainly in major Midwestern metropolitan areas.  In 2005, he left National, now a part of Corn Products International, to become a partner and sales associate with Gregg and Associates, a food ingredients brokerage business based in Excelsior, Minn.  He remained there until his return to MGPI in 2010.

Ms. Myers joined the Company in 1996.  She has served as Secretary since October 1996 and as Executive Assistant to the President since 1999.  Previously, she was executive secretary for Superintendent of Schools for Unified School District 409, Atchison, Kansas.
 
Mr. Phillips has served as Vice President of Supply Chain Operations since June 2009.  For a year prior to that, he served as Corporate Director of Manufacturing for the Company’s Ingredient Solutions segment.  He joined the Company as General Manager of Extrusion Technology in July 2007.  He previously spent 17 years in plant supervisory and management positions with General Mills, Inc., including four years as plant manager of that company’s operations in Kansas City, Missouri, and a year as Plant Manager of the General Mills facility in Methuen, Massachusetts.  From 1988 to 1990, he was employed as a production supervisor for the Quaker Oats Company.

Mr. Rindom joined the Company in 1980.  He has served as Vice President, Human Resources since June 2000.  He was Corporate Director of Human Relations from 1992 to June 2000, Personnel Director from 1988 to 1992, and Assistant Personnel Director from 1984 to 1988.

Mr. Schrick has served as President of Illinois Corn Processing, LLC, since November 2009.  He also has been Vice President of Engineering for MGP Ingredients since June 2009.  He previously had served as Corporate Director of Distillery Products Manufacturing from June 2008 to June 2009 and as Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering from July 2002 to June 2008.  He served as Vice President - Operations from 1992 until July 2002.  From 1984 to 1992, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Pekin plant.  From 1982 to 1984, he was the Plant Manager of the Pekin Plant subsequent to joining the Company in 1973.  Prior to 1982, he was Production Manager at the Atchison plant.  He was a Director of the Company from 1987 to 2008.
 
 
16

 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
Our business is subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  The following identifies those which we consider to be most important:
 
RISKS THAT AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AS A WHOLE
 
An interruption of operations at our Atchison facility could negatively affect our business.

The bulk of our ingredient solutions and food grade alcohol production takes place at our facility in Atchison.  An interruption in or loss of operations at our Atchison facility, or a strike by our unionized employees at this location, could reduce or postpone production of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.  To the extent that our value-added products rely on unique or proprietary processes or techniques, replacing lost production by purchasing from outside suppliers becomes more difficult.

Our profitability is affected by the cost of natural gas and of grain and flour that we use in our business, the availability and cost of which are subject to weather and other factors beyond our control.  Our hedging strategy may not protect us from changes in prices of commodities and natural gas or translate to a competitive advantage in the marketplace.  We may not be able to recoup cost increases in our selling prices due to the competitive environment.
 
Grain and flour costs are a significant portion of our costs of goods sold. Historically the cost of such raw materials has been subject to substantial fluctuations, depending upon a number of factors which affect commodity prices in general and over which we have no control.  These include crop conditions, weather, disease, plantings, government programs and policies, purchases by foreign governments, and changes in demand resulting from population growth and customer preferences.  The price of natural gas, which comprised approximately 5.9 percent of our cost of goods sold in fiscal 2011, 8 percent of our cost of goods sold in fiscal 2010 and 12 percent of our cost of goods sold in fiscal 2009, also fluctuates, based on anticipated changes in supply and demand, weather and the prices of alternative fuels.   Fluctuations in the price of commodities and natural gas can be sudden and volatile at times and have had, from time to time, significant adverse effects on the results of our operations.

Formerly, we engaged in the purchase of commodity and natural gas futures and options and in the forward purchases of grain and natural gas to hedge economic risks associated with fluctuating grain and natural gas prices.   We no longer engage in such activities based on expected use of our facilities, and now generally purchase derivatives and enter contracts for future delivery only to protect margins on contracted, and a portion of spot market, alcohol sales and expected ingredients sales. On the portion of purchases not hedged, management will attempt to recover higher commodity costs through higher sales prices, but market considerations may not always permit this.  Even where prices can be adjusted, there would likely be a lag between when we incur higher commodity or natural gas costs and when we might be able to increase prices.  To the extent we do not enter such derivative contracts or engage in forward purchases and are also unable to timely pass increases in the cost of raw materials to our customers under sales contracts, we may be adversely impacted by market fluctuations in the cost of grain and natural gas.  Further, our hedging strategy may not be effective in mitigating our exposure to commodity price fluctuations and can result in losses, some of which may be material.  See Item. 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.
 
 
17

 
If ICP incurs losses, it could result in closure of its Pekin plant. This could result in reduced sales and impairment losses for us.
 
ICP’s Limited Liability Company Agreement gives us and our joint venture partner, ICP Holdings, a subsidiary of SEACOR Energy Inc., certain rights to shut down the Pekin plant if ICP operates at an EBITDA loss of $500 in any quarter.  Such rights are conditional in certain instances but are absolute if losses aggregate $1,500 over any three consecutive quarters or if ICP’s net working capital is less than $2,500, however both partners have agreed to waive EBITDA losses through June 30, 2011.  Losses of such nature are also events of default under ICP’s term loan and revolving credit agreements with its lender, an affiliate (sister company) of SEACOR Energy, Inc., which, upon any requisite notice and/or lapse of time, would entitle the lender to impose a default rate of interest, foreclose on ICP’s assets and, in the case of the working capital deficiency or successive losses, enforce the closure provisions referred to above.  During fiscal 2011, ICP experienced EBITDA losses in the quarters ending December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011.  ICP’s lender has waived these EBITDA losses through June 30, 2011. However, if future losses of the requisite magnitudes occur in any quarter or over three consecutive quarters, either we, ICP Holdings or ICP’s lender may elect to exercise its rights under the applicable agreement.  In this event, we could be forced to purchase alcohol from third parties at unfavorable prices to satisfy contractual commitments to our customers.

We have incurred impairment and restructuring losses in the past and may suffer such losses in the future.

We review long-lived assets for impairment at year end or if events or circumstances indicate that usage may be limited and carrying values may not be recoverable. Should events indicate the assets cannot be used as planned, the realization from alternative uses or disposal is compared to their carrying value. If an impairment loss is measured, this estimate is recognized. Considerable judgment is used in these measurements, and a change in the assumptions could result in a different determination of impairment loss and/or the amount of any impairment. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.

The markets for our products are very competitive, and our results could be adversely affected if we do not compete effectively.
 
The markets for products in which we participate are very competitive. Our principal competitors in these markets have substantial financial, marketing, and other resources, and several are much larger enterprises than us. Competition is based on such factors as product innovation, product characteristics, product quality, price, color and name.  If market conditions make our specialty ingredients too expensive for use in consumer goods, our revenues could be affected.  If our large competitors were to decrease their pricing, we could choose to do the same, which could adversely affect our margins and profitability.   If we did not do the same, our revenues could be adversely affected due to the potential loss of sales or market share. Our revenue growth could also be adversely impacted if we are not successful in developing new ingredients products for our customers or through new product introductions by our competitors.  In addition, more stringent new customer demands may require us to make internal investments to achieve or sustain competitive advantage and meet customer expectations.

If we lose certain key personnel, we may not be successful.

We rely on the continued services of key personnel involved in management, finance, product development, sales, manufacturing and distribution, and, in particular, upon the efforts and abilities of our executive management team.  The loss of service of any of the members of our executive management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  A loss of our CEO could result in the acceleration of the debt under our credit facility.  We do have key personnel life insurance covering two key executives, but this may not ensure complete avoidance of loss in that circumstance.
 
 
18

 
Covenants and other provisions in our credit facility could hinder our ability to operate.  Our failure to comply with covenants in our credit facility could result in the acceleration of the debt extended under such facility, limit our liquidity and trigger other rights.
 
Our credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association contains a number of financial and other covenants, including provisions that require us to meet certain financial tests and that may limit or restrict our ability to:
 
 
·
incur additional indebtedness;
 
·
pay dividends to stockholders or purchase stock;
 
·
make investments or acquisitions in excess of $1,000 ($5,000 in aggregate);
 
·
dispose of assets;
 
·
make needed capital expenditures;
 
·
create liens on our assets;
 
·
merge or consolidate; or
 
·
increase certain salaries and bonuses.
 
These covenants may hinder our ability to operate and could reduce our profitability.  Other covenants restrict the amount of loss we may incur in any one month and in any consecutive three month period, require us to maintain an average availability, and require us to meet, as of fiscal year end, a minimum debt service coverage ratio.  A breach of any of these covenants or requirements could result in a default under our credit agreement. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financial Covenants.

In addition, our credit agreement permits the lender to modify or reduce the borrowing base at its sole (but reasonable) discretion and to accelerate our debt if an over-advance results.  Any modification to reduce our borrowing base or termination of our credit agreement would negatively impact our overall liquidity and may require us to take other actions to preserve any remaining liquidity.   Although we anticipate that we will be able to meet the covenants in our credit agreement, there can be no assurance that we will do so, as there are a number of external factors that affect our operations, such as commodity prices, over which we have little or no control.    If we default on any of our covenants, and if such default is not cured or waived, Wells Fargo could, among other remedies, terminate its commitment to lend and/or accelerate any outstanding debt and declare that such debt is immediately due and payable.  If Wells Fargo were to terminate our credit, or materially change our borrowing base, we may not have sufficient funds available for us to operate.  If it were to accelerate our debt, we might be unable to repay such debt immediately and might not be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance.  Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.  Acceleration could result in foreclosure on assets that we have pledged to Wells Fargo.  Further, certain of our other secured debt instruments contain cross default provisions, such that an event of default under our credit agreement with Wells Fargo may result in an event of default under these other debt instruments.  If our lenders were to terminate our credit or accelerate our debt, or if Wells Fargo were to materially change our borrowing base, we might not have sufficient funds to operate.

We may require significant cash flow to make needed capital expenditures, and our ability to make such expenditures could be limited.

Over the course of the next few years we may need to make substantial capital expenditures.  See – Item 1. Business - Regulation and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Flow Information – Investing Cash Flows.  During fiscal year 2011 for example, we spent the majority of the required capital on the process water cooling system project elsewhere described.  Wells Fargo granted an exemption from capital expenditure limitations under our credit facility for this project.  Although Wells Fargo increased the amount of capital expenditures we may incur without bank consent, we are still limited by the size of the line and must continue to meet our other covenants.  We may require additional long-term financing to meet certain of our capital expenditure requirements, but have not determined the amount, type or source of such financing.  Our credit facility generally prohibits new debt from other lenders and limits the amount of capital expenditures which we can make annually.  We would require the consent of Wells Fargo Bank to incur new debt and also may require the consent of Wells Fargo Bank to make other such needed expenditures.  We cannot provide assurances that we will be able to obtain such consent or arrange such financing on favorable terms, if at all.

 
19

 
We are subject to extensive regulation, and compliance with existing or future laws and regulations, including those relating to greenhouse gases and climate change, may require us to incur substantial expenditures or require us to make product recalls.
 
We are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations intended to protect public health and the environment.  Our operations are also subject to regulation by various federal agencies, including the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, and by various state and local authorities.  Such regulations cover virtually every aspect of our operations, including production facilities, marketing, pricing, labeling, packaging, advertising, water usage, waste water discharge, disposal of hazardous wastes and emissions and other matters.  Violations of any of these laws and regulations may result in administrative, civil or criminal penalties being levied against us, revocation or modification of permits, performance of environmental investigatory or remedial activities, voluntary or involuntary product recalls, or a cease and desist order against operations that are not in compliance.  These laws and regulations may change in the future and we may incur material costs in our efforts to comply with current or future laws and regulations or to effect any product recalls.  These matters may have a material adverse effect on our business.  See Item 1. Business – Regulation, where we discuss certain environmental proceedings in which governmental agencies sought fines from us and required significant capital expenditures.
 
Our facility and our joint venture's facility currently produce fuel grade alcohol as a by-product and emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a by-product of the fermentation process. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court classified carbon dioxide as an air pollutant under the Clean Air Act in a case seeking to require the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide in vehicle emissions. On February 3, 2010, the EPA released its final regulations on the Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2).  We believe these final regulations grandfather both facilities at their current operating capacity for fuel grade alcohol, but plant expansion would need to meet a 20% threshold reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2005 baseline measurement to produce fuel grade alcohol eligible for the RFS2 mandate.  Additionally, legislation is pending in Congress on a comprehensive carbon dioxide regulatory scheme, such as a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system. We may be required to install carbon dioxide mitigation equipment or take other steps unknown to us at this time in order to comply with other future laws or regulations. Compliance with future laws or regulations relating to emission of carbon dioxide could be costly and may require additional working capital, which may not be available, preventing us and our joint venture from operating our plants as originally designed, which may have a material adverse impact on our respective operations, cash flows and financial position.
 
We face risk related to changes in the global economic environment.
 
Our business may be impacted by the weak US and global economic conditions, which are increasingly volatile.  General business and economic conditions that could affect us include short-term and long-term interest rates, unemployment, inflation, fluctuations in debt markets and the strength of the US economy and the local economies in which we operate.  While currently these conditions have not impaired our ability to access credit markets and finance our operations, there can be no assurance that there will not be a further deterioration in the financial markets.
 
There could be a number of other effects from these economic developments on our business, including reduced consumer demand for products; insolvency of our customers, resulting in increased provisions for credit losses; decreased customer demand, including order delays or cancellations and counterparty failures negatively impacting our operations.
 
 
20

 
RISKS SPECIFIC TO OUR DISTILLERY PRODUCTS SEGMENT

Volatile corn prices affect our profitability.
 
A portion of our operating income is dependent on the spreads between alcohol and corn prices.  We intend to protect the margins on our alcohol contracts, but may not always be able to do so.  If we are not successful in protecting our margins through hedging activities, volatility in corn prices could affect our profitability.  We expect corn pricing to remain volatile in the near term due to a number of factors impacting global demand and supply of this commodity.  These fluctuating prices create challenges since our customers are interested in stable prices for the distillery products they purchase from us. 

The relationship between the price we pay for corn and the sales prices of our distillery co-products can fluctuate significantly and affect our results of operations.

Dried grain, or distillers feed, and fuel grade alcohol are the principal co-products of our alcohol production process and can contribute in varying degrees to the profitability of our distillery products segment.  We sell fuel grade alcohol, the prices for which typically, but not always, have tracked price fluctuations in gasoline prices.  Distillers feed is sold for prices which historically have tracked the price of corn.  In fiscal 2009 and 2008, however, the value of these co-products lagged behind the significant and rapid increase in corn prices.  In regard to distillers feed, we believe that, in part, this resulted from decreased demand in the E.U. due to the E.U.’s non-approval of several varieties of genetically modified corn commonly grown in the U.S. Further, certain of our co-products compete with similar products made from other plant feedstocks whose cost may not have risen in unison with corn prices.  As a result, the profitability of these products to us could be affected.
 
Although we have reduced our production and sales of fuel grade alcohol, we continue to have some exposure to fuel grade alcohol market price fluctuations through our ICP joint venture.

Because of the continued erosion of the fuel alcohol markets, in the fiscal year 2009 we determined to substantially reduce our production of fuel alcohol and temporarily ceased production at our former Pekin facility.  Subsequently, after exploring our strategic options with respect to this facility, we contributed the facility to ICP and sold a 50% interest in ICP to ICP Holdings. We purchase food grade alcohol products from ICP and market and sell such products, and SEACOR Energy, Inc. has a similar arrangement with respect to the fuel grade alcohol produced by ICP.  Although we have reduced our exposure to the volatility of the fuel grade alcohol business through this arrangement, because we share in the profits and losses of ICP, we retain some exposure to such volatility.
 
RISKS SPECIFIC TO OUR INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
 
Our focus on higher margin specialty ingredients makes us more reliant on fewer, more profitable customer relationships.
 
Our business strategy for our ingredient solutions segment includes focusing our efforts on the sale of specialty proteins and starches to targeted domestic consumer packaged goods customers.  Our food ingredients receiving major focus, and which are primarily used in foods that are developed to address consumers’ desire for healthier and more convenient products, consist of dietary fiber, wheat protein isolates and concentrates, and textured wheat proteins   The bulk of our applications technology and research and development efforts are dedicated to providing customers with specialty ingredient solutions that deliver nutritional benefits, as well as desired functional and sensory qualities to their products.  Our business could be adversely affected if our customers were to determine to reduce their new product development (“NPD”) activities or ceased using our unique dietary fibers, starches and proteins in their NPD efforts. In addition, our sales growth opportunities could be at risk in these areas if consumers abandon or significantly limit their interest in healthier foods, limit their interest in convenience foods, and/or adopt a widespread aversion to foods containing wheat gluten.

 
21

 
The contracted production of our Wheatex® product ends in August 2012, and our continued production and sales of this product depend on extending the contract or finding an economical production alternative.

When we sold our Pet Products business and the associated Kansas City, Kansas plant, we leased a portion of the plant from the purchaser and contracted with the purchaser to manufacture Wheatex® using certain production equipment which we retained.  The term of these arrangements expire in August 2012.  Our continued profitable commercialization of this product will require us to either extend our arrangement with the purchaser on terms comparable to those we have at present, identify an alternative source of production or produce the product in house.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to extend our arrangement on comparable terms or that we will be able to identify an alternative source of production.  Moving the equipment to another location may require significant expenditures, and our ability to make the necessary expenditures to move the equipment and produce this product in house may be limited by provisions in our credit facility.  See “We may require significant cash flow to make needed capital expenditures, and our ability to make such expenditures could be limited."
 
RISKS SPECIFIC TO OUR OTHER SEGMENT

Our plant-based biopolymers and wood-based composite resins may not prove to be profitable or commercially scalable.

Plant-based biopolymers and wood-based composite resins continue to represent an emerging area of our business.   While commercialization of these products has begun, they continue to undergo further research and development as we explore additional enhancements to expand their functionality and use capabilities.  To date, they have not contributed significant revenues or profit.

OTHER RISKS

Common stockholders have limited rights under our Articles of Incorporation.
 
Under our Articles of Incorporation, holders of our Preferred Stock are entitled to elect five of our nine directors and only holders of our Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with respect to a merger, dissolution, lease, exchange or sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets, or on an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, unless such action would increase or decrease the authorized shares or par value of the Common or Preferred Stock, or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Common or Preferred Stock so as to affect the holders of Common Stock adversely.  Generally, the Common Stock and Preferred Stock vote as separate classes on all other matters requiring stockholder approval.  A majority of the outstanding shares of our Preferred Stock is held by the MGP Ingredients Voting Trust, whose trustees are Karen Seaberg, Richard B. Cray and Laidacker M. Seaberg.
 
The trading volume in our common stock fluctuates, and depending on market conditions, the sale of a substantial number of shares in the public market could depress the price of our stock and make it difficult for stockholders to sell their shares.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market.  Our public float at June 30, 2011 (including non-vested restricted stock awards held by non-affiliates) was approximately 11,965,009 shares, as approximately 5,940,758 shares are held by affiliates.  Over the twelve months ended June 30, 2011, our daily trading volume as reported to us by NASDAQ has fluctuated from 8,236 to 323,034 shares (excluding block trades).  When trading volumes are relatively light, significant price changes can occur even when a relatively small number of shares are being traded and an investor’s ability to quickly sell quantities of stock may be affected.
 
 
22

 
ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None
 
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
 
We own or lease the following principal plants, warehouses and office facilities:
 
Location
Purpose
Owned or Leased
Plant Area (in sq. ft.)
Tract Area (in acres)
Atchison, Kansas
Grain processing, distillery, warehousing,
and research and quality
control laboratories (Distillery Products and Ingredient Solutions)
Owned
494,640
26
 
Principal executive office building (Corporate)
Leased
18,000
1
 
Technical Innovation Center (Ingredient Solutions, Distillery Products and Other)
Leased
19,600
1
Kansas City, Kansas
Specialty proteins (Ingredient Solutions)
Leased
27,400
N/A
         
Onaga, Kansas
Production of plant-based
polymers and
wood composites (Other)
Owned
23,040
3

Our 50% owned joint venture subsidiary, ICP, owns the following facility.

Pekin, Illinois
Distillery,
warehousing and quality control
laboratories (Distillery Products)
Owned
462,926
49

The foregoing facilities are generally in good operating condition, and are generally suitable for the business activity conducted therein.  We operated our Atchison distillery operations at full capacity during much of fiscal 2011; however operations were affected during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 by longer than anticipated shutdowns related to a water supply disruption, equipment repairs and upgrades and during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 due to a one week outage related to installing the process water cooling system.  We have existing manufacturing capacity to grow our ingredients business at our Atchison plant if the market for our ingredients business improves.   Our former Pekin distillery operation, which we shut down in February 2009, is now owned by ICP.  This plant was reactivated in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 and was operating at near full capacity at the end of fiscal 2011; however operations were affected during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 by a two-week shut-down for maintenance.
 
 
23

 
We formerly owned an 83,200 square foot facility in Kansas City, Kansas, but sold it on August 21, 2009.  We are now leasing a portion of that facility for three years ending in August 2012.  We have equipment used for the production of our Wheatex® line of products at this location, which is operated by a third party under a toll manufacturing agreement with us.
 
Except for our recently completed process water cooling system project, which is leased under a capital lease, all of the other production facilities that we or ICP utilize are owned, and all of our owned properties are subject to mortgages in favor of one or more of our lenders.  ICP's facility is subject to a mortgage in favor of its lender. The executive offices and technical innovation center in Atchison are leased from the City of Atchison pursuant to an industrial revenue bond financing. Our leasehold interest in these properties is subject to a leasehold mortgage.  We also own or lease transportation equipment and facilities and a gas pipeline described under Item 1. Business – Transportation and Item 1. Business – Energy.  Our loan agreements contain covenants that limit our ability to pledge our facilities to others.
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In 2006, we entered a Consent Agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) which, among other matters, imposed a source-wide, rolling 12-month volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions cap on our Atchison facility.  We anticipated that it would exceed this cap during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and negotiated a second amendment to the Consent Agreement with the KDHE. (A prior amendment addressed an earlier instance of noncompliance with the emission limit and related testing, monitoring and permitting violations and assessed a civil penalty of $66 against us).  The second amendment required us to complete a closed-loop, process water cooling  system project, resulting in significant VOC reduction, in accordance with a scheduled timeline extending over an approximate 17-month period ending on September 30, 2011.  In addition, we agreed to a $5 per month penalty for any month that we might have exceeded the rolling 12-month cap, as well as a $1 per day penalty for each day that we might have exceeded established completion dates for various stages of the project. The process water cooling project was completed during July of 2011 at an estimated cost of $9,356.  During the course of this project, we were not subjected to any penalties related to the above criteria.

ITEM 4.  (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
 
 
24

 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
TRADING MARKET
 
Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.  Our trading symbol is MGPI.
 
HISTORICAL STOCK PRICES
 
The table below reflects the high and low closing prices of our Common Stock for each quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010:
 
     
Sales Price
 
     
High
   
Low
 
2011
             
 
First Quarter
  $ 8.15     $ 6.46  
 
Second Quarter
    11.90       8.14  
 
Third Quarter
    11.06       7.90  
 
Fourth Quarter
    9.00       7.75  
2010
                 
 
First Quarter
  $ 4.39     $ 2.29  
 
Second Quarter
    9.62       3.91  
 
Third Quarter
    7.78       6.36  
 
Fourth Quarter
    8.62       5.75  
 
RECORD HOLDERS
 
At August 19, 2011, there were approximately 660 holders of record of our Common Stock.  We believe that the Common Stock is held by approximately 4,530 beneficial owners.
 
TRADING VOLUMES
 
According to reports received from the NASDAQ, the average daily trading volume of our common stock (excluding block trades) ranged from 8,236 to 323,034 shares during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
Our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association restricts our ability to pay cash dividends or make other distributions with respect to our stock.  We  may pay dividends only if (i) we have  no default or would have a default occur  as a result of any such dividend, (ii) we have had an Average Excess Availability of not less than $10,000 for the 60 day period prior to such dividend, (iii) on the date of such dividend and after giving effect to such dividend, we have an Average Excess Availability of not less than $5,000 and (iv) on the date of such dividend, we have paid all accounts payable which had remained unpaid more than thirty (30) days after the due date.  “Average Excess Availability” generally means, as of any date of determination by lender, the average of the amount available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement, assuming, for purposes of calculation, that all accounts payable which remain unpaid more than sixty (60) days after the invoice date thereof as the close of business on such date are treated as additional advances outstanding on such date.
 
 
25

 
Subject to the restrictions in our Credit Agreement, any dividends will be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors, which will consider various factors, including our operating results and cash requirements, in making any decision regarding dividends.  We did not pay dividends in Fiscal 2009 or 2010.  On August 26, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a five (5) cent dividend per share of common stock, payable to holders of record on September 15, 2010.  The Company paid the $891 dividend on October 6, 2010. On August 25, 2011 the Board of Directors approved a dividend of five (5) cent per share of common stock, payable October 13, 2011 to holders of record on September 15, 2011.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY ISSUER
 
We did not repurchase any shares of our stock during the year ended June 30, 2011.
 

 
26

 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
The selected financial data below (in thousands, expect per share amounts) should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included under Item 7 of this form 10-K as well as the consolidated financial statements and the related notes.
 
Fiscal Year (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Statement of Operations Data:
                             
Net sales
  $ 247,915     $ 201,971     $ 291,812     $ 412,473     $ 382,306  
Cost of sales
    225,038       171,427       325,914       408,242       335,033  
Gross profit (loss)
    22,877       30,544       (34,102 )     4,231       47,273  
                                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    21,157       20,708       21,401       24,235       20,319  
Other operating costs
    504       2,018       4,694       -       -  
Write-off of assets
    -       -       -       1,546       -  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    -       -       10,282       8,100       -  
Severance and early retirement costs
    -       -       3,288       -       -  
Loss on joint venture formation
    -       2,294       -       -       -  
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
    322       (1,731 )     -       -       -  
Other restructuring costs
    249       -       5,241       -       -  
Income (loss) from operations
    645       7,255       (79,008 )     (29,650 )     26,954  
Other income, net
    8       645       112       515       1,490  
Gain on settlement of litigation, net of related expenses
    -       -       -       7,046       -  
Interest expense
    (358 )     (1,757 )     (2,901 )     (1,490 )     (964 )
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures
    (1,540 )     (2,173 )     (114 )     (14 )     -  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,245 )     3,970       (81,911 )     (23,593 )     27,480  
                                         
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    68       (4,768 )     (12,788 )     (11,851 )     9,914  
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,313 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )   $ (11,742 )   $ 17,566  
                                         
Basic earnings per common share(7)
  $ (0.07 )   $ 0.52     $ (4.17 )   $ (0.71 )   $ 1.07  
Diluted earnings per common share(7)
  $ (0.07 )   $ 0.51     $ (4.17 )   $ (0.70 )   $ 1.04  
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding(7)
    16,726       16,655       16,585       16,531       16,428  
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding(7)
    16,726       17,082       16,585       16,805       16,913  
                                         
Cash dividends per common share
  $ 0.05     $ -     $ -     $ 0.25     $ 0.30  
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Working capital
  $ 22,381     $ 25,142     $ 31,242     $ 51,127     $ 53,371  
Total assets
    133,631       121,137       145,132       223,068       221,121  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    7,702       2,082       9,632       1,301       8,940  
Stockholders’ equity
    75,198       72,784       63,884       136,874       154,778  
Book value per share(8)
  $ 4.20     $ 4.37     $ 3.85     $ 8.28     $ 9.42  
 
 
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(1)
Fiscal year 2006 started on July 1 and ended June 30.  On June 8, 2006 the Board of Directors amended the Company’s Bylaws to effect a change in the fiscal year from a fiscal year ending June 30 to a 52/53 week fiscal year.  As a result of this change, fiscal 2007 ended on July 1, 2007.  On March 6, 2008, the Board of Directors amended the Company’s bylaws to effect a change in the fiscal year so that it would again end on June 30 each year.
 
 
(2)
Amounts for fiscal year 2008 include a write-off of assets of $1,546, a write-down of inventory of $1,300 and a loss on the impairment of assets of $8,100, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of litigation of $7,000 and the removal of a $3,000 state tax valuation allowance ($2,000 net of taxes).
 
 
(3)
Amounts for fiscal year 2009 include a non-cash loss on the impairment of assets of $10,282, severance and early retirement costs of $3,288, other restructuring costs of $5,241 and other operating costs related to our closed Pekin, Illinois plant of $4,694.  For further discussion, see Note 9. Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets set forth in Item 8, and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009 – Cost of Sales.
 
 
(4)
Amounts for fiscal year 2010 include the impact of a correcting entry related to certain accounts payable recorded prior to fiscal 2010 that had been either duplicated or otherwise erroneously recorded.  The impact of the correcting adjustment increased reported pretax income by approximately $1,351.  Cost of sales was decreased by $733 and other income increased by $618.  For further discussion, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies set forth in Item 8.
 
 
(5)
Amounts for fiscal year 2010 include a $2,294 charge related to the loss on joint venture formation. For further discussion, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 3. Investment in Joint Ventures set forth in Item 8, and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009 - Loss on Joint Venture Formation.
 
 
(6)
Amounts for fiscal year 2010 include the impact of a tax law change that resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $4,700.  For further discussion, see Note 9. Income Taxes set forth in Item 8 and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009 –  Income Taxes.
 
 
(7)
We adopted ASC 260 10 Earnings Per Share (formerly FSP-EITF 03-6-1) – Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities effective July 1, 2009.  The impacts for the non-vested restricted shares, which constitute a separate class of stock for accounting purposes, did not have a material impact and we did not apply the two class method in fiscal 2010 and prior.  In conjunction with the declaration of the dividend in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we reassessed our earnings per share calculation policy and determined to present the two-class method prospectively.  Amounts allocated to participating securities prior to fiscal 2011 were immaterial.

 
(8)
In conjunction with (7) above, non-vested restricted shares are now presented as outstanding shares.  The fiscal 2011 book value per share was computed by including non-vested restricted shares; the fiscal 2010 book value per share was not computed using the non-vested restricted shares as the two class method was determined to be used in fiscal 2011 prospectively.
 
 
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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands except per-share amounts)
 
GENERAL
 
 We produce certain distillery products and ingredients and have three reportable segments: a distillery products segment, an ingredient solutions segment, and an other segment.  Substantially all of our sales are made directly or through distributors to manufacturers and processors of finished goods.  Sales to our customers purchasing food grade alcohol are made primarily on a spot, monthly or quarterly basis, with some annual contracts, depending on the customer’s needs and market conditions.  Sales of fuel grade alcohol are made on the spot market.  Contracts with distributors may be for multi-year terms with periodic review of pricing.  Contracts with ingredients customers are generally price and term agreements which are fixed for quarterly or six month periods, with very few agreements of twelve months duration or more.
 
