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Green Plains Inc.
Annual Report 2020

GPRE · NASDAQ Basic Materials
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Ticker GPRE
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Sector Basic Materials
Industry Chemicals - Specialty
Employees 923
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FY2020 Annual Report · Green Plains Inc.
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2020 
Annual Report

#ingredientsthatmatterTRANSFORMIngredients that matter

Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a leading biorefining company focused 

on the development and utilization of fermentation, agricultural and biological 

technologies in the processing of annually renewable crops into sustainable 

value-added ingredients. This includes the production of cleaner low carbon 

biofuels, renewable feedstocks for advanced biofuels and high purity alcohols 

for use in cleaners and disinfectants. Green Plains is an innovative producer of 

Ultra-High Protein and novel ingredients for animal and aquaculture diets to 

help satisfy a growing global appetite for sustainable protein. The Company 

also owns a 48.9% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in 

Green Plains Partners LP. For more information, visit www.gpreinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. See the discussion under  
“Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in our 2020 Form 10-K for matters to be considered in this regard.

Selected Financial Data

Statement of Operations Data

Year Ended December 31,

(in thousands, except per share information)

2020

2019 (1)

2018 (1)(2)

2017 (1)

2016 (1)

Revenues

Costs and expenses

$     1,923,719

$  2,417,238

$  2,983,932 

$  3,289,475

$  3,1 59,3 1 3

  2,046,415 

  2,559,808 

  2,893,978 

  3,265,727 

  3,080,1 0 1 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations(3)

)
 (122,696

)
 (142,570

Total other expense (4)

 38,434 

 30,372 

 89,954 

 84,310 

 23,748 

 78,902 

 79,2 1 2 

 50,91 8 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations 
including noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, 
net of income taxes
Net income (loss)

)
 (89,654

)
 (148,829

 25,1 9 5 

 76,633 

 24,669 

-
)
 (89,654 

829
)
 (148,000 

 11,539 
 36,734 

 4,998 
 81,63 1 

 5,822 
 30,491 

Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains

)
 $     (108,775

)
 $   (166,860

$        15,923 

$       61,06 1 

 $       10,663 

Basic earnings per share

    Earnings (loss) per share from  
    continuing operations 
    Earnings per share from  
    discontinued operations
    Earnings (loss) per share attributable to  
    Green Plains
Diluted earnings per share

    Earnings (loss) per share from 
    continuing operations
    Earnings per share from  
    discontinued operations
    Earnings (loss) per share attributable to  
    Green Plains
Cash dividend declared per share (5)

Other Data: (Non-GAAP)

)
$             (3.14

)
$           (4.40

$            0. 1 1

$            1.43

$           0.1 3

- 

0.02 

0.28

0.1 3

0.1 5

)
$            (3.14

)
$         (4.38

$           0.39

$             1.56

$            0.28

)
$            (3.14

)
$         (4.40

$            0. 1 1

$             1.37

$           0.1 3

            -

            0.02

           0.28

           0.1 0

            0.1 5

)
)
 $            (3.14  $         (4.38
$           0.24
$                    -

$           0.39
$           0.48

$            1.47
$           0.48

$            0.28
$           0.40

Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited and in thousands)

$         36,748

)
$     (39,940

$       75,429 

$     154,45 1 

$      175,106 

Balance Sheet Data

(in thousands)

2020

2019

2018 (1)

2017 (1)

2016 (1)

December 31,

Cash and cash equivalents

$        233,860 

$     245,977 

$      251,681 

$     266,61 9 

$     303,449 

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Long-term debt

Total liabilities

  642,353 

  667,913 

 1,206,642 

 1, 2 1 1 ,965 

 1,000,576 

 1,578,917 

 1,698, 218 

 2,216,432 

 2,790,144 

 2,506,492 

 452,556 

 541,79 1 

 833,700 

 891,755 

 594,946 

 287,299 

 243,990 

 298,1 1 0 

 767,278 

 782,610 

 802,253 

 832,932 

 1,1 53,443 

 1,731 ,008 

 1,527,301 

Stockholders' equity

 776,664 

 865,286 

 1,062,989 

 1,059,136 

 979,1 9 1 

The following table reconciles net income (loss) from continuing operations including noncontrolling 
interest to adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Net income (loss) from continuing operations 
including noncontrolling interest
Interest expense

Income tax expense (benefit), net of equity  
method income tax expense
Depreciation and amortization (6)

EBITDA

EBITDA adjustments related to  
discontinued operations
Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments to 
equity method investees

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net (7)

Noncash goodwill impairment

Year Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

)
$      (89,654
 39,993 

)
$    (148,829
 40,200 

$       25,19 5 
 87,449 

$        76,633 
 83,700 

$       24,669 
 49,935 

)
 (43,879
 78,244 

)
 (15,296

)
 (21,3 16
 72,1 2 7 

)
 (57,81 8

)
 (20,1 47
 98,258 

 190,755 

)
 (132,061
 103,582 

 131,854 

 3,625 
 83,1 3 7 

 161,366 

 - 

 17,703 

 33,897 

 22,51 6 

 13,61 5 

7,093

20,860

24,091

4,974

1,1 2 8

)
(4,799

)
(150,35 1

-

-

81

-

- 

125

-

- 

Adjusted EBITDA

$        36,748

$     (39,940  $       75,429 

)

 $      154,45 1 

 $      175,106 

(1)  The assets and liabilities and results of operations of GPCC prior to its divesture on September 1, 2019 have been reclassified as discontinued operations.
(2)  Fiscal year 2018 includes approximately eleven months of operations of the Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, Iowa, Riga, Michigan and the Hopewell, Virginia ethanol plants, as well as  

Fleischmann’s Vinegar.

(3)  Fiscal year 2020 includes the goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million, the $22.4 million loss on sale of assets, net from the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant and the  
$1.5 million gain from sale of GPCC. Fiscal year 2018 includes the $150.4 million gain on the sale of the Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, Iowa, and Riga, Michigan ethanol plants, as well  
as Fleischmann’s Vinegar during the fourth quarter.

(4)  Fiscal year 2019 includes the $4.8 million gain related to the sale of our 50% interest in JGP Energy Partners LLC.
(5)  On June 18, 2019, the company announced that its board of directors decided to suspend its future quarterly cash dividend following the June 14, 2019 dividend payment.
(6)  Excludes the amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and amortization of debt issuance costs.
(7)  Fiscal year 2019 includes gain reported in other income (expense).

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 
(cid:95) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 
or 

(cid:134) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from ____ to _____ 

Commission file number 001-32924 

(cid:42)(cid:53)(cid:40)(cid:40)(cid:49)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:47)(cid:36)(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:54)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:38)(cid:17)(cid:3)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Iowa 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

84-1652107 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

1811 Aksarben Drive, Omaha, NE 68106
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) 

(402) 884-8700 
(cid:11)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:12)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 

Trading Symbol 
GPRE 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  

Yes (cid:95)  No (cid:134)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  

Yes (cid:134)  No (cid:95)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   

Yes (cid:95)  No (cid:134)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
submit such files). 

Yes (cid:95)  No (cid:134)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,  a smaller reporting 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:86)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:180) and 
(cid:179)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:69)-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer  (cid:134)     

Accelerated filer  (cid:95)

Non-accelerated filer  (cid:134)

Smaller reporting company  (cid:134)

Emerging growth company  (cid:134)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with 
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  (cid:134)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a (cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that 
prepared or issued its audit report. (cid:95)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes (cid:134)  No (cid:95)

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:81)-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2020 (the last business 
day of the second quarter), based on the last sale price of the common stock on that date of $10.22, was approximately $344.0 million. For purposes 
of this calculation, executive officers and directors are deemed to be affiliates of the registrant. 

As of February 11, 2021, there were 35,651,123 shares (cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:17)

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

(cid:51)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86) definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III 
herein. The company intends to file such Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of 
the period covered by this report on Form 10-K. 

 
 
 
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

        TABLE OF CONTENTS

Commonly Used Defined Terms 

Item 1. 

Business. 

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors. 

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments. 

Item 2. 

