Quarterlytics / Consumer Defensive / Agricultural Farm Products / CHS Inc. / FY2021 Annual Report

CHS Inc.
Annual Report 2021

CHSCP · NASDAQ Consumer Defensive
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Industry Agricultural Farm Products
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FY2021 Annual Report · CHS Inc.
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2021 CHS 
Annual Report

Our purpose
Creating 
connections 
to empower 
agriculture

Integrity 

We set high standards and hold ourselves accountable.

Safety 

We put the well-being of our people, customers and 
communities first every day.

Inclusion 

We believe excellence and growth stem from diverse 
thinking.

Cooperative spirit 

We work together for shared success and to strengthen 
our communities. 

From left, Debertin, Schurr

Together, we are empowered 

The power of a strong, diverse CHS was evident in fiscal 
2021. As external forces challenged one business, other 
businesses delivered exceptional results. When doors 
of opportunity opened, our experienced teams quickly 
leveraged the digitally connected supply chain to give 
owners access to new markets. And as the world slowly 
adjusted to living with a pandemic, we were ready to 
meet returning demand for energy, grain and food 
ingredients.

Our strategically built agronomy portfolio rose to the 
challenges posed by favorable weather through both 
harvest and planting seasons, which drove demand for 
agronomic inputs. Globally sourced crop nutrients and 
enhanced efficiency fertilizer provided ready supplies 
of fertilizer and sustainable options to meet crop needs. 
Innovative crop protection products, local expertise 
and precision agriculture techniques helped growers 
optimize results on every acre.

Our global grain marketing teams took full advantage 
of a year of improved trade relations with foreign trade 
partners and identified new markets for corn, soy, wheat 
and other crops, sending more grain through our export 
terminals in the Pacific Northwest than ever before 
and triggering plans to expand our Myrtle Grove, La., 
export facility by 30%. We continue to expand our soy 
processing capacity to meet growing demand for plant-
based foods and renewable fuels.

While demand shocks caused by the COVID-19 
pandemic began to subside, our energy business 
experienced exceptionally high costs for renewable 
energy credits and less favorable pricing on crude oil 
processed by our two refineries. Improved margins 
in refined fuels helped drive strong third and fourth 
quarters, but could not completely offset the effects of 
the severe headwinds faced in the first half of the year 
by our Energy segment.

The power of our combined businesses, the strength of 
the cooperative system and the support of our owners 
delivered a 31% increase in net income over fiscal 2020 
and a 35% increase in revenues over fiscal 2020, the 
highest annual revenues recorded since fiscal 2014.

Those results allowed the CHS Board of Directors to 
authorize cash returns to owners in fiscal 2022 of 
$150 million, including an estimated $50 million in cash 
patronage and $100 million in equity redemptions to 
member cooperatives and individual owners. 

In the new fiscal year, we are focused on efforts that 
will enable growth to benefit our owners:
•  We will empower the people of CHS through 

inclusive, diverse teams to deliver opportunities for 
collaboration and growth.

•  We will transform how we run our businesses to 

become a stronger, better company.

•  We will continue investing in our supply chain, in 

technology and innovation, and in our products and 
brands to drive growth that supports our owners, 
customers and communities.

Thank you for your business and for your commitment 
to the cooperative system. The power we derive from 
working together is unmatched and the future is bright. 
We look forward to ongoing success as we continue 
creating connections to empower agriculture.

Dan Schurr
Chair, Board of Directors

Jay Debertin 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer

2021 CHS Annual Report 1

Record 
grain export 
volume of 538 
million bushels 
through Pacific 
Northwest ports

2  2021 CHS Annual Report

Year in Review

•  Early in fiscal 2021, CHS Global Grain Marketing and 
CHS Processing and Food Ingredients operations 
were combined to form CHS Global Grain & 
Processing. The consolidation was another step in 
executing on our strategy to transform our business 
to unleash the full power of the enterprise. With teams 
and processes organized along product lines — corn, 
oilseeds, wheat and specialty crops — CHS increased 
operational efficiency, established standardized work 
across all regions, introduced rigorous forecasting and 
operations planning and drove precision across the 
end-to-end supply chain. 

•  Expansion of the Fairmont, Minn., soybean crushing 
facility was completed at the close of the fiscal year, 
in time to receive soybeans from the 2021 harvest. 
Increased capacity of 30% will provide new market 
options for farmer-owners and will help CHS meet 
growing demand for soy oil for food products and 
renewable diesel production. During the year, plans 
were announced to expand the Mankato, Minn., soy oil 
refining facility. The $60 million project is the second 
phase of CHS investments to capitalize on evolving 
demand dynamics and grow market access. When 
complete, refined soy oil production at the facility is 
expected to increase by more than 35%. 

•  Record-high grain volumes were exported through 

our TEMCO joint venture in fiscal 2021. Strong 
collaboration through the cooperative system 
increased operational efficiency, offered global market 
opportunities in Spain, Portugal, North Africa and 
other countries and increased CHS market share in the 
Pacific Northwest. Higher freight rates for oceangoing 
vessels through much of the year tempered returns for 
grain exports. 

•  Reorganizing CHS Global Grain & Processing and CHS 
Agronomy transportation services, including barge 
and rail, leveraged scale, reduced duplicative functions 
and provided one face to customers. Automation and 
technology advancements, including live cameras, grain 
sensors, drones and process automation, improved 
accuracy, efficiency, safety and customer service. 

•  CHS Hedging saw a 9% increase in commission 

revenues in fiscal 2021, driven by strong commodity 
prices and market volatility. Continued strong 
collaboration across the CHS enterprise meant that 
CHS Hedging cleared nearly all CHS grain, energy and 
crop nutrient exchange traded contracts, providing 
cost savings for the enterprise and volume-driven 
opportunities. 

•  Preparation began in mid-2021 on renovation and 

•  Launched in fiscal 2021, CHS Global Research is 

expansion of the CHS grain export terminal at Myrtle 
Grove, La., which loads ships bound for customers 
around the globe. Additional storage capacity and 
handling equipment are expected to allow the terminal 
to handle 30% more grain annually with the ability 
to simultaneously load multiple products. High water 
and storm damage caused by Hurricane Ida idled the 
terminal briefly in late August 2021.

providing insights and analysis on topics ranging from 
commodity market fundamentals to macroeconomic 
and quantitative analysis and forecasting. The cross-
disciplinary group of experts publishes and speaks 
on key market factors, providing updates that are 
used by business partners within the enterprise to 
guide decision-making on behalf of CHS owners and 
customers.

2021 CHS Annual Report 3

•  CHS Energy customer support for the benefits of 

Cenex® brand premium diesel fuels led to near-record 
sales of 900 million gallons. Overall refined fuels 
demand gradually recovered from the most severe 
effects of the global pandemic, with volumes down 
slightly from the previous year. Strong collaboration 
internally and with customers, coupled with digital 
tools to anticipate and automate needs, helped inform 
refined fuels product supply, distribution, inventory 
and price risk. 

•  Efforts to make ethanol-blended fuels more available 

to Cenex retailers included adding E15 to more 
CHS terminals, advocating for year-round sales 
and streamlining safety and regulatory compliance 
procedures. Increased use of blended renewable fuels 
supports energy customers and helps grow market 
opportunities for cooperative farmer-owners who 
produce corn. 

•  The Cenex LIFT initiative is energizing the Cenex brand 
by updating exterior branding to the Halo image at all 
Cenex refined fuels retail locations over a four-year 
period. A unique program offers no-interest funding 
through CHS Capital to help retailers update store 
interiors to meet changing consumer demands and 
increase in-store revenue opportunities.

•  CHS Capital expanded its portfolio of financing 
progams by leveraging strong partnerships with 
core businesses. Financing through the CHS Country 
Operations Autumn Rewards program grew 22% 
year over year. Significant adoption of the Accolade 
Producer Financing Program proved its value as 
a financing option for member cooperatives and 
independent retailers selling CHS crop nutrient and 
crop protection products.

•  CHS Lubricants delivered increased year-over-year 
sales volumes for branded lubricants and greases, 
which contributed to return on assets exceeding 34% 
for fiscal 2021. With continued emphasis on safety, 
the three CHS lubricant blending plants completed a 
record-setting third consecutive year with no lost-time 
injuries. 

•  Warm, dry weather throughout the fall and winter of 
fiscal 2021 reduced demand for propane to dry crops 
and heat homes and businesses. While the demand 
drop affected CHS Propane volume and earnings for 
the year, the business maintained volume of nearly 
900 million gallons of propane and natural gas liquids 
and grew market share by leveraging industry-leading 
tools and programs and strategic supply planning. 
Acting on the CHS core value of safety, propane teams 
completed more than three years with zero safety 
incidents at CHS-owned and leased wholesale propane 
facilities. The energy equipment team delivered a 
second consecutive year of record-setting revenues, 
providing value-added solutions for customers. 

•  Severe winter weather events caused significant 

energy disruptions in the southern U.S. in fiscal 2021. 
In February 2021, the CHS refinery in McPherson, 
Kan., played a key role in maintaining electrical 
service to the city of McPherson and the region 
by providing more than 5 million gallons of diesel 
fuel to run generators during a severe storm. CHS 
refineries at McPherson and Laurel, Mont., continued 
strong operations despite pandemic-related demand 
pressure, all while focusing on employee health and 
safety to reduce COVID-19 infection risk. Attention 
to controlling operating costs and managing capital 
expenditures was critical to maximizing returns. 

•  Restructuring CHS Transportation and Logistics to 
align with enterprisewide strategies and business 
needs brought growth opportunities and improved 
customer service while enhancing labor and asset 
utilization. A centralized approach to logistics and 
fleet management created a more effective services 
offering and increased collaboration of fleets within 
CHS Energy and with CHS Country Operations, CHS 
Agronomy and CHS Global Grain & Processing. Driver- 
and equipment-sharing optimized product delivery 
to customers through busy seasons and supply 
challenges. 

4  2021 CHS Annual Report

Exterior updates 
for all Cenex 
retail locations 
over four years

2021 CHS Annual Report 5
2021 CHS Annual Report 5

7% increase 
in year-over-year 
crop nutrient 
volume

6  2021 CHS Annual Report

•  Significant gains in volume and market share drove 
record sales in crop protection products for CHS 
Agronomy, led by branded proprietary products 
that help crop producers increase return on input 
investments. This result was achieved despite severe 
active ingredient supply constraints during much of 
2021. The growing line of unique adjuvants combines 
advanced technology with targeted performance to 
help enhance weed and disease control. More growers 
and acres benefited from application of enhanced 
efficiency fertilizers including Trivar®, which makes 
phosphorus more available for growing crops using 
the patented ingredient Levesol®. Trivar was chosen for 
the next-generation fertilizer challenge administered 
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 
moved into the greenhouse trial stage of the challenge 
in 2021. 

•  Continued strong growth in crop nutrients volume and 
market share demonstrated the position of CHS as a 
leading U.S. fertilizer supplier. The business ended the 
year with total fertilizer sales of 8.6 million tons, a 7% 
year-over-year increase. Continued focus on efficient 
use of assets helped reduce operating costs as a 
percentage of sales revenues. 

•  The first full year of marketing ammonium thiosulfate 

(ATS) fertilizer produced at the CHS refinery in 
McPherson, Kan., through CHS Agronomy channels 
saw a nearly tenfold increase in per-ton revenues 
when compared with previous use of third-party 
marketers. The collaboration provides significant value 
to owners through dependable fertilizer supplies and 
more efficient use of refinery assets. 

•  The CHS investment in CF Nitrogen contributed 

significantly to fiscal year results, while helping to 
meet CHS owner crop nutrient needs with reliable 
domestic production during a year marked by 
significant supply chain disruptions due to severe 
winter storms and global shipping delays. Strong 
grain markets and related increased fertilizer demand 
helped drive CF Nitrogen earnings. 

•  Effective collaboration with all CHS businesses helped 

the CHS Country Operations retail platform build 
market share and find efficiencies that brought value 
to owners. Greater alignment in grain marketing, 
agronomy and energy added volume and supply chain 
strength, while reducing costs to give owners greater 
access to products and markets to achieve their 
own business goals. Overall efficiency also saw gains 
through a streamlined organizational structure and 
sale of certain retail assets while maintaining supply 
agreements with the new owners. 

•  Technology tools designed to aid planning for crop 
producers and their agronomists gained traction 
during the year as the Agellum® full-farm planning 
and managing solution saw a 40% increase in 
adoption. The MyCHS app continued to make it easier 
for customers to do business with CHS, including 
adding the ability to pay invoices online. Significantly 
increased volumes of Allegiant® corn and soybean 
seed over the previous year indicated customer 
satisfaction in product performance and value. 

•  Recording 19% year-over-year volume and earnings 
growth, Payback® feeds from CHS Animal Nutrition 
continued to meet the needs of beef, dairy and 
other livestock producers, especially as many in the 
western U.S. struggled with dry weather that reduced 
pasture and forage resources. More efficient use of 
feed manufacturing assets was a focus of the group’s 
strategic growth plan. 

2021 CHS Annual Report 7

•  Ventura Foods, LLC, a joint venture between CHS and 
Mitsui & Co., continues to hold a leadership position in 
oils, dressings, sauces, mayonnaises and margarines 
for foodservice and retail customers in more than 
60 countries. In fiscal 2021, Ventura Foods teams 
developed 26 new dressing, dip and sauce products, 
including Marie’s® plant-based salad dressings and 
Dean’s® Dairy Dip Sports Bar Favorites — all innovative 
solutions for retail and foodservice customers and 
consumers. 

•  Ardent Mills, LLC, a CHS joint venture with Cargill 
Incorporated and Conagra Brands, continued to 
pursue its growth strategy with the acquisition of 
Hinrichs Trading Company’s chickpea business. The 
acquisition is part of the company’s continued focus 
on emerging nutrition, building on its existing wheat 
flour and plant-forward business. CHS continues as 
the largest wheat supplier to Ardent Mills, providing 
58 million bushels per year as a key ingredient in 
cultivating the future of plant-based solutions. 

•  Multiple critical control points and tools were 

implemented in fiscal 2021 to help ensure CHS teams 
demonstrate their commitment to compliance and 
integrity. The SAP Global Trade Services module was 
launched to define and help monitor certain trade 
compliance practices in the SAP environment. Case-
study-based training was implemented, empowering 
CHS employees to address trade compliance risks 
with integrity and confidence. A cross-functional team 
created an assessment tool to enhance understanding 
of potential fraud scenarios and mitigation strategies. 
Proactive reporting tools were developed to help 
prevent conflicts of interest and policy violations in 
areas such as travel, gifts and entertainment. 

•  The CHS value of safety drove continued development 

of a safety culture that encourages safe behavior 
and continuous improvement. Recognizing and 
acting on close calls and near misses has helped 
make all employees aware of the role they play in 
maintaining safe environments. In fiscal year 2021, 
enterprisewide OSHA recordable incidents were 22% 
lower than the three-year average and the lowest in 
company history. Our commercial transportation fleet 
maintained its position in the top 1% of the industry, 
with the equivalent of more than 8 million miles of 
safe driving between DOT incidents and more than 33 
million miles of safe driving overall. We continued to 
focus on keeping our employees, owners, customers 
and communities safe through effective COVID-19 
prevention protocols. 

•  Cooperative Leadership Academy programs offered 
by CHS Cooperative Resources bolstered skills and 
leadership abilities for more than 300 current and 
future member cooperative leaders in fiscal 2021. Live 
online learning programs became a key component, 
with widespread satisfaction reported by learners due 
to enhanced content engagement in the instructor-led 
virtual environment. 

•  The CHS Government Affairs team advocated for 

agriculture and cooperatives with federal, state and 
local policymakers in critical areas including climate 
change and carbon certification, renewable energy 
and broadband access for rural America. In discussions 
concerning U.S. infrastructure and the need to ensure 
liquid fuels of all types are available to power rural 
America (the Renewable Fuel Standard), the team 
raised awareness of complex issues regarding support 
for producers of ethanol and other renewable fuels, 
while working to alleviate the high cost of RINs 
(renewable identification numbers), which CHS incurs 
in producing refined fuels. Representing agriculture 
in debates regarding smart climate practices helped 
reinforce the need for effective programs that benefit 
farmers, ranchers and private forest owners. 

•  Together, CHS Community Giving and the CHS 

Foundation contributed $8.6 million in fiscal 2021 to 
support ag safety, develop future leaders and build 
strong communities. The Seeds for Stewardship 
matching grants program has provided nearly 
$900,000 since 2019 to augment member cooperative 
support in more than 300 communities. Providing 
grain bin safety training and rescue equipment for first 
responders, sponsoring farm safety camps for kids 
and bringing additional health training and resources 
to rural America are key initiatives. In fiscal 2021, CHS 
also joined a coalition of organizations focused on 
enhancing internet connectivity and digital inclusion 
in rural communities. The CHS Foundation partnered 
with Discovery Education to educate thousands of 
students across the CHS trade territory about the 
cooperative business model and cooperative careers. 