During the year ended June 30, 2009, we incurred impairment and restructuring costs, aggregating $18,811.  Since the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we have made significant changes to our operations in alignment with strategic initiatives to support improved profitability.  We have refocused our business on the production of value-added ingredients and distillery products and we have realigned our production efforts.  With our temporary ceasing of alcohol production at our Pekin facility in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and its subsequent inclusion in a joint venture, we are selling reduced quantities of fuel grade alcohol as a co-product.  Sales of distillers feed also have decreased.  With the shutdown of our flour mill in Atchison in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we no longer sell mill feeds.  We also ceased commodity starch and gluten production at our Pekin plant in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and exited the personal care market in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  Products remaining within the ingredient solutions segment, all of which are produced at our Atchison facility, consist of starches, including specialty wheat starch and commodity wheat starch, and proteins, including specialty wheat proteins and commodity wheat gluten.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we sold our Kansas City, Kansas facility and pet-related business assets.  As a result of these actions, revenues across all segments have declined from historic levels; however, we experienced an improvement in our fiscal 2010 profit performance, primarily due to our improved sales mix of value-added products, lower costs of raw materials and natural gas, and lower costs from restructuring.

In recent years, market economics for fuel grade alcohol have been volatile, and in the first calendar quarter of 2009 year we temporarily closed our Pekin plant.  After exploring our strategic alternatives with respect to the plant, in November 2009 we completed a series of related transactions pursuant to which we contributed our Pekin plant to a newly-formed company, ICP, and then sold 50 percent of the membership interest in ICP to ICP Holdings, an affiliate of SEACOR Energy Inc., for $15,000 ($13,951 net of closing costs).  ICP owns and operates the facility.  Under separate marketing agreements, we purchase beverage food grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP, and SEACOR Energy Inc. purchases fuel grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP.  These marketing agreements provide that we and ICP Holdings will share margin realized from the sale of the products with ICP. Through June 30, 2010, we paid higher than expected prices due to the start-up activities at ICP.

 By entering the joint venture arrangement with ICP Holdings, we recovered a portion of our investment in the Pekin plant and enhanced our ability to supply our food grade alcohol customers with quality product. Although we retain some exposure to the volatility of the fuel grade alcohol market through our investment in ICP, we have an opportunity to participate when the economics of that market are good, and we believe that the extent of our exposure to bad markets is significantly less than when we operated Pekin ourselves.  Further, we have the ability, through the termination provisions in the ICP Limited Liability Company Agreement, to limit our operating losses by causing ICP to shut down the plant if losses reach specified amounts.
 
During fiscal 2011, we have continued to focus on the production of valued-added ingredients and distillery products, which led to an overall increase in sales.  Despite this increase in sales, our gross margins declined during the fiscal year due to significant raw material cost increases.  The cost of corn as compared to the preceding quarter increased by 3.8 percent, 34.9 percent, 21.8 percent and 12.9 percent for the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, and 54.4 percent for the year as a whole.  The cost of flour as compared to the preceding quarter increased by 6.9 percent, 15.4 percent, 12.8 percent and 11.1 percent for the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, and 17.0 percent for the year as a whole.  Throughout much of the year, especially in our Ingredients segment, our pricing was not commensurate with the increased cost of raw materials.

 
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We experienced a $10,258 loss in the fourth quarter, which more than offset profits recorded for the first three quarters of the current fiscal year.  Contributing to our fourth quarter loss was a $5,499 unfavorable impact to cost of sales from changes in the fair value of open derivative hedge contracts, a significant portion of which occurred in the last two days of the fiscal year, higher raw material costs, a temporary production interruption, a lag in the adjustment of our alcohol selling prices in step with higher corn prices, and Ingredients segment prices that did not cover the full amount of the increased cost of raw materials.  The impact of changes in the fair value of open derivative contracts reversed a net favorable impact of $3,244 to cost of sales for the previous nine months ended March 31, 2011.  We expect this volatility in our earnings to be substantially reduced over time as we implement hedge accounting, as further described below.  Our joint venture, ICP, was similarly impacted during the fourth quarter by higher raw material costs and unrealized losses on open commodity derivative contracts as well as a two-week shut-down for maintenance.  ICP experienced a $3,139 net loss for the fourth quarter, of which $1,570 is our 50 percent share.

Subsequent to year end, in order to address margin issues, we have increased our pricing for ingredient products and alcohol to be more aligned with current input costs.  Also subsequent to year end, production levels at both our Atchison plant and at ICP have resumed operations closer to capacity.

Our principal raw materials are corn and flour.  Corn is processed into alcohol and animal feed and flour is processed into all of our products.  The cost of raw materials is subject to substantial fluctuations depending upon a number of factors which affect commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, weather, disease, plantings, government programs and policies, purchases by foreign governments and changes in demand resulting from population growth and customer preferences.  During fiscal 2011, the market prices for grain increased substantially from fiscal 2010; during fiscal 2010, the market prices for grain decreased substantially from fiscal 2009; and during fiscal 2009, the market prices for grain increased substantially from the prior year.  While corn prices have fluctuated significantly over the past several years and the overall trend in recent prices has been up, there has been a lot of variability in corn pricing during this period.  We expect corn pricing to remain volatile in the near term due to a number of factors impacting global demand and supply of this commodity.  These fluctuating prices create challenges since our customers are interested in stable prices for the distillery products they purchase from us. 

We entered into our supply agreement with ConAgra Mills in November 2008, whereby it supplies wheat flour requirements for use in the production of protein and starch ingredients.  As a result, we no longer purchase wheat directly.  However, the price we pay ConAgra for flour is a function of the per-bushel cost of wheat and, accordingly, wheat prices continue to directly impact the cost of raw materials.  We believe our focus on value-added products can reduce our risk to such price variations as larger profit margins related to such products can absorb higher levels of raw material volatility and as we may more readily seek adjustable price terms in contracts for such products. However, we will continue to be affected by commodity price fluctuations to some degree, which may be significant at times, and may not be able to recoup cost increases in our selling prices, particularly when price fluctuations are volatile.

Historically, in an attempt to minimize the effects of the volatility of raw material costs on operating profits, we have taken hedging positions by entering into readily marketable exchange-traded commodity futures and option contracts to reduce the risk of future grain price increases.   These contracts help us fix corn prices over short periods of time, generally three to six months, which is consistent with most of the sales orders we typically enter into with our distillery customers.  We have changed our risk management program related to the volatility of raw material costs, and now purchase a larger amount of contracts for future delivery, and typically hold these contracts until maturity, in order to protect margins on contracted and a portion of spot market, alcohol sales and expected ingredients sales.   To the extent we do not enter such contracts and are also unable to timely adjust the prices we charge under sales contracts, we may be adversely impacted by market fluctuations in the cost of grain and natural gas.  This new strategy can lead to significant volatility in earnings as a result of unrealized losses (or gains) on our open contracts, as was the case during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.  However, we believe our new program poses less risk than our prior program where we hedged to reduce the risk of grain prices based on anticipated production.

 
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On June 30, 2011 the price of corn traded down on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and the magnitude of this downward price movement resulted in the CBOT suspending trading on this date ahead of the normal closing time since the daily pricing limit had been reached.  Given the open positions we had at June 30 and the downward pricing, we were required to mark these open contracts to market and record a charge to our income statement to reflect current pricing.  After careful consideration we decided the best evidence of fair value for these contracts was the opening prices on July 1 since the markets had been closed abruptly on June 30.  The opening prices on July 1 were lower than the closing prices on the prior day and we were not aware of any significant factors occurring overnight that would have impacted pricing.  In our judgment this value better represented the estimated fair value of our open positions on June 30.  This downward revision in corn pricing subsequent to the June 30 closing price resulted in an increased unrealized loss of approximately $1,447.  For the entire fourth quarter we recorded an unrealized loss on our open contracts of $5,499, of which $2,650 was related to the downward price movement during the last two days of fiscal 2011.

Over the past three years while we have used derivatives to economically hedge corn prices, we have not accounted for these derivative contracts as hedges for accounting purposes.  We elected to discontinue the use of hedge accounting for all commodity derivative positions effective April 1, 2008.   From April 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011, we did not use hedge accounting to account for our commodity derivative contracts. This was primarily due to the increased record keeping and documentation requirements needed to meet these accounting standards.  As a result of this decision for these contracts changes in the market value of open positions have been marked to market through our income statement and affected our reported earnings currently.  See Note 15. Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements and “Critical Accounting Policies” below.

Even prior to the price decline on June 30, 2011 management had been making preparations to start hedge accounting for derivative contracts.   Effective July 1, 2011, we elected to restart the use of hedge accounting for certain commodity derivative positions, which are expected to reduce the volatility of our open positions.  Under hedge accounting, on the date a derivative contract is entered into, we expect to designate the derivative as a hedge of variable cash flows for purchases of corn used in the manufacturing process (“a cash-flow hedge”).  This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash-flow hedges to a specific asset (inventory) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.  For all hedging relationships, we will be required to formally document the hedging relationships and our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transactions, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed, and a description of the method of measuring effectiveness.  We will also be required to formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow of hedged items.  When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective as a hedge, we will discontinue hedge accounting for that derivative prospectively.  The changes in market value of such contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged items.  Changes in the fair value of contracts that qualify as cash-flow hedges will be recorded in “other comprehensive income/(loss)”, net of applicable income taxes.  Gains and losses on commodity hedging contracts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the Consolidated Statement of Operations when the finished goods produced using the hedged item are sold.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings.  Open contracts at June 30 will continue to be marked to earnings and will wind down over about a six month period.  The utilization of hedge accounting should mitigate a portion of our earnings volatility that has been experienced over the past few years.  Ultimately our success is largely determined by our ability to recover the price from our customers of the commodities we use in our production process.     

 
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Energy represents a major cost of operations, and seasonal increases in natural gas and other utility costs can affect our profitability.  Except for fiscal 2010 and 2007, in each fiscal year since fiscal 2002, energy costs have been higher than in the previous fiscal year.  We sometimes try to protect ourselves from increased energy costs by entering into natural gas contracts for future delivery.  In fiscal 2009, we suffered $7,642 in losses from such a contract when we no longer required the gas that we contracted for following our decision to temporarily close our Pekin plant.
 
We have benefited from a United States Department of Agriculture program in effect from June 1, 2001 to May 31, 2003 to support the development and production of value-added wheat proteins and starches.  At June 30, 2011 and 2010, the deferred credit related to this grant was $4,498 and $5,379, respectively.  Current and prior period results reflect the recognition of revenue from this grant.  See “Critical Accounting Policies” below.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we identified an out-of period adjustment related to accounts payable that favorably impacted cost of sales and other income.  The impact to fiscal 2010 was an increase in reported pre-tax income for the year ended June 30, 2010 of approximately $1,351.  Cost of sales was favorably impacted by $733, and other income was improved by $618.  For further discussion, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies as set forth in Item 8.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we identified an immaterial error in our classification of restricted stock awards on the balance sheet.  For further discussion, see Note 1. to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation- Change in Presentation to Prior Consolidated Financial Statements set forth at page  9 in Part I, Item 1 of the Company's December 31, 2011 Form 10-Q filed on  February 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
In preparing consolidated financial statements, management must make estimates and judgments that affect the carrying values of our assets and liabilities as well as recognition of revenue and expenses.  Management’s estimates and judgments are based on our historical experience and management’s knowledge and understanding of current facts and circumstances.  The policies discussed below are considered by management to be critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements.  The application of certain of these policies places significant demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimations about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.  For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop as forecast, and estimates routinely require adjustment and may require material adjustment.
 
Derivative and Hedging Activities.  Effective April 1, 2008, we elected to discontinue the use of hedge accounting for all commodity derivative positions.  Accordingly, changes in the value of derivatives subsequent to March 31, 2008 have been recorded in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Additionally, derivative instruments entered into subsequent to March 31, 2008 have not been designated as hedges. Derivative instruments related to our hedging program have been recorded as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair market value.  The change in the market value of these instruments has been recorded in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. 
 
Effective July 1, 2011, we elected to restart the use of hedge accounting for certain commodity derivative positions. Under hedge accounting, these contracts are expected to be designated as and accounted for as cash-flow hedges.  The changes in market value of such contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged items.  Consistent with application of hedge accounting under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, gains and losses arising from open and closed hedging transactions will be recorded as part of “other comprehensive income/(loss)”, net of applicable income taxes, and will be recognized in costs of sales as part of product costs when the related products are sold.  Any ineffective portion of a hedged transaction will be immediately recognized in current earnings.
 
 
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The application of hedge accounting requires significant resources, record-keeping and analytical systems.
 
Regardless of accounting treatment, we believe all of our commodity hedges are economic hedges.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  We review long-lived assets, mainly equipment, for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that usage may be limited and carrying values may not be recoverable.  In making such assessments, management must make estimates and judgments relating to anticipated revenues and expenses and values of our assets and liabilities.  Management’s estimates and judgments are based on our historical experience and management’s knowledge and understanding of current facts and circumstances.  Management derives data for its estimates from both outside and internal sources, and considers such matters as product mix, unit sales, unit prices, input costs, expected target volume levels in supply contracts and expectations about new customers as well as overall market trends. Should events indicate the assets cannot be used as planned, the realization from alternative uses or disposal is compared to the carrying value.  Considerable judgment is used in these measurements, and a change in the assumptions could result in a different determination of impairment loss and/or the amount of any impairment.  We recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $10,282 during the year ended June 30, 2009.  No events or conditions occurred during the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 that required us to record an impairment.

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans.  We sponsor two funded, noncontributory qualified Defined Benefit Retirement Plans that cover substantially all our union employees at Atchison and former union employees at Pekin, who did not begin work at ICP, and thus remain our obligation.  The benefits under these plans are based upon years of qualified credited service.  However, benefit accruals under both plans were frozen in the second quarter of 2010.  Our funding policy is to contribute annually not less than the regulatory minimum and not more than the regulatory maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes.  The measurement and valuation date of the plans is June 30 of each year.  We make various assumptions in valuing the liabilities and benefits under the plan each year.  We consider the rates of return on long-term, high-quality fixed income investments using the Citigroup Pension Liability Index as of June 30, 2011.  Assumptions regarding employee and retiree life expectancy are based upon the RP 2000 Combined Mortality Table.
 
Other Post-Retirement Benefits.  We also provide certain other post retirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees.  Currently, the plan covers approximately 210 participants, both active and retired.  The number of participants was reduced during fiscal 2010, in part due to the transfer of employees to our newly formed joint venture, ICP, as described elsewhere.  These actions caused a partial settlement and curtailment of our obligation for accrued retirement benefits.
 
We fund the post retirement benefit plans on a pay-as-you-go basis, and there are no assets that have been segregated and restricted to provide for post retirement benefits.  We pay claims as they are submitted for the medical plan.  We provide varied levels of benefits to participants depending upon the date of retirement and the location in which the employee worked.  The retiree medical and life plans are available to employees who have attained the age of 62 and rendered the required five years of service.  All health benefit plans provide company-paid continuation of the active medical plan until the retiree reaches age 65.  At age 65, we pay a lump sum advance premium on behalf of the retiree to the MediGap carrier of the retiree’s choice.  The employee retirement date determines which level of benefits is provided.
 
Our plan measurement date is June 30.  We make various assumptions in valuing the liabilities and benefits under the plan each year.  We consider the rates of return on currently available, high-quality fixed income investments, using the Citigroup Pension Liability Index as of June 30.  (Long term rates of return are not considered because the plan has no assets.)  For fiscal 2011, the accumulated post retirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) decreased to $6,498 from $8,170 at June 30, 2010.  A portion of the other post-retirement benefits obligation was settled for workers who were re-hired by ICP.  Assumptions regarding employee and retiree life expectancy are based upon the RP 2000 Combined Mortality Table.  We also consider the effects of expected long term trends in health care costs, which are based upon actual claims experience and other environmental and market factors impacting the cost of health care in the short and long-term.
 
 
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Income Taxes.  We account for deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the effects of transactions reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax under the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences of the deferred income tax items and immediately recognizes changes in income tax laws upon enactment as well as applied income tax rates when facts and circumstances warrant such changes.  We establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized.  Additionally, we follow the provisions of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, related to the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions, which requires management judgment and use of estimates in determining whether the impact of a tax position is “more likely than not” of being sustained on audit by the relevant taxing authority.  We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions, which may require periodic adjustment and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.  It is reasonably possible that amounts reserved for potential exposure could change significantly as a result of the conclusion of tax examinations and, accordingly, materially affect our operating results.
 
FISCAL 2011 AND ONGOING INITIATIVES
 
SAP Implementation

During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, we implemented an SAP information technology system for accounting, sales, supply chain and manufacturing.  SAP was implemented to improve the Company’s business processes and deliver enhanced operational and financial information. This implementation is expected to enable us to manage our business and our reporting more efficiently.  We have spent $1,269 on the SAP implementation, of which $996 has been capitalized.

Protein and Starch Plant Infrastructure
 
On October 20, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a project to upgrade our protein and starch plant infrastructure.  The upgrades primarily involved interior and exterior renovations to the facility, as well as the redesign of certain protein and starch processing equipment, at a cost of approximately $2,500.  The upgrades should allow us to maintain high quality standards and increase our production efficiency.  The project began in October 2010 and was completed during the latter half of fiscal 2011.

Water Cooling System Project

On June 10, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a major capital project designed to provide environmental benefits at our Atchison, Kansas distillery, while also enhancing our alcohol production capabilities.  The project involved the installation of a new, state-of-the-art water cooling system to replace older equipment used to supply water for multiple components of the distillation process.  This project began during the summer of fiscal 2010 and was completed during July of 2011 at a cost of approximately $9,356.  A major portion of this asset was financed by U.S. Bancorp through a capital lease as further described in Note 4. Corporate Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations.
 
Transportation Agreements

Since March 2011, we have used third party transportation companies to provide logistics support in managing all truck and rail carriers in servicing our North American customers, as well as improving delivery time for our inbound materials.  We expect this to strengthen our customer service capabilities while also increasing our logistics capabilities, efficiencies and cost savings.
 
 
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DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTILLERY PRODUCTS SEGMENT

 As previously mentioned in General, in order to become more efficient and effective and to improve our results, we refocused our business on the production of our value-added products.

One of the most important developments in the Distillery Products segment occurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, when we formed ICP, contributed our Pekin facility to ICP and sold a 50 percent ownership interest in ICP.  In addition to realizing $13,951 (net of closing costs) of immediate value from a previously idled asset, the joint venture increased our available capacity for food grade alcohol.  ICP commenced production at the Pekin facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  This facility had been temporarily idled since February 2009.  At June 30, 2011, the Pekin facility returned to operating near full capacity, after a two-week shut-down during the fourth quarter for maintenance.

In alignment with the strategy described above, increased production volume at our ICP joint venture for fiscal 2011 has helped us to increase our sales of high quality food grade alcohol.  Sales of food grade alcohol for the year ended June 30, 2011 increased by 32.8 percent compared to fiscal 2010.

Our year to date fiscal 2011 results were affected by production shut-downs at our Atchison distillery during the second and fourth quarters as further discussed in the “Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010General section below as well as the significant cost increases for raw materials.

As discussed previously in the “ – Fiscal 2011 and Ongoing Initiatives” section, we recently completed installation of a new, state-of-the-art water cooling system to replace older equipment used to supply water for multiple components of the distillation process.  Our new transportation arrangements should also strengthen the customer service capabilities of our Distillery Products segment.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
 
As previously mentioned in General and Developments in Distillery Product Segment, since fiscal 2009 we have refocused our business on the production of our value-added products.   We believe the steps we have taken enabled us to return to profitability during fiscal 2010 and to be more competitive, while also allowing us to obtain financing that has enabled us to maintain operations.    During fiscal 2011, our focus continued to be on the production of our value-added products with higher margins.  Our year to date fiscal 2011 results were affected by significant cost increases for raw materials, as well as lower volume output due, in part, to temporary production interruptions at various times throughout the year.
 
By substantially exiting the commodity wheat gluten business and curtailing our commodity starch production in fiscal 2009, we have significantly reduced sales volumes of our lower margin protein and starch products.  We continue to focus our manufacturing efforts on improving our consistency and capabilities for producing our higher margin specialty product lines.  We are using an on-line Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) solution system that was implemented in fiscal 2009 to improve our ability to develop new sales of our product lines.  We are focused on increasing sales growth of our specialty products to the largest and most innovative producers of consumer packaged goods in the U.S.

As discussed previously in the “– Fiscal 2011 and Ongoing Initiatives” section, we have upgraded our protein and starch infrastructure and have strengthened customer service capabilities of our Ingredients Solutions segment through new transportation agreements.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OTHER SEGMENT
 
On August 21, 2009, we sold our Kansas City, Kansas, facility for $3,585, with potential additional payments based on the buyer’s income from sales of our existing products to our existing customers over the three years ending July 31, 2012.  The sale included all equipment used for the production and packaging of pet-related products, which principally include extruded plant-based resins and finished pet treats. We retained ownership of equipment that is used for the production of our Wheatex® textured wheat proteins, which are sold for use in meat extension and vegetarian product applications.  This equipment is located in a separate section of the facility that we have leased for a period of three years ending August 20, 2012 and which is operated by a subsidiary of the buyer under a toll manufacturing arrangement.

 
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As discussed previously in the “– Fiscal 2011 and Ongoing Initiatives” section, the Other segment is also aligned with our overall strategic initiative to strengthen customer service capabilities through new transportation agreements.

SEGMENT RESULTS
 
The following is a summary of revenues and pre-tax income (loss) allocated to each reportable operating segment for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  See Note 12. Operating Segments set forth in Item 8 for additional information regarding our operating segments.
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Distillery Products
                 
Net Sales
  $ 188,993     $ 139,990     $ 204,704  
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
    19,720       16,713       (24,367 )
                         
Ingredient Solutions
                       
Net Sales
    57,765       59,715       82,127  
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
    1,828       9,731       (6,720 )
                         
Other
                       
Net Sales
    1,157       2,266       4,981  
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
    (521 )     145       40  

The following table is a reconciliation between pre-tax income by segment and net income.

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
2011(1)
   
2010(1)
   
2009(1)
 
  Distillery products
  $ 19,720     $ 16,713     $ (24,367 )
  Ingredient solutions
    1,828       9,731       (6,720 )
  Other
    (521 )     145       40  
  Corporate
    (21,701 )     (22,056 )     (24,411 )
  Impairment of long-lived assets
    -       -       (10,282 )
  Severance and early retirement costs
    -       -       (3,288 )
  Loss on joint venture formation
    -       (2,294 )     -  
  Gain (loss) on sale of assets
    (322 )     1,731       -  
  Other restructuring costs
    (249 )     -       (5,241 )
  Unrealized loss on natural gas contract
    -       -       (7,642 )
     Total income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,245 )     3,970       (81,911 )
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    68       (4,768 )     (12,788 )
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,313 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )

(1)
Non-direct selling, general and administrative, interest expense, investment income and other general miscellaneous expenses are classified as corporate.  Out-of-period adjustments are classified as corporate. In addition, we do not assign or allocate special charges to our operating segments.  For purposes of comparative analysis, loss on impairment of long-lived assets, severance and early retirement costs, loss on joint venture formation, gain (loss) on sale of assets, other restructuring costs, and the loss on natural gas contract for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 have been excluded from our segments.
 
 
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FISCAL 2011 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2010
 
GENERAL

For the year ended June 30, 2011, we experienced a net loss of $1,313 on consolidated sales of $247,915 versus net income of $8,738 on consolidated sales of $201,971 for the year ended June 30, 2010.  The decrease in earnings was primarily due to significantly increased costs for corn, flour and natural gas compared to fiscal 2010, a fourth quarter lag in the adjustment of our alcohol selling prices in step with higher corn prices and unrealized losses on our open commodity derivatives contracts in the fourth quarter.  Our 50 percent owned joint venture, ICP, was similarly impacted by higher raw material costs and unrealized losses on open commodity derivative contracts, of which our share was 50 percent.  Shut-downs at the Atchison distillery during the second and fourth quarters of fiscal 2011 also negatively impacted our results.  The second quarter fiscal 2011 shut-down was related to a water supply disruption, equipment repairs and upgrades.  This caused our production for the month of December 2010 to be below normal.  The fourth quarter fiscal 2011 shut-down resulted from a one-week outage related to installing the new distillery water cooling system at the Atchison plant.  This caused production for the month of May 2011 to be below normal.
 
DISTILLERY PRODUCTS
 
Total distillery products sales revenue for the year ended June 30, 2011 increased $49,003, or 35.0 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in volume of high quality food grade alcohol of 30.4 percent.  Also contributing to the overall increase in the distillery products segment were increases of $6,302 and $3,793 in distillers feed and fuel grade alcohol, respectively, for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  Our gross margin percentage decreased to 10.6 percent for the year ended June 30, 2011 from 12.3 percent for the year ended June 30, 2010 due primarily to significant year-over year increases in corn and natural gas prices, a fourth quarter lag in the adjustment of our alcohol selling prices in step with higher corn prices and fourth quarter unrealized losses on our hedging activities, partially offset by year-over-year increased average prices.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, the per-bushel cost of corn and per-million cubic foot cost of natural gas averaged nearly 54.5 percent and 8.0 percent higher, respectively, than the year ended June 30, 2010.  
 
INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS
 
Total ingredient solutions sales revenue for the year ended June 30, 2011 decreased by $1,950, or 3.3 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  Specialty starches saw a 5.8 percent increase in revenues compared to fiscal 2010 due to an increase in volume partially offset by a decrease in unit pricing. Revenues for specialty proteins for the year ended June 30, 2011 increased 0.3 percent from the year ended June 30, 2011, as a result improved unit sales partially offset by a slight decrease in unit pricing.  With our focus on the production and commercialization of specialty ingredients, revenues for commodity proteins and commodity starch decreased by 91.2 and 20.3 percent, respectively, for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  In addition to the overall decline in revenues for the ingredient solutions segment, our margins saw a decline during the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  This was principally due to lower volume output, higher raw material costs, increased energy costs related to higher natural gas prices, and lower overall pricing which was not commensurate with our raw material price increases.  Our protein and starch production was unfavorably impacted at various times throughout fiscal 2011 due to temporary production interruptions to accommodate a series of planned facility and process improvements. These factors were partially offset by improved average selling prices for commodity proteins. Flour prices and natural gas prices averaged approximately 17.0 and 8.0 percent higher, respectively, compared to fiscal 2010.
 
 
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OTHER PRODUCTS

For the year ended June 30, 2011, revenues for other products, consisting primarily of plant-based biopolymers and resins, decreased $1,109, or 48.9 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.    The decline in other segment sales revenue was primarily due to lower unit sales of our plant-based biopolymers and resins.  Also contributing to the decrease in sales for the year ended June 30, 2011 was the divestiture of our pet products business.  As described in Note 10. Assets Held for Sale set forth in Item 8., we sold the assets related to our pet products during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Plant-based biopolymer and resin sales decreased 44.5 percent compared to the fiscal 2010.  The decrease in sales of plant-based biopolymers and resins was due to a 41.9 percent decline in unit sales for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to a year ago.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, lower per unit pricing also contributed to the overall decrease in sales.    The other segment experienced a loss for the year ended June 30, 2011 due to the lower unit sales discussed above as well as higher production costs.

NET SALES

Net sales for the year ended June 30, 2011 increased $45,944, or 22.7 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  The increase was attributable to increased net sales in the distillery products segment partially offset by declines in the ingredient solutions and other segments.  Net sales in the distillery products segment, as a whole, increased primarily as a result of higher volumes of food grade alcohol and higher average prices for the segment overall.  Net sales in the ingredient solutions segment decreased due to lower volumes and pricing.  Net sales for our other segment decreased mainly as the result of reduced sales of plant-based biopolymer products and, to a lesser extent, eliminating the pet products line of business.
 
COST OF SALES

For the year ended June 30, 2011, cost of sales increased $53,611, or 31.3 percent, compared to the year to date period ended June 30, 2010.  Our higher overall costs were directly the result of temporary production interruptions, production increases related to distillery products as well as higher corn, natural gas, and flour prices, and by the unfavorable impact of losses on open derivative commodity contracts.  We saw increases in the per-bushel cost of corn, the per-pound cost of flour, and the per-million cubic foot cost of natural gas, which averaged nearly 54.4 percent, 17.0 percent, and 8.0 percent higher, respectively, than the year ended June 30, 2010.  Cost of sales was also impacted by changes in the fair value of open derivatives contracts.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, our open derivative commodity contracts had a $2,254 unfavorable impact to cost of sales, virtually all of which occurred in the last two days of the fiscal year, compared to $14 favorable impact for the year ended June 30, 2010.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, cost of sales was 90.8 percent of net sales, which generated a gross profit margin of 9.2 percent.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, cost of sales was 84.9 percent of net sales, which generated a gross margin of 15.1 percent.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2011 increased $449, or 2.2 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2010. This increase was primarily due to increased consulting costs as well as general compensation increases.
 
OTHER OPERATING COSTS

Other operating costs for the year ended June 30, 2011 decreased $1,514, or 75.0 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  This decrease was primarily due to the reduction in costs associated with maintaining the Pekin facility while it was idle.
 
 
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LOSS ON JOINT VENTURE FORMATION

For the year ended June 30, 2011, there was no loss on joint venture formation.  Loss on joint venture formation for the year ended June 30, 2010 was $2,294.  The components included $1,245 to adjust the book value of the Pekin plant balance sheet assets contributed to the joint venture to the implied value and $1,049 for professional fees associated with the transactions.  We reduced this loss by $753 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 related to the loss on joint venture formation when we recorded a settlement for the portion of the other post-retirement benefits obligation related to workers re-hired by ICP.

GAIN (LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS

Loss on sale of assets for the year ended June 30, 2011 was $322 compared to a $1,731 gain for the year ended June 30, 2010.  The components of the fiscal 2011 loss relate to the disposition of certain machinery and equipment. The components of the fiscal 2010 gain includes a $917 gain related to the sale of protein and starch equipment from the Pekin facility, a $671 gain related to the sale of certain flour mill assets, a $100 gain on the sale of transport equipment and a $43 gain on other equipment.

OTHER RESTRUCTURING COSTS

Other restructuring costs for the year ended June 30, 2011 were $249.  There were no restructuring costs for the year ended June 30, 2010.  This increase was due to not returning certain railcars expected to be assigned to other third parties as quickly as we had anticipated.

OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income, net, decreased $637, or 98.8 percent, for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  This decrease was primarily attributable to a fiscal 2010 non recurring reversal of account payable balances related to a prior period totaling $618, as further described in Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies set forth in Item 8.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the year ended June 30, 2011 decreased $1,399 compared to the year ended June 30, 2010.  This decrease was the result of lower loan balances on long-term debt as well as the reduced average daily balance and interest rate on our credit facility compared to the prior year.
 
EQUITY IN LOSS OF JOINT VENTURES

ICP

 On November 20, 2009, we completed a series of transactions whereby we contributed our Pekin plant to a newly-formed company, ICP, and then sold 50 percent of the membership interest in ICP to ICP Holdings, an affiliate of SEACOR Energy Inc., for a purchase price of $15,000 ($13,951 net of closing costs) as further described in Note 3. Investment in Joint Ventures set forth in Item 8.

 For the year ended June 30, 2011, ICP reported a net loss of $3,139.  As a 50 percent joint venture member, our portion of the net loss was $1,570.   ICP incurred a loss due to raw material prices increases, a two-week plant shut-down and unrealized losses on open derivative contracts.  For the period from November 20, 2009 to June 30, 2010, ICP incurred a net loss of $4,051, primarily related to costs incurred as part of the initial implementation of operations.  As a 50 percent joint venture holder, our portion of the loss was $2,026. 