Properties. 

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings. 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures. 

PART I 

PART II 

Item 5. 

(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)

Equity Securities. 

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data. 

Item 7. 

(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures. 

Item 9B. 

Other Information. 

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation. 

PART III 

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters.

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

Item 14. 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 

PART IV 

Item 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

Item 16. 

Form 10-K Summary. 

Signatures. 

Page 
2

4

17 

32 

32 

32 

32 

33 

35 

37 

56 

57 

57 

57 

61 

61 

61 

61 

61 

61 

62 

70 

71 

1

Green Plains Inc. and Subsidiaries: 

Green Plains; the company 
BioProcess Algae 
Birmingham BioEnergy 
BlendStar

(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)
FQT 
Green Plains Grain 
Green Plains Partners; the partnership 
Green Plains Processing 
Green Plains Shenandoah; Shenandoah
Green Plains Trade 
Green Plains Wood River; Wood River

Accounting Defined Terms: 

ASC 
EBITDA 
EPS 
Exchange Act 
GAAP 
JV
LIBOR 
Nasdaq 
NMTC 
R&D Credits 
SEC
Securities Act 

Industry Defined Terms: 

Commonly Used Defined Terms 

Green Plains Inc. and its subsidiaries 
BioProcess Algae LLC 
Birmingham BioEnergy Partners LLC, a subsidiary of BlendStar LLC 
BlendStar LLC and its s(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)
accounting purposes 
(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)
Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC 
Green Plains Grain Company LLC 
Green Plains Partners LP and its subsidiaries 
Green Plains Processing LLC and its subsidiaries 
Green Plains Shenandoah LLC
Green Plains Trade Group LLC 
Green Plains Wood River LLC

Accounting Standards Codification 
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization 
Earnings per share 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended 
U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 
Joint venture 
London Interbank Offered Rate 
The Nasdaq Global Market 
New Markets Tax Credit 
Research and development tax credits 
Securities and Exchange Commission 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended 

Bgy
BTU 
CAFE 
CARB 
CST
DOT 
E15 
E85 
EIA 
EISA 
EPA 
FDA 
GNS
ILUC 
LCFS 
MMBTU 
Mmg 
Mmgy 
MSC
MTBE 
MVC 
RFS II 
RIN 
RVO
TTB 
U.S. 
USDA 
USP

Billion gallons per year 
British Thermal Units 
Corporate Average Fuel Economy 
California Air Resources Board 
Clean Sugar Technology 
U.S. Department of Transportation 
Gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol by volume 
Gasoline blended with up to 85% ethanol by volume 
U.S. Energy Information Administration 
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as amended 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
Grain Neutral Spirits 
Indirect land usage charge 
Low Carbon Fuel Standard 
Million British Thermal Units 
Million gallons 
Million gallons per year 
Maximized Stillage Coproducts 
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether 
Minimum volume commitment 
Renewable Fuels Standard II 
Renewable identification number 
Renewable volume obligation 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 
United States 
U.S. Department of Agriculture 
United States Pharmacopeia 

2

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so investors can better understand future 
prospects and make informed investment decisions. As such, forward-looking statements are included in this report or 
incorporated by reference to other documents filed with the SEC. 

Forward-looking statements are made in accordance with safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations which involve a number of risks and uncertainties 
and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, but rather to plans and objectives for future operations. These 
(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)
(cid:179)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)
financial performance or guidance, business strategy, environment, key trends and benefits of actual or planned acquisitions. 

Factors that could cause actual results to differ (cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:53)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:78)(cid:3)

(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)
number of economic conditions, including: disruption caused by health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 outbreak; 
competition in the ethanol industry and other industries in which we operate; commodity market risks, including those that 
may result from weather conditions; financial market risks; counterparty risks; risks associated with changes to government 
policy or regulation, including changes to tax laws; risks related to acquisitions and disposition activities and achieving 
anticipated results; risks associated with merchant trading; risks related to our equity method investees and other factors 
detailed in reports filed with the SEC. Additional risks related to Green Plains Partners LP include compliance with 
commercial contractual obligations, potential tax consequences related to our investment in the partnership and risks 
(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:40)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)tity.  

We believe our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions; however, these assumptions 
may not be accurate or account for all risks and uncertainties. Consequently, forward-looking statements are not guaranteed. 
Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. In addition, we are not 
obligated and do not intend to update our forward-looking statements as a result of new information unless it is required by 
applicable securities laws. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which represent 
m(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:17)

3

Item 1.  Business.  

PART I 

References (cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)

Overview 

Green Plains is an Iowa corporation, founded in June 2004 as a producer of low carbon fuels and has grown to be one of 

the leading corn processors in the world. We continue the transition from a commodity-processing business to a value-add 
agricultural technology company focused on creating additional diverse, non-cyclical, higher margin feed ingredients, 
specialty alcohols and renewable feedstocks for the emerging renewable diesel industry. In addition, we are currently 
undergoing a number of project initiatives to improve our operating margins. Through our Project 24 initiative, we anticipate 
reductions in operating expense per gallon across our non-ICM plants. USP upgrades and planned GNS upgrades are 
expected to provide additional improvements to our financial results. Additionally, through our Ultra-High Protein initiative, 
we expect to produce various Ultra-High Protein and novel feed ingredients targeting the pet, dairy and aquaculture industries 
further increasing margin per gallon.  

We recently completed the purchase of a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. The acquisition capitalizes 

on the core strengths of each company to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial 
biotechnology systems and rapidly expand installation and production across Green Plains facilities, as well as offer these 
technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. 

 Additionally, we have taken advantage of opportunities to divest certain assets in recent years to reallocate capital 
toward our current growth initiatives. We are focused on generating stable operating margins through our business segments 
and risk management strategy and expanding our focus on specialty alcohols and high value protein ingredients. We own and 
operate assets throughout the ethanol value chain: upstream, with grain handling and storage; through our ethanol production 
facilities; and downstream, with marketing and distribution services to mitigate commodity price volatility. 

We formed Green Plains Partners LP, a master limited partnership, to be our primary downstream storage and logistics 
provider since its assets are the principal method of storing and delivering the ethanol we produce. The partnership completed 
its initial public offering on July 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2020, we own a 48.9% limited partner interest, a 2.0% general 
(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)49.1% limited partner 
interest. The partnership is consolidated in our financial statements.  

We group our business activities into the following four operating segments to manage performance:  

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

Ethanol Production.  Our ethanol production segment includes the production of ethanol, including industrial-grade 
alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil at 12 ethanol plants in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, 
Nebraska and Tennessee. At capacity, our facilities are capable of processing approximately 354 million bushels of 
corn per year and producing approximately 1.0 billion gallons of ethanol, 2.5 million tons of distillers grains and 276 
million pounds of industrial grade corn oil, making us one of the largest ethanol producers in North America. 

Agribusiness and Energy Services.  Our agribusiness and energy services segment includes grain procurement, with 
approximately 38.1 million bushels of grain storage capacity, and our commodity marketing business, which 
markets, sells and distributes ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil produced at our ethanol plants. We also market 
ethanol for a third-party producer as well as buy and sell ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, 
Ultra-High Protein, corn oil, grain, natural gas and other commodities in various markets. 

Food and Ingredients.  Our food and ingredients segment currently includes our food-grade corn oil operations. 
(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)-grade industrial vinegar, was also included in 
the food and ingredients segment until its sale on November 27, 2018. On September 1, 2019, we formed a joint 
venture and sold 50% of our cattle feeding operations which has the capacity to support approximately 355,000 head 
of cattle and grain storage capacity of approximately 24.1 million bushels. The assets and liabilities and results of 
operations of GPCC prior to its divesture have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. 
Our continued investment in GPCC was accounted for under the equity method of accounting until its disposition in 
October 2020. For more information about GPCC, refer to Note 5 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Discontinued 
Operations and Note 21 – Equity Method Investments included as part of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements. 

4

(cid:120)

Partnership.  Our master limited partnership provides fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, 
developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and 
businesses. The (cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)e 31 ethanol storage facilities, six fuel terminal facilities and 
approximately 2,480 leased railcars.  