•  Engaging audiences across a wide range of media 

to demonstrate the power of cooperative ownership, 
the comprehensive multimedia CHS brand campaign 
was energized by the Around the Table program, 
which shared news and insights from voices across the 
cooperative system and reinforced the CHS purpose of 
creating connections to empower agriculture.

8  2021 CHS Annual Report

$8.6 million 
contributed to 
support safety, 
leaders and 
communities

2021 CHS Annual Report 9

Fiscal 2021 Financial Highlights

Revenues

($ in billions)

Cash Returns ($ in millions)

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2017
32.0

2018
32.7

2019
31.9

2020
28.4

2021
38.4

2017
326.8

2018
177.5

2019
330.0

2020
355.2

2021
278.1

preferred 
stock dividends

equity redemption

cash patronage

Net Income

($ in millions)

Cash patronage is distributed in the fiscal year shown and based 
on amounts using financial statements earnings from the prior 
fiscal year.

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2017
71.6

2018
775.9

2019
829.9

2020
422.4

2021
554.0

10  2021 CHS Annual Report

Net income increases by 31% over fiscal 2020; 
strongest revenues since fiscal 2014

for soy oil and other products, which increased volumes 
and earnings. Improved earnings were partially offset 
by lower grain and oilseed margins, including mark-to-
market losses that are expected to reverse over time.

Additional Segments
The Nitrogen Production segment, which consists of 
our investment in CF Nitrogen, reported $121.0 million in 
income before income taxes for fiscal 2021, an increase 
of $69.2 million from fiscal 2020. The increase reflects 
higher sale prices of urea and urea ammonium nitrate, 
which are produced and sold by CF Nitrogen. Those 
increased sale prices were partially offset by increased 
natural gas costs in fiscal 2021.

The Foods segment, which was previously included in 
the Corporate and Other category, includes our joint 
venture investment in Ventura Foods and allocated 
expenses. For fiscal 2021, the segment reported income 
before income taxes of $67.9 million, an increase of 
$43.7 million from fiscal 2020. The earnings increase 
reflects favorable market conditions for edible oils 
and improved sales volumes, which rebounded from 
COVID-19 pandemic-driven decreases in out-of-home 
dining in fiscal 2020.

Corporate and Other recorded income before income 
taxes of $38.9 million, a $7.1 million increase for this 
revised category from fiscal 2020, which reflects 
increased income from our investment in the Ardent 
Mills wheat-milling joint venture. This category also 
includes CHS Capital, our wholly-owned financing 
subsidiary, and CHS Hedging, our wholly-owned 
brokerage subsidiary. Combined earnings for those two 
businesses increased slightly in fiscal 2021.

Based on fiscal year 2021 earnings, CHS expects to 
return an estimated $50 million in cash patronage 
and $100 million in equity redemptions to member 
cooperatives and individual owners in fiscal 2022.

Consolidated net income increased significantly in fiscal 
2021 compared with fiscal 2020, reflecting exceptional 
results in our Ag segment driven by heightened demand 
for grain and oilseed in response to improved trade 
relations between the U.S. and foreign trade partners. 
While refined fuels demand and margins gradually 
improved from lows seen during early months of the 
COVID-19 pandemic in fiscal 2020, our Energy segment 
earnings deficit reflected exceptionally high costs for 
renewable energy credits and less favorable pricing 
on the heavy Canadian crude oil we process at our 
refineries. Our investments in CF Nitrogen and Ventura 
Foods were strong contributors to fiscal 2021 earnings.

CHS reported net income of $554.0 million for fiscal 
2021 (Sept. 1, 2020, through Aug. 31, 2021) compared 
with $422.4 million in net income reported in fiscal 2020 
(Sept. 1, 2019, through Aug. 31, 2020). Consolidated 
revenues totaled $38.4 billion for fiscal 2021, compared 
with $28.4 billion in fiscal 2020. Pretax income was 
$515.3 million for fiscal 2021 compared with 
$386.9 million in pretax income reported in fiscal 2020.

Energy
Energy segment income before income taxes for fiscal 
2021 decreased by $235.9 million from fiscal 2020 to a 
loss of $10.6 million. While refining margins improved 
throughout the year in our refined fuels business as 
demand shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic began 
to subside, those margins were negatively impacted by 
exceptionally high costs for renewable energy credits 
and less favorable pricing on heavy Canadian crude oil, 
which is processed by CHS refineries. Propane volumes 
and resulting earnings decreased during fiscal 2021 due 
to warmer, drier weather conditions, which reduced 
demand for propane to dry crops and heat homes and 
businesses.

Ag
The Ag segment, which includes global grain & 
processing, country operations and wholesale agronomy, 
recorded income before income taxes in fiscal 2021 of 
$298.1 million, an increase of $224.4 million over fiscal 
2020. This significant increase reflects favorable harvest 
and growing conditions, which encouraged strong 
demand for crop nutrients and crop protection products 
and services, plus a full year of improved trade relations 
between the U.S. and foreign trade partners. Our 
processing business experienced strengthening demand 

2021 CHS Annual Report 11

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AUGUST 31,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Inventories

Other current assets

Total current assets

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES

Current liabilities:

Notes payable

Current portion of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Other liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

Equities:

Preferred stock

Equity certificates

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Capital reserves

Total CHS Inc. equities

Noncontrolling interests

Total equities

Total liabilities and equities

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CHS Inc. and Subsidiaries

12

CHS 2021

2021

2020

$

413,159

$

140,874

2,860,884

3,334,675

1,390,233

7,998,951

3,669,111

4,810,005

1,098,208

2,366,047

2,742,138

1,017,488

6,266,547

3,630,033

4,957,938

1,139,429

$ 17,576,275

$ 15,993,947

$

1,740,859

$

1,575,491

38,450

2,616,052

622,723

1,307,929

6,326,013

1,579,911

653,025

2,264,038

5,247,238

(216,391)

1,713,976

9,008,861

8,465

189,287

1,724,516

501,904

928,843

4,920,041

1,601,836

652,897

2,264,038

5,161,610

(233,924)

1,618,147

8,809,871

9,302

9,017,326

8,819,173

$ 17,576,275

$ 15,993,947

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Revenues

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Marketing, general and administrative expenses

Operating earnings

Interest expense

Other income

Equity income from investments

Income before income taxes

Income tax benefit

Net income

Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests

2021

2020

2019

$ 38,448,033

$ 28,406,365

$ 31,900,453

37,496,634

27,424,558

30,516,120

951,399

745,602

205,797

104,565

981,807

704,542

277,265

116,977

1,384,333

724,731

659,602

167,065

(59,559)

(39,875)

(86,309)

(354,529)

(186,715)

(236,755)

515,320

(38,249)

553,569

(383)

386,878

(36,731)

423,609

1,170

815,601

(12,456)

828,057

(1,823)

Net income attributable to CHS Inc.

$

553,952

$

422,439

$

829,880

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CHS Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Pension and other postretirement benefits

Cash flow hedges

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests

2021

2020

2019

$ 553,569

$ 423,609

$ 828,057

18,295

(6,062)

5,300

17,533

571,102

(383)

12,798

(4,411)

(15,378)

(6,991)

416,618

1,170

(32,559)

20,196

(9,949)

(22,312)

805,745

(1,823)

Comprehensive income attributable to CHS Inc.

$ 571,485

$ 415,448

$ 807,568

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CHS Inc. and Subsidiaries

CHS 2021

13

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITIES

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019

EQUITY CERTIFICATES

CAPITAL
EQUITY
CERTIFICATES

NONPATRONAGE
EQUITY
CERTIFICATES

NONQUALIFIED
EQUITY
CERTIFICATES

BALANCES, AUGUST 31, 2018

$ 3,837,580

$ 29,498

$

742,378

Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates

Distribution of 2018 patronage refunds

Redemptions of equities

Preferred stock dividends

Other, net

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Reclassification of tax effects to capital reserves

Estimated 2019 patronage refunds

Estimated 2019 equity redemptions

78,941

—

(70,859)

—

(2,169)

—

—

—

—

(90,000)

—

—

(409)

—

(15)

—

—

—

—

—

(345,330)

352,980

(14,272)

—

(1,844)

—

—

—

472,398

—

BALANCES, AUGUST 31, 2019

3,753,493

29,074

1,206,310

Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates

Distribution of 2019 patronage refunds

Redemptions of equities

Preferred stock dividends

ASC Topic 842 cumulative-effect adjustment

Other, net

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Estimated 2020 patronage refunds

Estimated 2020 equity redemptions

80,000

—

(80,133)

—

—

(1,173)

—

—

—

(28,000)

—

—

(340)

—

—

(7)

—

—

—

—

(462,398)

474,407

(15,965)

—

—

(628)

—

—

211,970

(5,000)

BALANCES, AUGUST 31, 2020

3,724,187

28,727

1,408,696

Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates

Distribution of 2020 patronage refunds

Redemptions of equities

Preferred stock dividends

Other, net

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax .

Estimated 2021 patronage refunds

Estimated 2021 equity redemptions

28,000

—

(67,403)

—

(873)

—

—

—

(100,000)

—

—

(290)

—

(6)

—

—

—

—

(206,970)

214,733

(11,688)

—

(165)

—

—

230,290

—

Balances, August 31, 2021

$ 3,583,911

$ 28,431

$ 1,634,896

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CHS Inc. and Subsidiaries

14

CHS 2021

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019

PREFERRED
STOCK

ACCUMULATED OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS

CAPITAL
RESERVES

NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS

TOTAL
EQUITIES

$ 2,264,038

$ (199,915)

$ 1,482,003

$ 9,446

$ 8,165,028

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(22,312)

(4,706)

—

—

2,264,038

(226,933)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(6,991)

—

—

2,264,038

(233,924)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

17,533

—

—

420,330

(428,756)

—

(168,668)

7,061

829,880

—

4,706

(562,398)

—

1,584,158

562,398

(564,522)

—

(168,668)

25,320

(1,008)

422,439

—

(241,970)

—

1,618,147

241,970

(244,775)

—

(168,668)

(6,360)

553,952

—

(280,290)

—

—

—

—

—

(233)

(1,823)

—

—

—

—

153,941

(75,776)

(85,540)

(168,668)

2,800

828,057

(22,312)

—

(90,000)

(90,000)

7,390

8,617,530

—

—

—

—

—

742

1,170

—

—

—

180,000

(90,115)

(96,438)

(168,668)

25,320

(2,074)

423,609

(6,991)

(30,000)

(33,000)

9,302

8,819,173

—

—

—

—

(454)

(383)

—

—

—

63,000

(30,042)

(79,381)

(168,668)

(7,858)

553,569

17,533

(50,000)

(100,000)

$ 2,264,038

$ (216,391)

$ 1,713,976

$ 8,465

$ 9,017,326

CHS 2021

15

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred major maintenance

Equity (income) loss from investments, net of distributions received

Provision for doubtful accounts

Gain/recovery on sale of business

LIFO liquidations

Deferred taxes

Other, net

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Receivables

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of business

Expenditures for major maintenance

Changes in CHS Capital notes receivable, net

Financing extended to customers

Payments from customer financing

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Other investing activities, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

2021

2020

2019

$

553,569

$

423,609

$

828,057

535,498

(40,035)

6,692

(19,034)

(35,258)

(11,957)

(41,218)

(568,752)

(549,221)

1,007,229

(79,702)

757,811

550,251

49,130

3,418

(1,450)

—

(32,761)

(1,642)

308,399

104,884

(330,949)

14,340

1,087,229

541,507

12,560

57,745

(3,886)

—

(13,852)

6,094

(218,192)

284,694

(38,229)

(316,567)

1,139,931

(317,794)

(418,359)

(443,216)

20,742

81,366

(40,922)

132,268

(1,926)

6,892

—

17,702

32,670

1,139

(14,496)

119,591

(6,386)

35,791

231

6,114

53,974

5,044

(232,094)

(10,903)

(12,210)

90,193

(119,421)

7,350

(101,672)

(243,705)

(661,283)

Proceeds from notes payable and long-term borrowings

31,765,082

24,343,870

29,071,363

Payments on notes payable, long-term debt and finance lease obligations

(31,806,918)

(24,948,926)

(29,450,339)

Preferred stock dividends paid

Redemptions of equities

Cash patronage dividends paid

Other financing activities, net

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

Supplemental cash flow information:

Cash paid for interest

Cash (received) paid for income taxes, net of refunds

Other significant noncash investing and financing transactions:

Capital expenditures and major maintenance incurred but not yet paid

Finance lease obligations incurred

Accrual of dividends and equities payable

Assets contributed to joint venture

(168,668)

(168,668)

(168,668)

(79,381)

(30,042)

(6,658)

(96,438)

(90,115)

29,129

(85,540)

(75,776)

(16,686)

(326,585)

(931,148)

(725,646)

$

$

(4,063)

325,491

216,993

542,484

102,093

(8,842)

28,010

12,831

150,000

—

$

$

4,942

(82,682)

299,675

216,993

119,354

6,840

14,906

11,190

63,000

—

$

$

2,733

(244,265)

543,940

299,675

172,259

19,918

28,478

7,351

180,000

7,353

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CHS Inc. and Subsidiaries

16

CHS 2021

ONE

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

the

nation’s

Organization
CHS Inc. (referred to herein as “CHS,” “we,” “us” or “our”)
is
leading integrated agricultural
cooperative. As a cooperative, CHS is owned by farmers
and ranchers and member cooperatives (“members”)
across the United States. We also have preferred
shareholders that own shares of our five series of
preferred stock, all of which are listed and traded on the
Global Select Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(“The Nasdaq”). See Note 12, Equities, for more detailed
information.

We buy commodities from and provide products and
services to individual agricultural producers,
local
cooperatives and other companies (including member
and other nonmember customers), both domestically
and internationally. Those products and services include
initial agricultural inputs such as fuels, farm supplies,
crop nutrients and crop protection products, as well as
agricultural outputs that include grains and oilseeds,
processed grains and oilseeds, renewable fuels and food
products. A portion of our operations are conducted
through equity investments and joint ventures whose
operating results are not fully consolidated with our
results; rather, a proportionate share of the income or
loss from those entities is included as a component in
our net income under the equity method of accounting.

Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of CHS and all our subsidiaries and limited
liability companies in which we have a controlling
interest. The effects of all significant intercompany
transactions have been eliminated.

The notes to our consolidated financial statements refer
to our Energy, Ag, Nitrogen Production and Foods
reportable segments, as well as our Corporate and
Other category, which represents an aggregation of
individually immaterial operating segments. The
Nitrogen Production reportable segment consists of our
investment
in CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC (“CF
Nitrogen”), and allocated expenses. The Foods
reportable segment met quantitative criteria to become
a reportable segment during fiscal 2021 and consists of

investment

our
in Ventura Foods, LLC (“Ventura
Foods”), and allocated expenses. See Note 14, Segment
Reporting, for more information.

Use of Estimates
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 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. We
base our estimates on assumptions that are believed to
be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying values of assets
and liabilities. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved
in making estimates, actual results could differ from
those estimates. We evaluate our estimates and
assumptions on an ongoing basis.

Significant Accounting Policies
Significant accounting policies are summarized below
or within the related notes to our consolidated financial
statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or
less at the date of acquisition. The carrying value of cash
and cash equivalents approximates the fair value due to
the short-term nature of the instruments.

required under

Restricted cash is included in our Consolidated Balance
Sheets within other current assets and primarily relates
to customer deposits for futures and option contracts
associated with regulated commodities held in separate
federal and other
accounts as
regulations. Pursuant
the
Commodity Exchange Act, such funds must be carried
in separate accounts that are designated as segregated
customer accounts, as applicable. Restricted cash also
includes funds held in escrow pursuant to applicable
regulations limiting their usage.

to the requirements of

CHS 2021

17

ONE: Organization, B asis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and
cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported within
our Consolidated Balance Sheets that aggregates to the
amount presented in our Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows.

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

Cash and cash
equivalents

Restricted cash

included in other
current assets

Total cash and

cash equivalents
and restricted
cash

AUGUST 31,

2021

2020

2019

$ 413,159

$ 140,874

$ 211,179

129,325

76,119

88,496

$ 542,484

$ 216,993

$ 299,675

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Except for the recent accounting pronouncements
described
accounting
other
pronouncements are not expected to have a material
impact on our consolidated financial statements.

below,

recent

No. 2016-13, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses
(“ASC Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on
Financial
Instruments. The amendments in this ASU
introduce a new approach, based on expected losses, to
estimate credit losses on certain types of financial
instruments. This ASU is intended to provide financial
statement users with more decision-useful information
about the expected credit losses associated with most
financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain
other instruments, including trade and other receivables,
loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments
in leases and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Entities
are required to apply the provisions of this ASU as a
cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of
capital reserves as of the beginning of the first reporting
period in which the guidance is adopted. As part of our
adoption efforts, we performed various data-gathering
activities, developed credit loss models, performed data
analyses and made accounting policy election
determinations.
on
September 1, 2020, did not have a material impact on
our consolidated financial statements.

adoption

impact

The

of

Adopted
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“ASU”)
issued Accounting

Standards Update

Not Yet Adopted
There are not any recent accounting pronouncements
yet to be adopted that we expect to have a material
impact on our consolidated financial statements.