 
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As further describe in Note 3.  Investment in Joint Ventures, ICP’s Limited Liability Company Agreement gives us and our joint venture partner, ICP Holdings, a subsidiary of SEACOR Energy Inc., certain rights to shut down the Pekin plant if ICP operates at an EBITDA loss of $500 in any quarter.  Such rights are conditional in certain instances but are absolute if losses aggregate $1,500 over any three consecutive quarters or if ICP’s net working capital is less than $2,500.  ICP experienced EBITDA losses in excess of $500 in the quarters ended December 31, 2009, March 31, 2010, December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011. For the three consecutive quarters ending June 30, 2011, ICP experienced a loss in excess of the $1,500 aggregate loss threshold amount permitted over any three consecutive quarters.  Losses of such nature are also events of default under ICP’s term loan and revolving credit facility.  An affiliate of SEACOR Energy, Inc. which provides financing for ICP waived these covenant violations.
 
D.M. Ingredients, GmbH (“DMI”)

            On July 17, 2007, we completed a transaction with Crespel and Deiters GmbH & Co. KG for the formation and financing of a joint venture, DMI, located in Ibbenburen, Germany.  DMI’s primary operation is the production of specialty ingredients for marketing by MGPI domestically and, through our partner and third parties, internationally.  Currently, the joint venture is utilizing a third party toller in the Netherlands to produce the products.  We own a 50 percent interest in DMI, and account for it using the equity method of accounting.  As of June 30, 2011, we had invested $571 in DMI since July 2007.
 For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, DMI incurred earnings (losses) of $60 and ($293).    The loss for the year ended June 30, 2010 was related to costs incurred as part of the initial implementation of operations.  No sales revenue was reported for the year ended June 30, 2010.  As a 50 percent joint venture member, our equity in earnings (loss) was $30 and ($147) for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 DMI’s functional currency is the European Union Euro.  Accordingly, changes in the holding value of our investment in DMI resulting from changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the European Union Euro are recorded in other comprehensive income as a translation adjustment on unconsolidated foreign subsidiary net of deferred taxes.

INCOME TAXES

For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the effective tax rate was (5.5) percent and (120.1) percent, respectively.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, the effective rate differs from the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to changes in the federal and state valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets and the expense recorded due to a state tax law change that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2011.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, the effective rate differs from the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to changes in the federal and state valuation allowance and the benefit of a tax law change occurring during fiscal 2010.  Under the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was enacted during the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we became eligible to carry back net operating losses generated in our fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 to our five preceding tax years, instead of the two years allowed under previous tax law.  We filed a claim to carry an additional $11,900 of net operating loss back.  An income tax benefit of approximately $4,700 was recognized during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 related to this carry-back claim.  The cash refund associated with the carry-back claim was received during January 2010.  For further discussion on the deferred income tax valuation allowance, see Note 5. Income Taxes set forth in Item 8.
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)

As the result of the factors outlined above, we experienced a net loss of $1,313 for the year ended June 30, 2011, compared to net income of $8,738 for the year ended June 30, 2010.
 
 
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FISCAL 2010 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2009
 
GENERAL

Consolidated earnings for the year ended June 30, 2010 increased compared to the year ended June 30, 2009 with earnings of $8,738 on consolidated sales of $201,971 versus a net loss of $69,123 on consolidated sales of $291,812 for the year ended June 30, 2009.  This increase in net earnings was primarily the result of our improved sales mix of value-added products, significantly decreased cost of sales resulting primarily from lower grain costs, and the absence of impairment, severance and restructuring costs that were recognized during the year ended June 30, 2009.  Along with the significant improvements we made in operating results, our fiscal 2010 net income benefitted from gains on the sale of assets previously written off, out of period adjustments, an income tax refund and reductions in our accrued pension and post-retirement liabilities, which aggregated $8,400.  These gains were largely offset by charges and costs associated with the formation and start-up of the ICP joint venture, as well as various costs related to restructuring and realignment, aggregating $6,700.  Restructuring costs related to the impairment of long lived assets, severance and other restructuring of $10,282, $3,288 and $5,241, respectively, were incurred for the year ended June 30, 2009.  Additionally, we incurred $7,642 in losses on a natural gas contract for our Pekin, Illinois production facility for the year ended June 30, 2009.

Earnings in the ingredients solutions segment increased over the same period in fiscal 2009 primarily due to an improved sales mix of value-added proteins and starches.  Lower wheat flour prices for our protein and starch processes were also a factor in our ingredient solutions segment performance.

DISTILLERY PRODUCTS

Total distillery products sales revenue for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $64,714, or 31.6 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  The majority of the decrease was attributable to the reduced production of fuel grade alcohol as a result of our decision to focus on food grade alcohol, which consistently has experienced more stable prices.  The decrease in revenues related to fuel grade alcohol was $40,373, or 85.1 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  Distillers feed saw a decline in revenues of $18,720, or 56.6 percent, over the year ended June 30, 2009.   The decrease was largely due to the decrease in production of 38.0 percent compared to the year ended June 30, 2009, primarily resulting from the temporary shutdown of the Pekin facility and slightly lower unit pricing.  Also contributing to this decrease in revenue was food grade alcohol, which experienced a $5,621, or 4.5 percent, reduction in revenue from the year ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease was primarily attributable to lower per-unit pricing, which followed the decrease in corn prices during the year ended June 30, 2010.   While revenues for distillery products declined for the year ended June 30, 2010 as compared to a year ago, margins improved due to a significant reduction in sales of lower margin fuel grade alcohol, along with a significant reduction in corn and natural gas prices.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, the per-bushel cost of corn and the per-million cubic foot cost of natural gas averaged nearly 24.1 percent and 51.0 percent lower, respectively, than the year ended June 30, 2009.   These lower costs contributed to the fiscal 2010 profit for the segment.

INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS

Total ingredient solutions sales revenue for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased by $22,412, or 27.3 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  Revenues for commodity proteins and commodity starch decreased by $11,859 and $3,564, respectively, during this period.  Commodity proteins and starch products with lower margins were significantly reduced as a part of management’s strategy to focus on higher-margin, value-added products. Revenues for specialty starches for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased overall $4,839, or 14.7 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009, as a result of lower unit sales, partially offset by increased unit pricing.  However, sales of our fiber-enhancing resistant wheat starch and textured wheat proteins showed year-over-year increases.  Revenues for specialty proteins for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $1,089, or 5.0 percent, over the year ended June 30, 2009, as a result of lower unit sales.   While revenues for the ingredient solutions segment declined overall, margins improved during the year ended June 30, 2010 as a result of improved sales mix by reducing our emphasis on unprofitable product lines along with lower flour costs attributable to lower wheat prices.

 
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Beginning in the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we entered into a supply contract for flour with ConAgra Mills whereby it is supplying our wheat flour requirements for use in the production of protein and starch ingredients.  As a result, we no longer purchase wheat directly. The price we pay ConAgra for flour is a function of the per-bushel cost of wheat and so accordingly, wheat prices continue to directly impact the cost of raw materials for our ingredient solutions segment. For the year ended June 30, 2010, the per-pound cost of flour decreased by 28.5 percent compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.

OTHER PRODUCTS

For the year ended June 30, 2010, revenues for other products, consisting primarily of pet products and plant-based biopolymers, decreased $2,715, or 54.5 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  The decline in other segment sales revenue was primarily the result of decreased unit sales of 92.7 percent for our pet products for the year ended June 30, 2010, compared to the prior fiscal year, offset by a slight increase in unit sales of our plant-based biopolymer products.  Although the sales performance in this segment declined compared to the prior year, the gross margins in this segment as a percent of sales improved substantially due to a reduction of pet product sales and increased focus on improving cost efficiencies in our eco-friendly biopolymer area. We sold the assets related to our pet products during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as further described Note 10 Assets Held for Sale as set forth in Item 8.

NET SALES

Net Sales for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $89,841, or 30.8 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009 as a result of decreased sales in all segments.   The decrease is primarily the result of our strategy to reduce sales of low and negative margin products across all operating segments and also partially to the adverse weather experienced during portions of the winter months of fiscal 2010.   Decreased sales in the ingredient solutions segment were related primarily to our exit from low margin commodity proteins and starch products. While unit pricing increased from a year ago for specialty starches and specialty proteins, lower unit sales of specialty starches and specialty proteins led to decreased sales in this segment.  Sales in the distillery products segment as a whole decreased primarily as a result of reduced volumes of fuel grade alcohol.  Revenues for food grade alcohol also declined as a result of unit pricing and decreased unit sales.  Revenues for distillers feed also declined as a result of lower unit sales.    Sales for our other segment decreased as the result of a decline in unit sales of pet products, which was partially offset by an increase in unit sales of biopolymer products.

COST OF SALES

For the year ended June 30, 2010, cost of sales decreased $154,487, or 47.4 percent, while sales decreased 30.8 percent compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.   This decrease in cost of sales was primarily the result of a fiscal 2009 charge taken to settle natural gas commitments, the change in operations at the Pekin plant, and reduced grain and energy costs.  The per-bushel cost of corn and the per-million cubic foot cost of natural gas averaged nearly 24.1 percent and 51.0 percent lower, respectively, than the year ended June 30, 2009.   The per pound cost of wheat flour for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased by 28.5 percent compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, cost of sales was 84.9 percent of net sales, which generated a gross profit margin of 15.1 percent.  For the year ended June 30, 2009, cost of sales was 111.7 percent of net sales, which generated a gross margin of negative 11.7 percent.  Beginning in quarter ended December 31, 2008, we ceased purchasing and processing wheat into flour in favor of directly purchasing flour at a lower cost than our own manufacturing cost.  Cost of sales was favorably impacted $733 by an out-of-period adjustment.  See “General”, above.

With the shutdown of protein and starch operations and the reduction and temporary idling of distillery operations at our Pekin plant, commitments for the purchase of natural gas through the remainder of the fiscal year 2009 under a single contract for our Pekin plant were in excess of projected consumption after adjusting for such reduced production.  We recorded a charge of $7,642 to cost of sales for unrealized losses for the year ended June 30, 2009 to cost of sales for losses realized upon settlement of this contract.

 
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SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $693, or 3.2 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009. This decrease was primarily due to the reduction in the Company’s workforce which was a result of the restructuring along with other cost savings initiatives, partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation.    

OTHER OPERATING COSTS

Other operating costs for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $2,676, or 57.0 percent, compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  This decrease is primarily due to the reduction in costs associated with maintaining idle facilities.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG LIVED ASSETS

For the year ended June 30, 2010, there were no impairments of long lived assets.  In fiscal 2009 material impairment charges were recorded in response to the losses incurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  We took actions to return to profitability and included significant changes to operations as discussed below.

Ingredient Solutions Segment. On October 20, 2008 we announced that we had signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire our flour requirements from a third party, were ceasing operations at our flour mill in Atchison, Kansas and were reducing our workforce by approximately 44 persons.  The workforce reduction consisted of a combination of temporary lay-offs and early retirement offers.  On November 6, we announced that the anticipated supply contract for flour had been signed, and the layoffs became permanent. Our decision to close our flour mill was due to the fact that we could no longer produce flour for our own use at costs that were competitive with those of third party producers.  As a result of this action, we performed an impairment analysis and recorded a $2,831 non-cash impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the second quarter of 2009 related to the flour mill assets.

On November 5, 2008 we announced plans to significantly reduce production of commodity wheat proteins and starches by ceasing protein and starch production operations at our Pekin, Illinois plant, effective November 12, 2008.  The majority of the Pekin facility’s protein and starch production consisted of gluten and commodity starches.  The action resulted in an additional work force reduction of approximately 80 persons, consisting of a combination of lay-offs and early retirement offers. As a result of the shutdown, we performed an impairment analysis and in the second quarter recorded a $4,960 non-cash impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the Pekin protein and starch assets.  On January 29, 2009, we determined to cease the manufacture and sale of personal care ingredients products at our Atchison facility. We completed the exit of the personal care line of products after fulfilling all obligations with respect to our personal care customers, completing all production and liquidating all remaining inventory.  As a result of this action, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 we incurred a non-cash impairment charge of $329 in the Consolidated Statements of Operation related to the write down of equipment used in the production of personal care products.

In measuring for impairment of assets at our flour mill and our Pekin facility’s protein and starch production facility, management assumed no sales or other disposition but instead adjusted net values of these assets to zero as no further cash flow related to these assets was anticipated.

Distillery Segment.    In November of 2008, we determined to curtail fuel alcohol production at Pekin to approximately 30 million gallons annually until market conditions became more favorable.  Subsequent to December 31, 2008, we determined that we could further adjust our production process at Pekin in a way that permitted us to produce only minor quantities of fuel grade alcohol as a by-product of the production of food grade alcohol and determined to otherwise terminate the production of fuel grade alcohol. Subsequently, we determined to shut down food grade production at the plant for a temporary period. On March 31, 2009, we announced that we were considering strategic options for the Pekin plant.  We performed an impairment analysis of our other long lived assets and determined no further impairment charges were necessary as a result of these activities.

 
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Other Segment.    At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we concluded that our pet business assets in the other segment and certain of our ingredient solutions segment assets in a mixed use facility in Kansas City, Kansas at which our pet treat resins are made were impaired.  At that time, we recorded an impairment charge of $8,100, of which $4,700 related to assets allocated to the Company’s other segment.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, management performed another test for impairment of these assets as a result of an appraisal resulting in a further charge of $811.  As part of our closing process for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we performed an additional impairment test based upon then ongoing negotiations for the sale of the Kansas City facility and recorded an additional impairment charge of $1,351.  On August 21, 2009, we completed the sale of our Kansas City, Kansas facility for $3,585.

SEVERANCE AND EARLY RETIREMENT COSTS

For the year ended June 30, 2010, no severance and early retirement costs were incurred.  In connection with the production changes and impairment of long-lived assets described above and in Note 9. Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets, we also incurred $3,288 in severance related charges associated with early retirements and job eliminations during the year ended June 30, 2009.  These charges have been presented in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Severance and early retirement costs.”

LOSS ON JOINT VENTURE FORMATION

Loss on joint venture formation for the year ended June 30, 2010 was $2,294 compared to $0 for the year ended June 30, 2009.  The components included $1,245 to adjust the book value of the Pekin plant balance sheet assets contributed to the joint venture to the implied value and $1,049 for professional fees associated with the transactions.  We reduced our loss by $753 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 related to the loss on joint venture formation when we recorded a settlement for the portion of the other post-retirement benefits obligation related to workers re-hired by ICP.
 
GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS

Gain on sale of assets for the year ended June 30, 2010 was $1,731 compared to $0 for the year ended June 30, 2009.  The components include a $917 gain related to the sale of protein and starch equipment from the Pekin facility, a $671 gain related to the sale of certain flour mill assets, a $100 gain on the sale of transport equipment and a $43 gain on other equipment.

 OTHER RESTRUCTURING COSTS

            For the year ended June 30, 2010, other restructuring costs decreased $5,241, or 100.0 percent.  In connection with the production changes and impairment of long-lived assets described in Note 9 Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets set forth in Item 8, we incurred a $2,185 net loss during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, which is net of approximately $1,109 in realized gains previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

In addition, during fiscal 2009 we recognized $2,925 in lease termination costs which we expected to incur with respect to rail cars which we formerly used to transport flour and whose leases expire through 2013. We recognized this expense because we no longer utilized these cars in our business.  Expected payments accrued reflect the net present value of the remaining obligation for unused cars net of units which were estimated to be returned to the lessor sooner than the lease termination date.  The discount rate used was 6.4 percent, which was consistent with the rate provided by our actuary.  We estimated that the remaining railcars would be returned to the lessor or assigned to other third parties over the course of four years.

 
44

 
During fiscal 2010, 53 railcars were returned to the lessor.  We expect the remaining 68 railcars will be returned during fiscal 2014.  Activity related to the liability for restructuring is further described in Note 9Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets set forth in Item 8.

OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income, net, increased $533, or 475.9 percent, for the year ended June 30, 2010 compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  This increase was primarily attributable to a non recurring reversal of account payable balances related to a prior period totaling $618, as further described in Note 1 Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies set forth in Item 8.  This increase was partially offset by changes in interest capitalized as well as the effect of certain other non-recurring revenue items.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $1,144 compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  This decrease arose from lower line of credit balances and other corporate borrowings compared to the same periods in the prior year, as a result of improvements in operating cash flow, proceeds from asset sales and income tax refunds.

EQUITY IN LOSS OF JOINT VENTURES

ICP

 On November 20, 2009, we completed a series of transactions whereby we contributed our Pekin plant to a newly-formed company, ICP, and then sold 50 percent of the membership interest in ICP to ICP Holdings, an affiliate of SEACOR Energy Inc., for a purchase price of $15,000 ($13,951 net of closing costs) as further described in Note 3 Investment in Joint Ventures set forth in Item 8.

 For the period from November 20, 2009 to June 30, 2010, ICP incurred a net loss of $4,051, primarily related to costs incurred as part of the initial implementation of operations.  As a 50 percent joint venture member, our portion of the loss was $2,026. 


D.M. Ingredients, GmbH (“DMI”)

            On July 17, 2007, we completed a transaction with Crespel and Deiters GmbH & Co. KG for the formation and financing of a joint venture, DMI, located in Ibbenburen, Germany.  DMI’s primary operation is the production of specialty ingredients for marketing by MGPI domestically and, through our partner and third parties, internationally.  Currently, the joint venture is utilizing a third party toller in the Netherlands to produce the products.  We own a 50 percent interest in DMI, and account for it using the equity method of accounting.  As of June 30, 2010, we had invested $571 in DMI since July 2007.

 For the year ended June 30, 2010, DMI incurred a net loss of $293 related to costs incurred as part of the initial implementation of operations.  No sales revenue was reported.  As a 50 percent joint venture member, our equity in this loss was $147 and $114 for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 DMI’s functional currency is the European Union Euro.  Accordingly, changes in the holding value of the Company’s investment in DMI resulting from changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the European Union Euro are recorded in other comprehensive income as a translation adjustment on unconsolidated foreign subsidiary net of deferred taxes.
 
 
45

 
INCOME TAXES

For the year ended June 30, 2010, we had an income tax benefit of $4,768, resulting in an effective rate of negative 120.1 percent.  For the year ended June 30, 2009, our income tax benefit was $12,788, for an effective rate of 15.6 percent.

For the year ended June 30, 2010, the effective rate differs from our statutory rate primarily due to changes in the federal and state valuation allowance and the benefit of a tax law change occurring during fiscal 2010.  Under the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was enacted during the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we became eligible to carry back net operating losses generated in our fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 to our five preceding tax years, instead of the two years allowed under previous tax law.  We filed a claim to carry an additional $11,900 of net operating loss back.  An income tax benefit of approximately $4,700 was recognized during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 related to this carry-back claim.  The cash refund associated with the carry-back claim was received during January 2010.  For further discussion on the deferred income tax valuation allowance, see Note 5 Income Taxes set forth in Item 8.

NET INCOME

As the result of the factors outlined above, we experienced net income of $8,738 for the year ended June 30, 2010, compared to a net loss of $69,123 for the year ended June 30, 2009.
 
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Our sales have not been seasonal during fiscal years 2011 and 2010.  The table below shows quarterly information for each of the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
Quarter
 
1st Quarter
   
2nd Quarter
   
3rd Quarter
   
4th Quarter
   
Total
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                             
Fiscal 2011(1)
                             
Net sales
  $ 56,978     $ 57,951     $ 64,188     $ 68,798     $ 247,915  
Gross profit (loss)
    10,354       8,792       6,519       (2,788 )     22,877  
Net income (loss)
    5,002       3,242       701       (10,258 )     (1,313 )
Earnings (loss) per share (diluted)(2)(6)
  $ 0.28     $ 0.18     $ 0.04     $ (0.58 )   $ (0.07 )
                                         
Fiscal 2010 (2)(3) (4)(5)
                                       
Net sales
  $ 50,249     $ 48,094     $ 49,269     $ 54,359     $ 201,971  
Gross profit (loss)
    9,837       8,510       4,967       7,230       30,544  
Net income (loss)
    3,738       4,778       (2,254 )     2,476       8,738  
Earnings (loss) per share (diluted)(2)(6)
  $ 0.22     $ 0.28     $ (0.14 )   $ 0.14     $ 0.51  
                                         

(1)
Net income for the first and second quarter of fiscal 2011 includes losses of $289 and $33, respectively, related to the disposition of certain machinery and equipment.
(2)
We adopted ASC 260 10 Earnings Per Share (formerly FSP-EITF 03-6-1) – Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities effective July 1, 2009.  The impacts for the non-vested restricted shares, which constitute a separate class of stock for accounting purposes, did not have a material impact and we did not apply the two class method in fiscal 2010.  In conjunction with the declaration of the dividend in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we reassessed our earnings per share calculation policy and determined to present the two-class method prospectively.  Amounts allocated to participating securities for fiscal 2010 were immaterial.           
(3)
Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 includes a $200 gain on the sale of certain flour mill assets and transport equipment.
(4)
Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 includes a $3,047 charge related to the loss on joint venture formation and a $500 gain on the sale of certain flour mill assets.  The second quarter of fiscal 2010 also included an out-of period adjustment related to a reduction of accounts payable that increased pretax income by $1,351. See (5) below related to the $3,047 charge.
 
 
46

 
(5)
Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 includes a $753 out-of-period adjustment related to a partial settlement and a curtailment of the other post-retirement plan which was a favorable impact to pretax income.  Had this adjustment been recorded in the proper quarter, pretax income would have been favorably impacted by $753 for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  This adjustment reduced the loss on joint venture formation recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 from $3,047 to $2,294.
 (6)
Earnings (loss) per share per quarter does not sum to total earnings (loss) per share due to rounding.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our principal uses of cash are for the cost of raw materials and energy used in our production processes, salaries, debt service obligations on our borrowings and capital expenditures.  Our principal sources of cash are revenues from the products we make and our revolving credit facility.
 
On June 28, 2011, we financed a major portion of the new water cooling towers and related equipment being installed at our Atchison facility to U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. for proceeds of $7,335.  The proceeds are included in cash as of June 30, 2011.  We also entered into a lease with U.S. Bancorp for this same equipment and we will make monthly payments under the lease of approximately $110 for 72 months.  The proceeds of $7,335 are treated as proceeds from issuance of long term debt. See “- Contractual Obligations” and Note 4. Corporate Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations set forth in Item 8 further discussion of this arrangement.
 
Under agreements that we made in March 2011 with a third party logistics company, that contracts with the transportation companies, fees are billed to us semiannually, on January 1st and July 1st of each calendar year for the previous six months.  We have five business days to pay in full these transportation fees.  We paid $4,792 for our first billing under this agreement on July 7, 2011.
 
On August 25, 2010 the Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.05 per common share.  The dividend will be paid on October 13, 2011 to common stockholder of record on September 15, 2011.

On August 26, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a five (5) cent dividend per share of common stock, payable to holders of record on September 15, 2010.  The $891 dividend was paid October 6, 2010.

On August 25, 2009, we were required to make a deposit of approximately $1,600 to our surety bond carrier.  This deposit secured our obligations under surety bonds maintained to meet regulatory requirements for distillery operations.  Funds for this deposit were borrowed under the terms of the Credit Agreement.  Also in August 2009, we received $325 as a deposit refund from a vendor.

As a result of losses incurred during fiscal years 2009, we received a tax refund of approximately $5,500 during October 2009, which was applied to our $11,614 note to CILCO.  During January 2010 we received an additional tax refund of approximately $4,700 resulting from changes in tax laws that enabled us to carry back losses to periods previously unavailable. For further information, see Note 5. Income Taxes set forth in Item 8.

We have budgeted $5,935 in routine capital expenditures over the next twelve months related to other improvements in and replacements of existing plant and equipment and information technology.  This amount does not include provision for the cost of relocating our Wheatex® production equipment if we are unable to renew the lease on our current production facility, which expires in August 2012.  As of June 30, 2011, we had contracts to acquire capital assets of approximately $549, of which $170 relates to our water cooling system project.
 
 
47

 
We expect our sources of cash to be adequate to provide for budgeted capital expenditures and anticipated operating requirements; however we have not determined the possible costs of relocating the Wheatex® facility or means of financing such a move.
 
The following table is presented as a measure of our liquidity and financial condition as of June 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 7,603     $ 6,369  
Working capital
    22,381       25,142  
Amounts available under lines of credit
    20,342       20,174  
Credit facility, notes payable and long-term debt
    14,065       2,771  
Stockholders’ equity
    75,198       72,784  

Certain components of our liquidity and financial results for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 8,843     $ 8,631     $ 11,946  
Capital expenditures
    12,775       2,062       2,069  
Cash flows from operations
    3,139       32,667       3,158  


CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
Summary cash flow information follows for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows provided by (used in):
                 
   Operating activities
  $ 3,139     $ 32,667     $ 3,158  
   Investing activities
    (12,775 )     16,043       (1,325 )
   Financing activities
    10,870       (42,519 )     (1,655 )
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    1,234       6,191       178  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    6,369       178       -  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 7,603     $ 6,369     $ 178  

During the year ended June 30, 2011, our consolidated cash increased $1,234 compared to an increase of $6,191 for the year ended June 30, 2010.  Operating cash flow deteriorated compared to the year ended June 30, 2010 as a result of a $10,051 decrease in earnings from net income of $8,738 for the year ended June 30, 2010 to a net loss of $1,313 for the year ended June 30, 2011 as well as a net increase in our operating assets and liabilities (excluding cash) of $7,417.  Cash outflows related to capital expenditures during the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to the year ended June 30, 2010 increased from $2,062 to $12,775, while proceeds from the disposition of property and proceeds from the sale of an interest in ICP both decreased.  During the year ended June 30, 2011, borrowings on debt exceeded payments on debt by $11,294, as compared to the year ended June 30, 2010 in which payments on debt exceeded borrowings by $42,485.

During the year ended June 30, 2010, our consolidated cash increased $6,191 compared to an increase of $178 during the year ended June 30, 2009.  Operating cash flow improved over the year ended June 30, 2009 primarily as a result of a $77,861 increase in earnings from a $69,123 net loss for the year ended June 30, 2009 to net income of $8,738 for the year ended June 30, 2010.  This increase was offset by smaller reductions in accounts receivable and inventory for the year ended June 30, 2010 compared to the year ended June 30, 2009.  Investing cash flows improved over the year ended June 30, 2009 primarily related to the sale of 50 percent of the membership interest in ICP.   Payments on our long-term debt and our line of credit resulted in a use of cash.

 
48

 
Operating Cash Flows.  Summary operating cash flow information for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, is as follows:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,313 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8,843       8,631       11,946  
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
    322       (1,731 )     (285 )
Share based compensation
    1,164       491       14  
Loss on joint venture formation
    -       2,294       -  
Loss on impairment of assets
    -       -       10,282  
Deferred income taxes
    -       -       (7,217 )
 Equity in loss of joint ventures
    1,540       2,173       114  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Restricted cash
    (57 )     (768 )     (200 )
Receivables, net
    (10,170 )     729       15,684  
Inventory
    (301 )     2,766       42,456  
Prepaid expenses
    316       (537 )     (1,130 )
Accounts payable
    5,907       1,439       (3,063 )
Accounts payable to affiliate, net
    1,215       4,951       -  
Accrued expenses
    (3,111 )     1,871       (694 )
Deferred credit
    (881 )     (811 )     (846 )
Refundable income taxes
    53       5,467       2,525  
Accrued retirement  health and life insurance benefits and other noncurrent liabilities
    (659 )     (3,277 )     4,968  
Gains previously deferred in other comprehensive income
    -       -       (2,149 )
Other
    271       241       (124 )
           Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 3,139     $ 32,667     $ 3,158  

Cash flow from operations for the year ended June 30, 2011,decreased $29,528 to $3,139 from $32,667 for the year ended June 30, 2010, and was impacted by reduced earnings and the timing of cash receipts and disbursements.  This decrease in operating cash flow was primarily the result of a decrease in earnings, increases in receivables and inventory, a decrease in accrued expenses, and smaller year-over-year decrease in accounts payable to affiliates.   Earnings decreased by $10,051 from $8,738 of net income for the year ended June 30, 2010 to a net loss of $1,313 for the year ended June 30, 2011.  The increases in receivables and inventory relate to higher sales and costs of production for June 2011 compared to June 2010, whereas the decrease in accrued expenses and the smaller year-over-year decrease in accounts payable to affiliates relate primarily to timing of payments. Receivables increased $10,170 for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to a decrease of $729 for the year ended June 30, 2010.  Inventory increased $301 for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to a decrease of $2,766 for the year ended June 30, 2010, which is consistent with our volume of raw materials for corn and flour.  Accrued expenses decreased $3,111 for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to an increase of $1,871 for year ended June 30, 2010.  Accounts payable to affiliates increased $1,215 for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to an increase of $4,951 for the year ended June 30, 2010.

These factors, which served to decrease operating cash flow, were partially offset by the following:

 
·
For the year ended June 30, 2011, an increase in accounts payable generated $5,907 of positive cash flows compared to $1,439 for the year ended June 30, 2010;
 
·
For the year ended June 30, 2011, an increase in accrued retiree benefits used $659 of operating cash flows compared to a use of $3,277 for the year ended June 30, 2010.

 
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Cash flow from operations for the year ended June 30, 2010 increased $29,509 to $32,667 from $3,158 for the year ended June 30, 2009.  This increase in operating cash flow was primarily the result of a $77,861 increase in earnings, from a $69,123 net loss for the year ended June 30, 2009 to net income of $8,738 for the year ended June 30, 2010.  Deferred income taxes had a $0 non-cash impact on net income for the year ended June 30, 2010 compared to a $7,217 non-cash reduction to net loss for the year ended June 30, 2009.  Other factors resulting in an increase in operating cash flows was a $12,018 combined increase in accounts payables, accounts payable to affiliate, net and accrued expenses to $8,261 for the year ended June 30, 2010 compared to ($3,757) for the year ended June 30, 2009.  The increase in accounts payable resulted from our return to normal credit terms with suppliers as a result of our improved financial condition.  The increase in accounts payable to affiliate, net results from our operations with ICP. The increase in accrued expenses is primarily the result of an increase in accrued bonuses.

These factors, which served to improve operating cash flow, were partially offset by the following:

 
·
For the year ended June 30, 2010, inventory reductions generated positive operating cash flow of $2,766 compared to $42,456 for the year ended June 30, 2009 when we reduced a significant inventory buildup from the prior year;
 
·
For the year ended June 30, 2010, accounts receivable declined relatively less, generating positive operating flow of $729 compared to $15,684 for the year ended June 30, 2009;
 
·
For the year ended June 30, 2010, accrued retiree benefits and other non-current liabilities decreased, resulting in a use of cash of $3,277 compared to the year ended June 30, 2009, which generated positive operating cash flow of $4,968; and
 
·
An adjustment to net loss for the year ended June 30, 2009 for a non-cash impairment charge of $10,282.