Risk Management and Hedging Activities

Our margins our highly dependent on commodity prices, particularly for ethanol, corn, distillers grains, corn oil and 
natural gas. Since market price fluctuations among these commodities are not always correlated, ethanol production has been 
and may continue to be unprofitable at times. We use a variety of risk management tools and hedging strategies to monitor 
real-time operating price risk exposure at each of our operations to obtain favorable margins, when available. 

We use forward contracts to sell a portion of our ethanol, distillers grains, and corn oil production or buy some of the 

corn, natural gas, or ethanol we need to partially offset commodity price volatility. We also engage in other hedging 
transactions involving exchange-traded futures contracts for corn, natural gas, ethanol, soybean meal, soybean oil and other 
agricultural commodities. The financial impact of these activities depends on the price of the commodities involved and our 
ability to physically receive or deliver those commodities. 

Hedging arrangements expose us to risk of financial loss when the counterparty defaults on its contract or, in the case of 

exchange-traded contracts, when the expected differential between the price of the underlying commodity and physical 
commodity changes. Hedging activities can result in losses when a position is purchased in a declining market or sold in a 
rising market. Hedging losses may be offset by a decreased cash price for corn and natural gas and an increased cash price for 
ethanol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil. Depending on the circumstance, we vary the amount of hedging or 
other risk mitigation strategies we undertake and sometimes choose not to engage in hedging transactions at all. 

Competitive Strengths

We are focused on managing commodity price risks, improving operational efficiencies and optimizing market 

opportunities to create an efficient platform with diversified income streams. Our competitive strengths include:  

Disciplined Risk Management.  Risk management is a core competency and we use a variety of risk management tools 
and hedging strategies to maintain a disciplined approach. Our internally developed operating margin management system 
allows us to monitor commodity price risk exposure at each of our operations and lock in favorable margins, when available, 
or temporarily reduce production levels during periods of compressed margins.  

Operational Excellence.  Our facilities are staffed with experienced industry personnel who share operational knowledge 

and expertise. We focus on making incremental operational improvements to enhance performance using real-time 
production data and systems to monitor our operations and optimize performance.  

Technology Integration.  Over our history, we have incorporated new technologies like corn oil extraction and Selective 

(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:140)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:75)ave enabled us to run more efficiently and improve our 
financial results. We are currently undergoing a number of project initiatives to improve margins. Through our Project 24 
initiative, we have seen reductions in operating expenses and anticipate additional reductions in operating expense per gallon 
across our remaining non-ICM plants as a result of these continuing investments. USP upgrades and planned GNS and CST 
upgrades are expected to provide additional improvements to our financial results.  

In addition, through our Ultra-High P(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:54)(cid:38)(cid:140)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)

margins per gallon as a result of the ability to produce various high protein animal feed products. We have partnered with 
Novozymes in an exclusive venture to produce higher purity protein and protein meals with nutritional and other feed 
benefits through non-mechanical methods. In addition, the formation of an exclusive partnership with Hayashikane Sangyo 
of Japan, one of the oldest and most successful integrated aquafeed companies in the world broadens our access to innovative 
feed solutions. The acquisition of a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies secures additional intellectual property 
rights that could be deployed across the Green Plains platform, including those aimed at developing and implementing 
proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial biotechnology systems, and rapidly expanding installation of Ultra-High 
Protein production across our facilities in parallel with offering these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. We 
continue to evaluate additional technological opportunities to expand our capabilities and product offerings in the coming 
years.  

5

Proven Management Team.  Our senior management team averages approximately 30 years of commodity risk 

management and related industry experience. We have specific expertise across all of our businesses, including plant 
operations and management, commodity markets and risk management, quality assurance, quality control, and ethanol 
(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)
executing our business strategies. 

Business Strategy

We believe that the world will continue to increase its demand for protein for human consumption, driving the need to 
produce larger amounts of high protein feed for animals and aquaculture. With new technologies introduced in the ethanol 
industry, we believe that ethanol production facilities can increasingly become high-protein feed producers. We began 
operations to produce Ultra-High Protein in 2020 and have begun to deploy this technology at additional locations in an 
effort to capture higher co-product returns. We are striving to deploy Ultra-High Protein process technology across our 
(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)

Our first Ultra-High Protein installation was completed at our Shenandoah plant during the first quarter of 2020 with 

shipments of dried product beginning in April 2020. The Ultra-High Protein installation at our Wood River plant began 
during the third quarter 2020 with shipments expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021. We anticipate that additional 
locations will be completed over the course of the next several years. Through our Ultra-High Protein initiative we expect to 
produce feed ingredients with protein concentration of 50% or greater, as well as other higher value products, such as post-
MSC distillers grains. 

We have also upgraded our York plant to produce USP grade alcohol and will complete further upgrades to produce 
GNS by adding additional distillation and processing capabilities to serve other high-value markets, including the beverage 
alcohol market. The GNS upgrade is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2021. Our Wood River plant is 
undergoing upgrades to modify its capacity to produce USP and we anticipate completion of that project during the second 
quarter of 2021 and will continue to produce USP grade alcohol during construction. We expect to complete the CST 
production facility at York in the first quarter of 2021, which will allow for the production of both food and industrial grade
dextrose. We anticipate modifying one or more biorefineries to CST production facilities to meet anticipated future customer 
demands.  

We believe ethanol could become an increasingly larger portion of the global fuel supply driven by heightened 
environmental concerns and energy independence goals, supported by government po(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)
federal law required the use of oxygenates in reformulated gasoline to reduce vehicle emissions in cities with unhealthy 
levels of air pollution. Today, ethanol is the primary oxygenate used by the U.S. refining industry to meet various federal and
state air emission standards. The high octane value of ethanol has also made it the primary additive used by refiners to 
increase octane value, which improves engine performance. Accordingly, ethanol has become a valuable blend component 
that comprises approximately 10% of the domestic gasoline supply with the potential to grow with higher blends and 
increased gasoline demand. Ethanol usage is further supported by federal government mandates under RFS II, which assigns 
individual refiners, blenders and importers the volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to use based on their percentage 
of total fuel sales. Advances in domestic corn yields have helped the U.S. ethanol industry become the lowest-cost producer 
of ethanol, surpassing Brazil, creating demand for U.S. ethanol worldwide. 

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)continued improvement of our low-cost ethanol 

production platform and reducing costs. Owning grain storage at or near our ethanol plants allows us to develop relationships 
with local producers and originate corn more effectively at a lower average cost. We purchase approximately 55% of our 
corn volume directly from farmers and have approximately 45 production days of storage capacity at or near our ethanol 
plants. We use our performance data to develop strategies that can be applied across our platform and embrace technological 
advances to improve operational efficiencies and yields, such as (cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:140) and Enogen® corn enzyme 
technology, to lower our processing cost per gallon and increase production volumes. We are executing on our Project 24 
initiative at our non-ICM plants, except our York and Atkinson plants, to reduce energy consumption and increase 
operational reliability at these plants, reducing our operating expense per gallon which we anticipate completing during the 
second quarter of 2021. 

We believe there is untapped value across our businesses and we intend to further develop and strengthen our business 

by identifying projects that maximize our production capabilities and lower existing costs at our production facilities. We 
also seek to leverage our core competencies in adjacent businesses such as aquafeeds, high protein animal feed and other 
commodity processing operations that maximize our operational and risk management expertise. 

6

Recent Developments 

The following is a summary of our significant recent developments. Additional information about these items can be 

found elsewhere in this report or in previous reports filed with the SEC. 

BlackRock Note Facility 

On February 9, 2021, Green Plains SPE LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company and a special purpose entity 
(the Issuer) completed a $125.0 million, 5-year mezzanine note facility with funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. The 
proceeds will be used initially to support the construction and deployment of Ultra-High Protein technology and production 
at the Obion, Tennessee and Mount Vernon, Indiana facilities.  In addition, the company announced BlackRock has invested 
alongside Ospaire Management and Green Plains in Fluid Quip Technologies LLC. As part of the transaction, BlackRock 
acquired 2,000,000 warrants for Green Plains stock (each warrant equal to one share of stock) with a strike price of $22.00 
per share, which expire on February 9, 2026. See further discussions in Note 23 – Subsequent Events of the financial 
statements.   