18

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TWO

Revenues

We provide a wide variety of products and services,
from agricultural inputs such as fuels, farm supplies and
agronomy products, to agricultural outputs that include
grain and oilseed, processed grains and oilseeds and
food products, and renewable fuels production and
marketing. We primarily conduct our operations and
derive revenues within our Energy and Ag segments.
Our Energy segment derives its revenues through
refining, wholesaling and retailing of petroleum
products. Our Ag segment derives its revenues through
origination and marketing of grain, including service
activities conducted at export
through
wholesale agronomy sales of crop nutrient and crop
protection products;
from sales of soybean meal,
soybean refined oil and soyflour products; through
production and marketing of renewable fuels; and
through retail sales of petroleum and agronomy
products, processed sunflowers, and feed and farm
supplies. Corporate and Other primarily consists of our
financing and hedging businesses.

terminals;

exchange for transferring goods or services to a
customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of
third parties. For physically settled derivative sales
contracts that are outside the scope of the revenue
guidance, we recognize revenue when control of the
inventory is
transferred within the meaning of
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(“ASC
Topic 606”). Revenues arising from our financing
business are recognized in accordance with ASC Topic
470, Debt (“ASC Topic 470”) and fall outside the scope
of ASC Topic 606.

Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling amounts billed to a customer as
part of a sales transaction are included in revenues, and
the related costs are included in cost of goods sold.
Shipping and handling is treated as a fulfillment activity,
rather than a promised service, and therefore is not
considered a separate performance obligation.

control

Revenue is recognized when performance obligations
under the terms of a contract with a customer are
satisfied, which generally occurs when control of the
goods has transferred to customers in accordance with
the underlying contract. For the majority of our
to
contracts with customers,
customers at a point in time when goods and/or
services have been delivered, as that is generally when
legal title, physical possession and risks and rewards of
ownership of the goods and/or services transfer to the
In limited arrangements, control transfers
customer.
over time as the customer simultaneously receives and
consumes the benefits of the service as we complete
our performance obligation(s). Revenue is recognized
as the transaction price we expect to be entitled to in

transfers

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to
Governmental Authorities
Revenues are recorded net of taxes collected from
customers
remitted to governmental
authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current
liabilities until remitted to the relevant government
authority.

that

are

Contract Costs
Commissions related to contracts with a duration of less
than one year are expensed as incurred. We recognize
incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense
when incurred if the amortization period of the assets
we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.

CHS 2021

19

TWO: Revenues, continued

Disaggregation of Revenues

The following tables present revenues recognized under ASC Topic 606 disaggregated by reportable segment, as
well as the amount of revenues recognized under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC Topic 815”), and
other applicable accounting guidance for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Other applicable
accounting guidance primarily includes revenues recognized under ASC Topic 470 and ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC
Topic 842”) that fall outside the scope of ASC Topic 606:

REPORTABLE SEGMENT*
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Energy

Ag

Corporate and Other

Total revenues

REPORTABLE SEGMENT*
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Energy

Ag

Corporate and Other

Total revenues

REPORTABLE SEGMENT*
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Energy

Ag

Corporate and Other

Total revenues

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

ASC TOPIC 606

ASC TOPIC 815

OTHER
GUIDANCE

TOTAL
REVENUES

$

5,680,391

$

694,870

$

— $ 6,375,261

7,491,484

24,517,033

26,825

32,035,342

18,325

—

19,105

37,430

$ 13,190,200

$ 25,211,903

$ 45,930

$ 38,448,033

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2020

ASC TOPIC 606

ASC TOPIC 815

OTHER
GUIDANCE

TOTAL
REVENUES

$

4,833,003

$

598,131

$

— $

5,431,134

5,963,198

16,901,258

22,903

—

61,643

26,229

22,926,099

49,132

$ 10,819,104

$ 17,499,389

$ 87,872

$ 28,406,365

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2019

ASC TOPIC 606

ASC TOPIC 815

OTHER
GUIDANCE

TOTAL
REVENUES

$

6,393,075

$

726,001

$

— $

7,119,076

6,319,304

18,268,977

131,791

24,720,072

20,262

—

41,043

61,305

$ 12,732,641

$ 18,994,978

$ 172,834

$ 31,900,453

*

Our Nitrogen Production and Foods reportable segments represent equity method investments that record earnings and
allocated expenses, but not revenues.

Less than 1% of revenues accounted for under ASC
Topic 606 included within the tables above are recorded
over time and relate primarily to service contracts.

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

Contract assets relate to unbilled amounts arising from
goods that have already been transferred to the
customer where the right to payment is not conditional
on the passage of time. This results in the recognition of
an asset, as the amount of revenue recognized at a
certain point in time exceeds the amount billed to the
customer. Contract assets are recorded in accounts
receivable within our Consolidated Balance Sheets and
were immaterial as of August 31, 2021 and 2020.

Contract liabilities relate to advance payments from
customers for goods and services that we have yet to
provide. Contract
liabilities of $213.9 million and
$139.1 million as of August 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively, are recorded within other current liabilities
on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years
ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recognized
revenues of $139.1 million, $194.8 million and
$170.7 million related to contract liabilities, respectively.
These amounts were included in the other current
liabilities balance at the beginning of the respective
period.

20

CHS 2021

THREE

Receivables

Receivables as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as
follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Trade accounts receivable

$ 2,047,198

$ 1,476,585

CHS Capital short-term notes

receivable

Other

505,778

451,630

563,934

491,068

Gross receivables

3,004,606

2,531,587

Less allowances and reserves

143,722

165,540

Total receivables

$ 2,860,884

$ 2,366,047

Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable
value, which includes an allowance for expected credit
losses in accordance with ASC Topic 326. The allowance
for expected credit losses is based on our best estimate
of expected credit losses in existing receivable balances
and is determined using historical write-off experience,
adjusted for various industry and regional data and
current expectations of future credit losses. Receivables
from related parties are disclosed in Note 18, Related
Party Transactions. No third-party customer accounted
for more than 10% of the total receivables balance as of
August 31, 2021 or 2020.

CHS Capital Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable
CHS Capital, LLC (“CHS Capital”), our wholly-owned
subsidiary, has short-term notes receivable from
commercial and producer borrowers. The short-term
notes receivable have maturity terms of 12 months or
less and are reported at their outstanding unpaid
principal balances, less an allowance for expected credit
losses, as CHS Capital has the intent and ability to hold
the applicable loans for the foreseeable future or until
maturity or payoff. The carrying value of CHS Capital
short-term notes receivable approximates fair value
given the notes’ short-term duration and use of market
pricing adjusted for risk.

Notes receivable from commercial borrowers are
collateralized by various combinations of mortgages,
personal property, accounts and notes receivable,
inventories and assignments of certain regional
cooperatives’ capital stock. These loans are primarily
originated in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota.
CHS Capital also has loans receivable from producer

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

are

that

collateralized

borrowers
various
combinations of growing crops, livestock, inventories,
accounts
and
supplemental mortgages and are originated in the same
states as the commercial notes.

receivable,

property

personal

by

In addition to the short-term balances included in the
table above, CHS Capital had long-term notes
receivable, with durations of generally not more than
10 years, totaling $55.4 million and $101.5 million at
August 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The long-term
notes receivable are included in other assets on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of August 31, 2021 and
2020, commercial notes represented 28% and 33%,
respectively, and producer notes represented 72% and
67%, respectively, of total CHS Capital notes receivable.

CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to
customers if there are no violations of any contractually
established conditions. As of August 31, 2021, CHS
Capital customers had additional available credit of
$706.9 million.

Allowance for Loan Losses
CHS Capital maintains an allowance for loan losses that
is an estimate of current expected losses inherent in the
In accordance with ASC
loans receivable portfolio.
Topic 326, the allowance for loan losses is based on our
current expectation for future losses, which takes into
consideration historical
loss experience, third-party
industry forecasts, as well as other quantitative and
qualitative factors addressing operational risks and
industry trends. Additions to the allowance for loan
losses are reflected within marketing, general and
administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements
of Operations. The portion of loans receivable deemed
uncollectible is charged off against the allowance for
loan losses. Recoveries of previously charged off
amounts increase the allowance for loan losses. No
significant amounts of CHS Capital notes were past due
as of August 31, 2021 or 2020, and the allowance for
loan losses related to CHS Capital notes were not
material as of either date.

Interest Income

Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis using
a method that computes simple interest on a daily basis.
Accrual of interest on commercial loans receivable is
discontinued at the time the receivable is 90 days past
due unless the credit is well-collateralized and in process

CHS 2021

21

THREE: Receivables, continued

of collection. Past due status is based on contractual
terms of the loan. Producer loans receivable are placed
in nonaccrual status based on estimates and analysis
due to the annual debt service terms inherent to CHS
Capital’s producer loans. In all cases, loans are placed in
nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if
collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Fees received related to the servicing of notes
receivable are recorded in other
income in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. We consider
the fees received adequate compensation for services
rendered and, accordingly, have recorded no servicing
asset or liability.

that meet

related to vendor

Other Receivables
Other receivables are comprised of certain other
amounts recorded in the normal course of business,
including receivables
rebates,
value-added taxes, certain financing receivables and
pre-crop financing, primarily to Brazilian farmers, to
finance a portion of supplier production costs. We
receive volume-based rebates from certain vendors
during the year. These vendor rebates are accounted for
in accordance with ASC 705, Cost of Sales and Services,
based on the terms of the volume rebate program. For
rebates
the definition of a binding
arrangement and are both probable and estimable, we
estimate the amount of the rebate we will receive and
accrue it as a reduction of the cost of inventory and cost
of goods sold over the period in which the rebate is
earned. For pre-crop financing arrangements, we do not
bear costs or operational risks associated with the
related growing crops, although our ability to be paid
depends on the crops actually being produced. The
financing is collateralized by future crops,
land and
physical assets of the farmers, carries a local market
interest rate and settles when the farmer’s crop is
troubled debt
harvested and sold. No significant
restructurings occurred during the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and no third-party
customer or borrower accounted for more than 10% of
the total receivables balance as of August 31, 2021 or
2020.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Restructuring of a loan constitutes a troubled debt
restructuring, or restructured loan, if the creditor, for
economic reasons related to the debtor’s financial
difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it
would otherwise not consider. Concessions vary by
program and borrower. Concessions may include
interest rate reductions, term extensions, payment
deferrals or the acceptance of additional collateral in lieu
of payments. In limited circumstances, principal may be
forgiven. When a restructured loan constitutes a
troubled debt restructuring, CHS includes these loans
within its impaired loans. CHS Capital had no significant
troubled debt restructurings during the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and no third-party
borrowers that accounted for more than 10% of the total
CHS Capital notes receivable or total receivables as of
August 31, 2021 or 2020.

Loan Participations
For the years ended August 31, 2021 and 2020, CHS
Capital sold $40.8 million and $70.6 million of notes
receivable, respectively, to various counterparties under
a master participation agreement. The sales resulted in
the removal of notes receivable from the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. CHS Capital has no retained interests in
the transferred notes receivable, other than collection
and administrative services. Proceeds from sales of
notes receivable have been included in investing

22

CHS 2021

FOUR

Inventories

Inventories as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as
follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Grain and oilseed

$ 1,435,544

$ 1,064,079

Energy

Agronomy

Processed grain and oilseed

Other

762,317

958,548

140,975

37,291

696,858

822,535

126,022

32,644

Total inventories

$ 3,334,675

$ 2,742,138

agricultural

Grain, processed grain, oilseed, processed oilseed and
other minimally processed soy-based inventories are
accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 330,
Inventory, and are stated at net realizable value. These
inventories are agricultural commodity inventories that
are readily convertible to cash because of
their
commodity characteristics, widely available markets
and international pricing mechanisms. The net realizable
value of
is
determined using inputs that are generally based on
exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and
offers,
adjustments.
Location-specific inputs are driven by local market
supply and demand and are generally based on broker
or dealer quotations or market transactions in either
listed or over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. Changes in
the net realizable value of agricultural commodity
inventories are recognized in earnings as a component
of cost of goods sold.

location-specific

commodity

inventories

including

FIVE

Other Current Assets

Other current assets as of August 31, 2021 and 2020,
are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Derivative assets (Note 15)
Margin and related deposits
Supplier advance payments
Restricted cash
Other

$

$

2021
559,056
336,397
194,706
129,325
170,749

2020
371,195
194,097
198,699
76,119
177,378

Total other current assets

$ 1,390,233

$ 1,017,488

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or
net realizable value. Costs for inventories produced or
modified by us through a manufacturing process include
fixed and variable production and raw material costs,
and inbound freight costs for raw materials. Costs for
inventories purchased for resale include the cost of
products and freight incurred to place the products at
our points of sale. The costs of certain energy
inventories (wholesale refined products, crude oil and
asphalt) are determined on the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”)
method; all other inventories of nongrain products
purchased for resale are valued on the first-in, first-out
(“FIFO”) and average cost methods.

As of August 31, 2021 and 2020, we valued
approximately 13% and 16%, respectively, of inventories,
primarily crude oil and refined fuels within our Energy
segment, using the lower of cost, determined on the
LIFO method, or net realizable value. If the FIFO method
of accounting had been used, inventories would have
been higher than the reported amount by $359.2 million
and $93.5 million as of August 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively. During fiscal 2021, we recorded LIFO
liquidations for certain energy product inventories. The
costs of these liquidated inventories in the historical
LIFO layers were lower than current costs, which
resulted in decreased cost of goods sold of $35.3 million
had the inventory liquidations not taken place. There
were no liquidations of LIFO inventories during fiscal
2020 or fiscal 2019.

Margin and Related Deposits

Many of our derivative contracts with futures and
options brokers require us to make margin deposits of
cash or other assets. Subsequent margin deposits may
also be necessary when changes in commodity prices
result in a loss on the contract value to comply with
applicable regulations. Our margin and related deposit
assets are generally held in separate accounts to
support the associated derivative contracts and may be
used to fund or partially fund the settlement of those
contracts as they expire. Similar to our derivative

CHS 2021

23

FIVE: Other Current Assets, continued

financial instruments, margin and related deposits are
reported on a gross basis.

Supplier Advance Payments

Supplier advance payments are typically for periods less
than 12 months and primarily include amounts paid for

SIX

Investments

Investments as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as
follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Equity method investments

CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC

$ 2,667,164

$ 2,662,618

Ventura Foods, LLC

Ardent Mills, LLC

TEMCO, LLC

Other equity method

investments

Other investments

388,612

220,132

31,464

232,923

128,816

381,351

208,927

19,444

233,738

123,955

Total investments

$ 3,669,111

$ 3,630,033

Joint ventures and other investments in which we have
significant ownership and influence but not control, are
accounted for in our consolidated financial statements
using the equity method of accounting. Our significant
equity method investments consist of CF Nitrogen,
Ventura Foods, Ardent Mills, LLC (“Ardent Mills”) and
TEMCO, LLC (“TEMCO”), which are summarized below.
In addition to the recognition of our share of income
from our equity method investments, our equity method
investments are evaluated for indicators of other-than-
temporary impairment on an ongoing basis
in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. We have approximately
$458.2 million of cumulative undistributed earnings from
our equity method investees included in the investments
balance as of August 31, 2021.

All equity securities that do not result in consolidation
and are not accounted for under the equity method are
measured at fair value with changes therein reflected in
net income. We have elected to utilize the measurement
alternative for equity investments that do not have

24

CHS 2021

grain purchases from suppliers and amounts paid to
crop nutrient and crop protection product suppliers to
lock in future supply, pricing and discounts.

in

cooperatives without

readily determinable fair values and measure these
investments at cost less impairment plus or minus
observable price changes in orderly transactions. Our
share in the income or loss of these equity method
investments is recorded within equity income from
investments
in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. Other investments consist primarily of
investments
readily
determinable fair values and are generally recorded at
cost, unless an impairment or other observable market
price
requiring an adjustment.
Investments in other cooperatives are recorded in a
manner similar to equity investments without readily
determinable fair values, plus patronage dividends
received in the form of capital stock and other equities.
Patronage dividends are recorded as a reduction to cost
of goods sold at the time qualified written notices of
allocation are received. Investments in debt and equity
instruments are carried at amounts that approximate
fair values.

change occurs

CF Nitrogen

We have a $2.7 billion investment in CF Nitrogen, a
strategic venture with CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (“CF
Industries”). The investment consists of an approximate
10% membership interest (based on product tons) in CF
Nitrogen. At the time we entered into the strategic
venture, we also entered into a supply agreement that
entitles us to purchase up to 1.1 million tons of granular
urea and 580,000 tons of urea ammonium nitrate
(“UAN”) annually from CF Nitrogen for ratable delivery
through fiscal 2096. Our purchases under the supply
agreement are based on prevailing market prices and
we receive semiannual cash distributions (in January
and July of each year) from CF Nitrogen via our
membership interest. These distributions are based on

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for

actual volumes purchased from CF Nitrogen under the
strategic venture and will have the effect of reducing
our investment to zero over 80 years on a straight-line
basis. We account
this investment using the
liquidation at book value method,
hypothetical
recognizing our share of the earnings and losses of CF
Nitrogen as equity income from investments in our
Nitrogen Production segment based on our contractual
claims on the entity’s net assets pursuant to the
liquidation provisions of CF Nitrogen’s Limited Liability
Company Agreement, adjusted for the semiannual cash
distributions.