Investing Cash Flows.  Net investing cash outflow for the year ended June 30, 2011 was $12,775 compared to cash provided by investing activities of $16,043 for the year ended June 30, 2010.  During the year ended June 30, 2011, we made capital investments of $12,775.  During the year ended June 30, 2010, we made capital investments of $2,062 and had proceeds from the sale of an interest in ICP of $13,951, net of closing costs, as well as proceeds from the sale of property of $5,367, net of closing costs.

Net investing cash flow for the year ended June 30, 2010 was $16,043 compared to a cash outflow of $1,325 for the year ended June 30, 2009 for a net increase of $17,368 in investing cash flows.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, we received net proceeds of $13,951 related to the sale of a 50 percent membership interest in ICP.  Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment for the year ended June 30, 2010 increased $4,623 to $5,367 from $744 for the year ended June 30, 2009.    These increases were partially offset by a $1,213 investment in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries for the year ended June 30, 2010.

Financing Cash Flows.  Net financing cash flow for the year ended June 30, 2011 was $10,870 compared to a cash outflow of $42,519 for the year ended June 30, 2010, for a net increase in financing cash flow of $53,564.  This increase in cash flow was primarily the result of the following:
 
·
Net borrowings of $4,658 under our operating line of credit for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to net payments of $18,138 for the year ended June 30, 2010.
 
·
Net borrowings on long-term debt of $6,636 for the year ended June 30, 2011 compared to net payments of $24,347 for the year ended June 30, 2010.   On June 28, 2011 we entered into a capital lease for the water cooling towers and related equipment with proceeds of $7,335.

Net financing cash outflow for the year ended June 30, 2010 was $42,519 compared to net financing cash outflow of $1,655 for the year ended June 30, 2009 for a net increase in cash outflow of $40,864.  This increase in cash outflow was primarily the result of the following:
 
·
Net payments on the line of credit of $18,138 for the year ended June 30, 2010, compared to net payments of $5,167 for the year ended June 30, 2009.
 
 
50

 
 
·
Proceeds from long-term debt for the year ended June 30, 2010 decreased $5,318 to $2,032 from $7,350 for the year ended June 30, 2009.
 
·
Principal payments on long-term debt for the year ended June 30, 2010 increased $22,603 to $26,379 from $3,776 for the year ended June 30, 2009.
 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 
For the year ended June 30, 2011, we made capital investments of approximately $14,581, of which $12,775 was a use of cash and $1,806 remained payable at June 30, 2011.  The primary investments were the flour mill site, the SAP computer system, and the water cooling system project as further described below. For the year ended June 30, 2010, we incurred $2,062 in capital expenditures, primarily related to production and capacity upgrades.  For the year ended June 30, 2009, we incurred $2,069 in capital expenditures, primarily related to production and capacity upgrades.  We also made improvements to our information technology property and data center in both years.

On October 20, 2010 our Board of Directors approved a project to upgrade our protein and starch plant infrastructure.  The upgrades primarily involved interior and exterior renovations to the facility, as well as the redesign of certain protein and starch processing equipment, at a cost of approximately $2,500.  The upgrades will allow us to maintain high quality standards and increase our production efficiency.  The project began in October 2010 and was completed in the latter half of fiscal 2011.

 In addition, in fiscal 2011 we began work on a major capital project designed to provide environmental benefits at our Atchison, Kansas distillery while also enhancing alcohol production capabilities.  The project involved the installation of a new, state-of-the art water cooling system to replace older equipment used to supply water for multiple components of the distillation process.  It was substantially completed as of June 30, 2011 and completed during July 2011 at a cost of approximately $9,356.
 
We are limited to annual capital expenditures of $8,000 by the revolving credit facility, but this excludes capital expenditures made for the replacement and or upgrade of our existing water cooling facility.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
 
Our contractual obligations at June 30, 2011 are as follows:
 
   
12-month period ending June 30, *
 
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
                                           
Long term debt (1)
  $ 283     $ 305     $ 327     $ 352     $ 249     $ -     $ 1,516  
Capital leases (2)
    1,422       1,384       1,266       1,228       1,261       1,330       7,891  
Operating leases
    2,571       2,035       1,165       470       470       156       6,867  
Post-retirement benefits
    698       643       556       474       479       3,147       5,997  
Defined benefit retirement plan
     154        131        208       232        186       1,342       2,253  
Open purchase commitments (3)
     7,884       141        -       -        -       -       8,025  
                                                         
Total
  $ 13,012     $ 4,639     $ 3,522     $ 2,756     $ 2,645     $ 5,975     $ 32,549  
*As described in Note 20.  Subsequent Events, the Company has changed its year end to December 31.  The change will be effective at the start of calendar 2012.  The above obligations are shown for the 12-month periods ending June 30.
 
 
(1)
Long term debt at June 30, 2011 included the following:
 
 
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(a)
Union State Bank – Bank of Atchison promissory note dated July 20, 2009 in the initial principal amount of $2,000 secured by a mortgage and security interest on our Atchison plant and related equipment.  The note bears interest at 6 percent over the three year treasury index, adjustable quarterly, and is payable in 84 monthly installments of $32, with any balance due on the final installment.  At June 30, 2011, $1,516 was outstanding under the note.
 
 
(b)
On July 21, 2009, we entered a new revolving Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.  The Credit and Security Agreement has been amended by consents dated August 19, 2009, December 21, 2009, December 31, 2009 and February 2, 2010 as well as by a First Amendment (“First Amendment”) dated June 30, 2010 and a Second Amendment “Second Amendment” dated January 20, 2011 (as so amended, the “Credit Agreement”).  The Credit Agreement, which matures in July 2012, generally provides for a Maximum Line of Credit of $25,000, subject to borrowing base limitations and availability maintenance requirements.  At June 30, 2011, our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement were $4,658.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, payable monthly, at a variable rate equal to Daily Three Month LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3%, based on our Debt Coverage Ratio.  During a default period, the interest rate may be increased to the Daily Three Month LIBOR plus 6 percent at the lender’s discretion. The Credit Agreement provides for minimum interest of $146 in fiscal 2011 and $75 annually thereafter, an unused line fee of .25 percent per annum (which will apply against minimum interest charges) and origination fees, letter of credit fees and other administrative fees.  If we terminate the facility prior to the maturity date or the lender terminates during a default period, there is a prepayment fee of 3 percent if the termination occurs prior to the first anniversary date, declining to 1 percent if the termination occurs after the second anniversary of the initial funding. The Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in substantially all of our personal property and by mortgages or leasehold mortgages on our facilities in Atchison and Onaga.  The lender may terminate or accelerate our obligations under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence of various events in addition to payment defaults and other breaches, including such matters as over advances arising from reductions in the borrowing base, certain changes in the Board, failure to pay taxes when due, defaults under other material debt, lease or other contracts and our CEO ceasing to be actively engaged in the Company’s day to day business activities and the Company shall fail to hire a successor acceptable to the lender in 90 days.
 
Pursuant to the Second Amendment, among other matters Well Fargo agreed to amend the Credit Agreement in several material respects, as described elsewhere, and summarized as follows:

 
·
the floating rate of interest applicable to outstanding borrowings was reduced from daily three month LIBOR plus 5% to daily three month LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3%, based on the our Debt Coverage Ratio; as a result, the maximum default rate has been reduced from daily three month LIBOR plus 8.5% to daily three month LIBOR plus 6%;

 
·
minimum interest charges were reduced from $650 in fiscal 2011 and $500 annually thereafter to $146 in fiscal year 2011 and $75 thereafter; unused line fees, which are reduced to 0.25% per annum, will apply against minimum interest charges;

 
·
the amount of capital expenditures which we may incur without bank consent was increased from $4,500 to $8,000 annually (this limitation does not apply to expenditures for the previously announced improvements to our water cooling facilities);

 
52

 
 
·
a new provision was added requiring the us to maintain average availability under the Credit Agreement of not less than $5,000, measured over the then trailing 30-day period as further described in “- Line of Credit” below;

 
·
the minimum debt service coverage ratio that the we are required to maintain has been increased from 1.15 to 1 as of the end of each fiscal year to 1.25 to 1 as of the end of each fiscal quarter from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, and thereafter on a trailing 12 month basis;  the method of calculating debt service coverage ratio is further described in “- Financial Covenants” below;

 
·
a new stop loss provision has been added to replace the former  minimum net income requirement;  this stop loss provision restricts the amount of net loss which we may incur to $2,000 in any one month and $4,000 in any consecutive three month period, each commencing November 2010;  for this purpose, "net loss" includes extraordinary losses but excludes extraordinary gains, unrealized gains and losses from hedging activities and non cash income or losses from joint ventures and is also described in “-Financial Covenants” below;

 
·
the provision restricting dividends has been modified so that in order to pay dividends, we must have paid all accounts payable that remain unpaid more than thirty days after the due date instead of the invoice date;

 
·
new provisions permit us to make investments and acquisitions of $1,000 ($5,000 in the aggregate) without bank consent, subject to the Company having availability under the Credit Agreement of $10,000 after giving effect to the investment; and

 
·
time frames for providing the bank with certain reports have been relaxed.

 Capital lease obligations at June 30, 2011 include the following:

 
(a)
In connection with improvements made to the Company’s data center, $1,200 in costs incurred during development of the system have been funded by Winthrop Resources Corporation and CSI Leasing, Inc. under various capital lease agreements with rates ranging from 0.61 percent to 7.91 percent.  These agreements, which are unsecured, have maturities ranging from July, 2010 to October, 2013.

 
(b)
We financed $71 in equipment purchases through a capital lease with Delage Corporation at 6.89 percent.  This capital lease is secured by the equipment purchased and matures in October, 2011.

 
(c)
On June 28, 2011, we sold a major portion of the new process water cooling towers and related equipment being installed at our Atchison facility to U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. for approximately $7,335 and leased them from U.S Bancorp pursuant to a Master Lease Agreement and related Schedule.  Monthly rentals under the lease are $110 (plus applicable sales/use taxes, if any) and continue for 72 months, with interest at a rate of 2.61%.  We may purchase the leased property after 60 months for approximately $1,328 and at the end of the term for fair market value.   Under the terms of the Master Lease, we are responsible for property taxes and assume responsibility for insuring and all risk of loss or damage to the property.  Given this continuing involvement, we have treated this as a financing transaction.  The lessor may, at its option, extend the lease for specified periods after the end of the term if we fail to exercise our purchase option.  

 
53

 
Obligations under the Master Lease may be accelerated if an event of default occurs and continues for 10 days.   In addition to payment defaults and breaches of representations and covenants, events of default include defaults under any other agreement with lessor or payment default under any obligation.  In such event, among other matters, lessor may cancel the Master Lease, take possession of the property and seek to recover the present value of future rentals, the residual value of the property and the value of lost tax benefits.

Lenders having liens on the Atchison facility, including its revolving credit lender, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, entered into mortgagee's waivers with respect to the leased property.

 
(3)
Purchase Commitments at June 30, 2011 included the following:
 
 
(a)
Commitments ($1,070) to purchase corn to be used in our operations during the first four weeks of July 2011.
 
 
(b)
Commitment ($6,406) to purchase natural gas through July 2012.
 
 
(c)
Commitments ($549) related to capital expenditures, of which $170 relates to the water cooling system project.
 
LINE OF CREDIT
 
Reference is made to Note 4. Corporate Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations and above for information on our Credit Agreement. On January 20, 2011 we entered a Second Amendment (“Second Amendment”) to the Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank National Association (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”).  The Second Amendment affected various provisions of our Credit Agreement, including those related to interest, minimum interest, amount of borrowings that we can make and covenants that we must meet.
 
The amount of borrowings which we may make is subject to borrowing base and availability maintenance limitations.  As of June 30, 2011, after giving effect to the Second Amendment, our outstanding borrowings under this facility were $4,658, leaving $20,342 available for additional borrowings (before giving effect to the $5,000 availability maintenance requirements described in “Financial Covenants” below, which result in $15,342 available for additional borrowings).  The borrowing base is the lesser of the maximum line amount or an amount based on specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories less specified reserves.  The lender has discretion under the Credit Agreement to change the manner in which the borrowing base is determined, such as altering the advance rates applicable to accounts receivable and inventory or changing reserve amounts.
 
 
54

 
FINANCIAL COVENANTS
 
Under the Credit Agreement, we must meet a stop loss provision, which restricts to $2,000 the amount of net loss we may incur in any one month and to $4,000 in any consecutive three month period (for this purpose, "net loss" means after-tax net loss from continuing operations including extraordinary losses but excluding extraordinary gains, unrealized gains and losses from hedging activities and non cash income or losses from joint ventures).  We must maintain an average availability of not less than $5,000 (measured over the then trailing 30-day period), are limited in the amount of capital expenditures we may make annually to $8,000 (excluding capital expenditures made for the replacement and or upgrade of the Company’s existing water cooling facility), and must meet as of fiscal year end a minimum debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.0.  The ratio is calculated as:

(a) the sum of:
 
(i)
funds from operations (net income plus depreciation and amortization, plus or minus increases or decreases in deferred income taxes and LIFO reserves, plus other non-cash items)
 
(ii) 
plus interest expense
 
(iii) 
minus non-cash income from investments in our joint ventures
 
(iv) 
plus non-cash losses from investments in our joint ventures
 
(v) 
minus unfinanced capital expenditures
 
(vi) 
minus dividends and distributions paid by us during the current test period
 
(vii) 
minus cash contributions into joint ventures by us during the current test period

divided by

(b) the sum of:
 
(i) 
current maturities of long term debt and
 
(ii) 
interest expense.

The Credit Agreement also includes provisions that limit or restrict our ability to:
 
·
incur additional indebtedness;
 
·
pay dividends to stockholders or purchase stock;
 
·
make investments or acquisitions in excess of $1,000 ($5,000 in aggregate)
 
·
dispose of assets;
 
·
make capital expenditures;
 
·
create liens on our assets; or merge or consolidate; and
 
·
increase certain salaries and bonuses.

We were in compliance with the covenants in the Credit Agreement at June 30, 2011.

The lender has significant lending discretion under the Credit Agreement; it may modify our borrowing base and various components thereof in its reasonable discretion, thereby affecting the amount of credit available to us. The lender may terminate or accelerate our obligations under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence of various events in addition to payment defaults and other breaches, including such matters as over advances arising from reductions in the borrowing base, certain changes in the Board, failure to pay taxes when due, defaults under other material debt, lease or other contracts and our CEO ceasing to be actively engaged in our day to day business activities if we fail to hire a successor acceptable to the lender within 90 days. 
 
 
55

 
OFF BALANCE SHEET OBLIGATIONS
 
Arrangement with Cargill.  We have entered a business alliance with Cargill, Incorporated for the production and marketing of a new resistant starch derived from high amylose corn. We sold only an insignificant amount of the product, and the agreement with Cargill does not appear to be significant at this time.  If we terminate the arrangement before the expiration of 18 months following certain force majeure events affecting Cargill, or if Cargill terminates the arrangement because of a breach by us of our obligations, we will be required to pay a portion (up to 50 percent) of the book value of capital expenditures made by Cargill to enable it to produce the product. This amount will not exceed $2,500 without our consent. Upon the occurrence of any such event, we also will be required to give Cargill a non-exclusive sublicense to use the patented process for the life of the patent in the production of high amylose corn-based starches for use in food products. The sublicense would be royalty bearing, provided we were not also then making the high amylose corn-based starch.
 
Corn Supply Contract.  We purchase our corn requirements through a single elevator company.  If we fail to purchase at least 13 million bushels each 12 months, we must pay the elevator company $0.03 per bushel for each bushel less than 13 million purchased.  The elevator company may terminate if we fail to purchase the specified minimums, in which case we would be obligated to pay the elevator company $260 plus the costs incurred by the elevator company in contracting with a different customer for the delivery of corn purchased for us pursuant to our previously issued delivery orders.  Our practice has been to only order corn for a month at a time.  We are on pace to exceed the minimum requirement.

Industrial Revenue Bond.  On December 28, 2006, we engaged in an industrial revenue bond transaction with the City of Atchison, Kansas in order to receive ten-year real property tax abatement on our newly constructed office building and technical center in Atchison, Kansas. At the time of this transaction, the facilities were substantially completed and had been financed with internally generated cash flow.  We recorded the office building and technical center assets into property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets.  Pursuant to this transaction, the City issued $7,000 principal amount of its industrial revenue bonds to us and then used the proceeds to purchase the office building and technical center from us.  The City then leased the facilities back to us under a capital lease, the terms of which provide for the payment of basic rent in an amount sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds.  Our obligation to pay rent under the lease is in the same amount and due on the same date as the City’s obligation to pay debt service on the bonds which we hold. The lease permits us to present the bonds at any time for cancellation, upon which our obligation to pay basic rent would be cancelled.  We do not intend to do this until their maturity date in 2016, at which time we may elect to purchase the facilities for $100.  Because we own all outstanding bonds, management considers the debt de-facto cancelled and, accordingly, no amount for our obligations under the capital lease is reflected on our balance sheet.  In connection with this transaction, we agreed to pay the city an administrative fee of $50, which is payable over 10 years.  If we were to present the bonds for cancellation prior to maturity, the $50 fee would be accelerated.
 
Indemnification Arrangement with ICP and ICP Holdings.  Our Contribution Agreement with ICP and the LLC Interest Purchase Agreement with ICP Holdings require us to indemnify ICP and ICP Holdings from and against any damages or liabilities arising from a breach of our  representations and warranties in the Contribution Agreement and the LLC Interest Purchase Agreement  and also with respect to certain environmental damages or liabilities related to the recommencement of production at the Pekin plant or to operations at the Pekin plant prior to the closing of the LLC Interest Purchase Agreement.  The amount of damages, with the exception of taxes and environmental matters, is limited to a maximum of $30,000.
 
ICP Steam Facility.  On January 29, 2010, ICP acquired for $5,000 the existing steam facility that services the Pekin plant.  Based on ICP’s working capital position, it was determined that ICP would fund a portion of this commitment.  On January 19, 2011 ICP funded $1,000 of the purchase price.  The Company and ICP Holdings each remain committed to fund the remaining balance of $2,000 over the next year.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 18. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements set forth in Item 8.

 
56

 
ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Commodity Costs.  We make our products primarily from flour and corn and, as such, are subject to market risk due to changes in commodity prices.  We utilize long-term contracts with suppliers as well as derivative instruments, which we mark to market, to mitigate some of these risks.  Our derivative instruments include a combination of forward purchases and exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts.  We trade on the Kansas City and Chicago Boards of Trade and the New York Mercantile Board of Exchange.  Historically, we have included the fair values of open contracts in inventories.
 
At June 30, 2011, we had open net derivative contracts to purchase 3,850,000 bushels of corn through March 2012, at a weighted average price trade price of $5.98.  At June 30, 2010, we had open net derivative contracts to purchase 1,500,000 bushels of corn at a weighted average trade price of $3.53.

Our commodity price hedging instruments generally relate to contracted firm-priced business.  Based on our overall commodity hedge exposure at June 30, 2011, a hypothetical 10 percent decline in market prices applied to the fair value of the instruments would result in an increase to cost of sales of approximately $2,300.  It should be noted that any change in the fair value of the contracts, real or hypothetical, would be substantially offset by an inverse change in the value of the underlying hedged item.

See Note 15. Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements set forth in Item 8 for further discussion on the volatility of corn futures as of June 30, 2011.

Interest Rate Exposures.  Our loan from Union State Bank – Bank of Atchison bears interest at 6% over the three year treasury index, adjusted quarterly.  Our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, as amended January 20, 2011, provides for interest at a variable rate equal to daily three month LIBOR plus applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.0% (2.0% at June 30, 2011); the default rate is the daily three month LIBOR plus 6%, in the lender’s discretion.  Increases in market interest rates would cause interest expense to increase and earnings before income taxes to decrease. The change in interest expense and earnings before income taxes would be dependent upon the weighted average outstanding borrowings during the reporting period following an increase in market interest rates. Based on weighted average outstanding borrowings at June 30, 2011, a 100 basis point increase over the non-default rates actually in effect at such date would increase our interest expense on an annualized basis by $32.
 
 
57

 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The management of MGP Ingredients, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f).  Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
 
 With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result of this assessment, management has concluded that the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2010 was effective.
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
 
MGP Ingredients, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2011. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the accompanying financial statement schedule, Schedule II – Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2011. We also have audited MGP Ingredients, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2011, based on Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). MGP Ingredients, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assertion of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, and an opinion on MGP Ingredients, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
 
 
58

 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the accompanying financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, MGP Ingredients, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
Kansas City, Missouri
September 2, 2011

 
59

 
MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 247,915     $ 201,971     $ 291,812  
Cost of sales (a)
    225,038       171,427       325,914  
Gross profit (loss)
    22,877       30,544       (34,102 )
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    21,157       20,708       21,401  
Other operating costs
    504       2,018       4,694  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    -       -       10,282  
Severance and early retirement costs
    -       -       3,288  
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
    322       (1,731 )     -  
Loss on joint venture formation
    -       2,294       -  
Other restructuring costs
    249       -       5,241  
Income (loss) from operations
    645       7,255       (79,008 )
                         
Other income, net
    8       645       112  
Interest expense
    (358 )     (1,757 )     (2,901 )
Equity in loss of joint ventures
    (1,540 )     (2,173 )     (114 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,245 )     3,970       (81,911 )
                         
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    68       (4,768 )     (12,788 )
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,313 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )
                         
Per Share Data
                       
Total basic earnings (loss)  per common share
  $ (0.07 )   $ 0.52     $ (4.17 )
Total diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.07 )   $ 0.51     $ (4.17 )
                         
  Dividends per common share
  $ 0.05     $ -     $ -  
 
 
(a)
Includes related party purchases of $57,482, $17,342 and $0 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
60

 
MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS
 
Current Assets
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 7,603     $ 6,369  
  Restricted cash
    1,028       971  
  Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts:
               
  June 30, 2011 - $118 and June 30, 2010 - $155)
    27,844       17,674  
  Inventory
    14,825       14,524  
  Prepaid expenses
    1,201       1,517  
  Deposits
    595       733  
  Deferred income taxes
    3,740       6,267  
  Refundable income taxes
    525       578  
Total current assets
    57,361       48,633  
 
               
Property and equipment, at cost
    165,365       165,599  
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (102,115 )     (107,994 )
Property and equipment, net
    63,250       57,605  
                 
Investment in joint ventures
    12,575       14,266  
Other assets
    445       633  
Total assets
  $ 133,631     $ 121,137  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Current Liabilities
               
  Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 1,705     $ 689  
  Revolving credit facility
    4,658       -  
  Accounts payable
    18,052       10,341  
  Accounts payable to affiliate, net
    6,166       4,951  
  Accrued expenses
    4,399       7,510  
Total current liabilities
    34,980       23,491  
                 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    7,702       2,082  
Deferred credit
    4,498       5,379  
Accrued retirement health and life insurance benefits
    6,498       8,170  
Other non current liabilities
    1,015       2,964  
Deferred income taxes
    3,740       6,267  
Total liabilities
    58,433       48,353  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies – See Notes 7 and 14
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
  Capital stock
               
    Preferred, 5% non-cumulative; $10 par value; authorized 1,000
               
    shares; issued and outstanding 437 shares
    4       4  
  Common stock
               
    No par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued 19,530,344  shares at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively; 17,905,767 and 17,519,614 shares outstanding at June 30, 2011and 2010, respectively
    6,715       6,715  
  Additional paid-in capital
    7,473       7,606  
  Retained earnings
    69,224       71,428  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (15 )     (2,827 )
  Treasury stock, at cost
               
    Common; 2011 – 1,624,577 shares, 2010 – 2,010,730 shares
    (8,203 )     (10,142 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    75,198       72,784  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 133,631     $ 121,137  

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
61

 
MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
                   
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,313 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by  operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    8,843       8,631       11,946  
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
    322       (1,731 )     (285 )
Share based compensation
    1,164       491       14  
Loss on joint venture formation
    -       2,294       -  
Loss on impairment of assets
    -       -       10,282  
Deferred income taxes
    -       -       (7,217 )
Equity in loss of joint ventures
    1,540       2,173       114  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Restricted cash
    (57 )     (768 )     (200 )
Receivables, net
    (10,170 )     729       15,684  
Inventory
    (301 )     2,766       42,456  
Prepaid expenses
    316       (537 )     (1,130 )
Accounts payable
    5,907       1,439       (3,063 )
Accounts payable to affiliate, net
    1,215       4,951       -  
Accrued expenses
    (3,111 )     1,871       (694 )
Deferred credit
    (881 )     (811 )     (846 )
Refundable income taxes
    53       5,467       2,525  
Accrued retirement health and life insurance benefits and other noncurrent liabilities
    (659 )     (3,277 )     4,968  
Gains previously deferred in other comprehensive income
    -       -       (2,149 )
Other
    271       241       (124 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,139       32,667       3,158  
                         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                       
Additions to property and equipment
    (12,775 )     (2,062 )     (2,069 )
Investments in/ advances to joint ventures
    -       (1,213 )     -  
Proceeds from sale of interest in joint venture, net
    -       13,951       -  
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
    -       5,367       744  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (12,775 )     16,043       (1,325 )
                         
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
                       
Payment of dividends
    (891 )     -       -  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (33 )     (26 )     (34 )
Proceeds from stock plans
    48       -       12  
Exercise of stock options
    452       221       -  
Loan fees incurred with borrowings
    -       (229 )     -  
Tax effect of restricted stock awards
    -       -       (40 )
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    7,335       2,032       7,350  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (699 )     (26,379 )     (3,776 )
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    317,179       214,305       156,980  
Principal payments on revolving credit facility
    (312,521 )     (232,443 )     (162,147 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    10,870       (42,519 )     (1,655 )
                         
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    1,234       6,191       178  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    6,369       178       -  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 7,603     $ 6,369     $ 178  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
62

 
MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Capital
Stock
Preferred
   
Issued
Common
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, July 1, 2008
  $ 4     $ 6,715     $ 9,838     $ 131,813     $ 1,515     $ (13,011 )   $ 136,874  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                       
  Net loss
                            (69,123 )                     (69,123 )
  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (loss)
                                    (2,149 )             (2,149 )
  Change in pension plans
                                    (778 )             (778 )
  Change in other post employment benefits
                                    (872 )             (872 )
  Translation adjustment on unconsolidated foreign subsidiary
                                    (27 )             (27 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -       (69,123 )     (3,826 )     -       (72,949 )
Options exercised
                    (2 )                     12       10  
Share-based compensation
                    16                               16  
Tax effect of share-based compensation
                    (38 )                             (38 )
Stock plan shares issued from treasury, net of forfeitures
                    (2,936 )                     2,936       -  
Stock shares repurchased
                                            (29 )     (29 )
Balance, June 30, 2009
  $ 4     $ 6,715     $ 6,878     $ 62,690     $ (2,311 )   $ (10,092 )   $ 63,884  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
  Net income
                            8,738                       8,738  
  Change in pension plans
                                    (291 )             (291 )
  Change in other post employment benefits
                                    (210 )             (210 )
  Translation adjustment on unconsolidated foreign subsidiary
                                    (15 )             (15 )
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -       8,738       (516 )     -       8,222  
Options exercised
                    (58 )                     279       221  
Share-based compensation
                    491                               491  
Stock plan shares issued from treasury, net of forfeitures
                    295                       (303 )     (8 )
Stock shares repurchased
                                            (26 )     (26 )
Balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 4     $ 6,715     $ 7,606     $ 71,428     $ (2,827 )   $ (10,142 )   $ 72,784  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
  Net loss
                            (1,313 )                     (1,313 )
  Change in pension plans
                                    1,257               1,257  
  Change in other post employment benefits
                                    1,535               1,535  
  Translation adjustment on unconsolidated foreign subsidiary
                                    20               20  
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -       (1,313 )     2,812       -       1,499  
Options exercised
                    53                       622       675  
Dividends paid
                            (891 )                     (891 )
Share-based compensation
                    1,164                               1,164  
Stock plan shares issued from treasury, net of forfeitures
                    (1,350 )                     1,350       -  
Stock shares repurchased
                                            (33 )     (33 )
Balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 4     $ 6,715     $ 7,473     $ 69,224     $ (15 )   $ (8,203 )   $ 75,198  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
63

 
MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

NOTE 1:
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company. MGP Ingredients, Inc. (“MGPI” or the “Company”) processes flour and corn into a variety of products through an integrated production process.  The Company is a producer of certain distillery and ingredients products derived from grain and has three reportable segments: distillery products, ingredient solutions, and other. The distillery products segment consists of food grade alcohol, along with fuel grade alcohol, and distillers feed, which are co-products of our distillery operations.  The ingredient solutions segment products primarily consist of specialty starches, specialty proteins, commodity starches and commodity vital wheat gluten.  Mill by-products, consisting primarily of mill feeds or “midds,” had also been included in this segment but were discontinued with the shutdown of our wheat flour milling operations at the Atchison, Kansas plant in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  The other segment products are comprised of plant-based biopolymers and wood-based composite resins manufactured through the further processing of certain of our proteins and starches and wood. Prior to the sale of its Kansas City facility in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the other segment also included the production and packing of pet-related products, which principally included extruded plant-based resins and finished pet treats.  For restructuring activity completed in fiscal 2009, see Note 9. Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets.
 
The Company sells its products on normal credit terms to customers in a variety of industries located primarily throughout the United States and Japan.  The Company operates a plant in Atchison, Kansas and formerly operated a plant in Pekin, Illinois, which the Company temporarily closed during fiscal 2009.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, through a series of transactions, the Company formed a new 50 percent joint venture by contributing its former Pekin, Illinois plant to a newly formed company, Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (“ICP”), and then sold a 50 percent interest in ICP.  The Company purchases food grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP.  The Company produces textured wheat proteins through a toll manufacturing arrangement at a facility in Kansas City, Kansas, which it operated prior to its sale in August 2009, and operates a facility in Onaga, Kansas for the production of plant-based biopolymers and wood composites.

Use of Estimates.  The financial reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The application of certain of these policies places significant demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.  For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop as forecast, and estimates routinely require adjustment and may require material adjustment.
 
Principles of Consolidation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents.  Short-term liquid investments with an initial maturity of 90 days or less are considered cash equivalents.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value due to the relatively short maturity of these instruments.    At various points in time during the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, cash balances exceeded limits established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
 
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Restricted Cash.  The Company segregates certain interest bearing cash accounts in accordance with commodity exchange requirements.  Restricted cash consists of interest bearing clearing accounts on deposit with and pledged to the Company’s broker for exchange-traded commodity instruments.
 
Receivables.  Receivables are stated at the amounts billed to customers.  The Company provides an allowance for estimated doubtful accounts.  This allowance is based upon a review of outstanding receivables, historical collection information and existing economic conditions.  Accounts receivable are ordinarily due 30 days after the issuance of the invoice.  Receivables are considered delinquent after 30 days past the due date.  These delinquent receivables are monitored and are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon an evaluation of individual circumstances of the customer.  Account balances are written off after collection efforts have been made and potential recovery is considered remote.
 