Disposition of Ord Ethanol Plant 

On January 25, 2021, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell our ethanol plant located in Ord, Nebraska to 

GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC. The transaction involves the disposition of 65 million gallons of nameplate capacity, and 
is being sold for $64.0 million, plus an estimated $6.0 million of related working capital. Correspondingly, the partnership 
entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its storage assets located adjacent to the Ord plant to Green Plains for $27.0
million, which will be used to pay down debt, along with the transfer of associated railcar operating leases. As part of this 
transaction, upon closing, the quarterly storage and throughput minimum volume commitment with Green Plains Trade will 
be reduced to 217.7 mmg per quarter and the storage and throughput agreement with Green Plains Trade will be extended an 
additional year to June 30, 2029. The transaction is anticipated to close within 45 days, subject to customary closing 
conditions. See further discussions in Note 23 – Subsequent Events of the financial statements.   

Disposition of Hereford Ethanol Plant 

On December 28, 2020, we completed the sale of the ethanol plant located in Hereford, Texas, and certain related assets 

from subsidiaries, to Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P. for the sale price of $39.0 million, plus working capital. 
Cor(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)the Hereford plant were purchased by the 
company for $10.0 million, which was used to pay down debt, and certain railcar operating leases were assigned to Hereford 
Ethanol Partners, L.P. The divested assets were reported within the ethanol production, agribusiness and energy and 
partnership segments. We recorded a pretax loss on the sale of the ethanol plant of $22.4 million, of which $18.5 million was 
recorded within corporate activities and $3.9 million was recorded within the ethanol production segment. Transaction fees 
related to the disposal were not material. The agreement contains certain earn-out provisions to be received from Hereford 
Ethanol Partners, L.P. if certain future provisions are met. We will record any contingent amounts in the consolidated 
financial statements when the amount is reasonably determinable or the consideration is realized. 

Acquisition of Majority Interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC

In December 2020, we acquired a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. The acquisition capitalizes on the 
core strengths of each company to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial biotechnology 
systems and rapidly expand installation and production of Ultra-High Protein across Green Plains facilities, as well as offer 
these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. The agreement contains certain earn-out provisions to be received from the
company if certain future results are met, including but not limited to, results of implementation and execution of technology.
We will record the obligation related to the earn-out provision as compensation within selling, general and administrative 
expenses as the earn-out becomes probable. 

Disposition of Equity Interest in Green Plains Cattle Company LLC 

On October 9, 2020, we sold our remaining 50% joint venture interest in GPCC to AGR Special Opportunities Fund I LP 

(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:36)(cid:42)(cid:53)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:42)(cid:36)(cid:48)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:51)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:37)(cid:88)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:3)for $80.5 million in cash, plus closing adjustments. 
The transaction was effective on October 1, 2020, and resulted in a reduction in other assets of $69.7 million as a result of 
removal of the equity method investment in GPCC, and a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of 
$10.7 million as a result of the removal of our share of GPC(cid:38)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)accumulated other comprehensive loss. Transaction fees 
related to the disposal were not material. There was no material gain or loss recorded as part of this transaction. The 
agreement contains certain earn-out provisions to be paid to or received from the Buyers if certain EBITDA thresholds are 

7

met. We will record any contingent amounts in the consolidated financial statements when the amount is probable and 
reasonably determinable or the consideration is realized. 

Closing of $75.0 Million Loan Facility 

On September 3, 2020, Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered 
into a delayed draw loan agreement with MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC. The $75.0 million delayed draw loan matures on 
September 1, 2035 and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Wood River and Shenandoah facilities. The delayed 
draw loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.02%, plus an interest rate premium of 1.5% until the loan is fully drawn, which 
must occur within the 18 month draw period. Principal payments of $1.5 million per year begin 24 months from the closing 
date. The proceeds from the loan are being used to add high protein processing systems at the Wood River and Shenandoah 
facilities as well as other capital expenditures.   

Impact of COVID-19 and Decline in Gasoline Demand 

We continue to closely monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business, including how it will impact our 

employees, customers, vendors, and business partners. Although we did not incur significant disruptions from COVID-19 
during the year ended December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions have created 
significant volatility, uncertainty, and turmoil in the energy industry. The situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to 
evolve rapidly and the ultimate duration and impact of the outbreak as well as the continued decline in gasoline demand 
remains highly uncertain and subject to change. There was a significant reduction of gasoline demand in certain market areas 
particularly during the early months of the pandemic, which resulted in a reduction in ethanol demand. The return to prior 
levels of gasoline demand continues to be uncertain. 

There has been no material adverse effect on our ability to maintain operations, including our financial reporting 

systems, our internal controls over financial reporting or our disclosure controls and procedures. In addition, to date we have
not incurred any material COVID-19 related contingencies. We are unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on 
our future financial position and operating results due to numerous uncertainties. 

For further information regarding the impact of COVID-19 and the decline in gasoline demand on the company, please 

see Item 1A - Risk Factors, in this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.  

Operating Segments

Ethanol Production Segment 

Industry Overview.  Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a colorless liquid produced by fermenting 
carbohydrates found in a number of different types of grains, such as corn, wheat and sorghum, and other cellulosic matter 
found in plants. Most of the ethanol produced in the United States is made from corn because it contains large quantities of 
carbohydrates that convert into glucose more easily than most other kinds of biomass, which can be handled efficiently and is 
in greater supply than other grains. According to the USDA, on average, one bushel, or 56 pounds, of corn, produces 
approximately 2.9 gallons of ethanol, 15 pounds of distillers grains and 0.7 pounds of corn oil. Outside of the United States, 
sugarcane is the primary feedstock used to produce ethanol. 

Ethanol is a significant component of the biofuels industry, which includes all transportation fuels derived from 
renewable biological materials. Biofuels are an excellent oxygenate and source of octane. When added to petroleum-based 
transportation fuels, oxygenates reduce vehicle emissions. Ethanol is the most economical oxygenate and source of octane 
available on the market and its production costs are competitive with gasoline. 

8

Ethanol Plants.  We operate 12 dry mill ethanol production plants, located in six states, that produce ethanol, including 

industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil: 

Plant Location 
Atkinson, Nebraska 
Central City, Nebraska 
Fairmont, Minnesota 
Madison, Illinois 
Mount Vernon, Indiana 
Obion, Tennessee (1)
Ord, Nebraska 
Otter Tail, Minnesota 
Shenandoah, Iowa (1)
Superior, Iowa (1)
Wood River, Nebraska 
York, Nebraska 

Total 

Initial Operation or 
Acquisition Date 
June 2013 
July 2009 
Nov. 2013 
Sept. 2016 
Sept. 2016 
Nov. 2008 
July 2009 
Mar. 2011 
Aug. 2007 
July 2008 
Nov. 2013 
Sept. 2016 

Technology 
Delta-T 
ICM 
Delta-T / ICM 
Vogelbusch 
Vogelbusch 
ICM 
ICM 
Delta-T / ICM 
ICM 
Delta-T / ICM 
Delta-T / ICM 
Vogelbusch 

Plant Production 
Capacity (mmgy) 
55 
116 
119 
90 
90 
120 
65 
55 
82 
60 
121 
50 
1,023 

(1) We constructed these three plants; all other ethanol plants were acquired. 

Our business is directly affected by the supply and demand for ethanol and other fuels in the markets served by our 
assets. Miles driven typically increase during the spring and summer months related to vacation travel, followed closely by 
the fall season due to holiday travel.  

The majority of our plants are equipped with industry-leading ICM or Delta-T ethanol processing technology. Our years 

of experience building, acquiring and operating these technologies provides us with a deep understanding of how to 
effectively and efficiently manage both platforms for maximum performance. Through our Project 24 initiative, we anticipate 
reductions in operating expense per gallon across our non-ICM plants. 