Cash distributions received from CF Nitrogen for
the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, were
$193.9 million, $174.3 million and $186.5 million,
respectively.

The following tables provide aggregate summarized
financial information for CF Nitrogen for balance sheets
as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, and statements of
operations for the 12 months ended August 31, 2021,
2020 and 2019:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

$

850,048

$

552,127

6,248,315

6,564,086

301,174

2,454

222,391

3,036

2021

2020

2019

Net sales

$ 2,975,983 $ 2,522,827 $ 2,894,795

Gross profit

Net earnings

866,880

570,901

737,168

809,536

529,462

706,291

Earnings attributable

to CHS Inc.

198,439

127,954

160,373

Ventura Foods

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

Net sales

Gross profit

Net earnings

$ 810,593

$ 695,911

628,516

374,361

313,253

647,105

274,807

331,235

2021

2020

2019

$ 2,584,532 $ 2,246,412 $ 2,463,945

350,708

151,196

289,590

68,055

299,959

102,069

Earnings attributable

to CHS Inc.

78,519

34,026

51,608

Ardent Mills and TEMCO
We have a 12% interest in Ardent Mills, which is a joint
venture with Cargill
Incorporated (“Cargill”) and
Conagra Brands, Inc., and is the largest flour miller in the
United States. Additionally, we have a 50% interest in
TEMCO, which is a joint venture with Cargill focused on
export elevation, primarily to Asia. We account for
Ardent Mills and TEMCO as equity method investments,
and our shares of the results of these equity method
investments are included in Corporate and Other and
our Ag segment, respectively.

The following tables provide aggregate summarized
financial information for our equity method investments
in Ardent Mills and TEMCO for balance sheets as of
August 31, 2021 and 2020, and statements of operations
for the 12 months ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Current assets

$ 1,194,484

$

960,358

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

1,971,103

1,923,696

628,344

626,479

452,382

637,850

We have a 50% interest in Ventura Foods, a joint venture
with Mitsui & Co., that produces and distributes primarily
edible oil-based products. We account for Ventura
Foods as an equity method investment, and our share
of the results of this equity method investment are
included in our Foods segment.

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

Net sales

Gross profit

Net earnings

2021

2020

2019

$ 6,897,330 $ 5,976,835 $ 6,603,450

541,718

247,544

347,209

80,328

319,296

118,251

The following tables provide aggregate summarized
financial information for our equity method investment
in Ventura Foods for balance sheets as of August 31,
2021 and 2020, and statements of operations for the
12 months ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

Earnings attributable

to CHS Inc.

43,339

(1,432)

3,572

Our investments in other equity method investees are
not significant in relation to our consolidated financial
statements, either individually or in the aggregate.

CHS 2021

25

SEVEN

Property, Plant and Equipment

Major classes of property, plant and equipment,
including finance lease assets, are summarized in the
table below as of August 31, 2021 and 2020.

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Land and land improvements

$

324,757

$

317,714

Buildings

1,171,423

1,110,490

Machinery and equipment

7,673,748

7,559,437

Office equipment and other

Construction in progress

Gross property, plant and

equipment

Less accumulated
depreciation and
amortization

378,352

337,977

362,084

310,901

9,886,257

9,660,626

5,076,252

4,702,688

Total property, plant and

equipment

$ 4,810,005

$ 4,957,938

and

depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated
amortization.
Depreciation and amortization are provided on the
straight-line method by charges to operations at rates
based on the expected useful
lives of individual or
groups of assets (generally 15 to 20 years for land
improvements, 20 to 40 years for buildings, five to
20 years for machinery and equipment, and three to
10 years for office equipment and other). Expenditures
for maintenance and minor repairs and renewals are
expensed. We also capitalize and amortize eligible costs
to acquire or develop internal-use software that are
incurred during the application development stage.
When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost
and related accumulated depreciation and amortization
are removed from the related accounts and resulting
gains or losses are reflected in operations.

Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance
lease assets, for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019, was $455.9 million, $470.4 million and
$495.3 million, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment and other long-lived
assets are reviewed for impairment when events or

26

CHS 2021

changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amounts may not be recoverable in accordance with
U.S. GAAP. This evaluation of recoverability is based on
various indicators, including the nature, future economic
benefits and geographic locations of
the assets,
historical or future profitability measures and other
external market conditions. If these indicators suggest
the carrying amounts of an asset or asset group may
not be recoverable, potential impairment is evaluated
using undiscounted estimated future cash flows. Should
the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less
than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be
recognized. An impairment loss would be measured as
the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or
asset group exceeds its fair value. No significant
impairments were identified during fiscal 2021, fiscal
2020 or fiscal 2019.

We have asset retirement obligations with respect to
certain of our refineries and other assets due to various
legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of
the
component parts at the time they are retired. In most
cases, these assets can be used for extended and
indeterminate periods of time if they are properly
maintained and/or upgraded.
It is our practice and
current intent to maintain refineries and related assets
and to continue making improvements to those assets
based on technological advances. As a result, we believe
our refineries and related assets have indeterminate lives
for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations
because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would
retire a refinery and related assets cannot reasonably be
estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates
can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any
component part of a refinery or other asset, we estimate
the cost of performing the retirement activities and
record a liability for the fair value of that future cost.

We have other assets that we may be obligated to
dismantle at the end of corresponding lease terms
subject to the lessor’s discretion for which we have
recorded asset retirement obligations. Based on our
estimates of timing, cost and probability of removal,
these obligations are not material.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EIGHT

Other Assets

Other assets as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Goodwill

Customer lists, trademarks and other intangible assets

Notes receivable (Note 3)

Long-term derivative assets (Note 15)

Prepaid pension and other benefits (Note 13)

Capitalized major maintenance

Cash value life insurance

Operating lease right of use assets (Note 19)

Other

Total other assets

2021

2020

$

171,601

$

172,404

58,395

73,713

21,567

119,825

196,641

147,682

253,451

55,333

65,025

109,145

21,157

106,209

228,511

130,673

257,834

48,471

$ 1,098,208

$ 1,139,429

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill is assessed for
impairment on an annual basis as of July 31, either by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether a
quantitative goodwill impairment test is necessary or by proceeding directly to the quantitative test. The quantitative
test may be required more frequently if triggering events or other circumstances occur that could indicate
impairment. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level, which has been determined to be our
operating segments or one level below our operating segments in certain instances.

Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended August 31, 2021, are included in the table below.
There were no changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended August 31, 2020.

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Balances, August 31, 2020

ENERGY

AG

CORPORATE
AND OTHER

TOTAL

$ 552

$ 161,278

$ 10,574

$ 172,404

Goodwill disposed of during the period

—

(803)

—

(803)

Balances, August 31, 2021

$ 552

$ 160,475

$ 10,574

$ 171,601

No goodwill has been allocated to our Nitrogen Production or Foods segments, which each consist of a single
investment accounted for under the equity method.

No goodwill impairments were identified as a result of our annual goodwill analyses performed as of July 31, 2021 or
2020. However, as a result of our annual goodwill impairment analyses performed as of July 31, 2019, we recorded a
goodwill impairment charge of $27.4 million associated with a reporting unit in our Ag segment. The impairment
charge primarily resulted from changing market dynamics that reduced future profitability within the reporting unit,
as well as strategy changes and the challenging economic environment in the agriculture industry. The impairment
charge was recorded in marketing, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
for the year ended August 31, 2019. Management will continue to monitor the results and projected cash flows for
each of our businesses to assess whether any reserves or impairments may be necessary in the future, particularly

CHS 2021

27

EIGHT: Other Assets, continued

for our businesses that have experienced or could experience substantial reductions in demand or price declines
associated with the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors.

Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include customer lists, trademarks and noncompete agreements,
and are amortized over their respective useful lives (ranging from two to 30 years). We have no material intangible
assets with indefinite useful lives. All long-lived assets, including other identifiable intangible assets, are also assessed
for impairment in accordance with U.S. GAAP and evaluated for impairment whenever triggering events or other
circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset group or reporting unit may not be recoverable. Information
regarding intangible assets is as follows:

AUGUST 31, 2021

AUGUST 31, 2020

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

CARRYING
AMOUNT

ACCUMULATED
AMORTIZATION

NET

CARRYING
AMOUNT

ACCUMULATED
AMORTIZATION

NET

Customer lists

$ 84,565

$ (29,254)

$ 55,311

$ 84,895

$ (23,770)

$ 61,125

Trademarks and other intangible assets

10,425

(7,341)

3,084

10,735

(6,835)

3,900

Total intangible assets

$ 94,990

$ (36,595)

$ 58,395

$ 95,630

$ (30,605)

$ 65,025

Intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, was $6.9 million,
$7.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets
subject to amortization for future years is as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Thereafter

Total

$

6,701

6,607

6,557

6,340

6,159

25,945

$ 58,309

Capitalized Major Maintenance
Activity related to capitalized major maintenance costs at our refineries for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019, is summarized below:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF YEAR

COST DEFERRED

AMORTIZATION

BALANCE AT
END OF YEAR

2021

2020

2019

$ 228,511

$

41,899

$ (73,769)

$ 196,641

286,890

130,780

14,496

224,406

(72,875)

(68,296)

228,511

286,890

Within our Energy segment, major maintenance activities are regularly performed at our Laurel, Montana, and
McPherson, Kansas, refineries. Major maintenance activities are the planned and required shutdowns of refinery
processing units, which include replacement or overhaul of equipment that has experienced decreased efficiency in
resource conversion. Because major maintenance activities are performed to extend the life, increase the capacity
and/or improve the safety or efficiency of refinery processing assets, we follow the deferral method of accounting
for major maintenance activities. Expenditures for major maintenance activities are capitalized (deferred) when
incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of two to five years, which is the estimated time lapse
between major maintenance activities. Should the estimated time between major maintenance activities change, we
may be required to amortize the remaining cost of the major maintenance activities over a shorter period, which

28

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

would result in higher depreciation and amortization costs. Amortization expense related to the capitalized major
maintenance costs is included in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Selection of the deferral method, as opposed to expensing major maintenance activity costs when incurred, results
in deferring recognition of major maintenance activity expenditures. The deferral method also results in classification
of related cash outflows as investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, whereas expensing
these costs as incurred would result in classifying the cash outflows as operating activities. Repair, maintenance and
related labor costs are expensed as incurred and are included in operating cash flows.

NINE

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

Our notes payable and long-term debt are subject to various restrictive requirements for maintenance of minimum
consolidated net worth and other financial ratios. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of August 31,
2021.

Notes Payable
Notes payable as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, consisted of the following:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Notes payable

CHS Capital notes payable

Total notes payable

WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE

2021

2020

2021

2020

1.18% 1.96% $

864,147 $

763,215

1.00% 1.29%

876,712

812,276

$ 1,740,859 $ 1,575,491

Our primary line of credit is a five-year unsecured
revolving credit facility with a syndicate of domestic and
international banks. The credit facility provides a
committed amount of $2.75 billion that expires on
July 16, 2024. As of August 31, 2021, there were no
borrowings
and
$345.0 million outstanding as of August 31, 2020. We
also maintain certain uncommitted bilateral facilities to
support our working capital needs with borrowings
outstanding of $335.0 million as of August 31, 2021, and
no borrowings outstanding as of August 31, 2020.

outstanding

facility,

this

on

In addition to our facilities referenced above, our wholly-
owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l. and CHS
Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda have lines of
credit with $268.0 million outstanding as of August 31,
2021, and our other international subsidiaries have lines
of credit with $204.3 million outstanding as of
August 31, 2021.

institutions

(“Purchasers”). Under

CHS Capital Notes Payable
We have a receivables and loans securitization facility
(“Securitization Facility”) with certain unaffiliated
financial
the
Securitization Facility, we and certain of our subsidiaries
(“Originators”) sell trade accounts and notes receivable
(“Receivables”) to Cofina Funding, LLC (“Cofina”), a
wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote indirect subsidiary of
CHS. Cofina in turn transfers the Receivables to the
Purchasers, and this arrangement is accounted for as a
secured borrowing. We use the proceeds from the sale
of Receivables under the Securitization Facility for
general corporate purposes and settlements are made
on a monthly basis. The amount available under the
Securitization Facility fluctuates over time based on the
total amount of eligible Receivables generated during
the normal course of business. As of August 31, 2021,
total availability under the Securitization Facility was
$671.9 million, $600.0 million of which had been utilized.

CHS 2021

29

committed availability under the Securitization Facility
to $700.0 million from $600.0 million, adding a
$250.0 million
the
Securitization Facility, and extending their respective
maturity dates to August 30, 2022.

uncommitted

portion

to

CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to
Compeer Financial, PCA, d/b/a ProPartners Financial on
a recourse basis. The total outstanding commitments
under the program were $150.0 million as of August 31,
2021, of which $49.9 million was borrowed under these
commitments. On September 29, 2021,
the total
commitments under the program were reduced to
$100.0 million.

CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes
issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings
under this program are unsecured and are due upon
demand. Borrowings under
totaled
$132.3 million as of August 31, 2021.

these notes

NINE: Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt, continued

We also have a repurchase facility (“Repurchase
Facility”) related to the Securitization Facility. Under the
Repurchase Facility, we can borrow up to $150.0 million,
collateralized by a subordinated note issued by Cofina
in favor of the Originators and representing a portion of
the outstanding balance of the Receivables sold by the
Originators to Cofina under the Securitization Facility.
As of August 31, 2021 and 2020, the outstanding
Facility was
balance
$150.0 million.

Repurchase

under

the

On September 24, 2020, the Securitization Facility and
Repurchase Facility were amended,
increasing the
maximum availability under the Securitization Facility to
$600.0 million from $500.0 million and extending
termination dates to July 30, 2021 and September 24,
2021, respectively. On July 30, 2021 the Securitization
Facility was further amended to extend its termination
date to August 31, 2021. Subsequently on August 31,
2021, the Securitization Facility and Repurchase Facility
increasing the maximum
were again amended,

30

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Long-Term Debt
During the year ended August 31, 2021, we repaid approximately $547.3 million of long-term debt consisting of
scheduled debt maturities and optional prepayments. On August 14, 2020, we entered into a Note Purchase
Agreement to borrow $375.0 million of long-term debt in the form of notes that were funded on November 2, 2020.
Amounts included in long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are
presented in the table below:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

4.00% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in fiscal

2017 through fiscal 2021

2021

2020

$

— $

20,000

4.52% unsecured notes $160 million face amount, due in fiscal 2021

4.67% unsecured notes $130 million face amount, due in fiscal 2023

4.39% unsecured notes $152 million face amount, due in fiscal 2023

3.85% unsecured notes $80 million face amount, due in fiscal 2025

3.80% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in fiscal 2025

4.58% unsecured notes $150 million face amount, due in fiscal 2025

4.82% unsecured notes $80 million face amount, due in fiscal 2026

4.69% unsecured notes $58 million face amount, due in fiscal 2027

3.24% unsecured notes $95 million face amount, due in fiscal 2027

4.74% unsecured notes $95 million face amount, due in fiscal 2028

3.48% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in fiscal 2030

4.89% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in fiscal 2031

3.58% unsecured notes $65 million face amount, due in fiscal 2032

4.71% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in fiscal 2033

3.73% unsecured notes $115 million face amount, due in fiscal 2035

5.40% unsecured notes $125 million face amount, due in fiscal 2036

Private placement debt

2.25% unsecured term loans from cooperative and other banks, due in fiscal 2025 (a)

Bank financing

Finance lease liabilities

Other notes and contracts with interest rates from 2.6% to 9.0%

Deferred financing costs

Total long-term debt

Less current portion

Long-term portion

—

134,873

152,000

80,000

100,000

153,101

80,000

58,000

95,000

95,000

100,000

100,000

65,000

100,000

115,000

125,000

162,090

137,623

152,000

80,000

100,000

154,012

80,000

58,000

—

95,000

—

100,000

—

100,000

—

125,000

1,552,974

1,363,725

—

—

36,034

33,443

(4,090)

366,000

366,000

31,460

34,709

(4,771)

1,618,361

1,791,123

38,450

189,287

$ 1,579,911

$ 1,601,836

(a) Borrowings are variable under the agreement and bear interest at a base rate (or LIBOR) plus an applicable margin.

As of August 31, 2021, the fair value of our long-term
debt is estimated to be $1.7 billion based on quoted
market prices of similar debt (a Level 2 fair value
measurement based on the classification hierarchy of
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement).