Inventory.  Inventory includes finished goods, raw materials in the form of agricultural commodities used in the production process and certain maintenance and repair items.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
 
Derivative Instruments.  The Company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to offset exposure to market risk in commodity prices, primarily for corn, which is a key component in the Company’s operations.  The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities at their fair values.  Accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on its designation and effectiveness.  Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the instrument and the related change in value of the underlying commitment.  For derivatives that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes, the change in fair value has no net impact on earnings, to the extent the derivative is considered effective, until the hedged transaction affects earnings.  For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, or for the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument, the change in fair value affects current period net earnings.
 
The Company holds and issues certain derivative instruments to primarily manage market risks associated with grain purchases including commodity futures and option contracts.  While management believes that each of these instruments primarily are entered into in order to effectively manage various market risks, as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 none of the open derivative contracts were designated and accounted for as accounting hedges.
 
Effective July 1, 2011, management elected to restart hedge accounting for qualifying derivative contracts entered into after July 1, 2011.  For all hedging relationships after July 1, 2011 the Company will be required to formally document the hedging relationship and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transactions, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk hedged, the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk and a description of the method to measure ineffectiveness.  Management will also be required to formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow of hedged items.  When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective as a hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.  Management will assess whether the derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows.  Changes in fair value of contracts that qualify as cash-flow hedges that are highly effective will be marked to fair value on the balance sheet with the offset recorded to “other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes”.  Gains and losses on commodity hedging contracts will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the Statement of Operations when the finished goods produced using the hedged item are sold.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings.
 
 
65

 
Properties, Depreciation and Amortization.  Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Additions, including those that increase the life or utility of an asset, are capitalized and all properties are depreciated over their estimated remaining useful lives.  Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
 
Buildings and improvements                             20 – 30 years
Transportation equipment                                 5 – 6 years
Machinery and equipment                                10 – 12 years

Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of property and equipment sold, retired or otherwise disposed of as well as related accumulated depreciation and amortization is eliminated from the property accounts with related gains and losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with significant construction in progress, based on the weighted-average rates paid for long-term borrowing.  Total interest incurred for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 is noted below:
 
Years ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
Interest costs charged to expense
  $ 358     $ 1,757     $ 2,901  
Plus: Interest cost capitalized
    160       13       91  
Total
  $ 518     $ 1,770     $ 2,992  

Investment in Joint Ventures.  The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 – Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities, which include a qualitative approach to identifying a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity and determination of the primary beneficiary.

The Company accounts for its investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries under the equity method of accounting when the Company has significant influence, but does not have more than 50% voting control, and is not considered the primary beneficiary.  Under the equity method of accounting, the Company reflects its investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Investment in joint ventures”; the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the non-consolidated subsidiaries are reflected as “Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Earnings (loss) per Share.  Basic earnings per share data is determined by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year.  Dilutive earnings per share is determined by including the dilutive effect of all potential common shares outstanding during the year.
 
The Company adopted ASC Topic 260 10 Earnings Per Share (formerly FSP-EITF 03-6-1) – Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities effective July 1, 2009.  The impacts for the non-vested restricted shares, which constitute a separate class of stock for accounting purposes, did not have a material impact and the Company did not apply the two class method to fiscal 2010 and 2009.  In conjunction with the declaration of the dividend in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company reassessed its earnings per share calculation policy and determined to present the two-class method.  Amounts allocated to participating securities prior to fiscal 2011 were immaterial.  See Note 6. Equity for earnings (loss) per share calculations.     

Deferred Credit.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the United States Department of Agriculture developed a grant program for the gluten industry in place of a two-year extension of a wheat gluten import quota that took effect on June 1, 1998. Over the life of the program, which was administered by the Commodity Credit Corporation (“CCC”) and which ended on May 31, 2003, the Company was eligible to receive nearly $26,000 of the program total of $40,000. For the first year of the program, approximately $17,300 was allocated to the Company, with the remaining $8,300 allocated in July 2002. The funds were required to be used for research, marketing, promotional and capital costs related to value-added gluten and starch products. Funds allocated on the basis of current operating costs were recognized in income as those costs were incurred. Funds allocated based on capital expenditures are being recognized in income as the capital projects are depreciated.  As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, deferred credit related to the USDA Grant was $4,498 and $5,379, respectively.

 
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Income Taxes.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the effects of transactions reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax are recorded using the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences of the deferred income tax items and immediately recognizes changes in income tax laws upon enactment as well as applied income tax rates when facts and circumstances warrant such changes.  A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred income tax assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred income tax asset may not be realized.   Additionally, the Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes,  related to the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions, which requires management judgment and the use of estimates in determining whether the impact of a tax position is “more likely than not” of being sustained.  The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions, which may require periodic adjustment and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.  It is reasonably possible that amounts reserved for potential exposure could change significantly as a result of the conclusion of tax examinations and, accordingly, materially affect the Company’s operating results.
 
Revenue Recognition.  Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized as products are delivered to customers according to shipping terms and title has transferred.  Income from various government incentive grant programs is recognized as it is earned.  Sales include customer paid freight costs billed to customers of $12,540, $11,772 and $15,836 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Advertising.  Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  These costs totaled $187, $126 and $224 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Research and Development.  Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  These costs totaled approximately $1,431, $918 and $1,416 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Long-Lived Assets and Loss on Impairment of Assets.  Management reviews long-lived assets, mainly fixed assets, whenever events or circumstances indicate that usage may be limited and carrying values may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the asset carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.  See Note 9. Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets for further discussion.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  The Company measures financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. ASC 820 defines the fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based upon the observability of inputs. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
 
 
67

 
FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires the disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments. The Company’s short term financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and a revolving credit facility.  The carrying value of the short term financial instruments approximates the fair value due to their short term nature. These financial instruments have no stated maturities or the financial instruments have short term maturities that approximate market.
 
The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on current market interest rates for debt with similar maturities and credit quality. The fair value of the Company’s debt was $9,550 and $2,755 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The financial statement carrying value was $9,407 and $2,771 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans. The Company accounts for its defined benefit plans in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (“ASC 715”).  ASC 715 requires the Company to recognize in its statement of financial position either an asset or a liability for a defined benefit plan’s funded status.  The Company’s liability is included in other non current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
The Company measures the funded status of its defined benefit plans using actuarial techniques that reflect management’s assumptions for discount rate, expected long-term investment returns on plan assets, salary increases, expected retirement, mortality, and employee turnover. Assumptions regarding employee and retiree life expectancy are based upon the RP 2000 Combined Mortality Table. The discount rate is determined based on the rates of return on long-term, high-quality fixed income investments using the Citigroup Pension Liability Index as of year end. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the pension plans is determined with the assistance of actuaries, who calculate a yield considering the current asset allocation strategy, historical investment performance, and the expected future returns of each asset class and the expected future reinvestment of earnings and maturing investments.
 
Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan. The Company accounts for its post –retirement benefit plan in accordance with ASC Topic 715, which requires the Company to recognize in its statement of financial position either an asset or a liability for a postretirement plan’s funded status.  The Company’s liability is included in Accrued Retirement Health and Life Insurance Benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
The Company measures the obligation for other post-retirement benefits using actuarial techniques that reflect management’s assumptions for discount rate, salary increases, expected retirement, mortality, employee turnover and future increases in healthcare costs. Assumptions regarding employee and retiree life expectancy are based upon the RP 2000 Combined Mortality Table. The discount rate is determined based on the rates of return on long-term, high-quality fixed income investments using the Citigroup Pension Liability Index as of year end.
 
Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards.  The Company has share-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans (primarily in the form of restricted stock and stock options).  The Company accounts for share-based compensation using FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).  Under the provisions of ASC 718, the cost of Share-Based Payments is recognized over the service period based on the grant date fair value of the award.    The grant date fair value for stock options is estimated using the Black - Scholes option-pricing model adjusted for the unique characteristics of the awards.
 
 
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Out-of-period Adjustments.  

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, management performed a detailed analysis of the accounts payable balance.  The analysis indicated certain transactions recorded in the prior fiscal year had been either duplicated or otherwise erroneously recorded.   After analysis, the Company determined certain recorded amounts were not owed and adjusted the accounts payable balance in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 to correct the accounting records.
The impact of the correcting adjustment increased reported pretax income for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 by approximately $1,351.  Cost of sales was favorably impacted by $733, and other income was improved by $618 in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Management does not believe the impact of this out-of-period adjustment materially impacts the fair presentation of the Company’s operating results or financial condition for the periods impacted.

Change in Presentation to Prior Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we identified an immaterial error in our classification of restricted stock awards on the balance sheet.  For further discussion, see Note 1. to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation- Change in Presentation to Prior Consolidated Financial Statements set forth at page  9 in Part I, Item 1 of the Company's December 31, 2011 Form 10-Q filed on  February 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  The consolidated financial statements reflect immaterial adjustments to the Company’s June 30, 2010 consolidated balance sheet.  These reclassification adjustments had no impact upon the Company’s previously reported earnings.  For the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2010, the Company reclassified $242 from other assets to property, plant, and equipment, net.
 
 
69

 
NOTE 2:
OTHER BALANCE SHEET CAPTIONS

Inventory. Inventory consists of the following:
 
             
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 2,248     $ 1,743  
Finished goods
    8,407       7,528  
Work in process
    1,626       535  
Maintenance materials
    3,120       2,944  
Derivative instrument asset (liability)
    (2,254 )     14  
Other
    1,678       1,760  
    Total
  $ 14,825     $ 14,524  
                 
Property and equipment. Property and equipment consist of the following:
 
                 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
                 
Land, buildings and improvements
  $ 29,962     $ 31,397  
Transportation equipment
    2,074       2,095  
Machinery and equipment
    117,346       129,141  
Construction in progress
    15,983       2,966  
Property and equipment, at cost
    165,365       165,599  
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (102,115 )     (107,994 )
    Property and equipment, net
  $ 63,250     $ 57,605  
                 
Property and equipment includes construction in progress assets under a capital lease of $7,335 and $0 as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Property and equipment includes machinery and equipment assets under capital leases totaling $1,040 and $1,040 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation for these assets totaled $943 and $798 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Accrued expenses. Accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
             
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
             
Employee benefit plans (Note 8)
  $ 920     $ 1,179  
Salaries and wages
    1,065       3,997  
Restructuring charges – current portion
    1,867       1,795  
Property taxes
    338       503  
Other accrued expenses
    209       36  
    Total
  $ 4,399     $ 7,510  
 
NOTE 3:                       INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES
 
The Company’s investments accounted for on the equity method of accounting consist of the following: (1) 50 percent interest in Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (“ICP”), which operates a distillery, and (2) 50 percent interest in D.M. Ingredients, GmbH, (“DMI”), which produces certain specialty starch and protein ingredients.

 
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Formation of ICP Joint Venture

MGPI completed a series of related transactions on November 20, 2009 pursuant to which MGPI contributed its Pekin plant and certain maintenance and repair materials to a newly-formed company, ICP, and then sold 50 percent of the membership interest in ICP to Illinois Corn Processing Holdings, LLC (“ICP Holdings”), an affiliate of SEACOR Energy Inc., for proceeds of $15,000, less closing costs of $1,049.  ICP reactivated distillery operations at the Pekin facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  MGPI purchases food grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP, and SEACOR Energy Inc. purchases fuel grade alcohol products manufactured by ICP.

In connection with these transactions, MGPI entered into various agreements with ICP and ICP Holdings, including a Contribution Agreement, an LLC Interest Purchase Agreement, a Limited Liability Company Agreement and a Marketing Agreement.

·  
Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, MGPI contributed the Pekin plant to ICP at an agreed value of $30,000, consisting of land and fixed assets valued at $29,063 and materials and supply inventory valued at $937.

·  
Under the LLC Interest Purchase Agreement, MGPI sold ICP Holdings 50 percent of the membership interest in ICP for a purchase price of $15,000.  This agreement gives ICP Holdings the option to purchase up to an additional 20 percent of the membership interest in ICP at any time between the second and fifth anniversary of the closing date for a price determined in accordance with the agreement.

·  
Pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement, each joint venture party initially has 50 percent of the voting and equity interests in ICP.  Control of day to day operations generally is retained by the members, acting by a majority in interest.  However, if either MGPI or SEACOR Energy is in default under its marketing agreement, referred to below, the other party (or ICP Holdings, in the case of a default by the Company) may assume sole control of ICP's daily operations until the default is cured.  If ICP defaults for two consecutive months on its obligation to pay principal or interest on its loan from SEACOR Energy's affiliate, ICP Holdings may assume control of ICP's daily operations until it has positive EBITDA and is current on principal and interest payments.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement also provides for the creation of an advisory board consisting of three advisors appointed by MGPI and three advisors appointed by ICP Holdings. If ICP Holdings exercises its purchase option described above, it will be entitled to appoint four advisors and MGPI will be entitled to appoint two.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement generally provides for distributions to members to the extent of net cash flow, as defined, to provide for taxes attributable to allocations to them of tax items from ICP.  Any distributions of net cash flow in excess of taxes may be distributed at such time as the Board of Advisors determines.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement gives either member certain rights to shut down the plant if it operates at a loss.  Such rights are conditional in certain instances but absolute if EBITDA losses aggregate $1,500 over any three consecutive quarters or if ICP's net working capital is less than $2,500.  ICP Holdings also has the right to shut down the plant if ICP is in default under its loan agreement for failure to pay principal or interest for two months.  Both partners have agreed to waive EBITDA losses through June 30, 2011.

 
The Limited Liability Company Agreement contains various buy/sell provisions and restrictions on transfer of membership interests. These include buy/sell provisions relating to a member's entire interest that may apply if the members are unable to agree on a material decision about ICP or that may be exercised by any member at any time after
 
 
71

 
 
November 20, 2010; another provision would entitle MGPI to a disproportionate distribution of the excess of the sales price over specified amounts if ICP is sold before November 20, 2012.
 
·  
Under the Marketing Agreement, ICP manufactures and supplies food-grade and industrial-use alcohol products for MGPI and MGPI purchases, markets and sells such products for a marketing fee.  The Marketing Agreement provides that MGPI will share margin realized from the sale of the products under the agreement with ICP.
 
The Marketing Agreement has an initial term of one year but automatically renews for one year terms thereafter, subject to specified exceptions, including the following:  (i) there is an uncured breach by one of the parties, (ii) MGPI gives timely notice of termination, (iii) MGPI ceases to be a member of the joint venture, or (iv) the parties are unable to mutually agree to modifications to the Marketing Agreement that are proposed in good faith by one of the parties as necessary or desirable to further the purposes of the parties' respective expectations of economic benefits to be derived under the Marketing Agreement and their interests in ICP.  For six months following expiration or termination of the Marketing Agreement, ICP will provide MGPI with reasonable assistance to transition production of the products it makes for the Company to another producer that MGPI designates.   SEACOR Energy Inc. has entered into a similar agreement with ICP with respect to the marketing of fuel grade alcohol.
 
An affiliate (sister company) of SEACOR Energy, Inc. has provided funding to ICP through two loans secured by all of the assets of ICP, including the Pekin Plant. Among other matters, losses or working capital deficiencies that would entitle a member of ICP to shut down the plant are events of default under these loan agreements which, upon any requisite notice and/or lapse of time, would entitle the lender to exercise its remedies, including foreclosing on ICP’s assets and, in the case of the working capital deficiency or successive losses, enforcing the plant closure provisions in the Limited Liability Company Agreement referred to above.  The loans are non-recourse to MGPI.  During fiscal year 2011, ICP experienced EBITDA losses in the quarters ended December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011. An affiliate of SEACOR Energy, Inc. waived these EBITDA losses through June 30, 2011.

The LLC Agreement permits MGPI to pledge its interest in ICP to secure the Company’s obligations under its credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and MGPI has done so as of November 20, 2009.

The Contribution Agreement and the LLC Interest Purchase Agreement require MGPI to indemnify ICP and ICP Holdings from and against any damages or liabilities arising from a breach of the Company’s representations and warranties in the Contribution Agreement and the IPA and also with respect to certain environmental damages or liabilities related to the recommencement of production at the Pekin plant or to operations at the Pekin plant prior to the closing.  The amount of damages, with the exception of taxes and environmental matters, is limited to a maximum of $30,000.

MGPI recognized a pre-tax charge of $2,294 related to the completion of these transactions that has been included in MGPI’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Loss on joint venture formation”.  The charge consists of $1,245 to adjust the book value of the Pekin plant balance sheet assets contributed to the joint venture to the implied value and $1,049 for professional fees associated with the transaction.

The Company does not have the power to direct or control the activities of ICP that most significantly determine the economic performance of this investment.  These responsibilities are shared equally with the Company’s joint venture partner. In addition, Management has determined that MGPI does not have the power to direct the activities of ICP that most significantly impact ICP’s economic

 
72

 
performance, or have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from ICP that could be significant to ICP, and accordingly MGPI should not consolidate ICP.  The significant judgments and assumptions made by Management in reaching this conclusion include consideration of 1) the economics to MGPI and SEACOR Energy, Inc. related to the marketing agreements, 2) the buy-out provisions by MGPI and SEACOR Energy, Inc. and 3) the financing provided by SEACOR Energy, Inc.’s affiliate.  The Company has not provided other financial explicit or implicit support to ICP during the year ended June 30, 2011 and does not intend to provide financial or other support at this time, other than as discussed below.
 
On January 29, 2010, ICP acquired the steam facility that services the Pekin plant for $5,000.  The Company and ICP Holdings each contributed $1,000 and each committed to fund $1,500 of the balance of the purchase price over the next three years.  Based on ICP’s working capital position, it was determined that ICP would fund a portion of this commitment.  On January 19, 2011 ICP funded $1,000 of the purchase price.  The Company and ICP Holdings each remain committed to fund the remaining balance of $2,000.  The Company’s portion of the remaining commitment plus the Company’s investment balance at June 30, 2011 is the maximum exposure to losses.  A reconciliation from the Company’s investment in ICP to the entity’s maximum exposure to loss is as follows:
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
MGPI’s investment balance in ICP
  $ 12,233     $ 13,974  
Plus:
               
    Funding commitment for capital improvements
    1,000       1,500  
MGPI’s maximum exposure to loss related to ICP
  $ 13,233     $ 15,474  

Related Party Transactions

 See Note 17. Related Party Transaction for discussion related to related party transactions with ICP.

Summary Financial Information

Condensed financial information of the Company’s non-consolidated equity method investment in ICP is shown below.  Fiscal 2010 operating results include ICP’s results for the period from inception (November 21, 2009) to June 30, 2010.
 
   
Year Ended
June 30, 2011
   
Inception to
June 30, 2010
 
ICP’s Operating results:
           
Net sales (a)
  $ 193,825     $ 36,092  
Cost of sales and expenses
    191,861       (37,186 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (5,103 )     (2,958 )
 Net loss
  $ (3,139 )   $ (4,052 )
                 
ICP’s Balance Sheet:
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
Current assets
  $ 30,729     $ 20,567  
Noncurrent assets
    27,474       30,898  
Total assets
  $ 58,203     $ 51,465  
                 
Current liabilities
  $ 7,105     $ 12,729  
Noncurrent liabilities
    25,602       10,788  
Equity
    25,496       27,948  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 58,203     $ 51,465  
 
(a)  
Includes related party sales of $57,482 and $17,342 for the year ended June 30, 2011 and the period from inception to June 30, 2010, respectively.

 
73

 
The Company’s equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures is as follows:

   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
                   
ICP (50% interest)
  $ (1,570 )   $ (2,026 )   $ n/a  
DMI (50% interest)
    30       (147 )     (114 )
    $ (1,540 )   $ (2,173 )   $ (114 )

The Company’s investment in the unconsolidated subsidiary is as follows:

   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
             
ICP (50% interest)
  $ 12,233     $ 13,974  
DMI (50% interest)
    342       292  
    $ 12,575     $ 14,266  
 
NOTE 4:
CORPORATE BORROWINGS AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Indebtedness Outstanding.  Debt consists of the following:
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
             
Credit Agreement
  $ 4,658     $ -  
Secured Promissory Note, 7.14% (variable interest rate), due monthly to July, 2016.
    1,516       1,783  
Water Cooling System Capital Lease Obligation, 2.61%, due monthly to May, 2017
    7,335       -  
Other Capital Lease Obligations, 0.61% - 7.91%, due monthly to October, 2013.
    556       988  
                 
Total
    14,065       2,771  
                 
  Less credit agreement
    (4,658 )     -  
  Less current maturities of long term debt
    (1,705 )     (689 )
                 
Long-term debt
  $ 7,702     $ 2,082  
 
Credit Agreement.  On July 21, 2009, the Company entered a new revolving Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.  The Credit and Security Agreement has been amended by consents dated August 19, 2009, December 21, 2009, December 31, 2009 and February 2, 2010 as well as by a First Amendment (“First Amendment”) dated June 30, 2010 and a Second Amendment “Second Amendment” dated January 20, 2011 (as so amended, the “Credit Agreement”).  The Credit Agreement, which matures in July 2012, generally provides for a Maximum Line of Credit of $25,000, subject to borrowing base limitations. As of June 30, 2011, after giving effect to the Second Amendment, outstanding borrowings under this facility were $4,658, leaving $20,342 available for additional borrowings (before giving effect to the $5,000 availability maintenance requirements, which would result in a net of $15,342 available for additional borrowings). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, payable
 
 
74

 
monthly, at a variable rate equal to Daily Three Month LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3%, based on the Debt Coverage Ratio.  During a default period, the interest rate may be increased to the Daily Three Month LIBOR plus 6 percent at the lender’s discretion. The Credit Agreement provides for minimum interest of $75 annually, an unused line fee of .25 percent per annum (which will apply against minimum interest charges) and origination fees, letter of credit fees and other administrative fees.  If the Company terminates the facility prior to the maturity date or the lender terminates during a default period, there is a prepayment fee of 3 percent if the termination occurs prior to the first anniversary date, declining to 1 percent if the termination occurs after the second anniversary of the initial funding. The Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s personal property and by mortgages or leasehold mortgages on our facilities in Atchison and Onaga. The Credit Agreement also includes provisions that limit or restrict our ability to:
 
 
·
incur additional indebtedness;
 
·
pay dividends to stockholders or purchase stock;
 
·
make investments or acquisitions in excess of $1,000 ($5,000 in aggregate)
 
·
dispose of assets;
 
·
make capital expenditures;
 
·
create liens on our assets; or merge or consolidate; and
 
·
increase certain salaries and bonuses.
 
Under the Credit Agreement, the Company must meet a stop loss provision, which restricts to $2,000 the amount of net loss that the Company may incur in any one month and to $4,000 in any consecutive three month period (for this purpose, "net loss" includes extraordinary losses but excludes extraordinary gains, unrealized gains and losses from hedging activities and non cash income or losses from joint ventures).  The Company’s fourth quarter results included significant unrealized losses from hedging activities, as well as losses from joint venture, which when excluded, resulted in the Company meeting its stop loss provision.

Also under the Credit Agreement, the Company must maintain an average availability of not less than $5,000 (measured over the then trailing 30-day period), is limited in the amount of capital expenditures it may make annually ($8,000) (excluding capital expenditures made for the replacement and or upgrade of the Company’s existing water cooling facility), and must meet as of fiscal year end a minimum debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.0.  The ratio is calculated as:

(a) the sum of:
 
(i)
funds from operations (net income plus depreciation and amortization, plus or minus increases or decreases in deferred income taxes and LIFO reserves, plus other non-cash items)
 
(ii) 
plus interest expense
 
(iii) 
minus non-cash income from investments in our joint ventures
 
(iv) 
plus non-cash losses from investments in our joint ventures
 
(v) 
minus unfinanced capital expenditures
 
(vi) 
minus dividends and distributions paid by us during the current test period
 
(vii) 
minus cash contributions into joint ventures by us during the current test period

divided by

(b) the sum of:
 
(i) 
current maturities of long term debt and
 
(ii) 
interest expense.
 
      The lender has significant lending discretion under the Credit Agreement; it may modify the Company’s borrowing base and various components thereof in its reasonable discretion, thereby affecting the amount of credit available to the Company.  The lender may terminate or accelerate our obligations under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence of various events in addition to payment defaults and other
 
75

 
breaches, including such matters as over advances arising from reductions in the borrowing base, certain changes in the Board, failure to pay taxes when due, defaults under other material debt, lease or other contracts and the Company’s CEO ceasing to be actively engaged in our day to day business activities if the Company fails to hire a successor acceptable to the lender within 90 days. The Company was in compliance with the covenants in the Credit Agreement at June 30, 2011.
 
7.14% (variable interest rate) Secured Promissory Note, due monthly to July 2016.  On July 20, 2009, Union State Bank – Bank of Atchison (“Bank of Atchison”), which previously had loaned the Company $1,500, agreed to loan the Company an additional $2,000.  The note for this loan is secured by a mortgage and security interest on the Company’s Atchison plant and equipment.  The note bears interest at 6.00% over the three year treasury index, adjustable quarterly, and is payable in 84 monthly installments of $32, with any balance due on the final installment. See Note 17 for further discussion on this related party transaction.

Leases
 
Capital Lease Obligations.  Our capital lease obligations consist of a water cooling system capital lease obligation and other capital lease obligations as described below:

Water Cooling System Capital Lease Obligation.   On June 28, 2011, the Company sold a major portion of the new process water cooling towers and related equipment being installed at its Atchison facility to U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. for $7,335 and leased them from U.S. Bancorp pursuant to a Master Lease Agreement and related Schedule.  Monthly rentals under the lease are $110 (plus applicable sales/use taxes, if any) and continue for 72 months with a rate of 2.61%.  The Company may purchase the leased property after 60 months for approximately $1,328 and at the end of the term for fair market value.  Given this continuing involvement, the Company treated this as a financing transaction.  The lessor may, at its option, extend the lease for specified periods after the end of the term if the Company fails to exercise its purchase option.  Under the terms of the Master Lease, the Company is responsible for property taxes and assumes responsibility for insuring and all risk of loss or damage to the property.
 
Obligations under the Master Lease may be accelerated if an event of default occurs and continues for 10 days.   In addition to payment defaults and breaches of representations and covenants, events of default include defaults under any other agreement with lessor or payment default under any obligation.  In such event, among other matters, lessor may cancel the Master Lease, take possession of the property and seek to recover the present value of future rentals, the residual value of the property and the value of lost tax benefits.
 
Lenders having liens on the Atchison facility, including its revolving credit lender, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, entered into mortgagee's waivers with respect to the leased property.  As described in Note 2. Other Balance Sheet Captions, this equipment in included in property, plant and equipment.
 
Other Capital Lease Obligations.  These were entered in connection with implementation of numerous information technology initiatives and other equipment purchases which have been funded under various capital lease agreements with rates ranging from 0.61% to 7.91%.  These agreements have final maturities ranging from September 2011 to October 2013.  Certain of these leases are secured.  The assets are included in Other Assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

4.90% Industrial Revenue Bond Obligation.  On December 28, 2006, the Company engaged in an industrial revenue bond transaction with the City of Atchison, Kansas pursuant to which the City (i) under a trust indenture, (“the Indenture“), issued $7,000 principal amount of its industrial revenue bonds (“the Bonds”) to the Company and used the proceeds thereof to acquire from the Company its newly constructed office building and technical innovations center in Atchison, Kansas, (“the Facilities”) and (ii) leased the
 
 
76

 
Facilities back to the Company under a capital lease (“the Lease”).  The assets related to this transaction are included in property and equipment.
 
The bonds mature on December 1, 2016 and bear interest, payable annually on December 1 of each year commencing December, 2007 at the rate of 4.90% per annum.  Basic rent under the lease is payable annually on December 1 in an amount sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds.  The Indenture and Lease contain certain provisions, covenants and restrictions customary for this type of transaction.  In connection with the transaction, the Company agreed to pay the city an administrative fee of $50 payable over 10 years.
 
The purpose of the transaction was to facilitate certain property tax abatement opportunities available to the Company related to the newly constructed facilities.  The facilities acquired with bond proceeds will receive property tax abatements which terminate upon maturity of the Bonds on December 1, 2016.  The issuance of the Bonds was integral to the tax abatement process.  Financing for the Facilities was provided internally from the Company’s operating cash flow.  Accordingly, upon consummation of the transaction and issuance of the Bonds, the Company acquired all bonds issued for $7,000, excluding transaction fees.  As a result, the Company owns all of the outstanding Bonds.  Because the Company owns all outstanding bonds, management considers the debt de-facto cancelled and, accordingly, no amount for these Bonds is reflected as debt outstanding on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 or 2010.
 
Leases and Debt Maturities.  The Company leases railcars and other assets under various operating leases.  For railcar leases, the Company is generally required to pay all service costs associated with the railcars.  Rental payments include minimum rentals plus contingent amounts based on mileage.  Rental expenses under operating leases with terms longer than one month were $2,128, $2,940 and $3,431 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Minimum annual payments and present values thereof under existing debt maturities, capital leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
         
Capital Leases
             
12-month
period ending
June 30,*
 
Long-Term
Debt
   
Minimum
Lease
Payments
   
Less
Interest
   
Net Present
Value
   
 
Total Debt
   
Operating
Leases
 
                                     
2012
  $ 283     $ 1,589     $ 167     $ 1,422     $ 1,705     $ 2,571  
2013
    305       1,535       151       1,384       1,689       2,035  
2014
    327       1,386       120       1,266       1,593       1,165  
2015
    352       1,316       88       1,228       1,580       470  
2016
    249       1,316       55       1,261       1,510       470  
Thereafter
    -       1,352       22       1,330       1,330       156  
Total
  $ 1,516     $ 8,494     $ 603     $ 7,891     $ 9,407     $ 6,867  
*As described in Note 20.  Subsequent Events, the Company changed its year end to December 31.  The above obligations are shown for the 12-month periods ending June 30.

 
77

 
NOTE 5:
INCOME TAXES
 
The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
Years ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
                   
Current:
                 
  Federal
  $ -     $ (4,825 )   $ (6,800 )
  State
    68       57       (133 )
      68       (4,768 )     (6,933 )
                         
Deferred:
                       
  Federal
    -       -       (8,815 )
  State
    -       -       2,960  
      -       -       (5,855 )
Total
  $ 68     $ (4,768 )   $ (12,788 )

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the normal statutory federal rate to the provision included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is shown below:
 
Years ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
                   
“Expected” provision at federal statutory rate
  $ (463 )   $ 1,387     $ (28,598 )
State income taxes
    (45 )     156       (3,801 )
State tax credits
    -       -       (107 )
Change in valuation allowance
    204       (6,311 )     19,818  
Change due to state rate change
    320       -       -  
Other
    52       -       (100 )
Provision for income taxes
  $ 68     $ (4,768 )   $ (12,788 )
Effective tax rate
    (5.5 %)     (120.1 %)     15.6 %
 
The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred income taxes shown on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
             
Deferred income tax assets:
           
  Post-retirement liability
  $ 2,595     $ 3,181  
  Deferred income
    1,796       2,094  
  Stock based compensation
    1,558       1,396  
  Federal operating loss carry-forwards
    11,214       12,099  
  State tax credits
    3,022       3,020  
  State operating loss carry-forwards
    6,858       6,907  
  Other
    3,947       4,271  
  Less:  valuation allowance
    (13,675 )     (14,600 )
     Gross deferred income tax assets
    17,315       18,368  
                 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
               
  Fixed assets
    (10,878 )     (11,686 )
  Joint venture investment
    (1,939 )     (1,736 )
  Other
    (4,498 )     (4,946 )
     Gross deferred income tax liabilities
    (17,315 )     (18,368 )
Net deferred income tax liability
  $ -     $ -  

 
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The amount of income taxes that the Company pays is subject to ongoing audits by federal and state taxing authorities.  The Company was under joint committee review by the IRS for its tax year ended June 30, 2009, which was completed during the current fiscal year.  The Company believes that it has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to this matter.  However, future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessment is made or resolved.
 