Industrial-Grade Alcohol.  Industrial-grade alcohol is produced by further distillation processing of the 200-proof 
alcohol. Further distillation removes impurities from fuel-grade ethanol to allow for production of industrial-grade alcohol 
which can be used as an ingredient for sanitation products. Industrial-grade alcohol is currently produced at our Wood River 
and York facilities, with our Wood River biorefinery producing food chemical codex (FCC) grade industrial alcohol and our 
York biorefinery producing USP. 

Corn Feedstock and Ethanol Production.  Our plants use corn as feedstock in a dry mill ethanol production process. 
Each of our plants requires approximately 17 million to 42 million bushels of corn annually, depending on its production 
capacity. The price and availability of corn are subject to significant fluctuations driven by a number of factors that affect 
commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, weather, governmental programs, freight costs and global demand. 
Ethanol producers are generally unable to pass increased corn costs to customers. 

Our corn supply is obtained primarily from local markets. We use cash and forward purchase contracts with grain 
producers and elevators to buy corn. We maintain direct relationships with local farmers, grain elevators and cooperatives, 
which serve as our primary sources of grain feedstock, at 10 of our ethanol plants. This allows us to purchase much of the 
corn we need directly from farmers throughout the year. At two of our ethanol plants, we contract with a third-party grain 
originator to supply the corn necessary for ethanol production. These contracts terminate in November 2023. Each of our 
plants is also situated on rail lines or has other logistical solutions to access corn supplies from other regions of the country 
should local supplies become insufficient. 

Corn is received at the plant by truck or rail then weighed and unloaded into a receiving building. Grain storage facilities 

are used to inventory grain that is passed through a scalper to remove rocks and debris prior to processing. The corn is then 
transported to a hammer mill where it is ground into flour and conveyed into a slurry tank for enzymatic processing. Water, 
heat and enzymes are added to convert the complex starch molecules into simpler carbohydrates. The slurry is heated to 
reduce the potential of microbial contamination and pumped into a liquefaction tank where additional enzymes are added. 
Next, the grain slurry is pumped into fermenters, where yeast, enzymes, and nutrients are added and the fermentation process 
is started. A beer column, within the distillation system, separates the alcohol from the spent grain mash. The alcohol is 
dehydrated to 200-proof alcohol and either pumped into a holding tank and blended with approximately 2% denaturant as it 
is pumped into finished product storage tanks, or marketed as undenatured ethanol. 

9

Distillers Grains.  The spent grain mash is pumped from the beer column into a decanter-type centrifuge for dewatering. 
The water, or thin stillage, is pumped from the centrifuge into an evaporator, where it is concentrated into a thick syrup. The
solids, or wet cake, that exit the centrifuge are conveyed to the dryer system and dried at varying temperatures to produce 
distillers grains. Syrup is reapplied to the wet cake prior to drying to provide additional nutrients. Distillers grains, the 
principal co-product of the ethanol production process, are used as mid-protein, high-energy animal feed and marketed to the 
dairy, beef, swine and poultry industries.  

We can produce three forms of distillers grains, depending on the number of times the solids are passed through the 

dryer system: 

(cid:120) wet distillers grains, which contain approximately 65% to 70% moisture, have a shelf life of approximately three 

days and is therefore sold to dairies or feedlots within the immediate vicinity; 

(cid:120) modified wet distillers grains, which is dried further to approximately 50% to 55% moisture, have a shelf life of 

approximately three weeks and are marketed to regional dairies and feedlots; and 

(cid:120)

dried distillers grains, which have been dried more extensively to approximately 10% to 12% moisture, have an 
almost indefinite shelf life and may be stored, sold and shipped to any market. 

Corn Oil.  Corn oil systems extract non-edible corn oil from the thin stillage evaporation process immediately before the 

production of distillers grains. Corn oil is produced by processing the syrup through a decanter-style, or disk-stack, 
centrifuge. The centrifuges separate the relatively light corn oil from the heavier components of the syrup. We extract 
approximately 0.8 pounds of corn oil per bushel of corn used to produce ethanol. Industrial uses for corn oil include 
feedstock for renewable diesel, biodiesel and livestock feed additives. The syrup is blended into wet, modified wet or dried 
distillers grains. 

Ultra-High Protein.  Ultra-High Protein is produced by further processing of the spent grain mash from the beer column. 

The spent grain is processed by a FluidQuip Technologies MSCTM system. The MSC system contains a series of screening 
equipment to remove fiber from the spent grain which is sent to the distillers grain dryer. The remaining product is washed 
and clarified into a wet protein stream which is dried in a ring dryer to produce Ultra-High Protein meal. The product 
typically has protein concentration of 50% or greater and yields of approximately 3.5 pounds per bushel have been achieved. 

Natural Gas.  Depending on production parameters, our ethanol plants use approximately 20,000 to 45,000 BTUs of 
natural gas per gallon of production. We have service agreements to acquire the natural gas we need and transport the gas 
through pipelines to our plants. 

Electricity.  Our plants require between 0.5 and 1.6 kilowatt hours of electricity per gallon of production. Local utilities 

supply the necessary electricity to all of our ethanol plants.  

Water.  While some of our plants satisfy a majority of their water requirements from wells located on their respective 
properties, each plant also obtains drinkable water from local municipal water sources. Each facility either uses city water or
operates a filtration system to purify the well water that is used for its operations. Local municipalities supply all of the 
necessary water for our plants that do not have onsite wells. Most of the water used in an ethanol plant is recycled in the 
production process. 

10 

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment 

Our agribusiness and energy services segment includes three grain elevators in three states with combined grain storage 
capacity of approximately 7.6 million bushels, and grain storage at our ethanol plants of approximately 30.5 million bushels, 
detailed in the following table: 

Facility Location 
Grain Elevators 

Archer, Nebraska 
Essex, Iowa 
Hopkins, Missouri 

Ethanol Plants 

Atkinson, Nebraska 
Central City, Nebraska 
Fairmont, Minnesota 
Madison, Illinois 
Mount Vernon, Indiana 
Obion, Tennessee 
Ord, Nebraska 
Otter Tail, Minnesota 
Shenandoah, Iowa 
Superior, Iowa 
Wood River, Nebraska 
York, Nebraska 

Total 

On-Site Grain Storage Capacity  
(thousands of bushels) 

1,246 
3,651 
2,713 

5,109 
1,400 
1,611 
1,015 
1,034 
8,168 
2,575 
2,772 
886 
2,230 
3,293 
347 
38,050 

We buy bulk grain, primarily corn and soybeans, from area producers, and provide grain drying and storage services to 

those producers. The grain is used as feedstock for our ethanol plants or sold to grain processing companies and area 
livestock producers. Bulk grain commodities are traded on commodity exchanges. Inventory values are affected by changes 
in these markets and spreads. To mitigate risks related to market fluctuations from purchase and sale commitments of grain, 
as well as grain held in inventory, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that function as economic and 
designated accounting hedges at times. 

Seasonality is present within our agribusiness operations. The fall harvest period typically results in higher handling 

margins and stronger financial results during the fourth quarter of each year. 

Through Green Plains Trade, we market the ethanol we and a third party produce to local, regional, national and 
international customers. We also purchase ethanol from independent producers for pricing arbitrage. We sell to various 
markets under sales agreements with integrated energy companies; retailers, traders and resellers in the United States and 
buyers for export to Brazil, Canada, Europe, China and other international markets. Under these agreements, ethanol is priced 
under both fixed and indexed pricing arrangements.  

Also through Green Plains Trade, we market wet and modified wet distillers grains to local markets and dried distillers 

grains to local, national and international markets. The bulk of our demand is delivered to geographic regions that do not 
have significant local corn or distillers grains production. 

Our markets can be further segmented by geographic region and livestock industry. Most of our wet and modified wet 
distillers grains are sold to midwestern feedlot markets. A substantial amount of dried distillers grains are shipped by barge,
containers and rail to regional and national markets, as well as international markets. Our dried distillers grains are shipped to 
feedlots and poultry markets, as well as Texas and West Coast rail markets. Some of our distillers grains are shipped by truck 
to dairy, beef, and poultry operations in the eastern United States. We also ship by railcar to eastern and southeastern feed 
mills, poultry and dairy operations, and domestic trade companies. We sell to international markets indirectly through 
exporters. Access to diversified markets allows us to sell product to customers offering the highest net price. 