On February 19, 2021, we amended our 10-year term
loan facility to convert
the entire $366.0 million
aggregate principle amount outstanding thereunder
into a revolving loan, which can be paid down and
readvanced in an amount up to the referenced
$366.0 million until February 19, 2022. On February 19,
2022, the total funded loan balance outstanding reverts

CHS 2021

31

Interest expense for the years ended August 31, 2021,
2020 and 2019, was $104.6 million, $117.0 million and
$167.1 million, respectively, net of capitalized interest of
$8.0 million, $10.9 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

NINE: Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt, continued

to a nonrevolving term loan that
is payable on
September 4, 2025. There was no balance outstanding
under this facility as of August 31, 2021.

Long-term debt outstanding as of August 31, 2021, has
aggregate maturities, excluding fair value adjustments
and finance leases (see Note 19, Leases, for a schedule
of minimum future lease payments under finance
leases), as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Thereafter

Total

TEN

$

31,108

282,860

837

330,549

80,034

853,034

$ 1,578,422

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Customer margin deposits and credit balances

Customer advance payments

Derivative liabilities (Note 15)

Dividends and equity payable (Note 12)

Total other current liabilities

ELEVEN

Income Taxes

2021

2020

$

269,114

$ 149,539

439,293

449,522

150,000

300,100

416,204

63,000

$ 1,307,929

$ 928,843

CHS is a nonexempt agricultural cooperative and files a
consolidated federal income tax return within our tax
return period. We are subject to tax on income from
nonpatronage
patronage
distributions and undistributed patronage-sourced
income. Income tax (benefit) expense is primarily the

nonqualified

sources,

current tax payable for the period and the change
during the period in certain deferred tax assets and
liabilities. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of
temporary differences between the amounts of assets
and liabilities recognized under U.S. GAAP and such
amounts recognized for federal and state income tax

32

CHS 2021

purposes, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax
rates applicable to the periods in which the differences
are expected to affect taxable income.

The (benefit from) provision for income taxes for
the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is as
follows:

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total Current

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total Deferred

Total

2021

2020

2019

$

(533)

2,943

56

2,466

(24,676)

(15,666)

(373)

$

4,519

$

(2,231)

2,748

5,036

(36,231)

(5,263)

(273)

211

3,815

(2,630)

1,396

(4,923)

(8,491)

(438)

(40,715)

(41,767)

(13,852)

$ (38,249)

$ (36,731)

$ (12,456)

before

income

income

Domestic
taxes was
$497.5 million, $324.4 million and $825.7 million for
the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019,
respectively. Foreign income (loss) before income taxes
was $17.8 million, $62.5 million and ($3.1) million for
the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019,
respectively.

Deferred taxes are comprised of basis differences
related to investments, accrued liabilities and certain
federal and state tax credits. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Deferred tax assets:

Accrued expenses

Postretirement health care and

deferred compensation

Tax credit carryforwards

Loss carryforwards

Nonqualified equity

Lease obligations

Other

Deferred tax assets valuation

allowance

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Pension

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Right of use assets

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

42,217

128,824

115,327

391,309

62,770

92,325

42,898

123,193

116,741

344,924

64,140

85,856

(208,810)

(219,891)

681,207

609,421

24,277

110,910

557,129

61,870

28,549

782,735

17,131

95,916

556,160

64,140

15,417

748,764

Net deferred tax liabilities

$

101,528

$

139,343

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have total gross loss carryforwards of $527.5 million,
as of August 31, 2021, of which $304.4 million will expire
over periods ranging from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2042. The
remainder will carry forward indefinitely. Based on
estimates of future taxable profits and losses in certain
foreign tax jurisdictions, as well as consideration of other
factors, we assessed whether a valuation allowance was
necessary to reduce specific foreign loss carryforwards
to amounts we believe are more likely than not to be
realized as of August 31, 2021. If our estimates prove
inaccurate, adjustments to the valuation allowances may
be required in the future with gains or losses being
charged to income in the period such determination is
made. McPherson refinery’s gross state tax credit
carryforwards for income tax were approximately
$129.7 million and $125.5 million as of August 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively. McPherson refinery’s valuation
allowance on Kansas state credits is necessary due to
the limited amount of taxable income generated in
Kansas by the combined group on an annual basis.

Our general business credits of $44.1 million, comprised
primarily of low-sulfur diesel credits, will begin to expire
on August 31, 2027, and our state tax credits of
$129.7 million will begin to expire on August 31, 2022.

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax
rates to the effective tax rates for the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

Statutory federal income tax rate

21.0%

21.0%

21.0%

State and local income taxes, net of

federal income tax benefit

(2.6)

(1.8)

(0.7)

2021

2020

2019

Domestic production activities

deduction

(8.2)

(19.0)

(9.9)

Export activities at rates other than the

U.S. statutory rate

0.5

1.8

(2.1)

Intercompany transfer of business

assets

(4.7)

(1.6)

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits

0.8

4.2

Valuation allowance

Tax credits

Other

(0.2)

(1.0)

—

0.2

(2.6)

(0.2)

—

0.2

2.6

0.4

1.3

Effective tax rate

(7.4)%

(9.5)%

(1.5)%

Primary drivers of the fiscal 2021 income tax benefit
were retaining the current Domestic Production
Activities Deduction (“DPAD”) benefit and from tax
planning associated with certain assets. Primary drivers

CHS 2021

33

$

57,245

$

51,560

Patronage earnings

(11.4)

(13.1)

(14.3)

guidance, or (iv) expiration of the applicable statute of
limitations. Significant
required in
accounting for tax reserves. A reconciliation of the gross
beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax
benefits for the periods presented follows:

judgment

is

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

2019

Balance at beginning of period

$ 119,150 $ 101,128 $

91,135

Additions attributable to

current year tax positions

Additions attributable to prior

2,000

14,410

14,162

year tax positions

15,974

6,128

—

Reductions attributable to
prior year tax positions

(14,975)

(2,516)

(4,169)

Balance at end of period

$ 122,149 $ 119,150 $ 101,128

If we were to prevail on all positions taken in relation to
uncertain tax positions, $114.3 million of
the
unrecognized tax benefits would ultimately benefit our
effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the total
amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly
change in the next 12 months.

We recognize interest and penalties related to
unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income
taxes. We recognized benefits of $1.4 million and
$1.0 million and expense of $1.7 million for interest and
penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years
ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and
a related $2.5 million, $1.0 million and $2.9 million
interest payable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as
of August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

ELEVEN:

Income Taxes, continued

resulting in additional

of the fiscal 2020 income tax benefit were retaining the
current DPAD benefit and the settlement of a U.S.
federal audit,
tax credit
carryovers, which were partially offset by an increase in
our uncertain tax position. Primary drivers of the fiscal
2019 income tax benefit were retaining the current
DPAD benefit and deducting previously disallowed
DPAD available from the carryback of excise tax credits,
which were partially offset by an increase in our
unrecognized deferred tax benefit.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction,
as well as various state and foreign jurisdictions. Our
uncertain tax positions are affected by the tax years that
are under audit or remain subject to examination by the
relevant taxing authorities. In addition to the current
year,
fiscal 2007 through 2020 remain subject to
examination for certain issues.

Reserves are recorded against unrecognized tax
benefits when we believe certain fully supportable tax
return positions are likely to be challenged and we may
or may not prevail. If we determine that a tax position is
more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, based
on the technical merits of the position, we recognize the
benefit by measuring the amount that is greater than
50% likely of being realized. We reevaluate the technical
merits of our tax positions and recognize an uncertain
tax benefit, or derecognize a previously recorded tax
benefit, when there is (i) completion of a tax audit,
(ii) effective settlement of an issue, (iii) a change in
applicable tax law including a tax case or legislative

34

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TWELVE

Equities

Patronage and Equity Redemptions

In accordance with our bylaws and by action of the
Board of Directors, annual net earnings from patronage
sources are distributed to consenting patrons following
the close of each fiscal year and are based on amounts
using financial statement earnings. The cash portion of
the qualified patronage distribution, if any, is determined
annually by the Board of Directors, with the balance
issued in the form of qualified and/or nonqualified
capital equity certificates. Total patronage distributions
for fiscal 2021 are estimated to be $280.3 million, with
the qualified cash portion estimated to be $50.0 million
and nonqualified equity distributions of $230.3 million.
No portion of annual net earnings for fiscal 2021 will be
issued in the form of qualified capital equity certificates.

The following table presents estimated patronage
distributions for the year ending August 31, 2022, and
actual patronage distributions for the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

2022

2021

2020

2019

Patronage distributed

in cash

$

50.0

$

30.0

$

90.1

$

75.8

Patronage distributed

in equity

Total patronage
distributed

230.3

214.8

474.4

353.0

$ 280.3

$ 244.8

$ 564.5

$ 428.8

Annual net earnings from patronage or other sources
may be added to the unallocated capital reserve or,

upon action by the Board of Directors, may be allocated
to members in the form of nonpatronage equity
certificates. The Board of Directors authorized,
in
accordance with our bylaws, that 10% of the earnings
from patronage business for fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019
be added to our capital reserves.

Redemptions of outstanding equity are at the discretion
of the Board of Directors. Redemptions of capital equity
certificates approved by the Board of Directors are
divided into two pools, one for nonindividuals (primarily
member cooperatives) who may participate in an annual
redemption program for qualified equities held by them
and another for individual members who are eligible for
equity redemptions at age 70 or upon death. The CHS
redemption policy includes a redemption program for
individuals similar to the one that is available to
nonindividual members, subject to Board of Directors
overall discretion whether to redeem outstanding
equity. In accordance with authorization from the Board
of Directors, we expect total redemptions related to the
year ended August 31, 2021, which will be distributed in
fiscal 2022, to be approximately $100.0 million. This
amount is classified as a current liability on our
August 31, 2021, Consolidated Balance Sheet. During
the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we
redeemed in cash, outstanding owners’ equities in
accordance with authorization from the Board of
Directors, in the amounts of $79.4 million, $96.4 million
and $85.5 million, respectively.

CHS 2021

35

TWELVE : Equities, continued

Preferred Stock
The following is a summary of our outstanding preferred stock as of August 31, 2021, all shares of which are listed
and traded on The Nasdaq:

(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

NASDAQ
SYMBOL

ISSUANCE
DATE

SHARES
OUTSTANDING

REDEMPTION
VALUE

NET
PROCEEDS (a)

DIVIDEND
RATE (b) (c)

DIVIDEND
PAYMENT
FREQUENCY

REDEEMABLE
BEGINNING (D)

8% Cumulative Redeemable

CHSCP

Class B Cumulative

Redeemable, Series 1

CHSCO

(e)

(f)

12,272,003

$ 306.8

$ 311.2

8.00%

Quarterly

7/18/2023

21,459,066

536.5

569.3

7.875%

Quarterly

9/26/2023

Class B Reset Rate

Cumulative Redeemable,
Series 2

Class B Reset Rate

Cumulative Redeemable,
Series 3

Class B Cumulative

CHSCN

3/11/2014

16,800,000

420.0

406.2

7.10%

Quarterly

3/31/2024

CHSCM

9/15/2014

19,700,000

492.5

476.7

6.75%

Quarterly

9/30/2024

Redeemable, Series 4

CHSCL

1/21/2015

20,700,000

517.5

501.0

7.50%

Quarterly

1/21/2025

(a) Includes patrons’ equities redeemed with preferred stock.

(b) The Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 2 accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.10% per year until
March 31, 2024, and then at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.298%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum, subsequent to
March 31, 2024.

(c) The Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 3 accumulates dividends at a rate of 6.75% per year until
September 30, 2024, and then at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.155%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum, subsequent
to September 30, 2024.

(d) Preferred stock is redeemable for cash at our option, in whole or in part, at a per share price equal to the per share liquidation
preference of $25.00 per share, plus all dividends accumulated and unpaid on that share to and including the date of redemption,
beginning on the dates set forth in this column.

(e) The 8% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock was issued at various times from 2003 through 2010.

(f) Shares of Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 1 were issued on September 26, 2013; August 25, 2014;

March 31, 2016; and March 30, 2017.

Preferred Stock Dividends
We made dividend payments on our preferred stock of $168.7 million during each of the years ended August 31,
2021, 2020 and 2019. As of August 31, 2021, the Board of Directors had not authorized the issuance of any preferred
shares that were not outstanding.

The following is a summary of dividends per share by series of preferred stock for the years ended August 31, 2021
and 2020:

(DOLLARS PER SHARE)

8% Cumulative Redeemable

Class B Cumulative Redeemable, Series 1

Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable, Series 2

Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable, Series 3

Class B Cumulative Redeemable, Series 4

NASDAQ
SYMBOL

CHSCP

CHSCO

CHSCN

CHSCM

CHSCL

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

2021

2020

$ 2.00

$ 2.00

1.97

1.78

1.69

1.88

1.97

1.78

1.69

1.88

36

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, for the years ended August 31, 2021,
2020 and 2019 are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

PENSION AND
OTHER
POSTRETIREMENT
BENEFITS

UNREALIZED NET
GAIN (LOSS) ON
AVAILABLE FOR
SALE INVESTMENTS

CASH FLOW
HEDGES

FOREIGN
CURRENCY
TRANSLATION
ADJUSTMENT

TOTAL

Balance as of August 31, 2018, net of tax

$ (140,335)

$

8,861

$

(5,882)

$ (62,559)

$ (199,915)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

Amounts before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified out

Total other comprehensive income (loss), before

tax

Tax effect

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Reclassifications

Balance as of August 31, 2019, net of tax

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

Amounts before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified out

Total other comprehensive income (loss), before

tax

Tax effect

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(51,118)

10,279

(40,839)

8,280

(32,559)

416

(172,478)

(4,751)

19,908

15,157

(2,359)

12,798

Balance as of August 31, 2020, net of tax

(159,680)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

Amounts before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified out

Total other comprehensive income (loss), before

tax

Tax effect

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

4,048

20,256

24,304

(6,009)

18,295

Balance as of August 31, 2021, net of tax

$ (141,385)

$

—

—

—

—

—

(8,861)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

37,709

(9,843)

27,866

(7,670)

20,196

983

15,297

16,430

(22,291)

(5,861)

1,450

(4,411)

10,886

11,700

(19,753)

(8,053)

1,991

(6,062)

(9,990)

(23,399)

—

436

(9,990)

(22,963)

41

(9,949)

2,756

651

(22,312)

(4,706)

(69,752)

(226,933)

(17,021)

—

(17,021)

1,643

(15,378)

(85,130)

5,573

—

5,573

(273)

5,300

(5,342)

(2,383)

(7,725)

734

(6,991)

(233,924)

21,321

503

21,824

(4,291)

17,533

$

4,824

$ (79,830)

$ (216,391)

reclassified

from accumulated

Amounts
other
comprehensive income (loss) were related to pension
and other postretirement benefits, cash flow hedges,
available-for-sale investments and foreign currency
translation
other
postretirement reclassifications include amortization of
net actuarial
loss, prior service credit and transition
amounts and are recorded as cost of goods sold and
marketing, general and administrative expenses (see

adjustments.

Pension

and

Note 13, Benefit Plans, for further information). Gains or
losses on the sale of available-for-sale investments and
foreign currency translation reclassifications related to
sales of businesses are recorded in other income. As
described in Note 15, Derivative Financial Instruments
and Hedging Activities, amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss for cash flow
hedges are recorded in cost of goods sold.

CHS 2021

37

THIRTEEN

Benefit Plans

We have various pension and other defined benefits as
well as defined contribution plans in which substantially
all employees may participate. We also have
nonqualified supplemental executive and Board
retirement plans. We provide defined life insurance and
health care benefits for certain retired employees and
Board of Directors participants. The plan is contributory

based on years of service and family status, with retiree
contributions adjusted annually.