The Company establishes a valuation allowance against certain deferred income tax assets if management believes, based on its assessment of historical and projected operating results and other available facts and circumstances, that it is  more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.  Management reassessed the need for a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets.  It was determined that a full valuation allowance was appropriate on its net deferred income tax assets of $13,675, and $14,600 at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the Company had approximately $32,041 and $87,489 of federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards, respectively.  The federal net operating loss will expire before the end of fiscal year 2029.  Due to varying state carry-forward periods, the state net operating losses will expire between fiscal years 2013 and 2029.  The Company also has state tax credit carry-forwards of approximately $3,022.  The state tax credits will expire in varying periods through fiscal year 2015.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) was $414, of which $29 would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized.  As of June 30, 2010, the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) was $365, of which $29 would impact the effective rate, if recognized.  As of June 30, 2009, the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) was $365, all of which would impact the effective rate, if recognized.
 
The Company has elected to treat interest and penalties related to tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense.  During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded a net increase in interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions of approximately $3 and $0, respectively, as a component of income tax expense.  Accrued interest and penalties were $39 and $13, respectively, as of June 30, 2011.  During the year ended June 30, 2010, the Company recorded a net decrease in interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions of approximately $13 and $0, respectively, as a component of income tax expense.  Accrued interest and penalties were $36 and $13, respectively, as of June 30, 2010. During the year ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded a net decrease in interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions of approximately $177 and $3, respectively, as a component of income tax expense.  Accrued interest and penalties were $49 and $13, respectively, as of June 30, 2009.
 
The following is a reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
 
Beginning of year balance
  $ 365     $ 124     $ 1,053  
                         
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    13       228       -  
Decreases for tax positions of prior years
    -       -       (647 )
Additions for tax positions of the current year
    36       13       92  
Settlements with taxing authorities
    -       -       -  
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations
    -       -       (374 )
                         
End of year balance
  $ 414     $ 365     $ 124  

 
79

 
The Company does not expect the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next year to have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial position.

The Company’s federal returns for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 through June 30, 2011 are open to examination as a result of the 5-year net operating loss carry-back claim filed for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.  The Company’s state income tax returns for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 through June 30, 2011 are open to examination.
 
NOTE 6:
EQUITY

Capital Stock

Common Stock shareholders are entitled to elect four of the nine members of the Board of Directors, while Preferred Stock shareholders are entitled to elect the remaining five members.  Common Stock shareholders are not entitled to vote with respect to a merger, dissolution, lease, exchange or sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets, or on an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, unless such action would increase or decrease the authorized shares or par value of the Common or Preferred Stock, or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Common or Preferred Stock so as to affect the Common Stock shareholders adversely.  Generally, Common Stock shareholders and Preferred Stock shareholders vote as separate classes on all other matters requiring shareholder approval.  A majority of the outstanding shares of the company’s preferred stock is held by the MGP Ingredients Voting Trust.  The beneficial interests in the voting trust are held by the Cray Family Trust.  The trustees of the MGP Ingredients Voting Trust are Karen Seaberg, Richard B. Cray and Laidacker M. Seaberg.  Karen Seaberg and Richard B. Cray are also trustees of the Cray Family Trust.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations are as follows:

   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
 
                   
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable  to shareholders
  $ (1,313 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )
Amounts allocated to participating securities (non-vested shares)
    (77 )  
(i)
   
(i)
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
  $ (1,236 )   $ 8,738     $ (69,123 )
                         
Basic weighted average common shares(ii)
    16,726       16,655       16,585  
Additional weighted average shares attributable to:
                       
   Stock options
 
(iii)
      8    
(iii)
 
   Restricted shares
 
(i)
      419    
(iv)
 
Diluted weighted average common shares(iv)
    16,726       17,082       16,585  
                         
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
                       
        Basic
  $ (0.07 )   $ 0.52     $ (4.17 )
        Diluted
  $ (0.07 )   $ 0.51     $ (4.17 )

(i)  
The Company adopted ASC 260 10 Earnings Per Share (formerly FSP-EITF 03-6-1) – Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities effective July 1, 2009.  The impacts for the non-vested restricted shares, which constitute a separate class of stock for accounting purposes, did not have a material impact and the Company did not apply the two class method in fiscal 2010 and 2009.  In conjunction with the declaration of the dividend in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company reassessed its earnings per share calculation policy and determined to present the two-class method.  Amounts allocated to participating securities prior to fiscal 2011 were immaterial.           
 
 
80

 
(ii)  
All non-vested shares of restricted stock are reflected as outstanding.  The Company had non-vested participating securities of 1,088,644 and 843,870 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(iii)  
The stock options have not been included in the earnings (loss) per share computation  due to the loss experienced this year.
(iv)  
The restricted stock awards have not been included in the earnings (loss) per share computation  due to the loss experienced during this year.
(v)  
Anti-dilutive share units totaled 63,100, 18,000 and 1,043,109 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
 
NOTE 7:
COMMITMENTS
 
The Company purchases its corn requirements for its Atchison plant through a single elevator company.  If the Company fails to purchase at least 13 million bushels each 12 months, it must pay the elevator company $0.03 per bushel for each bushel less than 13 million purchased.  The elevator company may terminate if the Company fails to purchase the specified minimums, in which case the Company would be obligated to pay the elevator company $260 plus the costs incurred by the elevator company in contracting with a different customer for the delivery of corn purchased for the Company pursuant to previously issued Company delivery orders.  The Company has complied with its commitment under this agreement.  The agreement automatically renews each year on August 31. At June 30, 2011, the Company had commitments to purchase corn to be used in operations during the first four weeks of July 2011 totaling $1,070.

The Company has commitments to purchase approximately 1,384 mmbtu of natural gas at fixed prices for the months of July 2011 through July 2012.  The commitment at June 30, 2011 totaled $6,406.
 
Beginning in the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company entered into supply contract for flour for use in the production of protein and starch ingredients.  As a result, the Company no longer purchases wheat directly. The initial term of the agreement, as amended, expires October 23, 2015.
 
The Company budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $5,935 for the next twelve months.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had contracts to acquire capital assets of approximately $549, of which $170 relates to the water cooling system project.
 
NOTE 8:
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  The Company has an employee stock ownership plan covering all eligible employees after certain eligibility requirements are met.  There were no contributions to the plan for the years ended June 30, 2011, June 30, 2010 or June 30, 2009 and the Company intends to terminate the plan.   Prior contributions had been made in the form of cash and/or additional shares of common stock.
 
401(k) Plans.  The Company has established 401(k) profit sharing plans covering all employees after certain eligibility requirements are met.  Amounts charged to operations related to the plans totaled $710, $1,061 and $389 for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively.
 
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans.  The Company sponsors two partially funded, noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans, which covers substantially all union employees at Atchison and former employees at the Pekin facility.  The benefits under these pension plans are based upon years of qualified credited service; however benefit accruals under the Atchison plan were frozen as of October 15, 2009 and benefit accruals under the Pekin plan were frozen as of December 10, 2009.   The Company’s funding policy is to contribute annually not less than the regulatory minimum and not more than the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes.  The measurement and valuation date of the plans is June 30.  The Company accrued $23 and $100 related to the plans during fiscal 2011 and 2010,  respectively.
 
 
81

 
Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan.  The Company sponsors an unfunded, contributory qualified plan that provides life insurance coverage as well as certain health care and medical benefits, including prescription drug coverage, to certain retired employees.  This post-retirement benefit plan is contributory and provides benefits to retirees and their spouses.  Contributions are adjusted annually.  The plan contains fixed deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket limitations.  The life insurance segment of the plan is noncontributory and is available to retirees only. During fiscal 2010, the plan experienced a partial settlement and a curtailment related to the Pekin facility and its subsequent inclusion in a joint venture.
 
The liability for such benefits is unfunded as it is the Company’s policy to fund benefits payable as they come due.  The Company’s measurement date is June 30.  The Company expects to contribute approximately $698 to the plan in fiscal year 2012.
 
 The amount in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net period benefit cost during fiscal year 2012 is approximately $17.  The status of the Company’s plans at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively, was as follows:
 
   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
                         
Change in benefit obligation:
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 4,587     $ 3,689     $ 8,170     $ 8,799  
Service cost
    -       138       224       197  
Interest cost
    238       231       408       482  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    (667 )     556       (1,634 )     715  
Curtailment gain
    -       -       -       (501 )
Settlement gain
    -       -       -       (873 )
Benefits paid
    (134 )     (27 )     (670 )     (649 )
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 4,024     $ 4,587     $ 6,498     $ 8,170  

The following table shows the change in plan assets based on the Fiscal 2011 and 2010 measurement dates, respectively:
 
   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 2,823     $ 2,228     $ -     $ -  
   Actual return on plan assets
    651       216       -       -  
   Employer contributions
    100       405       -       -  
   Benefits paid
    (134 )     (27 )     -       -  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 3,440     $ 2,822     $ -     $ -  

Assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligations as of the year-end were:
 
   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
   Discount rate
    5.42 %     5.25 %     4.71 %     5.11 %
   Average compensation increase
    n/a       n/a       4.50 %     4.50 %
   Measurement date
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
                                 
 
 
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Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were:

   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   Expected return on assets
    7.00 %     7.00 %     7.00 %     -       -       -  
   Discount rate
    5.25 %     6.29 %     6.41 %     5.11 %     6.23 %     6.41 %
   Average compensation increase
    n/a       n/a       n/a       4.50 %     4.50 %     4.50 %
   Measurement date
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
 
The discount rate refers to the interest rate used to discount the estimated future benefit payments to their present value, referred to as the benefit obligation. The discount rate allows the Company to estimate what it would cost to settle the pension obligations as of the measurement date.   The Company determines the discount rate using a yield curve of high-quality fixed-income investments whose cash flows match the timing and amount of the Company's expected benefit payments.

In determining the expected rate of return on assets, the Company considers its historical experience in the plans’ investment portfolio, historical market data and long-term historical relationships as well as a review of other objective indices including current market factors such as inflation and interest rates.
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
 
Years ended,
 
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
 
 
                                   
   Service cost
  $ -     $ 138     $ 564     $ 224     $ 197     $ 301  
   Interest cost
    238       231       194       409       482       498  
   Expected return on assets
    (197 )     (169 )     (175 )     -       -       -  
   Amortization of unrecorded
      prior service cost
    -       13       25       (17 )     (24 )     (37 )
   Curtailment loss
    -       120       -       -       -       -  
   Other amortization
    136       86       16       88       32       20  
Total
  $ 177     $ 419     $ 624     $ 704     $ 687     $ 782  

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
 
Years ended,
 
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
 
 
                                   
   Net actuarial (loss) gain
  $ 1,121     $ (509 )   $ (819 )   $ 1,634     $ (715 )   $ (855 )
 Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)
    136       85       16       88       32       20  
 Prior service cost recognized due to curtailment
    -       -       -       -       (124 )     -  
 Reduction in unrecognized loss due to curtailments and settlements
    -       -       -       -       621       -  
  Amortization of prior service cost
    -       133       25       (17 )     (24 )     (37 )
Total income (loss)
  $ 1,257     $ (291 )   $ (778 )   $ 1,705     $ (210 )   $ (872 )

A reconciliation of the funded status of the plans with amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:

   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
   
As of June 30,
2011
   
As of June 30,
2010
   
As of June 30,
2011
   
As of June 30,
2010
 
Accrued expenses
  $ 24     $ 100     $ -     $ -  
Other non-current liabilities
    560       1,665       -       -  
Accrued retirement benefits
    -       -       6,498       8,170  
Net amount recognized
  $ 584     $ 1,765     $ 6,498     $ 8,170  
 
 
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The following amounts have been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
   
As of June 30,
2011
   
As of June 30,
2010
   
As of June 30,
2009
   
As of June 30,
2011
   
As of June 30,
2010
   
As of June 30,
2009
 
Actuarial net loss (gain)
  $ (240 )   $ (1,497 )   $ (1,073 )   $ (231 )   $ (1,954 )   $ (1,891 )
Net prior service cost
    -       -       (133 )     186       203       350  
    Net amount recognized
  $ (240 )   $ (1,497 )   $ (1,206 )   $ (45 )   $ (1,751 )   $ (1,541 )
 
The assumed average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (health care cost trend rate) is as follows:
 
   
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 
Years ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
   Health care cost trend rate
    8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %
   Ultimate trend rate
    5.00 %     5.50 %     6.00 %
   Year rate reaches ultimate trend rate
    2021       2017       2020  

A one percentage point increase (decrease) in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased (decreased) the accumulated benefit obligation by $376 ($338) at June 30, 2011, and the service and interest cost would have increased (decreased) by $47 ($41) for the year then ended.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the following expected benefit payments (net of Medicare Part D subsidiary for Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Payments), and the related expected subsidy receipts which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid to plan participants:
 
   
Defined Benefit
Retirement
Plan
   
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plan
 
   
Expected Benefit
 Payments
   
Expected Benefit
Payments
   
Expected Subsidy
Receipts
 
2012
  $ 154     $ 698     $ 32  
2013
    131       643       31  
2014
    208       556       31  
2015
    232       474       30  
2016
    186       479       28  
2017-2021
    1,342       3,147       117  
Total
  $ 2,253     $ 5,997     $ 269  

The weighted average asset allocation by asset category is as follows:
 
   
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
 
 
Asset Category
 
As of June 30,
2011
   
As of June 30,
2010
   
Target
Allocation
 
Equity Securities
    71 %     68 %     62 %
Debt Securities
    23 %     29 %     26 %
Other
    6 %     3 %     12 %
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %

The Company’s investment strategy is based on an expectation that equity securities will outperform debt securities over the long term.  Accordingly, the composition of the Company’s plan assets is broadly characterized as a 62%/26%/12% allocation between equity, debt, and other securities.  The strategy utilizes a diversified equity approach using multiple asset classes.  The fixed income portion is actively managed investment grade debt securities (which constitute 80% or more of debt securities) with a lesser allocation to high-yield, international, inflation-protected, and rising rate debt securities.  Of the lesser allocation, any one debt category will be no greater than 10% of the total debt portfolio.  The portfolio may also utilize alternative assets to mitigate risk in the portfolio.
 
 
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The Company further mitigates investment risk by rebalancing between equity and debt classes to maintain allocation parameters to be within approximately +/- 10% of established targets.  This is done to handle changes in asset allocation caused by Company contributions, monthly benefit payments, and general market volatility. The following table sets forth the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan assets as of June 30, 2011, by level within the fair value hierarchy.
 
   
Fair Value Measurements at
June 30, 2011
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17     $ -     $ -     $ 17  
Equity Securities:
                               
     Domestic equity securities
    1,899       -       -       1,899  
     International equity securities
    656       -       -       656  
Fixed income securities:
                               
     Investment grade domestic bonds
    621       -       -       621  
 International bonds
    170       -       -       170  
Other
    77       -       -       77  
Total
  $ 3,440     $ -     $ -     $ 3,440  
 
The following table sets forth the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan assets as of June 30, 2010, by level within the fair value hierarchy.
 
   
Fair Value Measurements at
June 30, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 28     $ -     $ -     $ 28  
Equity Securities:
                               
     Domestic equity securities
    1,432       -       -       1,432  
     International equity securities
    497       -       -       497  
Fixed income securities:
                    -          
     Investment grade domestic bonds
    649       -       -       649  
 International bonds
    156       -       -       156  
Other
    60       -       -       60  
Total
  $ 2,822     $ -     $ -     $ 2,822  
 
Level 1 assets are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. The majority of Level 1 assets listed above include exchange traded index funds, bond funds and mutual funds.
 
Equity-Based Compensation Plans.  The Company has five equity-based compensation  plans, the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 (the “2004 Plan”), the Stock Incentive Plan of 1996 (the “1996 Plan”), the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the “Directors’ Option Plan”), the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan for Salaried Employees (the “Salaried Plan”) and the Non-Employee Directors' Restricted Stock Plan (the "Directors' Stock Plan"). The Company’s equity based compensation plans provide for the awarding of stock options, stock appreciation rights and shares of restricted common stock (“restricted stock”) for senior executives and salaried employees as well as outside directors.  Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards is based on the market price of the stock on the date the Board of Directors communicates the approved award and is amortized over the vesting period of the restricted stock award.
 
 
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The consolidated statement of operations for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 reflects share-based compensation cost of $1,164, $491 and $14, respectively related to these plans.  Following is a description of these plans:
 
1996 Plan
 
Under the 1996 Plan, the Company was authorized to grant incentives for up to 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to key employees.  The term of each award was determined by the committee of the Board of Directors charged with administering the 1996 Plan.  Under the terms of the 1996 Plan, options granted could be either nonqualified or incentive stock options and the exercise price could not be less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.  On January 31, 2006, the period in which the Company could grant incentives expired and no further options may be granted.  At June 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 37,500 shares under the 1996 plan, all of which were exercisable.  The options originally had ten-year terms and have exercise prices equal to fair market value on the date of grant.
 
2004 Plan
 
Under the 2004 Plan, as amended, the Company may grant incentives (including stock options and restricted stock awards) for up to 2,680,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to salaried, full time employees, including executive officers.  The term of each award generally is determined by the committee of the Board of Directors charged with administering the 2004 Plan.  Under the terms of the 2004 Plan, any options granted will be nonqualified stock options, must be exercisable within ten years and must have an exercise price which is not less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.  As of June 30, 2011, no stock options and 1,088,644 restricted stock awards (net of forfeitures) had been granted under the 2004 Plan.
 
Under programs approved by the Company’s Board of Directors annually in fiscal years 2004 through 2007, shares of restricted stock were awarded to senior executives and other employees under plans in which they were eligible.  These annual programs provided for the accelerated vesting of restricted stock after three fiscal years if the Company achieved certain specific operating and financial objectives over such period. If the objectives were not met, the program provided for the vesting of the restricted stock at the end of the seventh fiscal year of the restricted stock award.  Accelerated or partial vesting may be permitted upon a change of control or if employment is terminated as a result of death, disability, retirement or termination without cause.
 
Under the annual restricted stock program which has been administered under the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan since fiscal 2008, amounts awarded are conditioned in part on improvements to MEP (as defined below under Annual Cash Incentive plan). Under the program, subject to the availability of shares under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, restricted stock awards are made each year and generally are based on a percentage (approximately 85.7 percent) of the increase in MEP over the prior year. However, subject to the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, the maximum grant date market value of the awards made for any year to all participants is $4,500 and the minimum grant date market value made in any year to all participants, including years in which the change in MEP is negative, is $1,500.  Shares awarded vest in 5 years and are eligible for dividends during the vesting period. Provisions for forfeiture and accelerated and pro rata vesting generally are similar to those under the guidelines for the Company’s outstanding performance accelerated restricted stock awards.
 
Directors’ Option Plan
 
Under the Directors Option Plan, each non-employee or “outside” director of the Company received on the day after each annual meeting of stockholders an option to purchase 2,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on such date.  Options became exercisable on the 184th day following the date of grant and expired no later than ten years after the date of grant.  Subject to certain adjustments, a total of 180,000 shares were reserved
 
 
86

 
for annual grants under the Plan. The Plan expired in 2006 and no further options may be granted under it. At June 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding options to purchase 24,000 shares under the Directors’ Option Plan, all of which were exercisable as of June 30, 2011.
 
Salaried Plan
 
Under the Salaried Plan, the Company was authorized to grant stock incentives for up to 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to full-time salaried employees.  The Salaried Plan provides that the amount, recipients, timing and terms of each award be determined by the Committee of the Board of Directors charged with administering the Salaried Plan.  Under the terms of the Salaried Plan, options granted could be either nonqualified or incentive stock options and the exercise price could not be less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.  At June 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding incentive stock options on 1,600 shares under the Salaried Plan, all of which were exercisable.  These options originally had ten-year terms and have exercise prices equal to fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the date of grant.  On March 5, 2008 the period in which the Company could make awards under the Plan expired and no further awards may be made under the Plan.
 
Directors’ Stock Plan
 
In addition to annual awards, under the Directors’ Stock Plan, which was approved by stockholders at the 2006 Annual Meeting, as amended, the Company may grant incentives for up to 175,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to outside directors.  The plan allows for grants to be made on the first business day following the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, whereby each non-employee director is awarded shares of restricted stock with a fair market value of $12,500, as determined on such first business day following the annual meeting.  The shares awarded become fully vested upon the occurrence of one of the following events  (1) the third anniversary of the award date, (2) the death of the director, or (3) a change in control, as defined in the Plan.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee may allow accelerated vesting in the event of specified terminations.  As of June 30, 2011, 87,411 shares of restricted common stock have been awarded from shares available under the plan.
 
Stock Options.  The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  For the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, no options have been granted.
 
A summary of the status of stock options awarded under the Company’s stock option plans as of June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and changes during the years then ended is presented below:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of Year
    168,350     $ 5.91       276,600     $ 5.28       421,795     $ 5.30  
Granted
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Cancelled/Forfeited
    (30,000 )     4.75       (53,000 )     4.02       (145,195 )     5.32  
Exercised
    (75,250 )     6.01       (55,250 )     4.57       -       -  
Outstanding at end of year
    63,100     $ 6.35       168,350     $ 5.91       276,600     $ 5.28  

During the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable was $146, $265 and $0, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s average closing stock price on the last ten trading days of the related fiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of related in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had they exercised their options at the end of the fiscal year. This amount changes based on the market value of the Company’s

 
87

 
common stock.  Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (based on the difference between the Company’s stock price on the exercise date and the respective exercise price, multiplied by the number of options determined to be in the money) was $187, $156 and $0, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercises for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 aggregated $452, $221 and $0, respectively.
 
Outstanding options are comprised as follows:
 
   
 
 
Shares
   
 
Exercise
Price
   
Remaining
Contractual
Lives
(Years)
   
Shares
Exercisable
at
June 30, 2011
 
The 1996 Plan
    17,500     $ 3.63       2.00       17,500  
      10,000       6.45       1.00       10,000  
      10,000       5.95       .50       10,000  
Salaried Plan
    1,600       5.95       .50       1,600  
Directors Option Plan
    10,000       10.45       4.25       10,000  
      8,000       9.09       3.25       8,000  
      2,000       4.38       2.25       2,000  
      2,000       3.25       1.25       2,000  
      2,000       5.58       .25       2,000  
Total
    63,100                       63,100  

Restricted Common Stock.  A summary of the status of restricted stock awarded under the Company’s restricted stock plans at June 30, 2011, 2010 and June 30, 2009 and changes during the years then ended is presented below:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
 
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value
   
 
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value
   
 
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value
 
Non vested balance at beginning of year
    843,870     $ 5.99       932,901     $ 6.45       235,855     $ 13.62  
Granted
    323,629       6.93       53,893       4.32       869,941       4.62  
Forfeited
    (60,726 )     5.99       (116,417 )     8.64       (115,736 )     8.57  
Vested
    (18,129 )     8.65       (31,507 )     6.70       (57,159 )     3.76  
Non vested balance at end of year
    1,088,644     $ 6.23       843,870     $ 5.99       932,901     $ 6.45  

During the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the total fair value of restricted stock awards vested was $157, $185 and $215, respectively.  As of June 30, 2011 there was $3,328 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock awards.  These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 years.
 
Annual Cash Incentive Plan.  For fiscal years 2009 through 2011, the Company had annual cash incentive plans based upon varying applications of modified economic profit (“MEP”).  The program for fiscal 2011 and 2010 (“Current MEP Program”) varied from that used in fiscal 2009.  Under the Current MEP Program, annual target awards are a percentage of base pay set by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.  The actual amount of awards that may be paid depend on the percentage of base pay set by the Committee as a target award and the extent to which the improvement in MEP over the base period meets or exceeds targeted growth in MEP as approved by the Committee. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee has discretion under the annual incentive plan to adjust factors used in determining incentive compensation and to include or exclude unusual items.  No incentive compensation is payable if growth is less than 80% of target. Not more than 125% of the targeted bonus award may be paid to a participant, which amount is payable if MEP growth exceeds 110% of target.

 
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For the year ended June 30, 2011, the growth in MEP was measured against fiscal 2010.  The Company did not exceed its targeted growth in MEP of $3,000 in fiscal 2011, and no annual incentive was paid for fiscal 2011.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, growth in MEP was measured against the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, annualized, and adjusted to eliminate assets then held for sale.  After giving effect to adjustments approved by the Committee for unusual items, the Company surpassed its targeted growth in MEP of $2,250 over the base period and accrued aggregate annual bonuses of $3,018 for fiscal 2010 under the plan.  No amount was accrued under the program in fiscal 2009 since the targets were not achieved. 
 
NOTE 9:
RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND LOSS ON IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
 
The Company incurred a significant operating loss in fiscal year 2009.  This loss caused the Company to be in violation of covenants under the former credit facility used during this period and seriously impacted the Company’s liquidity.  In response to these conditions, actions were taken in an effort to return the Company to profitability.  These actions included significant changes to operations in the Company’s Atchison and Pekin facilities.  As a result of these actions, restructuring costs and loss on impairment of assets were recognized during the year ended June 30, 2009.  Amounts for such charges included in results for the year ended June 30, 2009 were as follows:

   
Total
 
Impairment of long lived assets
  $ 10,282  
Severance and early retirement costs
    3,288  
Other restructuring costs
    5,241  
  Total
  $ 18,811  
 
On October 20, 2008 the Company announced that it had signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire its flour requirements from a third party, was ceasing operations at its flour mill in Atchison, Kansas and was  reducing its workforce.  The Company’s decision to close its flour mill was due to the fact that it could no longer produce flour for its own use at costs that were competitive with those of third party producers.  As a result of this action by the Company, the Company performed an impairment analysis and recorded a $2,831 non-cash impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the flour mill assets.

On November 5, 2008, the Company announced plans to significantly reduce production of commodity wheat proteins and starches by ceasing protein and starch production operations at its Pekin, Illinois plant, effective November 12, 2008.  The majority of the Pekin facility’s protein and starch production consisted of gluten and commodity starches.  As a result of the shutdown, the Company performed an impairment analysis and recorded a $4,960 non-cash impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the Pekin protein and starch assets.

As a result of the closure of the Company’s Atchison flour mill and the protein and starch operations at its Pekin plant, the Company also incurred $3,288 in severance and early retirement costs.  Activity related to the restructuring costs was as follows:

   
Year Ended
 
   
June 30 , 2011
   
June 30 , 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 1,123     $ 1,791     $ 3,288  
Provisions for severance and
    early retirement costs
    -       186       74  
Payments and adjustments
    (611 )     (854     (1,571
Balance at end of year
  $ 512     $ 1,123     $ 1,791  

On January 29, 2009, the Company determined that it would cease the manufacture and sale of personal care ingredients products.  The Company concluded all its contractual obligations with respect to

 
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its personal care customers, completed all production and liquidated all remaining inventory.    As a result of this action, the Company performed an impairment analysis and recorded a $329 non-cash impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the write-down of equipment used in the production of personal care products.
 
At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2008 the Company concluded that its pet business assets in the other segment and certain of its ingredient solutions segment assets in a mixed use facility in Kansas City, Kansas at which the Company’s pet treat resins were made were impaired.  At that time, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $8,100.  For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company performed another test for impairment of these assets as a result of an appraisal, resulting in a further charge of $811.  As part of its closing process for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, management performed an additional impairment test of these assets and recorded an additional impairment charge of $1,351.  On August 21, 2009, the Company completed the sale of its Kansas City, Kansas facility for $3,585.

Other restructuring costs of $5,241 recognized in fiscal 2009 include $2,925 related to lease termination costs which the Company expected to incur as a result of the flour mill closure with respect to railcars which it formerly used to transport flour and whose leases expire through 2013. The Company recognized this expense because it no longer utilized these cars in its business.  Expected payments accrued reflected the net present value of the remaining obligation net of units which were estimated to be returned to the lessor sooner than the lease termination date.  The discount rate used was 6.4 percent, which is consistent with the rate provided by the Company’s actuary.

The Company estimated that the remaining railcars would either be returned to the lessor or assigned to other third parties over the course of four years.  Other restructuring costs in fiscal 2009 also include a $2,185 net loss resulting from sales of excess wheat no longer needed for milling operations. The charge is net of approximately $1,109 in realized gains previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

During fiscal 2010, 53 railcars were returned to the lessor.  During fiscal 2010, no activities occurred that required an update to the underlying assumptions for this liability.  No railcars were returned during fiscal 2011, and the Company increased the restructuring accrual during fiscal 2011 because the date of assignment for certain railcars to other third parties had been delayed.  The Company expects the remaining 68 railcars will be returned during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  Activity related to the lease termination restructuring accrual and related costs was as follows:

   
Year-Ended
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 1,562     $ 2,379     $ 5,241  
Provision for additional expense
    249       -       -  
Payments and adjustments
    (668 )     (817 )       (2,862 )  
Balance at end of year
  $ 1,143     $ 1,562     $ 2,379  

With the changes effected at the Company’s Pekin plant, commitments for the purchase of natural gas through the remainder of the year ended June 30, 2009 under a single contract for the Pekin plant were in excess of projected consumption.  Accordingly, the Company settled such commitments for the difference between the prices to which it committed to and the market price of natural gas upon settlement.  The Company recorded a charge of $7,642 for the year ended June 30, 2009 to cost of sales for losses realized upon settlement of this contract.

On January 29, 2009, the Company temporarily shut down its Pekin, Illinois plant.  On March 31, 2009, the Company announced that it was considering its strategic options. Management performed an impairment analysis of the Pekin plant as of June 30, 2009 and determined that no further impairment charge related to the Pekin plant was warranted at that time.  See Note 3 related to formation of ICP joint venture during fiscal 2010.

 
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NOTE 10:
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

On August 21, 2009, the Company sold its Kansas City, Kansas, facility for proceeds of $3,585, less closing costs, with potential additional payments based on the buyer’s income from sales of the Company’s existing products to the Company’s existing customers over the next three years ending July 31, 2012, with the final potential amount payable November 1, 2010.  The sale included all equipment used for the production and packaging of pet-related products, which principally include extruded plant-based resins and finished pet treats. The Company retained ownership of equipment that is used for the production of its Wheatex® textured wheat proteins, which are sold for use in meat extension and vegetarian product applications.  This equipment is located in a separate section of the facility that has been leased to the Company for a period of three years ending August 20, 2012 and is operated by a subsidiary of the buyer under a toll manufacturing arrangement.  In connection with the sale of the Kansas City, Kansas facility, liabilities related to these assets held for sale as of June 30, 2009, totaling $2,725, were paid with the sale proceeds.

On November 20, 2009, the Company completed a series of transaction pursuant to which the Company contributed it Pekin plant and certain maintenance and repair materials to a newly formed company, Illinois Corn Processing, (“ICP”) and then sold a 50% interest in ICP.  See Note 3 Investment in Joint Ventures.
 