Our corn oil is sold primarily to renewable diesel and biodiesel plants and, to a lesser extent, feedlot and poultry markets. 

We transport our corn oil by truck to locations in a close proximity to our ethanol plants primarily in the southeastern and 
midwestern regions of the United States. We also transport corn oil by rail and barges to national markets as well as to 
exporters for shipment on vessels to international markets. 

11 

Through Green Plains Trade, we provide marketing services of natural gas to our ethanol plants and to other third parties 

including the procurement of both the pipeline capacity and natural gas. We also enhance the value by aggregating volumes 
at various storage facilities which can be sold to either the plants or various intermediary markets and end markets.     

Our railcar fleet for the agribusiness and energy services segment consists of approximately 400 leased hopper cars to 
transport distillers grains and approximately 170 leased tank cars to transport corn oil and crude oil. The initial terms of the
lease contracts are for periods up to ten years and the weighted average remaining lease terms on these cars was 
approximately 3 years. 

Food and Ingredients Segment 

Food-grade corn oil production. Our food-grade corn oil operations focus on shipping corn oil from facilities across the 

Midwest by rail or barge to terminal facilities located in the southern United States. Once the corn oil arrives at the terminal
facility, it is unloaded and consolidated into set volumes and prepared for shipment by vessel. The corn oil is then shipped to
independent refiners outside the United States for refining into a refined, bleached, dewaxed and deodorized food-grade 
product. This finished product is then shipped by vessel or container to our various customers. In addition, we also execute 
trade volumes of corn oil and soybean oil in both domestic and international markets. Food-grade corn oil production had no 
activity during fiscal year 2020.

Vinegar operations. (cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)-grade industrial vinegar, was 

also included in the food and ingredients segment until its sale on November 27, 2018. 

Partnership Segment 

Our partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services through (i) 31 ethanol storage facilities located 
at or near our 12 operational ethanol production plants and one non-operational ethanol production plant, (ii) six fuel terminal
facilities located near major rail lines, and (iii) a leased railcar fleet and other transportation assets.  

Transportation and Delivery.  Most of our ethanol plants are situated near major highways or rail lines to ensure efficient 

movement. We are able to move product from our ethanol plants to bulk terminals via truck, railcar or barge. We also 
manage the logistics and transportation requirements of our customers to improve our (cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)
costs.  

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:17)(cid:3)
Deliveries to distant markets are shipped using major U.S. rail carriers that can switch cars to other major railroads, allowing
our plants to ship product throughout the United States. 

To meet the challenge of marketing ethanol and distillers grains to diverse market segments, several of our plants are 

capable of simultaneously handling more than 150 railcars. Some of our locations have large loop tracks with unit train 
loading capabilities for both ethanol and dried distillers grains and spurs to connect the loop to the mainline or allow the 
movement and storage of railcars on site.  

As of December 31, 2020, (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86) leased railcar fleet consisted of approximately 2,480 railcars with an 
aggregate capacity of 74.4 mmg. We expect (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)railcar volumetric capacity to fluctuate over the normal course 
of business as the existing railcar leases expire and we enter into or acquire new railcar leases.  

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)

and have used a portion of our railcar fleet to transport crude oil for third parties and to lease railcars to other users. 

Terminal and Distribution Services. (cid:40)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:71)-party terminal racks 

where it is blended with gasoline and transferred to the loading rack for delivery by truck to retail gas stations. The 
partnership owns and operates fuel holding tanks and terminals, and provides terminal services and logistics solutions to 
markets that do not have efficient access to renewable fuels. The partnership owns and operates fuel terminals at six locations
in five states with combined storage capacity of approximately 7.2 mmg and throughput capacity of approximately 726 
mmgy. We also have 31 ethanol storage facilities located at or near our 12 operational ethanol production plants and one non-
operational ethanol production plant with a combined storage capacity of approximately 27.5 mmg to support current ethanol 
production capacity of approximately 1.0 bgy. 

12 

Facility Location 
Fuel Terminals 

Birmingham, Alabama - Unit Train Terminal 
Other Fuel Terminal Facilities (1)

Ethanol Plants 

Atkinson, Nebraska (2)
Central City, Nebraska 
Fairmont, Minnesota 
Hopewell, Virginia (3)
Madison, Illinois 
Mount Vernon, Indiana 
Obion, Tennessee 
Ord, Nebraska 
Otter Tail, Minnesota 
Shenandoah, Iowa 
Superior, Iowa 
Wood River, Nebraska 
York, Nebraska 

Total 

Storage Capacity  
(thousands of gallons) 

6,542 
690 

2,074 
2,250 
3,124 
761 
2,855 
2,855 
3,000 
1,550 
2,000 
1,524 
1,238 
3,124 
1,100 
34,687 

(1) Represents five fuel terminals located in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky and Oklahoma. 
(2) The ethanol storage facilities are located approximately 16 miles from the ethanol plant. 
(3) Production at the Hopewell, Virginia facility ceased during the fourth quarter of 2018, however the storage and terminal assets remain in 

operating condition. 

For more information about our segments, refer to Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations in this report. 

Our Competition 

Domestic Ethanol Competitors

We are one of the largest consolidated owner(cid:86)(cid:182) of ethanol plants in the United States. We compete with other domestic 
ethanol producers in a highly fragmented industry. Our competitors also include plants owned by farmers, cooperatives, oil 
refiners and retail fuel operators. These competitors may continue to operate their plants even when market conditions are not 
favorable due to the benefits realized from their other operations. 

As of December 31, 2020, the top five producers operated 69 plants and accounted for approximately 40% of the 

domestic production capacity with production capacities ranging from 800 mmgy to 1,800 mmgy. Approximately half of the 
209 plants in the United States are standalone facilities and accounted for approximately 38% of domestic production 
capacity. 

Demand for corn from ethanol plants and other corn consumers exists in all areas and regions in which we operate. 

According to the Renewable Fuels Association, there were 107 operational plants in the states where we have production 
facilities, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Tennessee, as of December 31, 2020. The largest 
concentration of operational plants is located in Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois, where 51% of all operational production 
capacity is located. 

Foreign Ethanol Competitors 

We also compete globally with production from other countries. Brazil is the second largest ethanol producer in the 
world after the United States. Brazil primarily produces ethanol made from sugarcane, which may be less expensive to 
produce than ethanol made from corn depending on feedstock prices. Under RFS II, certain parties are obligated to meet an 
advanced biofuel standard. In recent years, sugarcane ethanol imported from Brazil has been one of the most economical 
means for obligated parties to meet this standard. Any significant additional ethanol production capacity could create excess 
supply in world markets, resulting in lower ethanol prices throughout the world, including the United States.  

13 

Other Competition

Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and ethanol production methods are continually under development. Ethanol 
production technologies also continue to evolve. We expect changes to occur primarily in the area of cellulosic ethanol, 
which is made from biomass such as switch grass or fast-growing poplar trees. Since all of our plants are designed as single-
feedstock facilities, adapting our plants for a different feedstock or process system would require additional capital 
investments and retooling which could be cost prohibitive. 

Regulatory Matters 

Government Ethanol Programs and Policies 

We are sensitive to government programs and policies that affect the supply and demand for ethanol and other fuels, 
which in turn may impact the volume of ethanol and other fuels we handle. In the United States, the federal government 
mandates the use of renewable fuels under the RFS II. The EPA assigns individual refiners, blenders and importers the 
volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to blend into the fuel supply each year based on their percentage of total fuel 
sales. The EPA has the authority to waive the mandates in whole or in part if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel 
supply, if the requirement severely harms the environment, or harms the economy of the nation or a state. The RFS II sets a 
(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:41)(cid:54)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:44)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:180)(cid:3)
or corn-based ethanol to be blended with gasoline was to increase each year until it reached 15.0 billion gallons in 2015, 
which left the EPA to address existing limitations in both supply and demand. The EPA has not yet released a draft RVO rule 
for the 2021 volumes, despite the fact they typically release a draft mid-year and finalize the rule by November 30 each year. 
It is unclear when they will release the RVO for 2021. 