Financial information on changes in projected benefit
obligation, plan assets funded and balance sheet status
as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, is as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

QUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

NONQUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

OTHER BENEFITS

Change in benefit obligation:

Projected benefit obligation at

beginning of period

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial loss (gain)

Assumption change

Plan amendments

Settlements

Benefits paid

$

918,002

$ 876,696

$

19,183

$

19,047

$

30,316

$

31,098

45,229

16,563

34,958

(12,847)

113

—

42,151

21,722

6,265

40,694

—

—

433

273

2,034

(55)

—

—

(76,779)

(69,526)

(1,264)

405

429

1,382

775

—

(2,130)

(725)

1,186

493

(765)

(398)

—

—

1,050

747

(2,286)

1,275

—

—

(1,763)

(1,568)

Projected benefit obligation at end of

period

$

925,239

$ 918,002

$

20,604

$

19,183

$

29,069

$

30,316

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning

of period

$

976,542

$ 909,427

$

— $

— $

— $

Actual gain on plan assets

Company contributions

Settlements

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at end of

period

Funded status at end of period

Amounts recognized on balance sheet:

Noncurrent assets

Accrued benefit cost:

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

$

$

$

70,161

23,200

—

90,241

46,400

—

—

1,264

—

(76,779)

(69,526)

(1,264)

—

2,855

(2,130)

(725)

—

1,763

—

(1,763)

(1,568)

—

—

1,568

—

993,124

$ 976,542

$

— $

— $

— $

—

67,885

$

58,540

$ (20,604)

$ (19,183)

$ (29,069)

$ (30,316)

67,885

$

58,540

$

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

(2,220)

(1,660)

(1,970)

(2,090)

(18,384)

(17,523)

(27,099)

(28,226)

Ending balance

$

67,885

$

58,540

$ (20,604)

$ (19,183)

$ (29,069)

$ (30,316)

Amounts recognized in accumulated
other comprehensive loss (pretax):

Prior service cost (credit)

$

873

$

938

Net loss (gain)

Ending balance

199,785

225,983

$

200,658

$ 226,921

$

$

(388)

5,579

5,191

$

$

(502)

$

(2,270)

$

(2,715)

3,813

(14,862)

(15,064)

3,311

$ (17,132)

$ (17,779)

38

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accumulated benefit obligation of the qualified
pension plans was $877.9 million and $871.6 million at
August 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively. The
accumulated benefit obligation of the nonqualified
pension plans was $20.5 million and $18.2 million at
August 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Information for the pension plans with an accumulated
benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is set forth
below:

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Projected benefit obligation

$ 20,604

$ 19,183

Accumulated benefit obligation

20,513

18,172

Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, are as follows:

QUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

NONQUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

OTHER BENEFITS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

Service cost

Interest cost

$

45,229 $

42,151 $

38,592 $

433 $

405 $ 311 $

1,186 $

1,050 $

1,053

16,563

21,722

28,396

273

429

747

493

747

1,094

Expected return on assets

(43,641)

(46,684)

(44,968)

—

—

51

—

—

—

—

—

191

—

—

—

—

—

—

178

178

190

(114)

(114)

(75)

(445)

(445)

(556)

21,790

21,583

12,348

212

98

2

(1,365)

(1,392)

(1,627)

Settlement of retiree

obligations

Prior service cost (credit)

amortization

Actuarial loss (gain)

amortization

Net periodic benefit cost

(benefit)

$

40,119 $

38,950 $

34,609 $

804 $

818 $1,176 $

(131) $

(40) $

(36)

Plan assumptions for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, are as follows:

QUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

NONQUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

OTHER BENEFITS

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net

periodic benefit cost:

Interest credit rate for cash balance plans

4.65% 4.65% 4.65% 4.65% 4.65% 4.65%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets

Rate of compensation increase

2.65% 3.06% 4.23% 2.07% 2.70% 4.09% 2.43% 2.89% 4.08%

4.90% 5.50% 5.50%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

4.99% 5.28% 5.14% 4.99% 5.28% 5.14%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Weighted-average assumptions to determine the benefit

obligations:

Discount rate

2.78% 2.67% 3.06% 2.08% 2.15% 2.70% 2.57% 2.43% 2.89%

Rate of compensation increase

4.79% 4.99% 5.28% 4.79% 4.99% 5.28%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CHS 2021

39

THIRT EEN: Benefit Plans, continued

Components of net periodic benefit costs and amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) for
the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

QUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

NONQUALIFIED
PENSION BENEFITS

OTHER BENEFITS

Other comprehensive loss

(income):

Prior service cost

$

113 $

— $

18 $

— $ — $

— $

— $

— $

—

Net actuarial loss (gain)

(4,408)

3,401

47,556

1,978

2,157

1,917

(1,163)

(1,011)

801

Amortization of actuarial

(gain) loss

Amortization of prior service

(21,790)

(21,583)

(12,307)

(212)

(98)

(2)

1,365

1,392

1,627

(credit) costs

(178)

(178)

(190)

114

114

75

445

445

556

Settlement of retiree
obligations (a)

Total recognized in other
comprehensive loss
(income)

—

—

—

— (397)

(191)

—

—

—

$ (26,263) $ (18,360) $

35,077 $ 1,880 $1,776 $ 1,799 $

647 $

826 $ 2,984

(a) Reflects amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) to net earnings.

Estimated amortization in fiscal 2022 from accumulated
other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost
is as follows:

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

Amortization of prior
service cost (credit)

Amortization of

QUALIFIED
PENSION
BENEFITS

NONQUALIFIED
PENSION
BENEFITS

OTHER
BENEFITS

$

178

$ (114) $

(445)

actuarial loss (gain)

23,343

478

(1,259)

A significant assumption for pension costs and
obligations is the discount rate. We utilize a full-yield
curve approach by applying the specific spot rates
along the yield curve used in the determination of the
benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.
The discount rate reflects the rate at which the
associated benefits could be effectively settled as of the
measurement date. In estimating this rate, we look at
rates of return on fixed-income investments of similar
duration to the liabilities in the plans that receive high
investment-grade ratings by recognized ratings
agencies.

For measurement purposes, a 6.8% annual rate of
increase in the per capita cost of covered health care
benefits was assumed for the year ended August 31,
2021. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to
4.5% by 2028 and remain at that level thereafter.

An annual analysis of the risk versus the return of the
investment portfolio is conducted to justify the
expected long-term rate of return assumption. We
generally use long-term historical return information for
the targeted asset mix identified in asset and liability
studies. Adjustments are made to the expected
long-term rate of return assumption when deemed
necessary, based upon revised expectations of future
investment performance of the overall
investment
markets.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant
effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.
A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health
care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

1% INCREASE 1% DECREASE

Effect on total of service and
interest cost components

Effect on postretirement benefit

obligation

$

180

$

(150)

2,000

(1,700)

Contributions depend primarily on market returns on
the pension plan assets and minimum funding level
requirements. During fiscal 2021, we made a
discretionary contribution of $23.2 million to the
pension plans. Based on the funded status of the
qualified pension plans as of August 31, 2021, we do not
currently believe we will be required to contribute to

40

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

• Maintenance of broad diversification across asset

classes and among investment managers; and

• Focus on long-term return objectives.

Asset allocation targets promote optimal expected
return and volatility characteristics given the long-term
time horizon for fulfilling the obligations of the pension
plans. The investment portfolio contains a diversified
portfolio of investment categories, including equities,
fixed-income securities and real estate. Securities are
also diversified in terms of domestic and international
securities, short- and long-term securities, growth and
value equities, large and small cap stocks, as well as
active and passive management styles. Our pension
plans’ investment policy strategy is such that liabilities
match assets. This is being accomplished through the
asset portfolio mix by reducing volatility and de-risking
the plans. The plans’ target allocation percentages range
between 45% and 80% for fixed income securities and
range between 20% and 55% for equity securities.

The qualified plan committee believes that with prudent
risk tolerance and asset diversification, the plans should
be able to meet pension obligations in the future.

these plans in fiscal 2022, although we may voluntarily
elect to do so. We expect to pay $4.2 million to
participants
and
postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2022.

nonqualified pension

the

of

Our retiree benefit payments, which reflect expected
future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows:

(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

QUALIFIED
PENSION
BENEFITS

$ 70,100

NONQUALIFIED
PENSION
BENEFITS

OTHER
BENEFITS

$ 2,220

$ 1,970

70,900

70,300

71,400

73,900

2,490

2,210

2,110

2,100

7,930

2,260

2,340

2,340

2,290

8,920

2027-2031

342,700

We have trusts that hold the assets for the defined
benefit plans. CHS has a qualified plan committee that
sets investment guidelines with the assistance of
external consultants.
Investment objectives for the
plans’ assets are as follows:

• Optimization of the long-term returns on plan assets

at an acceptable level of risk;

Our pension plans’ recurring fair value measurements by asset category at August 31, 2021 and 2020, are presented
in the tables below:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Cash and cash equivalents

Equities:

Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)

Fixed income securities:

Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)

Partnership and joint venture interests measured at net asset value (1)

2021

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

TOTAL

$ 11,383

$ —

$ — $

11,383

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

180,766

707,831

93,144

Total

$ 11,383

$ —

$ — $ 993,124

CHS 2021

41

THIRT EEN: Benefit Plans, continued

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Cash and cash equivalents

Equities:

Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)

Fixed income securities:

Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)

Partnership and joint venture interests measured at net asset value (1)

Other assets measured at net asset value (1)

2020

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

TOTAL

$ 57,801

$ —

$ — $

57,801

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

219,050

603,250

94,400

2,041

Total

$ 57,801

$ —

$ — $ 976,542

(1) In accordance with ASC Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement, certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset
value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts
presented in the tables above are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the
“Financial information on changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets funded and balance sheet status” table above.

Definitions for valuation levels are found in Note 16, Fair
Value Measurements. We use the following valuation
methodologies for assets measured at fair value.

Common/collective trusts. Common/collective trusts
primarily consist of equity and fixed income funds and
are valued using other significant observable inputs
(including quoted prices for similar investments, interest
rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, referenced
indices, quoted prices in inactive markets, adjusted
quoted prices in active markets, adjusted quoted prices
on foreign equity securities that were adjusted in
accordance with pricing procedures approved by the
trust, etc.). Common/collective trust investments can be
redeemed daily and without restriction. Redemption of
the entire investment balance generally requires a 45-
to 60-day notice period. The equity funds provide
exposure to large, mid and small cap U.S. equities,
international large and small cap equities and emerging
market equities. The fixed income funds provide
exposure to U.S.,
international and emerging market
debt securities.

Partnership and joint venture interests. Valued at the
net asset value of shares held by the plan at year-end as
a practical expedient for fair value. The net asset value is
based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned
by the trust, minus its liabilities, then divided by the

number of units outstanding. Redemptions of these
interests generally require a 45- to 60-day notice.

Other assets. Other assets primarily include real estate
funds and hedge funds held in the asset portfolio of our
U.S. defined benefit pension plans.

We are one of approximately 400 employers that
contribute to the Co-op Retirement Plan (“Co-op Plan”),
which is a defined benefit plan constituting a “multiple
employer plan” under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and a “multiemployer plan” under the
accounting standards. The risks of participating in these
multiemployer plans are different from single-employer
plans in the following aspects:

• Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one
employer may be used to provide benefits to
employees of other participating employers;

• If a participating employer stops contributing to the
plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be
borne by the remaining participating employers; and

• If we choose to stop participating in the
multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the
plan an amount based on the underfunded status of
the plan, referred to as a withdrawal
liability. The
withdrawal liability associated with the multiemployer
plan was approximately $32.0 million as of August 31,
2021.

42

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our participation in the Co-op Plan for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, is outlined in the table
below:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHS

PLAN NAME

EIN/PLAN NUMBER

2021

2020

2019

SURCHARGE
IMPOSED

EXPIRATION DATE OF COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Co-op Retirement Plan

01-0689331/001

$ 1,172

$ 1,455

$ 1,712

N/A

N/A

Our contributions for the years stated above did not
represent more than 5% of total contributions to the
Co-op Plan as indicated in the Co-op Plan’s most
recently available annual report (Form 5500).

Provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”)
do not apply to the Co-op Plan because there is a
special exemption for cooperative plans if the plan is
maintained by more than one employer and at least 85%
of the employers are rural cooperatives or cooperative
organizations owned by agricultural producers. In the
Co-op Plan, a “zone status” determination is not
required, and therefore not determined. In addition, the
accumulated benefit obligations and plan assets are not
determined or allocated separately by individual
employers. The most
financial statements
recent
available in 2021 and 2020 are for the Co-op Plan’s
year-end at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In
total, the Co-op Plan was at least 80% funded on those

dates based on the total plan assets and accumulated
benefit obligations.

Because the provisions of the PPA do not apply to the
Co-op Plan, funding improvement plans and surcharges
are not applicable. Future contribution requirements are
determined each year as part of the actuarial valuation
of the plan and may change as a result of plan
experience.

In addition to the contributions to the Co-op Plan listed
above, total contributions to individually insignificant
multi-employer pension plans were immaterial in fiscal
2021, 2020 and 2019.

We have other contributory defined contribution plans
covering substantially all employees. Total contributions
by us to these plans were $30.1 million, $34.5 million and
$31.0 million, for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019, respectively.

FOURTEEN

Segment Reporting

We are an integrated agricultural cooperative, providing
grain, foods and energy resources to businesses and
consumers on a global basis. We provide a wide variety
of products and services, from initial agricultural inputs
such as fuels, farm supplies, crop nutrients and crop
protection products, to agricultural outputs that include
grains and oilseeds, processed grains and oilseeds,
renewable fuels and food products. We define our
operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280,
Segment Reporting, to reflect the manner in which our
chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive
Officer, evaluates performance and allocates resources
in managing the business. We have aggregated those

operating segments into four reportable segments:
Energy, Ag, Nitrogen Production and Foods.

Our Energy segment produces and provides primarily
for the wholesale distribution of petroleum products
and transportation of those products. Our Ag segment
purchases and further processes or resells grains and
oilseeds originated by our country operations business,
by our member cooperatives and by third parties; serves
as a wholesaler and retailer of crop inputs; and produces
and markets ethanol. Our Nitrogen Production segment
consists of our equity method investment in CF
Nitrogen and allocated expenses, which entitles us,
pursuant to a supply agreement that we entered with

CHS 2021

43

higher volumes and revenues during the winter heating
and fall crop-drying seasons.

Our revenues, assets and cash flows can be significantly
affected by global market prices for commodities such
as petroleum products, natural gas, grains, oilseeds,
crop nutrients and flour. Changes in market prices for
commodities that we purchase without a corresponding
change in the selling prices of those products can affect
revenues and operating earnings. Commodity prices are
affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control,
including the weather, crop damage due to plant disease
or insects, drought, availability and adequacy of supply,
availability of a reliable rail and river transportation
networks, outbreaks of disease, government regulations
and policies, global trade disputes, and general political
and economic conditions.

While our revenues and operating results are derived
primarily from businesses and operations that are
wholly-owned or subsidiaries and limited liability
companies in which we have a controlling interest, a
portion of our business operations are conducted
through companies in which we hold ownership
interests of 50% or less or do not control the operations.
We account for these investments primarily using the
equity method of accounting, wherein we record our
proportionate share of income or loss reported by the
entity as equity income from investments, without
consolidating the revenues and expenses of the entity
in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In our
Nitrogen Production segment, this consists of our
approximate 10% membership interest (based on
product tons) in CF Nitrogen. In our Foods segment, this
consists of our 50% ownership in Ventura Foods. In
Corporate and Other, this principally includes our 12%
ownership in Ardent Mills. See Note 6, Investments, for
more information related to CF Nitrogen, Ventura Foods
and Ardent Mills.

Reconciling amounts represent
the elimination of
revenues between segments. Such transactions are
executed at market prices to more accurately evaluate
the profitability of the individual business segments.

FO URTEEN: Segment Reporting, continued

CF Nitrogen, to purchase up to a specified quantity of
granular urea and UAN annually from CF Nitrogen. Our
Foods segment consists of our equity method
investment in Ventura Foods and allocated expenses.
Prior to August 31, 2021, Ventura Foods was reported
as a component of Corporate and Other. Reported
segment results and balances prior to August 31, 2021,
have been recast to reflect the addition of the Foods
segment. There were no changes to the composition of
our Energy, Ag or Nitrogen Production segments as a
result of the addition of the Foods segment. Corporate
and Other
financing and hedging
businesses, which primarily consists of a U.S.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated
futures commission merchant (“FCM”) for commodities
hedging and financial
related to crop
production. Our nonconsolidated investment in Ardent
Mills is also included in our Corporate and Other
category.

represents our

services

Corporate administrative expenses and interest are
allocated to each reportable segment, along with
Corporate and Other, based on direct use for services,
such as information technology and legal, and other
factors or considerations relevant to the costs incurred.

Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and
our operating results vary throughout the year. For
example, in our Ag segment, our country operations
business generally experiences higher volumes and
revenues during the fall harvest and spring planting
seasons, which generally correspond to our first and
third fiscal quarters, respectively. Additionally, our
agronomy business generally experiences higher
volumes and revenues during the spring planting
season. Our global grain and processing operations are
subject to fluctuations in volume and revenues based
on producer harvests, world grain prices, demand and
international trade relationships. Our Energy segment
generally experiences higher volumes and revenues in
certain operating areas, such as refined products, in the
spring, summer and early fall when gasoline and diesel
fuel use by agricultural producers is highest and is
subject to global supply and demand forces. Other
energy products, such as propane, generally experience

44

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Segment information for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, is presented in the tables below.