NOTE 11:
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND CONCENTRATIONS

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit obligations.  The Company accrues amounts for defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit obligations as discussed in Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans.  An accrual of $4,025 for defined benefit pension obligations and $6,498 for post-retirement benefit obligations is included in the accompanying 2011 financial statements.  Claim payments and pension obligations based upon actual experience could ultimately differ materially from these estimates.

Inventory valuation.  The Company has recorded the carrying value of its inventories at the lower of cost or market based upon management estimates.  Actual results could differ significantly in the near term.

Impairment.  The Company reviews long-lived assets, mainly equipment, for impairment at year end or if events or circumstances indicate that usage may be limited and carrying values may not be recoverable.  Should events indicate the assets cannot be used as planned, the realization from alternative uses or disposal is compared to the carrying value.  If an impairment loss is measured, this estimate is recognized.  Considerable judgment is used in these measurements, and a change in the assumptions could result in a different determination of impairment loss and/or the amount of any impairment.  The Company recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $10,282 during the year ended June 30, 2009.  While no further impairment losses were recorded during fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Company may incur further impairment losses with respect to these assets if the assumptions that it made when it performed its analysis prove to be incorrect or if it determines that it needs to change its assumptions.  See Note 1 Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 9. Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets.

Liability for other restructuring costs.   The Company recorded a liability for other restructuring costs related to expected railcar returns.  During fiscal 2011, $249 of other restructuring costs were charged to the statement of operations due to a delay in the timing by which certain railcars are expected to be assigned to other third parties.  During fiscal 2010, no activities occurred that required an update to the underlying assumptions for this liability.   The Company expects the remaining 68 railcars will be returned during fiscal 2014.  The timing of the returns could ultimately differ materially from this estimate and prove the estimate to be incorrect.  See Note 9. Restructuring Costs and Loss on Impairment of Assets.

Significant customers.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company did not have sales to any individual customer that accounted for more than 10 percent of consolidated net sales.  During the fiscal
 
 
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year end June 30, 2011, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 45 percent of consolidated net sales.
 
For the year ended June 30, 2010, the Company did not have sales to any individual customer that accounted for more than 10 percent of consolidated net sales.  During the fiscal year end June 30, 2010, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 42 percent of consolidated net sales.
 
For the year ended June 30, 2009, the Company had sales to one customer accounting for approximately 10 percent of consolidated net sales. In addition, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 40 percent of consolidated net sales.
 
Significant suppliers.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company had purchases from one grain supplier that approximated 38 percent of consolidated purchases and from another flour supplier that accounted for 26 percent of consolidated purchases.  In addition, the Company’s 10 largest suppliers accounted for approximately 90 percent of consolidated purchases.
 
For the year ended June 30, 2010, the Company had purchases from one grain supplier that approximated 33 percent of consolidated purchases and from another flour supplier that accounted for 12 percent of consolidated purchases.  In addition, the Company’s 10 largest suppliers accounted for approximately 75 percent of consolidated purchases.
 
For the year ended June 30, 2009, the Company had purchases from 1 grain supplier that approximated 20 percent of consolidated purchases and from another for the purchase of flour that accounted for 17 percent of consolidated purchases.  In addition, the Company’s 10 largest suppliers accounted for approximately 68 percent of consolidated purchases.
 
Tax Valuation Allowance.  The Company establishes a valuation allowance against certain deferred income tax assets if management believes, based on its assessment of historical and projected operating results and other available facts and circumstances, that it is  more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.  Management reassessed the need for a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets.  It was determined that a valuation allowance was appropriate on its net deferred income tax assets of $13,675 and $14,600 at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
NOTE 12:
OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
The Company’s operations are classified into three reportable segments:  distillery products, ingredient solutions and other. The distillery products segment consists of food grade alcohol, along with fuel grade alcohol commonly known as ethanol, and distillers feed, which are co-products of our distillery operations. Ingredient solutions consist of specialty starches and proteins, commodity starch and vital wheat gluten (commodity protein).  Mill by-products, consisting primarily of mill feeds or “midds,” have also been included in this segment but have been discontinued with the shutdown of our wheat flour milling operations at the Atchison, Kansas plant in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  The other segment products are comprised of resins and plant-based polymers and composites manufactured through the further processing of certain of our proteins and starches and wood.
 
Operating profit (loss) for each segment is based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses.  Non-direct selling, general and administrative, interest expense, investment income and other general miscellaneous expenses have been excluded from segment operations and classified as Corporate.  Receivables, inventories and equipment have been identified with the segments to which they relate.  All other assets are considered as Corporate.
 
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Years Ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
Sales to Customers
                 
  Distillery products
  $ 188,993     $ 139,990     $ 204,704  
  Ingredient solutions
    57,765       59,715       82,127  
  Other
    1,157       2,266       4,981  
     Total
  $ 247,915     $ 201,971     $ 291,812  
                         
Depreciation and amortization
                       
  Distillery products
  $ 4,720     $ 4,363     $ 7,095  
  Ingredient solutions
    2,148       2,272       3,022  
  Other
    245       245       246  
  Corporate
    1,730       1,751       1,583  
     Total
  $ 8,843     $ 8,631     $ 11,946  
                         
Income (loss) before Income Taxes
                       
  Distillery products
  $ 19,720     $ 16,713     $ (24,367 )
  Ingredient solutions
    1,828       9,731       (6,720 )
  Other
    (521 )     145       40  
  Corporate
    (21,701 )     (22,056 )     (24,411 )
  Impairment of long-lived assets(i)
    -       -       (10,282 )
  Severance and early retirement costs(i)
    -       -       (3,288 )
  Loss on joint venture formation(i)
    -       (2,294 )     -  
  Gain (loss) on sale of assets(i)
    (322 )     1,731       -  
  Other restructuring costs(i)
    (249 )     -       (5,241 )
  Loss on natural gas contract(i)
    -       -       (7,642 )
     Total
  $ (1,245 )   $ 3,970     $ (81,911 )
                         
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
         
Identifiable Assets
                       
  Distillery products
  $ 54,051     $ 47,511          
  Ingredient solutions
    34,059       30,221          
  Other
    1,415       1,777          
  Corporate
    44,106       41,628          
     Total
  $ 133,631     $ 121,137          
 
Information about the Company's revenues and assets by geographic area is as follows:

Revenues for the year ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
United States
  $ 225,996     $ 183,194     $ 267,031  
Japan(ii)
    13,502       10,176       16,379  
Canada
    2,848       2,876       2,979  
Europe
    688       886       1,222  
Other
    4,881       4,839       4,201  
Total
  $ 247,915     $ 201,971     $ 291,812  

Assets,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
United States
  $ 133,289     $ 120,845  
Europe
    342       292  
Total
  $ 133,631     $ 121,137  
 
 
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(i)  
MGPI’s management reporting does not assign or allocate special charges to the Company’s operating segments.  For purposes of comparative analysis, loss on impairment of long-lived assets, severance and early retirement costs, other restructuring costs, loss on natural gas contract, loss on joint venture formations recognized, gain (loss) on sale of assets and the out-of-period adjustment related to accounts payable for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 have been excluded from our segments.
(ii)  
Substantially all of the Company’s sales in Japan are to one customer.

NOTE 13:
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
Years Ended,
 
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
                 
Purchase of property and equipment in Accounts Payable
  $ 1,806     $ 352     $ 430  
Transfer of assets held for sale to investment in joint ventures
    -       29,063        -  
Transfer of inventory to investment in joint ventures
    -       2,924       -  
Transfer of accounts payable to long-term debt
    -       11,614        -  
Purchase of property and equipment and other assets in capital leases
    -       -       1,436  
Reclassification of assets held for sale from Property and equipment
    -       -       27,979  
Stock plan shares issued from treasury
    1,350       295       2.936  
Additional cash payment information:
                       
   Interest paid
    515       1,808       2,733  
   Income tax (paid)/ refunds received
    (234 )     10,390       -  

NOTE 14:
CONTINGENCIES
 
There are various legal proceedings involving the Company and its subsidiaries.  Except for the following matter, management considers that the aggregate liabilities, if any, arising from such actions would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or operations of the Company.
 
In January 2006 the Company entered a consent agreement with the KDHE resolving past allegations relating to permits, emissions levels and compliance with pollution regulations.  Prior to fiscal 2010 the Company made approximately $14,238 in capital expenditures to comply with the consent agreement and paid $66 in civil penalties for instances of non compliance.     During the second half of fiscal 2010, due to increased production activity the Company anticipated that it would exceed the emissions cap imposed by the KDHE in the 2006 consent and began negotiating an amendment to the consent agreement with the KDHE.  This amendment, which was approved by the KDHE in May 2010, required us to complete a closed-loop, process water cooling system project, resulting in significant VOC reduction, in accordance with a scheduled timeline extending over an approximate seventeen month period ending on September 30, 2011.  The Company agreed to pay a $5 per month penalty for any month that it exceeded the rolling 12-month emissions cap imposed in the consent agreement, as well as a $1 per day penalty for each day we might have failed to file monthly progress reports or exceeded established completion dates for various stages of the project.   The Company completed the project during July 2011.  Based upon information available to management, no additional penalties were incurred that would otherwise have required accrual at June 30, 2011.
 
NOTE 15:
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS  
 
Derivative Instruments.  Certain commodities the Company uses in its production process are exposed to market price risks due to volatility in the prices for those commodities.  The Company has historically used derivative instruments to reduce the risk related to price volatility for corn, flour and natural gas and has managed its exposure through a combination of forward purchases, long-term contracts

 
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with suppliers and exchange traded commodity futures and option contracts.  Derivative instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities, and are measured at fair market value with any changes in fair value being marked to market as a component of cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Since these derivatives are not accounted for as hedges, fluctuations in the related commodity prices could have a material impact on earnings in any given period.  Changes in fair value of open derivative instruments are recorded as inventory and cost of sales.
 
The Company’s production process involves the use of natural gas, which it purchases under contracts that require it to commit to the purchase of certain quantities on a monthly basis and allow the Company to lock in prices on such purchase quantities.  Because the quantities involved have always been for amounts to be consumed within the normal production process, the Company has determined that these contracts meet the normal purchases and sales exception as defined under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and have excluded the fair value to these commitments from recognition within its financial statements until the actual contracts are physically settled.
 
Fair Value Measurements.  In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the fair value of an asset is considered the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Statement also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted market prices (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 
 
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible by the reporting entity.
 
 
 
Level 2—observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
 
 
Level 3—unobservable inputs for an asset or liability. Unobservable inputs should only be used to the extent observable inputs are not available.
 
The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  At June 30, 2011, $1,827 of corn derivative liabilities related to futures contracts were included in Level 2.  On June 30, 2011, the futures contracts market experienced significant volatility and had reached the maximum daily price allowed by the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”) and was closed prior to the normal closing of the market.    Accordingly, the closing price was not considered to be indicative of the fair value of these futures contracts on June 30, 2011and the Company used the CBOT’s July 1, 2011 opening trading price for these futures contracts as the best indicator of fair value at June 30, 2011.  Given that the fair value of the futures contracts held as of June 30, 2011 were based upon an observable proxy, the Company has classified these contracts as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  Management believes that under specific circumstances the opening value on July 1 for these contracts, which increased the unrealized loss recognized by approximately $1,447, was a better estimate of fair value at the end of the fiscal year.
 
The following table show the fair value of our derivatives, where the derivatives are classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and the level, within the fair value hierarchy at both June 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
 
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Fair Value Measurements
 
   
Classified
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
June 30, 2011
                           
 Liabilities
                           
                                     
Commodity Derivatives (a)
 
Inventory
  $ 2,254     $ 427     $ 1,827     $ -  
                                     
June 30, 2010
                                   
Assets
                                   
                                     
Commodity Derivatives
 
Inventory
  $ 14     $ 14     $ -     $ -  

(a)  
At June 30, 2011, the Company had net derivative contracts to purchase 3,850,000 bushels of corn through March 2012.

The following table provides the gain or (loss) for the Company’s commodity derivatives and where it was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

   
Classified
 
2011
   
2010
 
                     
Commodity derivatives
 
Cost of sales
  $ 11,299     $ 71  

Counterparty credit risk.  The Company enters into commodity derivatives through a broker with a diversified group of counterparties.  As these commodity derivatives currently represent a liability, there is no risk of counterparty credit risk.  Under the terms of the Company’s account with its broker, it is required to maintain a cash margin account as collateral to cover any shortfall in the market value of derivatives, which has been accounted for as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
NOTE 16:
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Credit Agreement.  The Company entered into its Credit Agreement (amended in January 2011), as more fully discussed in Note 4.  Corporate Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations.   The Credit Agreement permits the lender to modify or reduce the borrowing base at the lender’s reasonable discretion and to accelerate our debt if an over-advance results.   Any modification to reduce our borrowing base or terminate the Credit Agreement would negatively impact our overall liquidity and may require us to take other actions to preserve any remaining liquidity.  Acceleration of debt under our Credit Agreement could result in acceleration of our other debt obligations discussed in Note 4. Corporate Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations. 

ICP.  The Limited Liability Company Agreement gives either member certain rights to shut down the plant if it operates at a loss.  Such rights are conditional in certain instances but absolute if EBITDA losses aggregate $1,500 over any three consecutive quarters or if ICP's net working capital is less than $2,500.  ICP Holdings also has the right to shut down the plant if ICP is in default under its loan agreement for failure to pay principal or interest for two months.  Both partners have agreed to waive this condition for all periods through June 30, 2011.

An affiliate (sister company) of SEACOR Energy, Inc. has provided funding to ICP through two loans secured by all of the assets of ICP, including the Pekin Plant. Among other matters, losses or working capital deficiencies that would entitle a member of ICP to shut down the plant are events of default under these loan agreements which, upon any requisite notice and/or lapse of time, would entitle the lender to exercise its remedies, including foreclosing on ICP’s assets and, in the case of the working capital deficiency or

 
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successive losses, enforcing the plant closure provisions in the Limited Liability Company Agreement referred to above. These provisions relate to ICP having quarterly EBITDA losses that exceed $500, EBITDA losses in three consecutive fiscal quarters equaling or exceeding $1,500 in the aggregate or net working capital of less than $2,500. During fiscal 2011, ICP experienced EBIDTA losses in the quarters ended December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011.  An affiliate (sister company) of SEACOR Energy, Inc. waived these EBITDA losses through June 30, 2011.
 
Commodities risk.  Commodity prices for certain raw materials used by the Company and prices for natural gas are subject to significant volatility.  Grain and flour costs are a significant portion of the Company’s costs of goods sold, and historically the cost of such raw materials is subject to substantial fluctuations depending upon a number of factors and over which the Company has no control, including crop conditions, weather, government programs and purchases by foreign governments.  Such variations in costs have had and may continue to have, from time to time, significant effects on the results of the Company’s operations.  The Company expects to only purchase derivatives and enter contracts for future delivery only to protect margins on contracted, and a portion of spot market alcohol sales and expected ingredients sales. Management attempts to recover higher commodity costs experienced through higher sales prices, but market considerations may not always permit this, and even where prices can be adjusted, there would likely be a lag between when the Company incurred higher commodity and natural gas costs and when the Company might be able to increase prices.  To the extent the Company does not enter such derivative contracts or contracts for future delivery and is also unable to timely pass increases in the costs of raw materials to customers under sales contracts, the Company may be adversely impacted by market fluctuations in the cost of grain and natural gas, particularly when such fluctuations are volatile.
 
Workforce subject to collective bargaining.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had 192 employees, 97 of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements with one labor union.  The agreement, which expires on August 31, 2014, covers employees at the Atchison Plant.  As of June 30, 2010, the Company had 193 employees.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s joint venture, ICP, had 64 employees, of which 37 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with one labor union.  This agreement expires on October 31, 2016.  As of June 30, 2010, ICP had 61 employees.
 
NOTE 17:
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Information related to the Company’s related party transactions is as follows:

Transactions with ICP and ICP Holdings
The Company has entered into various agreements with ICP and ICP Holdings including a Contribution Agreement, an LLC Interest Purchase Agreement, a Limited Liability Company Agreement and a Marketing Agreement. These agreements are further described in Note 3.

As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded $6,166 and $4,951, respectively of amounts due to ICP that is included in the Accounts Payable to affiliate, net caption on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and purchased approximately $57,482 and $17,342 of product from ICP during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which is included in the Cost of Sales caption of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Randy M. Schrick serves as the Vice President of Engineering of the Company and President of ICP.

Long term debt
At June 30, 2009, the Company had $2,000 outstanding on a 7.00% Secured Promissory Note due March 2011 (as amended).  The note was due to the Cloud L. Cray, Jr. Trust (“Cray Trust”).  Mr. Cray, who is settlor and trustee of the Cray Trust, is a director of the Company and its principal stockholder with

 
97

 
an approximate 20 percent beneficial ownership interest in the common stock of the Company.  At the time the loan to the Company was made, Mr. Cray was also a trustee of the voting trust which owned a controlling interest in the Company’s preferred stock.  On December 21, 2009, the Company paid $2,101 to the Cray Trust in full payment of all amounts due under the note and obtained release of remaining liens.
 
On July 20, 2009, Union State Bank – Bank of Atchison (“Bank of Atchison”), which previously had loaned the Company $1,500, agreed to loan the Company an additional $2,000.  The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Newkirk, is a director of the Bank.  At June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $1,516 and $1,783 outstanding, respectively on a 6.00% Secured Promissory Noted, due monthly to July 2016.

On April 15, 2009, the Company borrowed $2,800 from Exchange National Bank & Trust Co. of Atchison.  At June 30, 2009, the Company had $2,768 outstanding on 7% Secured Promissory Note due July 2010 (as amended).  Ladd Seaberg, the Company’s former Chairman of the Board, son-in-law of Mr. Cloud L. Cray, Jr., spouse to a member of the Board of Directors and a voting trustee of the voting trust, is a director on the Exchange National Bank & Trust Co. of Atchison’s board.  On November 20, 2009, the Company repaid the remaining balance of $2,811 from proceeds of the sale of a 50% interest in ICP in full satisfaction of its obligations under this loan and obtained release of the related liens.

Consulting contract
The Company had a consulting contract with Ladd Seaberg, its former Chairman of the Board, who is also the son-in-law of Mr. Cloud L. Cray, Jr., spouse of a member of the Board of Directors and a voting trustee of the voting trust.  Under the contract, $250 was payable annually in exchange for consulting services.  The contract expired June 14, 2011.
 
NOTE 18:
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Adopted by the Company in fiscal 2011

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

June 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-17, Consolidations (ASC 810) – Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities (“ASU 2009-17”).  ASU 2009-17 provides new guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) in response to concerns about the application of certain key provisions of pre-existing guidance, including those regarding the transparency of the involvement with a VIE. Specifically, ASU 2009-17 requires a qualitative approach to identifying a controlling financial interest in a VIE and requires ongoing assessment of whether an entity is a VIE and whether an interest in a VIE makes the holder the primary beneficiary of the VIE. In addition, ASU 2009-17 requires additional disclosures about the involvement with a VIE and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement.  ASU 2009-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company adopted the new guidance effective July 1, 2010 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.    
 
 
Not yet adopted by the Company

Proposed Amendments to Current Accounting Standards
 
The FASB is currently working on amendments to existing accounting standards governing a number of areas including, but not limited to, accounting for leases. In August 2010, the FASB issued an exposure draft, “Leases” (the “Exposure Draft”), which would replace the existing guidance in ASC 840 – Leases.  Under the Exposure Draft, among other changes in practice, a lessee’s rights and obligations under all leases, including existing and new arrangements, would be recognized as assets and liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet. Subsequent to the end of the related comment period, the FASB made several amendments to the exposure draft, including revising the definition of the “lease term” to include the non-cancelable lease term plus only those option periods for which there is significant economic incentive for

 
98

 
the lessee to extend or not terminate the lease. The FASB also redefined the initial lease liability to be recorded on the Company’s balance sheet to contemplate only those variable lease payments that are in substance “fixed”. The final standard is expected to be issued in the second half of 2011. When and if effective, this proposed standard will likely have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, as the standard-setting process is still ongoing, the Company is unable to determine the impact this proposed change in accounting will have on its consolidated financial statements at this time.
 
Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which was issued to enhance comparability between entities that report under U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, and to provide a more consistent method of presenting non-owner transactions that affect an entity’s equity. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, which corresponds to the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2012. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted and full retrospective application is required. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the provisions of this pronouncement will have on its financial statements.
 
 
99

 
NOTE 19:QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
   
2011
 
   
Fourth
Quarter
   
Third
Quarter
   
Second
Quarter
   
First
Quarter
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data amounts)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 68,798     $ 64,188     $ 57,951     $ 56,978  
Cost of sales
    71,586       57,669       49,159       46,624  
  Gross profit
    (2,788 )     6,519       8,792       10,354  
Selling, general and administrative
    4,880       5,690       4,360       6,227  
Other operating costs
    176       -       55       273  
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
    -       -       33       289  
Other restructuring costs
    249       -       -       -  
  Income (loss) from operations
    (8,093 )     829       4,344       3,565  
Other income (expense), net
    2       3       -       3  
Interest expense
    -       (92 )     (141 )     (125 )
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures
    (2,296 )     124       (957 )     1,589  
  Income (loss) before income taxes
    (10,387 )     864       3,246       5,032  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (129 )     163       4       30  
  Net income (loss)
  $ (10,258 )   $ 701     $ 3,242     $ 5,002  
                                 
Per Share Data(i)(ii)
                               
     Total basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.58 )   $ 0.04     $ 0.18     $ 0.28  
     Total diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.58 )   $ 0.04     $ 0.18     $ 0.28  
                                 
Dividends per Common Share
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 0.05  
                                 
Stock price ranges:
                               
Common
                               
  -High
  $ 9.00     $ 11.06     $ 11.90     $ 8.15  
  -Low
  $ 7.75     $ 7.90     $ 8.14     $ 6.46  
                                 

(i)  
The Company adopted ASC 260 Earnings Per Share (formerly FSP-EITF 03-6-1) – Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities effective July 1, 2009.  The impacts for the non-vested restricted shares, which constitute a separate class of stock for accounting purposes, did not have a material impact and the Company did not apply the two class method in fiscal 2010.  In conjunction with the declaration of the dividend in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company reassessed its earnings per share calculation policy and determined to present the two-class method prospectively.
(ii)  
Total basic and diluted losses per common share do not equal the annual amounts of ($0.07) and ($0.07), respectively, due to rounding.

 
100

 
   
2010(i)(ii)
 
   
Fourth
Quarter
   
Third
Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
First
Quarter
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data amounts)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 54,359     $ 49,269     $ 48,094     $ 50,249  
Cost of sales
    47,129       44,302       39,584       40,412  
  Gross profit
    7,230       4,967       8,510       9,837  
Selling, general and administrative
    6,033       5,075       5,004       4,596  
Other operating costs (iii)
    245       521       455       797  
Loss (gain) on joint venture formation
    (753 )             3,047       -  
Gain on sale of assets (iii)
    (1,031 )     -       (500 )     (200 )
  Income (loss) from operations
    2,736       (629 )     504       4,644  
Other income, net
    621       1       2       21  
Interest expense
    (151 )     (280 )     (537 )     (789 )
Equity in earnings (loss)  of joint ventures
    (734 )     (1,541 )     150       (48 )
  Income (loss) before income taxes
    2,472       (2,449 )     119       3,828  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (4 )     (195 )     (4,659 )     90  
  Net income (loss)
  $ 2,476     $ (2,254 )   $ 4,778     $ 3,738  
                                 
Per Share Data (iv)(v)
                               
     Total basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.15     $ (0.14 )   $ 0.29     $ 0.23  
     Total diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.14     $ (0.14 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.22  
                                 
Dividends per Common Share
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Stock price ranges:
                               
Common
                               
  -High
  $ 8.62     $ 7.78     $ 9.62     $ 4.39  
  -Low
  $ 5.75     $ 6.36     $ 3.91     $ 2.29  

(i)  
Refer to Note 1 for discussion of out-of-period adjustments.
(ii)  
Net income for the fourth quarter includes a $753 out-of-period adjustment related to a partial settlement and a curtailment of the other post-retirement plan which was a favorable impact to pretax income.  Had this adjustment been recorded in the proper quarter, pretax income would have been favorably impacted by $753 for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  This adjustment reduced the loss on joint venture formation recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 from $3,047 to $2,294.
(iii)  
The first quarter results include a reclassification of $200 from other operating costs to gain on sale of assets.
(iv)  
Total basic and diluted losses per common share do not equal the annual amounts of $0.52 and $0.51, respectively, due to rounding.
(v)  
The Company adopted ASC 260 Earnings Per Share (formerly FSP-EITF 03-6-1) – Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities effective July 1, 2009.  The impacts for the non-vested restricted shares, which constitute a separate class of stock for accounting purposes, did not have a material impact and the Company did not apply the two class method in fiscal 2010.
 
NOTE 20:
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
Effective July 1, 2011, the Company elected to restart hedge accounting for qualifying commodity futures and options derivative contracts entered into after this date.
 
On August 25, 2011 the Company elected to change its fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31.  The change will be effective at the start of calendar 2012.  The Company will file a transition report for the period beginning July 1, 2011and ending December 31, 2011 on Form 10-K.

 
101

 
On August 25, 2011, the Company made an award of 256,000 shares of restricted stock (non-vested shares) with a fair value of $5.85 per share under the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.  The value of those shares at the grant date aggregated $1,498.

On August 25, 2011 the Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.05 per common share.  The dividend will be paid on October 13, 2011 to common stockholder of record on September 15, 2011.

 
102

 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As of the end of the fiscal year, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and our registered public accounting firm’s attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting can be found under Item 8.
 
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS
 
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect MGP Ingredients, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Not applicable.
 
 
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PART III
 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Incorporated by reference to the information under Election of Directors at pages 3 to 6 of the Proxy Statement, the information relating to the Audit Committee in the first paragraph of Certain Information Concerning The Board And Its Committees – Standing Committees; Meetings; Independence at page 8 of the Proxy Statement and in the second paragraph of Certain Information Concerning The Board And Its Committees – Audit Committee at page 9 of the Proxy Statement, and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance at page 29 of the Proxy Statement.
 
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all its employees, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. A copy is filed as an exhibit to this report.
 
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Incorporated by reference to the information in Executive Compensation and Other Information, at pages  12-27 of the Proxy Statement,  the information relating to the Human Resources and Compensation Committee in the first paragraph of Certain Information Concerning The Board And Its Committees – Standing Committees; Meetings; Independence at page 8 of the Proxy Statement and Certain Information concerning the Board and its Committees – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report at page 12 of the Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Incorporated by reference to the information under Principal Stockholders on pages 27 to 29 of the Proxy Statement.
 
The following is a summary of securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2011:
 
   
(A)
Number of shares to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   
(B)
Weighted-average of
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   
 (C)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (*)
 
                   
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
     63,100     $ 6.35       1,688,168  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
     -        -        -  
Total
    63,100     $ 6.35       1,688,168  

 
104

 
(*)  Of these securities, as of June 30, 2011, 1,600,579 shares may also be issued as performance or restricted stock awards under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 and 87,589 may be issued as restricted stock awards under the terms of the Directors’ Stock Plan.
 
ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Incorporated by reference to the information in the third paragraph under Certain Information Concerning the Board and its Committees – Standing Committees; Meetings; Independence on page 9 of the Proxy Statement and to the information under Related Transactions on pages 29 to 30 of the Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Incorporated by reference to the information under Audit and Certain Other Fees Paid Accountants on pages 30 to 31 of the Proxy Statement.
 
 
105

 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
(a) 
The following financial statements are filed as part of this report:
 
KPMG LLPs Report on Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Operations – for the Three Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) – for the Three Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow – for the Three Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and June 30, 2009.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
(b) 
Financial Statement Schedules:
 
II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
 
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the information is contained in the Consolidated Financial Statement or notes thereto.
 
 
(c) 
Separate Financial Statements of Subsidiaries Not Consolidated

 
The following financial statements of Illinois Corn Processing, LLC are as follows:
        
Independent Auditors’ Report

Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009

Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the period November 20, 2009 (Inception) to December 31, 2009

Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the period November 20, 2009 (Inception) to December 31, 2009

Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the period November 20, 2009 (Inception) to December 31, 2009

 
106

 
Independent Auditors’ Report
 
The Board of Advisors
 
Illinois Corn Processing LLC:
 
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Illinois Corn Processing LLC as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, changes in members’ equity and comprehensive loss, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2010, and for the period November 20, 2009 (Inception) through December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Illinois Corn Processing LLC as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2010, and for the period November 20, 2009 (Inception) through December 31, 2009 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
 
KPMG LLP
 
 
June 24, 2011
 
 
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ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Balance Sheets
 
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 2,607     $ 2,000  
Margin deposits
    1,631        
Trade receivables:
               
Due from affiliates
    4,454       58  
Due from nonaffiliates
    1,289       36  
Deposits
    3,473        
Inventories
    14,373       2,300  
Derivative assets
    1,241        
Prepaid expenses
    718       337  
Total current assets
    29,786       4,731  
Property and equipment
    34,239       29,064  
Accumulated depreciation
    (5,478 )       (199 )  
Net property and equipment
    28,761       28,865  
    $ 58,547     $ 33,596  
Liabilities and Members’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt:
               
Due to SEACOR
  $ 1,053     $ 789  
Due to nonaffiliates
    1,205        
Accounts payable:
               
Due to affiliates
    754       1,693  
Due to nonaffiliates
    4,963       669  
Accrued wages and benefits
    461       72  
Accrued interest:
               
Due to SEACOR
    76       7  
Due to nonaffiliates
    142        
Accrued property taxes
    192       21  
Derivative liabilities
    2,486        
Total current liabilities
    11,332       3,251  
Long-term debt:
               
Due to SEACOR
    16,024       1,211  
Due to nonaffiliates
    1,840        
Accumulated post-retirement benefits
    416        
Total liabilities
    29,612       4,462  
Members’ equity:
               
Contributed capital
    32,000       30,000  
Accumulated deficit
    (2,723 )       (866 )  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (342 )        
Total members’ equity
    28,935       29,134  
    $ 58,547     $ 33,596  
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
               
 
 
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ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Statements of Operations
 
         
November 20,
 
         
2009
 
   
Year ended
   
(inception) to
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net sales
  $ 120,380     $ 33  
Cost of sales:
               
Finished goods
    110,686       588  
Derivative losses, net
    3,977        
Gross profit (loss)
    5,717       (555 )  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    1,400       105  
Depreciation
    5,279       199  
Gains on asset dispositions
    40        
Operating loss
    (922 )       (859 )  
Interest expense:
               
SEACOR
    (783 )       (7 )  
Nonaffiliates
    (152 )        
Net loss
  $ (1,857 )   $ (866 )
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
               

 
109

 

ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity
 
(in thousands)
 
               
Accumulated
             
               
Other
             
   
Contributed
   
Accumulated
   
Comprehensive
         
Comprehensive
 
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Loss
   
Total
   
Loss
 
November 20, 2009 (inception)
  $ 30,000     $     $     $ 30,000        
Net loss
          (866 )           (866 )     $ (866 )
December 31, 2009
    30,000       (866 )           29,134     $ (866 )
Contribution of capital
    2,000                   2,000          
Net loss
          (1,857 )             (1,857 )     $ (1,857 )
Postretirement benefit obligation
                (342 )       (342 )       (342 )  
December 31, 2010
  $ 32,000     $ (2,723 )   $ (342 )   $ 28,935     $ (2,199 )
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
                                 

 
110

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Statements of Cash Flows
 
         
November 20,
 
         
2009
 
   
Year ended
   
(inception) to
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (1,857 )   $ (866 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    5,279       199  
Postretirement benefit expense
    74        
Gains on disposition of assets
    (40 )        
Derivative losses, net
    3,977        
Cash settlements on derivative transactions, net
    (2,732 )        
Increase in margin deposits
    (1,631 )        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (5,649 )       (94 )  
Inventories
    (12,085 )       (2,300 )  
Prepaid expenses and deposits
    (3,854 )       (337 )  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    4,126       2,461  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (14,392 )       (937 )  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (5,163 )       (29,063 )  
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
    40        
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,123 )       (29,063 )  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Capital contributions from members
    2,000       30,000  
Proceeds from equipment financing and other long-term debt
    3,308        
Principal payments on equipment financing and other long-term debt
    (263 )        
Proceeds from SEACOR term loan
    8,000       2,000  
Principal payments on SEACOR term loan
    (2,223 )        
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    28,700        
Principal payments on revolving credit facility
    (19,400 )        
Net cash provided by financing activities
    20,122       32,000  
Increase in Cash
    607       2,000  
Cash, Beginning of Year
    2,000        
Cash, End of Year
  $ 2,607     $ 2,000  
Supplemental information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 734     $  
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
               

 
111

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(1)  
Nature of Operations and Accounting Policies
 
 
(a)
Nature of Operations
 
Illinois Corn Processing LLC (the Company) consists of two members, Illinois Corn Processing Holdings Inc. and MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGP). Illinois Corn Processing Holdings Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEACOR Energy Group Inc. (along with its other majority-owned subsidiaries and SEACOR Holdings Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to as SEACOR). The Company was formed on November 20, 2009 (Inception) through MGP’s contribution of a previously idled manufacturing plant and the sale of a 50% interest to SEACOR for $15.0 million in cash. Capital contributions, distributions, and allocations of net income or loss are made based on each member’s proportionate share of ownership, and the liability of the members is limited to their investment in the Company.
 