According to the RFS II, if mandatory renewable fuel volumes are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years, the 

EPA is required to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022 (cid:177) the year through which the statutorily prescribed 
volumes run. While conventional ethanol maintained 15 billion gallons, 2019 was the second consecutive year that the total 
proposed RVO was more than 20% below the statutory volumes levels. Thus, the EPA was expected to initiate a reset 
rulemaking, and modify statutory volumes through 2022, and do so based on the same factors they are to use in setting the 
RVOs post-2022. These factors include environmental impact, domestic energy security, expected production, infrastructure 
impact, consumer costs, job creation, price of agricultural commodities, food prices, and rural economic development. In late 
2019, the EPA announced it would not be moving forward with a reset rulemaking in 2020, however it is currently unclear if 
or when they will propose a reset rulemaking. 

Under the RFS, RINs and SREs are important tools impacting supply and demand. The EPA assigns individual refiners, 

blenders, and importers the volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to use based on their percentage of total domestic 
transportation fuel sales. Obligated parties use RINs to show compliance with the RFS II mandated volumes. Ethanol 
producers assign RINs to renewable fuels and the RINs are detached when the renewable fuel is blended with transportation 
fuel domestically. Market participants can trade the detached RINs in the open market. The market price of detached RINs 
affects the price of ethanol in certain markets and can influence purchasing decisions by obligated parties. As it relates to 
SREs, a small refinery is defined as one that processes fewer than 75,000 barrels of petroleum per day. Small refineries can 
petition the EPA for a SRE which, if approved, waives their portion of the annual RVO requirements. The EPA, through 
consultation with the DOE and the USDA can grant a full or partial waiver, or deny it outright within 90 days of submittal. 
The EPA granted significantly more of these waivers for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 reporting years than they had in prior 
years, totaling 790 mmg of waived requirements for the 2016 compliance year, 1.82 billion gallons for 2017 and 1.43 billion 
gallons for 2018. In doing so, the EPA effectively reduced the RFS II mandated volumes for those compliance years by those 
amounts respectively, and as a result, RIN values declined significantly. 

Biofuels groups have filed a lawsuit in the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, challenging the 2019 RVO rule over 

(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:80)all refinery exemptions in the rulemaking. This was the first RFS II rulemaking since the 
expanded use of the exemptions came to light; however, the EPA had declined to cap the number of waivers it grants, and 
until late 2019, had declined to alter how it accounts for the retroactive waivers in its annual volume calculations. The EPA 
has a statutory mandate to ensure the volume requirements are met, which are achieved by setting the percentage standards 
(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)roach accomplished the opposite in that even if all the obligated parties 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)
the total volume requirements set by the EPA. This undermines Congressional intent to increase the consumption of 
renewable fuels in the domestic transportation fuel supply. Biofuels groups have argued the EPA must therefore adjust its 
percentage standard calculations to make up for past retroactive waivers and adjust the standards to account for any waivers it
reasonably expects to grant in the future. 

14 

In 2019, in a supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 RVO rule, the EPA changed their approach, and for the first time 

accounted for the gallons that they anticipate will be waived from the blending requirements due to small refinery 
exemptions. To accomplish this, they added in the trailing three year average of gallons the DOE recommended be waived, in 
effect raising the blending volumes across the board in anticipation of waiving the obligations in whole or in part for certain
refineries that qualify for the exemptions. Though the EPA has often disregarded the recommendations of the DOE in years 
past, they stated in the rule their intent to adhere to these recommendations going forward, including granting partial waivers
rather than an all or nothing approach. The EPA will be adjudicating the 2020 compliance year small refinery exemption 
applications in early 2021, and have indicated they will also adhere to the DOE recommendations for the 2019 compliance 
year applications. 

In January 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled on RFA et. al. vs. EPA in favor of biofuels 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)on two separate grounds. The Court agreed 
that, under the Clean Air Act, refineries are eligible for SREs for a given RVO year only if such exemptions are extensions of 
exemptions granted in previous RVO years. In this case, the three refineries at issue did not qualify for SREs in the year prior
to the year that EPA granted them. They were thus ineligible for additional SRE relief because there were no immediately 
prior SREs to extend. In addition, the Court agreed that the disproportionate economic hardship prong of SRE eligibility 
should be determined solely by reference to whether compliance with the RFS II creates such hardship, not whether 
compliance plus other issues create disproportionate economic hardship. The Court thus vacated EPA's grant of SREs for 
certain years and remanded the grants back to EPA. The refiners appealed for a rehearing which was denied. Two of the 
refiners appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and in January 2021, the Supreme Court announced they would 
hear the case. If the decision against the EPA is upheld by the Supreme Court, it is uncertain how the EPA will propose to 
remedy the situation. 

In light of the 10th (cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:40)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)
continuous string of relief and to ensure they are able to qualify for SREs going forward. A total of 64 gap year requests were
filed with the EPA and reviewed by the DOE. In September 2020 the EPA announced that they were denying 54 of the gap 
year requests that had been scored and returned by DOE, regardless of how they had been scored. Without a string of 
continuous SRE approvals, almost no small refinery would be eligible to apply for hardship relief in this manner, unless the 
Supreme Court overturns the 10th Circuit ruling, which we believe is unlikely. 

To respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and attempt to offset the subsequent economic damage, Congress passed 
multiple relief measures, most notably the CARES Act in March 2020, which created and funded multiple programs that 
have impacted our industry. The USDA was given additional resources for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and 
they are using those funds to provide direct payments to farmers, including corn farmers from whom we purchase most of our 
feedstock for ethanol production. Similar to the trade aid payments made by the USDA over the past two years, this cash 
injection for farmers could cause them to delay marketing decisions and increase the price we have to pay to purchase corn. 
The CARES Act also allowed for certain net operating loss carrybacks, which has allowed us to receive certain tax refunds.  
In December 2020, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law an annual spending package coupled with another 
COVID relief bill which included additional funds for the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute to those impacted by the 
pandemic. The language of the bill specifically includes biofuels producers as eligible for some of this aid. 

The CARES Act provided a tax exclusion on the shipment of un-denatured ethanol for use in manufacturing hand 

sanitizer, a key ingredient of which is undenatured ethanol of specific grades. The FDA has also provided expanded guidance 
to allow for more denaturants to be used in ethanol intended for hand sanitizer production, and has expanded the grades of 
ethanol allowed for the duration of the public health crisis. 

See further discussion in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

Operations.

Environmental and Other Regulation 

Our ethanol production, agribusiness and energy services, food and ingredients, and partnership segment activities are 
subject to various and extensive environmental and other regulations. We obtain and maintain various environmental permits 
to operate our plants and other facilities. Ethanol production involves the emission of various airborne pollutants, including 
particulate, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. In 2007, the U.S. 
Supreme Court classified carbon dioxide as an air pollutant under the Clean Air Act in a case seeking to require the EPA to 
regulate carbon dioxide in vehicle emissions, which the EPA later addressed in RFS II. While some of our plants operate as 
grandfathered at their current authorized capacity under the RFS II mandate, expansion above these capacities at 
grandfathered plants will require a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2005 baseline measurement.  

15 

In addition, various states and countries are adopting regulatory schemes similar to what California has adopted. 

Specifically, CARB adopted LCFS requiring a 10% reduction in average carbon intensity of gasoline and diesel 
transportation fuels in California from 2010 to 2020. After a series of rulings that temporarily prevented CARB from 
enforcing these regulations, the State of California Office of Administrative Law approved the LCFS in November 2012, and 
revised LCFS regulations took effect in January 2013. 

We employ maintenance and operations personnel at each of our plants. In addition to the attention we place on the 
health and safety of our employees, the operations of our facilities are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration. 

See further discussion in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

Operations.