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

ENERGY

NITROGEN
PRODUCTION

AG

FOODS

CORPORATE
AND OTHER

RECONCILING
AMOUNTS

TOTAL

Year ended August 31, 2021

Revenues, including intersegment

revenues

$ 6,812,478 $ 32,058,064 $

Intersegment revenues

(437,217)

(22,722)

— $

—

— $

46,476

$ (468,985) $ 38,448,033

—

(9,046)

468,985

—

Revenues, net of intersegment

revenues

$ 6,375,261 $ 32,035,342 $

— $

— $

37,430

$

— $ 38,448,033

Operating earnings (loss)

(15,775)

265,362

(35,432)

(10,617)

Interest expense

Other income

Equity income from investments

1,113

(2,819)

(3,473)

65,099

(47,452)

44,461

(2,489)

—

—

2,259

1,804

(7,912)

205,797

104,565

(14,711)

7,912

(59,559)

(50,381)

(198,439)

(78,519)

(23,717)

(354,529)

Income before income taxes

$

(10,596) $

298,096 $

121,035 $

67,902 $

38,883

$

— $

515,320

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

112,160

245,273

148,770

182,210

—

—

—

—

56,864

34,247

Total assets as of August 31, 2021

4,286,677

7,451,559

2,683,652

388,612

2,765,775

—

—

—

317,794

461,730

17,576,275

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

ENERGY

NITROGEN
PRODUCTION

AG

FOODS

CORPORATE
AND OTHER

RECONCILING
AMOUNTS

TOTAL

Year ended August 31, 2020

Revenues, including intersegment

revenues

$ 5,820,154 $ 22,940,712 $

Intersegment revenues

(389,020)

(14,613)

— $

—

— $

55,567

$ (410,068) $ 28,406,365

—

(6,435)

410,068

—

Revenues, net of intersegment

revenues

$ 5,431,134 $ 22,926,099 $

— $

— $

49,132

$

— $ 28,406,365

Operating earnings (loss)

Interest expense

Other income

Equity income from investments

219,861

308

(3,005)

(2,759)

82,543

71,682

(35,560)

(33,497)

(9,847)

45,255

(2,635)

—

—

18,205

11,806

—

(12,074)

277,265

116,977

(10,749)

12,074

(39,875)

(7,303)

(127,954)

(34,026)

(14,673)

—

(186,715)

Income before income taxes

$

225,317 $

53,724 $

51,837 $

24,179 $

31,821

$

— $

386,878

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

175,169

245,983

158,903

196,510

—

—

—

—

84,287

34,882

Total assets as of August 31, 2020

4,447,526

6,325,857

2,681,616

381,351

2,157,597

—

—

—

418,359

477,375

15,993,947

CHS 2021

45

FO URTEEN: Segment Reporting, continued

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

ENERGY

NITROGEN
PRODUCTION

AG

FOODS

CORPORATE
AND OTHER

RECONCILING
AMOUNTS

TOTAL

Year ended August 31, 2019

Revenues, including intersegment

revenues

$ 7,581,450 $ 24,736,425 $

Intersegment revenues

(462,374)

(16,353)

— $

—

— $

68,710

$ (486,132) $ 31,900,453

—

(7,405)

486,132

—

Revenues, net of intersegment

revenues

$ 7,119,076 $ 24,720,072 $

— $

— $

61,305

$

— $ 31,900,453

Operating earnings (loss)

615,662

65,181

(35,046)

(8,912)

Interest expense

Other income

Equity income from investments

(5,548)

(2,697)

5,719

101,386

(74,774)

55,226

(2,769)

—

—

22,717

11,684

—

(6,950)

659,602

167,065

(10,168)

6,950

(86,309)

(4,447)

(160,373)

(51,608)

(17,630)

—

(236,755)

Income before income taxes

$

618,188 $

43,016 $

72,870 $

42,696

$

38,831

$

— $

815,601

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

268,877

233,624

110,197

208,294

—

—

—

—

64,142

31,293

—

—

443,216

473,211

We have international sales, which are predominantly in our Ag segment. The following table presents our sales,
based on the geographic location of the subsidiary making the sale, for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

North America (a)

South America

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

Asia Pacific (APAC)

Total

2021

2020

2019

$ 36,540,178

$ 25,360,077

$ 27,896,269

242,848

955,605

709,402

1,559,380

2,027,020

774,068

712,840

895,472

1,081,692

$ 38,448,033

$ 28,406,365

$ 31,900,453

(a) Revenues in North America are substantially all attributed to revenues from the United States.

Long-lived assets include our property, plant and equipment, finance lease assets and capitalized major maintenance
costs. The following table presents long-lived assets by geographical region based on physical location:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

United States

International

Total

2021

2020

$ 4,944,574

$ 5,121,315

62,072

65,134

$ 5,006,646

$ 5,186,449

46

CHS 2021

FIFTEEN

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

We enter into various derivative instruments to manage
our exposure to movements primarily associated with
agricultural and energy commodity prices and, to a
lesser degree, foreign currency exchange rates and
interest rates. Except for certain interest rate swaps and
certain cash-settled swaps related to future crude oil
purchases and refined product sales, which are
accounted for as fair value hedges and cash flow
respectively, our derivative instruments
hedges,
represent economic hedges of price risk for which
hedge accounting under ASC Topic 815 is not applied.
Rather, the derivative instruments are recorded on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with changes
in fair value being recorded directly to earnings,
primarily within cost of goods sold in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations. See Note 16, Fair Value
Measurements, for additional information. The majority

of our exchange traded agricultural commodity futures
are settled daily through CHS Hedging, LLC, our wholly-
owned futures commission merchant.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The following tables present the gross fair values of
derivative assets, derivative liabilities and margin
deposits (cash collateral) recorded on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets, along with related amounts permitted
to be offset in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Although we
have certain netting arrangements for our exchange-
traded futures and options contracts and certain OTC
contracts, we have elected to report our derivative
instruments on a gross basis on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets under ASC Topic 210-20, Balance
Sheet — Offsetting.

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Derivative Assets

Commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivatives

Embedded derivative asset

Total

Derivative Liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivatives

Total

AUGUST 31, 2021

AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET ON THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEET BUT ELIGIBLE FOR OFFSETTING

GROSS AMOUNTS
RECOGNIZED

CASH
COLLATERAL

DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS

NET
AMOUNTS

$ 532,832

19,429

16,488

$ 568,749

$

$

—

—

—

—

$ 4,174

$ 528,658

5,582

—

13,847

16,488

$ 9,756

$ 558,993

$ 444,861

$ 2,485

$ 4,174

$ 438,202

8,506

—

5,582

2,924

$ 453,367

$ 2,485

$ 9,756

$ 441,126

CHS 2021

47

FIFT EEN: Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Derivative Assets

Commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivatives

Embedded derivative asset

Total

Derivative Liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivatives

Total

on

current

liabilities,

respectively,

Derivative assets and liabilities with maturities of less
than 12 months are recorded in other current assets and
other
our
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative assets and
liabilities with maturities greater than 12 months are
recorded in other assets and other
liabilities,
respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The
amount of long-term derivative assets recorded on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet at August 31, 2021 and
2020, was $21.6 million and $21.2 million, respectively.
The amount of long-term derivative liabilities recorded

AUGUST 31, 2020

AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET ON THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEET BUT ELIGIBLE FOR OFFSETTING

GROSS AMOUNTS
RECOGNIZED

CASH
COLLATERAL

DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS

NET
AMOUNTS

$ 327,493

11,809

18,998

$ 358,300

$

$

—

—

—

—

$

2,980

$ 324,513

9,385

—

2,424

18,998

$ 12,365

$ 345,935

$ 343,343

$ 956

$

5,578

$ 336,809

69,466

—

9,385

60,081

$ 412,809

$ 956

$ 14,963

$ 396,890

on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at August 31, 2021
and 2020, was $4.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

The majority of our derivative instruments have not
been designated as hedging instruments. The following
table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives
not accounted for as hedging instruments that have
been included in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019:

DERIVATIVE TYPE
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

LOCATION OF GAIN (LOSS)

2021

2020

2019

Commodity derivatives

Cost of goods sold

$ (971,581)

$

89,248

$ 125,323

Foreign exchange derivatives

Cost of goods sold

Foreign exchange derivatives

Marketing, general and administrative expenses

Interest rate derivatives

Interest expense

Embedded derivative

Other income

Total

25,277

(184,692)

1,105

—

2,489

(2,986)

(1,226)

2,634

4,228

(1,229)

—

2,769

$ (942,710)

$ (97,022)

$ 131,091

Commodity Contracts

When we enter into a commodity purchase or sales
commitment, we incur risks related to price changes and
performance, including delivery, quality, quantity and
In the event that market prices
shipment period.
decrease, we are exposed to risk of loss for the market
value of inventory and purchase contracts with fixed- or
partially fixed-prices. Conversely, we are exposed to risk

of loss on our fixed- or partially fixed-price sales
contracts in the event that market prices increase.

Our use of hedging reduces exposure to price volatility
by protecting against adverse short-term price
movements but also limits the benefits of favorable
short-term price movements. To reduce the price risk
associated with fixed-price commitments, we generally
enter into commodity derivative contracts, to the extent
practical, to achieve a net commodity position within

48

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

physical position limits. These limits are defined for each
commodity and business unit, and business units may
include both trader and management
limits as
appropriate. The limits policy is overseen at a high level
by our corporate compliance team, with day-to-day
monitoring procedures being implemented within each
individual business unit to ensure any limits overage is
explained and exposures reduced, or a temporary limit
increase is established if needed. The position limits are
reviewed at least annually with our senior leadership and
Board of Directors. We monitor current market
conditions and may expand or reduce our net position
limits or procedures in response to changes in those
conditions.

The use of hedging instruments does not protect
against nonperformance by counterparties to cash
contracts. We evaluate counterparty exposure by
reviewing contracts and adjusting the values to reflect
potential nonperformance. Risk of nonperformance by
counterparties includes the inability to perform because
of a counterparty’s financial condition and the risk that
the counterparty will refuse to perform on a contract
during periods of price fluctuations where contract
prices are significantly different than the current market
prices. We manage these risks by entering into fixed-
price purchase and sales contracts with preapproved
producers and by establishing appropriate limits for
individual suppliers. Fixed-price contracts are entered
into with customers of acceptable creditworthiness, as
internally evaluated. Regarding our use of derivatives,
we transact in exchange traded instruments or enter
into over-the-counter derivatives that primarily clear
through our FCM, which limits our counterparty
exposure relative to hedging activities. Historically, we
have
of
nonperformance on open contracts. Accordingly, we
only adjust the estimated fair values of specifically
identified contracts for nonperformance. Although we
have established policies and procedures, we make no
assurances that historical nonperformance experience
will carry forward to future periods.

experienced

significant

events

not

the formal position limits we have established and
deemed prudent for each commodity. These contracts
are primarily transacted through our FCM on regulated
commodity futures exchanges, but may include over-
the-counter derivative instruments when deemed
appropriate. These contracts are recorded at fair values
based on quotes listed on regulated commodity
exchanges or the market prices of the underlying
products listed on the exchanges, except that certain
contracts are accounted for as normal purchase and
normal sales transactions. For commodities where there
is no liquid derivative contract, risk is managed through
the use of
forward sales contracts, other pricing
arrangements and, to some extent, futures contracts in
highly correlated commodities. These contracts are
economic hedges of price risk, but are not designated
as hedging instruments for accounting purposes.
Unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are
recognized in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations.

When a futures position is established, initial margin
must be deposited with the applicable exchange or
broker. The amount of margin required varies by
commodity and is set by the applicable exchange at its
sole discretion. If the market price relative to a short
futures position increases, an additional margin deposit
would be required. Similarly, a margin deposit would be
required if the market price relative to a long futures
position decreases. Conversely,
if the market price
increases relative to a long futures position or decreases
relative to a short futures position, margin deposits may
be returned by the applicable exchange or broker.

Our policy is to manage our commodity price risk
exposure according to internal policies and in alignment
with our tolerance for risk. It is our policy that our
profitability should come from operations, primarily
derived from margins on products sold and grain
merchandised, not from hedging transactions. At any
one time, inventory and purchase contracts for delivery
to us may be substantial. We have risk management
policies and procedures that include established net

CHS 2021

49

FIFT EEN: Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

As of August 31, 2021 and 2020, we had outstanding
commodity futures and options contracts that were
used as economic hedges, as well as fixed-price forward
contracts related to physical purchases and sales of
commodities. The table below presents the notional
volumes for all outstanding commodity contracts:

nonrefundable annual payment of $5.0 million from CF
Industries. These payments will continue on an annual
basis until the date the CF Industries credit rating is
upgraded to or above certain levels by two of the three
specified credit ratings agencies or February 1, 2026,
whichever is earlier.

DERIVATIVE TYPE
(UNITS IN THOUSANDS)

Grain and oilseed

(bushels)

Energy products

(barrels)

Processed grain and

oilseed (tons)

2021

2020

LONG

SHORT

LONG

SHORT

666,726 851,582 664,673 892,303

9,881

7,656

10,028

6,570

559

3,418

657

3,304

Crop nutrients (tons)

66

12

74

127

Ocean freight (metric

tons)

210

—

1,140

95

Foreign Exchange Contracts
We conduct a substantial portion of our business in U.S.
dollars, but we are exposed to risks relating to foreign
currency fluctuations primarily due to global grain
marketing transactions in South America, the Asia
Pacific region and Europe, and purchases of products
from Canada. We use foreign currency derivative
instruments to mitigate the impact of exchange rate
fluctuations. Although CHS has some risk exposure
relating to foreign currency transactions, a larger impact
with exchange rate fluctuations is the ability of foreign
buyers to purchase U.S. agricultural products and the
competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products compared
to the same products offered by alternative sources of
world supply. The notional amount of our foreign
exchange derivative contracts was $1.2 billion as of both
August 31, 2021 and 2020.

Embedded Derivative Asset

Under the terms of our strategic investment in CF
Nitrogen, if the CF Industries credit rating is reduced
below certain levels by two of three specified credit
ratings agencies, we are entitled to receive a

During fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, the CF
Industries credit rating was below the specified levels
and we received an annual payment of $5.0 million from
CF Industries. Gains totaling $2.5 million, $2.6 million and
$2.8 million were recognized in other income in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal
2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. The fair
value of the embedded derivative asset recorded on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 31, 2021, was
equal to $16.5 million. The current and long-term
portions of the embedded derivative asset are included
in other current assets and other assets on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively. See Note 16,
Fair Value Measurements, for additional
information
regarding the valuation of the embedded derivative
asset.

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value
Hedging Strategies
Fair Value Hedges
During the year ended August 31, 2020, we exited all
our interest rate swaps resulting in a $16.4 million gain,
which is being amortized over the life of the fixed-rate
debt
for which the swaps had previously been
designated as fair value hedges, through fiscal 2025. Our
objective in entering into these transactions was to
offset changes in the fair value of the debt associated
with the risk of variability in the three-month U.S. dollar
LIBOR interest rate, in essence converting the fixed-rate
debt to variable-rate debt. Under these interest rate
swaps, we received fixed-rate interest payments and
made interest payments based on the three-month
LIBOR. Offsetting changes in the fair values of both the
swap instruments and the hedged debt were recorded
contemporaneously each period and only created an
impact to earnings to the extent the hedge was
ineffective.

50

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives accounted for as hedging instruments that
have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019:

GAIN (LOSS) ON FAIR VALUE HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

LOCATION OF GAIN (LOSS)

2021

2020

2019

Interest rate swaps

Hedged item

Total

Cash Flow Hedges

Interest expense

Interest expense

$ — $ (1,897)

$

21,158

—

1,897

(21,158)

$ — $

— $

—

Certain pay-fixed, receive-variable, cash-settled swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of future crude oil
purchases in our Energy segment. We also designate certain pay-variable, receive-fixed, cash-settled swaps as cash
flow hedges of future refined product sales. These hedging instruments and the related hedged items are exposed to
significant market price risk and potential volatility. As part of our risk management strategy, we look to hedge a
portion of our expected future crude oil needs and the resulting refined product output based on prevailing futures
prices, management’s expectations about future commodity price changes and our risk appetite. We may also elect
to dedesignate certain derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges as part of our risk
management strategy. Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income for these dedesignated derivative
instruments remain in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings in the period in which the
underlying transactions affect earnings. As of August 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate notional amount of cash flow
hedges was 2.7 million and 9.7 million barrels, respectively.

The following table presents the fair value of our commodity derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
and the line items on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in which they are recorded as of August 31, 2021 and 2020:

BALANCE SHEET LOCATION
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

DERIVATIVE ASSETS

2021

2020

BALANCE SHEET LOCATION
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES

2021

2020

Other current assets

$ 11,874

$ 34,052

Other current liabilities

$ 1,001

$ 8,821

The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income relating to cash flow
hedges for the years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Commodity derivatives

2021

2020

2019

$ (7,824)

$ (2,596)

$ 27,650

The following table presents the pretax gains relating to our existing cash flow hedges that were reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Commodity derivatives

LOCATION OF GAIN (LOSS)

2021

2020

2019

Cost of goods sold

$ 21,262

$ 23,807

$ 11,497

CHS 2021

51

FIFT EEN: Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

SIXTEEN

Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair
value as the 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.