Upon formation of the Company, SEACOR provided funding to the Company through a $10.0 million term loan with a maturity in November 2014 and a $20.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity in November 2012, subject to certain borrowing restrictions, both of which are secured by all of the assets of the Company (see Note 4).
 
The Company is in the business of manufacturing alcohol for beverage, industrial, and fuel applications. The finished goods are sold exclusively to MGP and SEACOR in accordance with marketing agreements between the Company, MGP, and SEACOR. Certain coproducts and by-products of the manufacturing process are sold to other unrelated third parties.
 
 
(b) 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include those related to the allowance for doubtful accounts, impairments, certain accrued liabilities, and postretirement benefit obligations. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences may be material.
 
 
(c) 
Subsequent Events
 
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through June 24, 2011, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.
 
 
(d) 
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue that does not meet these criteria is deferred until the criteria are met.
 
The Company earns revenues from the sale of alcohol, coproducts, and by-products. Revenues and related costs from these sales are recorded when title transfers to the buyer.
 
 
112

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(1)
Nature of Operations and Accounting Policies (continued)
 
 
(e) 
Trade Receivables
 
The Company’s primary customers are its two members. Customers are granted credit on a short-term basis and credit risks are considered minimal. The Company routinely reviews its trade receivables and makes provisions for doubtful accounts based on existing customer and economic conditions; however, those provisions are estimates and actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences may be material. Trade receivables are deemed uncollectible and removed from accounts receivable and the allowance for doubtful accounts when collection efforts have been exhausted. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts.
 
 
(f) 
Margin Deposits
 
The Company’s margin deposits consist of cash on deposit with its futures commission merchant in support of its open derivative contracts (see Note 3). The amount of margin deposit required to be maintained varies and is based on the number of open derivative contracts and the fair value of those contracts. As of December 31, 2010, the Company’s margin deposits exceeded its net derivative liability by $0.4 million.
 
 
(g) 
Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. Inventories consist of finished goods (alcohol), raw materials in the form of agricultural commodities used in the production process, and certain spares for the manufacturing and production facility.
 
As of December 31, the Company’s inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Raw materials
  $ 3,831     $ 318  
Finished goods
    8,981       981  
Work in process
    1,405       77  
Maintenance materials
    980       924  
Lower of cost or market reserve
    (824 )      
    $ 14,373     $ 2,300  
 
 
(h) 
Derivative Instruments
 
The Company accounts for derivatives through the use of a fair value concept whereby all of the Company’s derivative positions are stated at fair value in the accompanying balance sheets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives are reported in the accompanying statements of operations as derivative gains (losses), net. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had not designated any of its derivative instruments as fair value or cash flow hedges.
 
 
(i) 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
 
The Company is exposed to concentrations of credit risk associated with its cash and cash equivalents, raw material purchase commitments, and derivative instruments. The Company minimizes its credit risk relating to these positions by monitoring the financial condition of the financial institutions and counterparties involved
 
 
113

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(1)
Nature of Operations and Accounting Policies (continued)
 
and by primarily conducting business with large, well-established financial institutions and diversifying its counterparties. The Company does not currently anticipate nonperformance by any of its significant counterparties. The Company is also exposed to concentrations of credit risk relating to its receivables due from customers as described above. The Company does not generally require collateral or other security to support its outstanding receivables. The Company minimizes its credit risk relating to receivables by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, to date, credit losses have not been material.
 
 
(j) 
Property and Equipment
 
Equipment, stated at cost, is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset to an estimated salvage value.
 
As of December 31, 2010, the estimated useful life (in years) of each of the Company’s newly constructed major asset classes was as follows:
 
Warehouse, buildings, and improvements
    25  
Machinery and equipment
    5 – 20  
 
The Company’s major classes of property and equipment as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Land
  $ 1,100     $ 2,500  
Warehouses, buildings, and improvements
    3,533       4,065  
Machinery and equipment
    29,315       22,499  
Construction in progress
    291        
    $ 34,239     $ 29,064  
 
Depreciation expense totaled $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and $0.2 million for the period Inception through December 31, 2009.
 
Equipment maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
 
 
114

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009

(1)
Nature of Operations and Accounting Policies (continued)
 
 
(k) 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
The Company performs an impairment analysis of long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present. If the carrying values of the assets are not recoverable, as determined by the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the carrying values of the assets are reduced to fair value. Generally, fair value is determined using valuation techniques, such as expected discounted cash flows or appraisals, as appropriate. During the year ended December 31, 2010 and the period Inception through December 31, 2009, the Company recognized no impairment charges related to long-lived assets held for use.
 
 
(l) 
Income Taxes
 
The income or loss of the Company is included in the taxable income or loss of its individual members, and therefore, no provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements.
 
 
(m) 
Postretirement Benefit Plan
 
The Company sponsors a postretirement benefit plan that provides life insurance and medical benefits to certain retired employees (see Note 5). The Company periodically measures the obligation for this plan using actuarial techniques that reflect management’s assumptions for certain factors that impact the determination of the obligation and recognizes an asset or liability in the accompanying balance sheets based on the funded status of the plan. The Company’s obligation under this plan was unfunded as of December 31, 2010.
 
 
(n) 
Comprehensive Loss
 
Comprehensive loss is the total of net loss and all other changes in equity of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of a reporting period other than transactions with owners. The Company has chosen to disclose comprehensive loss in the accompanying statements of changes in equity. The Company’s other comprehensive loss comprises changes in postretirement benefit obligations.
 
(2)  
Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs derived from observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
 
115

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(2)
Fair Value Measurements (continued)
 
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2010 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets:
                 
Derivative instruments
  $ 1,241     $     $  
Liabilities:
                       
Derivative instruments
  $ 2,486     $     $  
 
The estimated fair value of the Company’s other financial assets and liabilities as of December 31 was as follows (in thousands).
 
   
2010
         
2009
       
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
amount
   
fair value
   
amount
   
fair value
 
Assets:
                       
Cash
  $ 2,607       2,607     $ 2,000     $ 2,000  
Margin Deposits
    1,631       1,631              
Liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt, including current portion
    20,122       20,258       2,000       2,000  
 
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and margin deposits approximates fair value. For certain of the Company’s long-term debt carrying value approximates fair value as the interest rate is variable. The fair value of the Company’s other long-term debt was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on estimated current rates for similar types of arrangements. Considerable judgment was required in developing certain of the estimates of fair value, and accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
 
 
116

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(3)  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies
 
Derivative instruments are classified as either assets or liabilities based on their individual fair values. Derivative assets and liabilities are included in derivative assets and derivative liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying balance sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company had not designated any of its derivative activities as hedging instruments. The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Derivative
   
Derivative
   
Derivative
   
Derivative
 
   
asset
   
liability
   
asset
   
liability
 
Exchange-traded commodity swap and future contracts:
                       
Corn
  $ 617     $     $     $  
Natural gas
    68                    
Ethanol
    556       2,486              
    $ 1,241     $ 2,486     $     $  
 
The Company recognized gains (losses) on derivative instruments for the periods ended December 31 as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Derivative gains (losses), net
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Exchange-traded commodity swap and future contracts:
           
Corn
  $ 4,704     $  
Natural gas
    (1,343 )      
Ethanol
    (7,338 )      
    $ (3,977 )   $  
 
The Company has entered into and settled positions in various exchange-traded commodity swap and future contracts (primarily corn, natural gas, and ethanol) to protect its inventories from market changes and to provide value to the Company should there be a sustained decline in the price of commodities that could lead to a reduction in the cash flows of the Company.
 
 
117

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(4)  
Long-Term Debt
 
The Company’s borrowings as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Term loan (due to SEACOR)
  $ 7,777     $ 2,000  
Revolving credit facility (due to SEACOR)
    9,300        
Equipment financing and other (due to nonaffiliates)
    3,045        
      20,122       2,000  
Portion due within one year
    (2,258 )     (789 )
    $ 17,864     $ 1,211  
 
The Company’s long-term debt maturities for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
 
2011
  $ 2,258  
2012
    11,248  
2013
    1,998  
2014
    4,618  
    $ 20,122  
 
 
(a) 
Term Loan
 
On November 20, 2009, upon formation of the Company, SEACOR provided funding to the Company through a $10.0 million term loan (the Term Loan) with a maturity in November 2014 secured by all of the Company’s assets. Interest on the Term Loan is equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 550 basis points and resets monthly. Beginning June 30, 2010, minimum principal payments are due quarterly as defined. Additional principal payments are required to be made quarterly, also beginning June 30, 2010, based on minimum earnings requirements, as defined. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company made scheduled minimum principal payments of $0.8 million and additional principal payments of $1.4 million. For the quarters ended December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010, the Company was not in compliance with a loan covenant requiring the Company’s quarterly EBITDA, as defined, not to exceed a $0.5 million loss. The Company did not meet the quarterly EBITDA covenant for the periods indicated due to a longer than anticipated start-up period for the idled manufacturing facility. The Company received a waiver from SEACOR for the two quarters it was not in compliance and has been in compliance with that covenant for each quarter ended subsequent to March 31, 2010.
 
 
118

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(4)
Long-Term Debt (continued)
 
 
(b) 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
On November 20, 2009, upon formation of the Company, SEACOR also provided funding to the Company through a $20.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolver) with a maturity in November 2012, subject to certain borrowing restrictions and secured by all of the Company’s assets. The amount available for borrowing at any given time is determined by formula based on the current outstanding balance, the amount of the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable balance, and the carrying value of its inventories. Interest on the Revolver is equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 550 basis points and resets monthly. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company made net borrowings on the Revolver of $9.3 million, and as of December 31, 2010, $3.1 million of availability remained under the Revolver.
 
 
(c) 
Equipment Financing
 
On January 29, 2010, the Company secured $2.7 million in equipment financing (the Equipment Financing), with a maturity in January 2013, for the acquisition of certain equipment used in the Company’s manufacturing process. The Equipment Financing requires three annual principal and interest payments of $1.0 million each beginning in January 2011 through 2013. The imputed interest rate on the Equipment Financing is 5.73% per annum. As of December 31, 2010, the outstanding balance on the Equipment Financing was $2.7 million.
 
 
(d) 
Covenants
 
The term loan and revolver also have covenants including among other matters provisions that specify (i) ICP shall not suffer three consecutive fiscal quarters of EBITDA losses (as defined) equaling or exceeding $1.5 million in the aggregate; or (ii) at any time have net working capital less than $2.5 million.  In the event EBITDA losses were incurred in three consecutive quarters either MGP or Seacor would have the right to shut down the plant and amounts due under the term loan and revolver immediately become due and payable. 
 
 
(e) 
Other
 
The Company’s other obligation consists of insurance financing and is payable through 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the outstanding balance on the insurance financing was $0.4 million.
 
(5) 
Benefit Plans
 
 
(a) 
Savings Plan
 
The Company provides a defined contribution plan to its employees (the Savings Plan). The Company’s contribution to the Savings Plan is limited to 7% of certain employee’s salary, regardless of their contribution to the plan while other employees are not eligible for a matching contribution. The Company’s Savings Plan costs were $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and not material for the period Inception through December 31, 2009.
 
 
(b) 
Postretirement Benefit Plan
 
During 2010, the Company established a contributory qualified postretirement benefit plan (the Benefit Plan) that provides life insurance and certain medical benefits, including prescription drug coverage, to certain eligible retired employees. Contributions are adjusted annually and the plan contains fixed deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limitations.
 
The Benefit Plan’s liabilities are unfunded as it is the Company’s policy to fund benefits payable as they are due. No employees are currently in the Benefit Plan, no employees are expected to become eligible during 2011, and the Company does not expect to contribute to the Benefit Plan during 2011. The Company’s measurement date for the Benefit Plan is December 31.
 
 
119

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(5)
Benefit Plans (continued)
 
The change in the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s Benefit Plan for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Accumulated
 
   
benefit
 
   
obligation
 
Beginning of year
  $  
Service cost
    19  
Interest cost
    23  
Actuarial loss
    16  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    358  
End of year
  $ 416  
 
In order to estimate the Company’s accumulated benefit obligation, it makes certain assumptions. The accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2010 assumed a discount rate of 5.41%.
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s Benefit Plan for the year ended December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Net periodic
 
   
benefit cost
 
Service cost
  $ 19  
Interest cost
    23  
Amortization of unrecognized prior  service cost
    32  
    $ 74  
 
In order to estimate the Company’s net periodic benefit cost, it makes certain assumptions. The net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2010 assumed a discount rate of 6.23%, a healthcare cost trend rate of 9.0%, and an ultimate healthcare cost trend rate of 5.0%. The Company further assumed the healthcare cost trend rate would be achieved in 2018. A one-percentage-point increase (decrease) in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate as of December 31, 2010 would not have had a material impact on the accumulated benefit obligation or the service and interest cost.
 
The Company further assumed the average service time to full eligibility was approximately eleven years and is amortizing its unrecognized prior service cost over that period.
 
During 2011, the Company estimates the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as net periodic benefit cost to be approximately $33,000 and the total net periodic benefit cost to be approximately $78,000, in the aggregate.
 
 
120

 
ILLINOIS CORN PROCESSING LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(5)
Benefit Plans (continued)
 
The amount of expected benefits to be paid, net of retiree contributions, as of December 31, 2010 was as follows (in thousands):
 
2011
  $  
2012
     
2013
    9  
2014
    22  
2015
    45  
2016 – 2020
    230  
    $ 306  
 
(6)  
Related-Party Transactions
 
Certain of the Company’s personnel are employees of SEACOR or MGP. The costs and expenses for these personnel are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and consist of direct wage and benefit costs. For the year ended December 31, 2010 and the period Inception through December 31, 2009, these costs totaled $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
 
In addition, the Company has entered into various debt agreements with SEACOR (see Note 4) and 81% of the Company’s net sales are to the Company’s two members. During the year ended December 31, 2010, net sales to SEACOR and MGP were $40.6 million and $56.5 million, respectively. No sales were made to the Company’s two members during the period Inception through December 31, 2009. The loss of one of the Company’s members as a customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
 
(7)  
Commitments and Contingencies
 
As of December 31, 2010, the Company had purchase commitments of $6.7 million for raw materials, primarily corn, for use in its manufacturing process and capital commitments of $0.3 million for various capital improvements to its manufacturing facility.
 
As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 62 employees, 39 of whom are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with one labor union. Subsequent to December 31, 2010, the Company and the labor union agreed to a new labor contract that will expire October 31, 2016. The labor contract addresses predetermined wage escalation over the life of the agreement, changes to the Company’s contribution to its 401(k) plan in 2012, and other general work rule provisions and covers substantially all of the employees at the Company’s manufacturing plant.
 
 
121

 
(d)           The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the Exhibit Index below.
 
EXHIBIT LIST
 

2
Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and Sergeants Pet Care Products, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 (File number 0-17196))
*3.2
Bylaws of the Company
4.1
Credit and Security Agreement dated July 21, 2009 between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Revolving Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.1
Patent and Trademark Security Agreement dated as of July 21, 2009 between the Company. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.2
Assignment of Membership Interests  dated as of July 21, 2009 between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, relating to Firebird Acquisitions, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.3
Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of July 21, 2009 between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, relating to stock of Midwest Grain Pipeline, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.4
Control Agreement and Assignment of Hedging Account among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the Company and ADM Investor Services, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.5
Form of Mortgage relating to the Company’s Onaga plant in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.6 below, which was filed in the same form in Pottawatomie County, Kansas)
 
 
 
122

 
 
4.1.6
Amended and Restated Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated as of August 31, 2009 relating to the Company’s Atchison facility in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.7
Form of Mortgage relating to a tract of land owned by the Company in Wyandotte County, Kansas in favor of  Wells Fargo Bank, national Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.6 above, which was filed in the same form in Wyandotte County, Kansas)
4.1.8
Consent and Release dated August 19, 2009 between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.9 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.1.9
Consent and Release dated December 21, 2009, between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.9 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2009).
4.1.10
Consent dated December 31, 2009 from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.10 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2009).
4.1.11
Assignment of Membership Interest to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.11 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2009).
4.1.12
Consent dated February 2, 2010 from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.12 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2010).
4.1.13
Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated February 15, 2010 to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, relating to the Company’s Executive Office Building & Technical Center in Atchison, Kansas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.13 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March  31, 2010).
4.1.14
Bond Pledge and Security Agreement dated February 15, 2010 by and among the Company, Commerce Bank, as Trustee and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association relating to City of Atchison, Kansas, $7,000,000 original principal amount of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2006 (MGP Ingredients, Inc. Project) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.14 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2010).
4.1.15
First Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement dated June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010 (File No. 0-07196))
 
 
123

 
 
4.1.16
Second Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated January 20, 2011.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 (File number 0-17196).
4.2
Commercial Security Agreement from the Company to Union State Bank of Everest dated March 31, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.2.1
Amendment to Commercial Security Agreement dated as of July 20, 2009 between the Company and Union State Bank of Everest (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.3
Promissory Note dated July 20, 2009 from the Company to Union State Bank of Everest in the initial principal amount of $2,000,000 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.3.1
Commercial Security Agreement dated  July 20, 2009 from the Company to Union State Bank of Everest of Everest relating to equipment at Atchison Plant and Onaga plant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.3.2
Mortgage dated July 20, 2009 from the Company to Union State Bank of Everest relating to the Atchison plant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.4
Intercreditor Agreement between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Union State Bank of Everest (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
4.5
Trust Indenture Dated as of December 28, 2006 relating to $7,000,000 Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds Series 2006 (MGP Ingredients Project (Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2006 (File number 0-17196))
4.6
Lease dated as of December 28, 2006 between the City of Atchison, as Issuer and MGP Ingredients, Inc., as tenant relating to $7,000,000 Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds Series 2006 (MGP Ingredients Project (Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2006 (File number 0-17196))
*4.7
Master Lease Agreement dated as of June 28, 2011 between U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. and the Company and related bill of sale and Schedules #001-0018787-001 and 1166954-001-0018787-001
*4.7.1
Mortgagee's Waiver executed by Union State Bank of Everest
 
 
124

 
 
*4.7.2
Mortgagee's Waiver and lien release executed by Wells Fargo Bank National Association
4.8
In accordance with Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments respecting long-term debt of the Registrant have been omitted but will be furnished to the Commission upon request.
9.1
Copy of Cray Family Trust (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D of Cloud L. Cray, Jr. dated November 18, 1994))
9.2
First Amendment to Cray Family Trust dated November 13, 1980 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 (File number 0-17196))
9.3
Voting Trust Agreement dated as of November 16, 2005 among Cloud L. Cray, Jr., Richard B. Cray and Laidacker M. Seaberg, as trustees of the Cray Family Trust and Cloud L. Cray, Jr., Richard B. Cray and Laidacker M. Seaberg, as trustees (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 (File number 0-17196))
9.4
First Amendment to Voting Trust Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.1
Summary of informal cash bonus plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2004 (File number 0-17196))
10.2
Copy of MGP Ingredients, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 1996, as amended as of August 26, 1996 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement filed September 17, 1996))
10.3
Copy of amendment to MGP Ingredients, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 1996 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 (File number 0-17196))
10.4
Form of Stock Option with respect to stock options granted under the MGP Ingredients, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 1996 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 (File number 0-17196))
10.5
Copy of MGP Ingredients, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, as amended as of August 26, 1996 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement filed September 17, 1996))
10.6
Copy of amendment to MGP Ingredients, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 (File number 0-17196))
 
 
125

 
 
10.7
Copy of MGP Ingredients, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan for Salaried Employees (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated September 17, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 15, 1998))
10.8
Form of Stock Option with respect to stock options granted under the MGP Ingredients, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan for Salaried Employees (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, l996 (File number 0-17196))
10.9
Copy of amendments to Options granted under MGP Ingredients, Inc. Stock Option Plans (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 (File number 0-17196))
10.10
Form of Option Agreement for the grant of Options under the MGP Ingredients, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 (File number 0-17196))
10.11
Form of Amended Option Agreements for the grant of Options under the MGP Ingredients, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan for Salaried Employees (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 (File number 0-17196))
10.12
Form of Option Agreement for the grant of Options under the MGP Ingredients, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 1996, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 (File number 0-17196))
10.13
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement approved on December 7, 2000, for use thereafter under the Stock Incentive Plan of 1996 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2000 (File number 0-17196))
10.14
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement approved on December 7, 2000 for use thereafter under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan for Salaried Employees (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2000 (File number 0-17196))
10.15
Form of Memorandum of Agreement Concerning Options approved on December 7, 2000 between the Company and certain members of senior management, including the following named executive officer:  Randall M. Schrick (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2000 (File number 0-17196))
10.16
Form of Memorandum of Agreement Concerning Options approved on December 10, 2001 between the Company and certain members of senior management, including the following named executive officer: Randall M. Schrick (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company’s form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 (File number 0-17196))
 
 
126

 
 
10.17
Stock Incentive Plan of 2004, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.18
Guidelines for Issuance of Fiscal 2005 Restricted Share Awards (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2004 (File number  0-17196))
10.19
Agreement with Ladd M. Seaberg as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 (A similar agreement has been made with the following named executive officer as to the number of shares indicated:  Randy M. Schrick – 7,000 shares (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2004 (File number  0-17196))
10.20
Guidelines for Issuance of Fiscal 2006 Restricted Share Awards (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File number 0-17196))
10.21
Agreement with Ladd M. Seaberg as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 (A similar agreement has been made with the following named executive officer as to the number of shares indicated:  Randy M. Schrick – 13, 500 shares) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File number 0-17196))
10.22
Consent Agreement between the Registrant and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment dated January 11, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File number 0-17196))
10.23
Amendment 1 of Consent Agreement and Final Order of the Secretary (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 26, 2010 (File number 0-07196).
10.24
Amendment 2 of Consent Agreement and Final Order of the Secretary (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 26, 2010 (File number 0-07196))
10.25
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Directors and Executive Officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006. (File number 0-17196))
10.26
Guidelines for Issuance of Fiscal 2007 Restricted Share Awards (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 (File number 0-17196))
 
 
127

 
 
10.27
Agreement with Ladd M. Seaberg as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 with respect to Fiscal 2007 (Similar agreements have been made with the following named executive officers as to the number of shares indicated following their respective names: Timothy W. Newkirk – 9,200 shares; Randy M. Schrick – 9,300 shares; (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 (File number 0-17196))
10.28
Lease dated as of December 28, 2006 between the City of Atchison, as Issuer and MGP Ingredients, Inc., as tenant relating to $7,000,000 Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds Series 2006 (MGP Ingredients Project  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 (File number 0-17196))
10.29
Non-Employee Directors Restricted Share Award Agreement for fiscal 2007 of Cloud L. Cray. Similar agreements were made for the same number of shares with Michael Braude, John Byom, Gary Gradinger, Linda Miller, Daryl Schaller and John Speirs.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 19, 2007 (File number 0-17196))
10.30
Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan, as amended  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.31
Guidelines for Issuance of Fiscal 2008 Restricted Share Awards (Incorporated by reference from Ex. 10(ss) of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended July 1, 2007)
 
10.32
Agreement with Brian Cahill as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted Under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 with respect to Fiscal 2008 (Similar agreements have been made with the following named executive officers as to the number of shares indicated following their respective names Timothy W. Newkirk – 17,695;  Randy M. Schrick - 13,530; and Donald Coffey – 10,834.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed  November 21, 2008 (File number 0-17196))
10.33
Guidelines on issuance of Fiscal 2009 Restricted Share Awards (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.34
Agreement with Timothy Newkirk as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted Under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 with respect to Fiscal 2009 (Similar agreements have been made with the following named executive officers as to the number of shares indicated following their respective names –Randy M. Schrick - 24,500 and Donald Coffey – 21,000.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
 
 
128

 
 
10.35
Interim  Services Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2009, by and between Tatum, LLC and  MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed   April 20, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
10.36
Consultation Agreement with Ladd Seaberg (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
10.37
Non-Employee Directors Restricted Share Award Agreement for fiscal 2008 of John Speirs. Similar agreements were made for the same number of shares with Michael Braude, John Byom, Cloud L. Cray, Gary Gradinger, Linda Miller and Daryl Schaller (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
10.38
Non-Employee Directors Restricted Share Award Agreement for fiscal 2009 of John Speirs. Similar agreements were made for the same number of shares with Michael Braude, John Byom, Cloud L. Cray, Gary Gradinger, Linda Miller, Karen Seaberg  and Daryl Schaller (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44  of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.39
Contribution Agreement dated November 20, 2009 between MGP Ingredients, Inc. and Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 27, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
10.40
LLC Interest Purchase Agreement dated November 20, 2009 between MGP Ingredients, Inc. and Illinois Corn Processing Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 27, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
10.41
Limited Liability Company Agreement dated November 20, 2009 between MGP Ingredients, Inc. and Illinois Corn Processing Holdings LLC. . (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 27, 2009 (File number 0-17196))
10.42
Marketing Agreement between the Company and Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended December 31, 2009)).
10.43
MGP Ingredients, Inc. Short Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal Year 2010 and subsequent years (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2009 (File number 0-17196)
10.44
Letter agreement with Randy Schrick (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2009 (File number 0-17196)
 
 
129

 
 
10.45
Guidelines on Issuance of Fiscal 2010 Restricted Share Awards (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.46
Agreement with Timothy Newkirk as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted Under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 with respect to Fiscal 2010 (Similar agreements have been made with the following named executive officers as to the number of shares indicated following their respective names –Randy M. Schrick – 14,300 and Donald Coffey – 14,300.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 52 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
10.47
Non-Employee Director Restricted Share Award Agreement effective    October 22, 2010 of John Speirs. Similar agreements were made for the same number of shares with Michael Braude, John Byom, Cloud L. Cray, Gary Gradinger, Linda Miller, Karen Seaberg and Daryl Schaller (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the  Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File number 0-17196).
*10.48
Guidelines on Issuance of Fiscal 2011 Restricted Share Awards
*10.49
Agreement with Timothy Newkirk as to Award of Restricted Shares Granted Under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2004 with respect to Fiscal 2011 (Similar agreements have been made for 16,500 shares to each of the following named executive officers:  Don Tracy, Randy M. Schrick,  Donald Coffey and Scott Phillips).
 
14
Code of Conduct  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended June 20, 2010 (File number 0-17196))
22
Subsidiaries of the Company
 
Subsidiary
 
State of Incorporation
or Organization
       
 
Midwest Grain Pipeline, Inc.
(100%) Kansas
 
Firebird Acquisitions, LLC
(100%) Delaware
 
D.M. Ingredients GmbH
(50%) Germany
  Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (50%) Delaware
*23.1
Consent of KPMG, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
*23.2
Consent of KPMG, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  25
Powers of Attorney executed by all officers and directors of the Company who have signed this report on Form 10-K (Incorporated by reference to the signature pages of this report)
*31.1
CEO Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
*31.2
CFO Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
 
 
130

 
 
*32.1
CEO Certification furnished pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350
*32.2
CFO Certification furnished pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)
*99.1
Note 1. to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation- Change in Presentation to Prior Consolidated Financial Statements set forth at page  9 in Part I, Item 1 of the Company's December 31, 2011 Form 10-Q filed on  February 9.
 


* Filed herewith
 

 
131

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Atchison, State of Kansas, on this 2nd day of September, 2011.
 
 
 
  MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
   
 
By  /s/Timothy W. Newkirk
 
Timothy W. Newkirk, President and Chief
Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
132

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Timothy W. Newkirk and Don Tracy and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all reports of the Registrant on Form 10-K and to sign any and all amendments to such reports and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities & Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated on the dates indicated
 
Name
Title
Date
     
/s/Timothy W. Newkirk
Timothy W. Newkirk
President and Chief Executive
Officer
September 2, 2011
     
/s/Don Tracy
Don Tracy
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
September 2, 2011
     
/s/Michael Braude
Michael Braude
Director
 
September 2, 2011
     
/s/John E. Byom
John E. Byom
Director
 
September 2, 2011
     
/s/Cloud L. Cray, Jr.
Cloud L. Cray, Jr.
Director
 
September 2, 2011
     
/s/Gary Gradinger
Gary Gradinger
Director
 
September 2, 2011
     
/s/Linda E. Miller
Linda E. Miller
Director
 
September 2, 2011
     
/s/Daryl R. Schaller
Daryl R. Schaller
Director
 
September 2, 2011
     
/s/ Karen Seaberg
Karen Seaberg
Director
September 2, 2011
     
/s/John R. Speirs
John R. Speirs
Director;  Chairman of the Board
 
September 2, 2011

 
133

 
MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
 
II.  CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
   
Balance,
Beginning
of Period
   
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
   
Write-offs
   
Balance,
End of
Period
 
                         
Year Ended June 30, 2011:
  $ 155     $ -     $ (37 )   $ 118  
     Allowance for doubtful accounts
                               
Year Ended June 30, 2010:
                               
     Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 388     $ 43     $ (276 )   $ 155  
Year Ended June 30, 2009:
                               
     Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 264     $ 124        -     $ 388  

 

 134