We determine fair values of derivative instruments and
certain other assets, based on the fair value hierarchy
established in ASC Topic 820, which requires an entity
to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize
the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair
value. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the
assumptions market participants would use in pricing
the asset or liability based on the best information
available in the circumstances. ASC Topic 820 describes
three levels within its hierarchy that may be used to
measure fair value, and our assessment of relevant
instruments within those levels is as follows:

Level 1. Values are based on unadjusted quoted prices
in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These
assets and liabilities may include exchange-traded
derivative instruments, rabbi trust investments, deferred
compensation investments
and available-for-sale
investments.

Level 2. Values are based on quoted prices for similar
assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for
identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are
not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be
corroborated
for
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

observable market

data

by

These assets and liabilities include interest rate, foreign
exchange and commodity swaps; forward commodity
contracts with a fixed price component; and other OTC
derivatives whose values are determined with inputs
that are based on exchange traded prices, adjusted for
location-specific inputs that are primarily observable in
the market or can be derived principally from, or
corroborated by, observable market data.

Level 3. Values are generated from unobservable
inputs that are supported by little or no market activity
and that are a significant component of the fair value of
the assets or liabilities. These unobservable inputs would
reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market
participants would use in pricing related assets or
liabilities. Valuation techniques might include the use of
pricing models, discounted cash flow models or similar
techniques.

The following tables present assets and liabilities,
included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, that are
recognized at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate
the fair value hierarchy utilized to determine these fair
values. Assets and liabilities are classified in their
entirety based on the lowest level of input that is a
significant component of the fair value measurement.
The lowest level of input is considered Level 3. Our
assessment of the significance of a particular input to
the fair value measurement requires judgment and may
affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities
within the fair value hierarchy levels.

52

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Recurring fair value measurements at August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Assets

Commodity derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Deferred compensation assets

Embedded derivative asset

Segregated investments and marketable

securities

Other assets

Total

Liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Total

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Assets

Commodity derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Deferred compensation assets

Embedded derivative asset

Segregated investments and marketable

securities

Other assets

Total

Liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Total

2021

QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS FOR
IDENTICAL ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)

SIGNIFICANT OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)

SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)

TOTAL

$

2,453

$ 542,253

$ — $ 544,706

—

51,940

—

99,837

6,052

19,429

—

16,488

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

19,429

51,940

16,488

99,837

6,052

$ 160,282

$ 578,170

$ — $ 738,452

$

$

1,615

—

1,615

$ 444,247

$ — $ 445,862

8,506

—

8,506

$ 452,753

$ — $ 454,368

2020

QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)

SIGNIFICANT OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)

SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)

TOTAL

$

5,762

$ 355,783

$ — $ 361,545

—

47,669

—

85,950

5,276

11,523

—

18,998

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

11,523

47,669

18,998

85,950

5,276

$ 144,657

$ 386,304

$ — $ 530,961

$

$

6,037

—

6,037

$ 346,126

$ — $ 352,163

69,467

—

69,467

$ 415,593

$ — $ 421,630

Commodity and foreign currency derivatives. Exchange-
traded futures and options contracts are valued based on
unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are
classified within Level 1. Our forward commodity purchase
and sales contracts with fixed-price components, select
ocean freight contracts and other OTC derivatives are

determined using inputs that are generally based on
exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and
offers,
including location-specific adjustments, and are
classified within Level 2. Location-specific inputs are driven
by local market supply and demand and are generally
based on broker or dealer quotations or market

CHS 2021

53

SIXT EEN: Fair Value Measurements, continued

transactions in either listed or OTC markets. Changes in the
fair values of these contracts are recognized in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of
cost of goods sold.

Deferred compensation and other assets. Our deferred
compensation investments consist primarily of rabbi
trust assets that are valued based on unadjusted quoted
prices on active exchanges and classified within Level 1.
Changes in the fair values of these other assets are
primarily recognized in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations as a component of marketing, general and
administrative expenses.

Embedded derivative asset. The embedded derivative
asset relates to contingent payments inherent to our
investment in CF Nitrogen. The inputs used in the fair

value measurement include the probability of future
upgrades and downgrades of the CF Industries credit
rating based on historical credit rating movements of
other public companies and the discount rates applied
to potential annual payments based on applicable
historical and current yield coupon rates. Based on these
observable inputs, our fair value measurement is
classified within Level 2. See Note 15, Derivative
for
Financial
additional information.

Instruments and Hedging Activities,

Segregated investments and marketable securities. Our
segregated investments and marketable securities are
investments in various government
comprised of
agencies and U.S. Treasury securities, which are valued
using quoted market prices and classified within Level 1.

54

CHS 2021

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

affect consolidated net income for any fiscal period;
however, we currently believe any resulting liabilities,
individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material
effect on our consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows during any fiscal year.

Guarantees
We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance
obligations of related, nonconsolidated companies. Our
bank covenants allow maximum guarantees of
$1.0 billion, of which $153.7 million were outstanding on
August 31, 2021. We have collateral for a portion of
these contingent obligations. We have not recorded a
liability related to the contingent obligations as we do
not expect to pay out any cash related to them, and the
fair values are considered immaterial. The underlying
loans to the counterparties for which we provide these
guarantees are current as of August 31, 2021.

Credit Commitments
CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to
customers if there is no violation of any condition
established in the contracts. As of August 31, 2021, CHS
Capital customers have additional available credit of
$706.9 million.

SEVENTEEN

Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental
We are required to comply with various environmental
laws and regulations incidental to our normal business
operations. To meet our compliance requirements, we
establish reserves for future costs of remediation
associated with identified issues that are both probable
and can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of
environmental costs are based on current available
facts, existing technology, undiscounted site-specific
costs and currently enacted laws and regulations and
are included in cost of goods sold and marketing,
our
general
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Recoveries, if
any, are recorded in the period in which recovery is
received. Liabilities are monitored and adjusted as new
facts or changes in law or technology occur. The
resolution of any such matters may affect consolidated
net income for any fiscal period; however, we currently
believe any resulting liabilities,
individually or in the
aggregate, will not have a material effect on our
consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows during any fiscal year.

administrative

expenses

and

in

Other Litigation and Claims
We are involved as a defendant in various lawsuits,
claims and disputes, which are in the normal course of
our business. The resolution of any such matters may

Unconditional Purchase Obligations
Unconditional purchase obligations are commitments to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum amounts
or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Our long-term unconditional purchase obligations
primarily relate to pipeline and grain handling take-or-pay and throughput agreements and are not recorded on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of August 31, 2021, minimum future payments required under long-term
commitments that are noncancelable and that third parties have used to secure financing for facilities that will
provide contracted goods, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

TOTAL

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

THEREAFTER

Long-term unconditional purchase

obligations

$ 537,047

$ 83,044

$ 65,918

$ 65,650

$ 60,115

$ 57,951

$ 204,369

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

Total payments under these arrangements were $81.0 million, $77.6 million and $70.8 million for the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

CHS 2021

55

EIGHTEEN

Related Party Transactions

We purchase and sell grain and other agricultural commodity products from certain equity investees, primarily CF
Nitrogen, Ventura Foods, Ardent Mills and TEMCO. Sales to and purchases from related parties for the years ended
August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Sales

Purchases

2021

2020

2019

$ 2,744,482

$ 2,528,921

$ 2,628,670

2,682,165

872,819

901,812

Receivables due from and payables due to related parties as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Due from related parties

Due to related parties

2021

2020

$ 40,485

$ 129,397

90,986

53,602

As a cooperative, we are owned by farmers and ranchers and member cooperatives, which are referred to as
members. We buy commodities from and provide products and services to our members. Individually, our members
do not have a significant ownership in CHS.

56

CHS 2021

NINETEEN

Leases

We assess arrangements at inception to determine
whether they contain a lease. An arrangement is
considered to contain a lease if it conveys the right to
control the use of an asset for a period of time in
exchange for consideration. The right to control the use
of an asset must include both (a) the right to obtain
substantially all economic benefits associated with an
identified asset and (b) the right to direct how and for
what purpose the identified asset is used. Certain
service agreements may provide us with the right to use
an
these
arrangements are not considered to represent a lease
as we do not control how and for what purpose the
identified asset is used.

identified asset;

however, most

of

We lease property, plant and equipment used in our
operations primarily under operating lease agreements
and, to a lesser extent, under finance lease agreements.
Our leases are primarily for railcars, equipment, vehicles
and office space, many of which contain renewal options
and escalation clauses. Renewal options are included as
part of the right of use asset and liability when it is
reasonably certain that we will exercise the renewal
option; however, renewal options are generally not
included as we are not reasonably certain to exercise
such options.

After the adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases, on
September 1, 2019, right of use assets and liabilities for
operating and finance leases are recognized at the lease
commencement date for leases in excess of 12 months
based on the present value of lease payments over the
lease term. For measurement and classification of lease
agreements,
lease and nonlease components are
grouped into a single lease component for all asset

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

classes. Variable lease payments are excluded from
measurement of right of use assets and liabilities and
generally include payments for nonlease components
such as maintenance costs, payments for leased assets
beyond their noncancelable lease term and payments
for other nonlease components such as sales tax. The
discount rate used to calculate present value is our
collateralized incremental borrowing rate or, if available,
the rate implicit in the lease. The incremental borrowing
rate is determined for each lease based primarily on its
lease term. Certain lease arrangements include rental
payments adjusted annually based on changes in an
inflation index. Our lease arrangements generally do not
contain residual value guarantees or material restrictive
covenants.

Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over
the lease term. The components of lease expense
recognized in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are as
follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Operating lease expense

$

73,489

$

71,541

Finance lease expense:

Amortization of assets

Interest on lease liabilities

Short-term lease expense

Variable lease expense

8,065

938

16,955

2,300

8,205

1,060

15,991

3,674

Total net lease expense*

$ 101,747

$ 100,471

*

Income related to sub-lease activity is not material and has
been excluded from the table above.

CHS 2021

57

NINETEEN: Leases, continued

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating and finance leases as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, are
as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Operating leases
Assets
Operating lease right of use assets
Liabilities
Current operating lease liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities

Total operating lease liabilities

Finance leases
Assets
Finance lease assets
Liabilities
Current finance lease liabilities
Long-term finance lease liabilities

Total finance lease liabilities

BALANCE SHEET LOCATION

2021

2020

Other assets

$ 253,451

$ 257,834

Accrued expenses
Other liabilities

56,424
200,720

57,200
203,691

$ 257,144

$ 260,891

Property, plant and equipment

$

48,625

$

44,860

Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt

7,444
28,590

7,993
23,467

$

36,034

$

31,460

Information related to the lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases as of August 31, 2021 and
2020, are as follows:

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)

Operating leases

Finance leases

Weighted average discount rate

Operating leases

Finance leases

2021

2020

7.9

10.3

8.3

6.0

3.01%

3.50%

3.11%

3.33%

Supplemental cash flow and other information related
to operating and finance leases as of August 31, 2021
and 2020, are as follows:

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2021

2020

Cash paid for amounts included in
measurement of lease liabilities:

Operating cash flows from

operating leases

Operating cash flows from finance

leases

Financing cash flows from finance

leases

Supplemental noncash information:

Right of use assets obtained in
exchange for lease liabilities

Right of use asset modifications

$ 71,702

$ 71,003

938

1,060

8,235

7,949

43,991

27,664

56,461

7,333

Maturities of
August 31, 2021, were as follows:

lease liabilities by fiscal year as of

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Thereafter

Total maturities of lease liabilities

Less amounts representing interest

Present value of future minimum lease

payments

Less current obligations

Long-term obligations

AUGUST 31, 2021

FINANCE
LEASES

OPERATING
LEASES

$

8,517 $

66,132

6,979

4,217

2,797

2,387

19,557

44,454

8,420

52,874

42,666

31,782

23,858

86,654

303,966

46,822

36,034

257,144

7,444

56,424

$ 28,590 $ 200,720

58

CHS 2021

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of CHS Inc.:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CHS Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as
of August 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes
in equities and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2021, including the related notes
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of August 31, 2021 and
2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31,
2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it
accounts for leases as of September 1, 2019.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public
accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is
not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part
of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures
included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated
financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that
(i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our
especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating
the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or
disclosures to which it relates.

Valuation of Grain Inventories and Grain Forward Commodity Purchase and Sales Contracts

As described in Notes 4, 15, and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s grain and oilseed
inventories were $1,435.5 million as of August 31, 2021, and commodity derivatives in an asset and liability position
were $532.8 million and $444.9 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2021, of which grain inventories and grain
forward commodity purchase and sales contracts make up the majority. Management enters into various derivative
instruments to manage the Company’s exposure to movements primarily associated with agricultural and energy
commodity prices. The net realizable value of grain inventories and fair value of grain forward commodity purchase
and sales contracts are determined using inputs that are generally based on exchange traded prices and/or recent

CHS 2021

59

market bids and offers, including location-specific adjustments. Location-specific inputs are driven by local market
supply and demand and are generally based on broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either listed or
over-the-counter markets.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of grain
inventories and grain forward commodity purchase and sales contracts is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant
judgment by management to determine the net realizable value of grain inventories and the fair value of grain
forward commodity purchase and sales contracts and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort
in performing procedures and evaluating management’s inputs related to exchange traded prices and/or recent
market bids and offers, including location-specific adjustments.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming
our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, (i) testing
management’s process for determining the net realizable value of grain inventories and the fair value grain forward
commodity purchase and sales contracts; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation models; (iii) testing the
accuracy of the underlying data used in the valuations; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of inputs used by
management related to the exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and offers, including location-specific
adjustments. Evaluating management’s inputs related to the exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and
offers, including location-specific adjustments involved (i) comparing the exchange traded prices and/or recent
market bids and location-specific inputs to third-party information; and (ii) comparing the location-specific
adjustments to broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter markets.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 4, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1998.

60

CHS 2021

Board of Directors

Dan Schurr
Chair 
LeClaire, Iowa

C.J. Blew
First vice chair 
Castleton, Kansas 

Russ Kehl
Secretary-treasurer 
Quincy, Washington

Jon Erickson 
Second vice chair 
Minot, North Dakota 

Steve Riegel 
Assistant secretary-treasurer 
Ford, Kansas 

David Beckman
Elgin, Nebraska

Hal Clemensen
Aberdeen, South Dakota 

Scott Cordes
Wanamingo, Minnesota

Mark Farrell 
Cross Plains, Wisconsin 

Steve Fritel 
Barton, North Dakota 

Alan Holm
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

David Johnsrud
Starbuck, Minnesota

Tracy Jones
Kirkland, Illinois

David Kayser 
Alexandria, South Dakota

Perry Meyer
New Ulm, Minnesota

Kevin Throener
Cogswell, North Dakota

Cortney Wagner
Hardin, Montana

Detailed biographical information 
on the CHS Board of Directors is 
available at chsinc.com.

From left, Meyer, Erickson, Kayser, Wagner, Fritel, Kehl, Farrell, Schurr, Jones, Blew, Clemensen, 
Riegel, Holm, Beckman, Cordes, Throener, Johnsrud

2021 CHS Annual Report 61

Executive Team

Mary Kaul-Hottinger 
Senior vice president, 
human resources

Olivia Nelligan
Executive vice president 
and chief financial officer

Brandon Smith
Executive vice president 
and general counsel

Detailed biographical information 
on the CHS Board of Directors is 
available at chsinc.com.

Jay Debertin
President and chief executive officer

David Black
Senior vice president, 
enterprise transformation, 
and chief information officer 

Rick Dusek 
Executive vice president, 
country operations

John Griffith 
Executive vice president, 
ag business and CHS Hedging 

Gary Halvorson
Senior vice president, 
enterprise customer development 

Darin Hunhoff 
Executive vice president, 
energy 

From left, Dusek, Hunhoff, Smith, Griffith, Debertin, Kaul-Hottinger, Nelligan, Black, Halvorson

Acknowledgements
To create this annual report, CHS worked 
with cooperative teams and farmer-owners 
and their families. We thank them for their 
cooperative spirit.

Illinois: Denise Ramm, Maple Park; David Myers 
and the CHS team based in Elburn 

Kansas: Mark Cantrell, Matt Grieb and the CHS 
refinery team in McPherson

Minnesota: Megan and Adam Hilpert, Browns 
Valley; Brandon Nordstrom and the CHS soy 
processing team in Fairmont; Jim Graham 
and the CHS soy processing team in Mankato; 
Central Farm Service Cooperative, Owatonna

Oregon: Richard Larsen, Tom Rodman and the 
TEMCO export terminal team in Portland

South Dakota: Nick Uilk, Parker Aase and 
Rosalyn Madsen, South Dakota State 
University, Brookings; Mike Traxinger, Agtegra 
Cooperative, and his family

Wisconsin: The Synergy Community 
Cooperative team based in Cumberland

Wyoming: Kevin and Brandy Evans, LaGrange; 
Todd Olson, CHS Animal Nutrition

62  2021 CHS Annual Report

 
2021 CHS Annual Report 5

5500 Cenex Drive
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
(651) 355-6000 
chsinc.com 

NASDAQ: CHSCP, CHSCO, CHSCN, CHSCM, CHSCL

© 2021 CHS Inc.