Exclusive Partnerships and Joint Ventures 

In 2020, we acquired a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. The acquisition capitalizes on the core 
strengths of each company to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial biotechnology 
systems and rapidly expand installation and production of Ultra-High Protein technology across our facilities, as well as offer
these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. 

In 2020, we formed an exclusive partnership with Hayashikane Sangyo of Japan, one of the oldest and most successful 

integrated aquafeed companies in the world. The companies have come together to deliver innovative solutions for fast-
growing global aquaculture markets using technology developed and successfully deployed in Japanese production. These 
technologies complement our Ultra-High Protein production capabilities. 

In 2019, we joined with Novozymes in an exclusive venture to produce higher purity protein and protein meals with 

nutritional and other feed benefits through non-mechanical methods. 

In July 2018, we formed Optimal Aquafeed, a 50/50 joint venture to produce high-quality aquaculture feeds utilizing 

proprietary techniques and high-(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:47)(cid:38)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)
industry expertise and customer relationships. We purchased the remaining 50% interest in Optimal Aquafeed in February 
2020 and now own 100% of Optimal Aquafeed. 

We are the majority owner of the BioProcess Algae joint venture, which was formed in 2008. The joint venture is 

focused on growing algae in commercially viable quantities using feedstocks that are created as part of our ethanol 
production process. We are currently focused on animal nutrition, using proprietary technology to customize specific 
products, based on proven benefits, for relevant markets. 

In 2019, we formed the GPCC joint venture with TGAM and StepStone. GPCC has the capacity to support 355,000 head 

of cattle and has approximately 24.1 million bushels of grain storage capacity. In October 2020, we disposed of our 
remaining 50% interest in GPCC. 

Human Capital Resources

The attraction, retention and development of employees is critical to our success. We accomplish this, in part, by our 
competitive compensation practices, training initiatives, and growth opportunities within the company. On December 31, 
2020, we had 839 full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees, including 122 employees at our corporate office in 
Omaha, Nebraska.  

Workforce Health and Safety 

We take workplace safety very seriously and our robust safety program means that we are constantly evaluating our 

safety protocols in an effort to keep our facilities safe for our workers. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained focused on protecting the health and safety of our team 

members while meeting the needs of our customers. Shortly after the outset of COVID-19, we were an early adopter of 
enhanced safety measures and practices across our facilities to protect employee health and safety and ensure a reliable 
supply of products to our customers. This included the purchasing of masks, temperature check machines and hand sanitizer 
at all locations. We donated industrial-grade alcohol, which can be used as an ingredient for sanitation products, to both the 

16 

State of Nebraska and the State of Iowa, as well as the University of Nebraska. Additionally, all employees were provided 
with a twenty pound package of frozen ground beef at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We monitor and track the impact of the pandemic on our teammates and within our operations, and proactively modify 

or adopt new practices to promote their health and safety. 

Compensation and Benefits 

As part of our compensation philosophy, we believe that we must offer and maintain market competitive compensation 
and benefit programs for our employees in order to attract and retain superior talent. In addition to competitive base wages, 
additional programs include the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, a company matched 401(k) Plan, healthcare and insurance 
benefits, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, and employee assistance programs. 

Diversity and Inclusion 

We are committed to our continued efforts to increase diversity and foster an inclusive work environment that supports 

the workforce and the communities we serve. We recruit the best qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity or other 
protected traits and it is our policy to fully comply with all laws applicable to discrimination in the workplace.  

Available Information

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to 
those reports are available on our website at www.gpreinc.com shortly after we file or furnish the information with the SEC. 
You can also find the charters of our audit, compensation and nominating committees, as well as our code of ethics in the 
corporate governance section of our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we 
file with or furnish to the SEC. For more information on our partnership, please visit www.greenplainspartners.com.
Alternatively, investors may visit the SEC website at www.sec.gov to access our reports, proxy and information statements 
filed with the SEC. 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

We operate in an industry that has numerous risks, many of which are beyond our control or are driven by factors that 

cannot always be predicted. Investors should carefully consider all of the risk factors in conjunction with the other 
information included in this report as our financial results and condition or market value could be adversely affected if any of
these risks were to occur. 

Risks Related to our Business and Industry

Our margins are dependent on managing the spread between the price of corn, natural gas, ethanol, including industrial-
grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil. 

Our operating results are highly sensitive to commodity prices, including the spread between the corn and natural gas we 

purchase, and the ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil we sell. Price
and supply are subject to various market forces, such as weather, domestic and global demand, shortages, export prices, crude 
oil prices, currency valuations and government policies in the United States and around the world, over which we have no 
control. Price volatility of these commodities may cause our operating results to fluctuate substantially. Increases in corn or
natural gas prices or decreases in ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil
prices may make it unprofitable to operate. No assurance can be given that we will purchase corn and natural gas or sell 
ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil at or near prices which would 
provide us with positive margins. Consequently, our results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected by 
increases in corn or natural gas prices or decreases in ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High 
Protein and corn oil prices. 

We continuously monitor the margins at our ethanol plants using a variety of risk management tools and hedging 
strategies, when appropriate. In recent years, the spread between ethanol and corn prices has fluctuated widely, narrowed 
significantly and been negative at times. Fluctuations are likely to continue. A sustained narrow spread or further reduction in
the spread between ethanol and corn prices as a result of increased corn prices or decreased ethanol prices, would adversely 
affect our results of operations and financial position. Should our combined revenue from ethanol, including industrial-grade 
alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil fall below our cost of production, we could decide to slow or 
suspend production at some or all of our ethanol plants, which also could adversely affect our results of operations and 
financial position. 

17 

The commodities we buy and sell are subject to price volatility and uncertainty.

Corn.  We are generally unable to pass increased corn costs to our customers since ethanol competes with other fuels. At 
certain corn prices, ethanol may be uneconomical to produce. Ethanol plants, livestock industries and other corn-consuming 
enterprises put significant price pressure on local corn markets. In addition, local corn supplies and prices could be adversely
affected by prices for alternative crops, increasing input costs, changes in government policies, shifts in global markets or 
damaging growing conditions, such as plant disease or adverse weather, including drought. 

Ethanol.  Our revenues are dependent on market prices for ethanol which can be volatile as a result of a number of 
factors, including: the price and availability of competing fuels; the overall supply and demand for ethanol and corn; the price
of gasoline, crude oil and corn; and government policies. 

Ethanol is marketed as a fuel additive that reduces vehicle emissions, an economical source of octanes and, to a lesser 
extent, a gasoline substitute. Consequently, gasoline supply and demand affect the price of ethanol. Should gasoline prices or 
demand decrease significantly, our results of operations could be materially impacted.  

Ethanol imports also affect domestic supply and demand. Imported ethanol is not subject to an import tariff and, under 
the RFS II, sugarcane ethanol from Brazil is one of the most economical means for obligated parties to meet the advanced 
biofuel standard. 

Industrial-grade alcohol is produced by further distillation processing of the 200-proof alcohol. Further distillation 
removes impurities from fuel-grade ethanol to allow for production of industrial-grade alcohol which can be used as an 
ingredient for sanitation products. Should industrial-grade alcohol prices or demand decrease significantly, our results of 
operations could be negatively impacted. 

Distillers Grains.  Increased U.S. dry mill ethanol production has resulted in increased distillers grains production. 
Should this trend continue, distillers grains prices could fall unless demand increases or other market sources are found. The 
price of distillers grains has historically been correlated with the price of corn. Occasionally, the price of distillers grains will 
lag behind fluctuations in corn or other feedstock prices, lowering our cost recovery percentage.  Additionally, exports of 
distiller grains could be impacted by the enactment of foreign policy. 

Distillers grains compete with other protein-based animal feed products. Downward pressure on other commodity prices, 

such as corn and soybeans, will generally cause the price of competing animal feed products to decline, resulting in 
downward pressure on the price of distillers grains. 

Natural Gas.  The price and availability of natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions 

are often affected by factors beyond our control, such as weather, drilling economics, overall economic conditions and 
government regulations. Significant disruptions in natural gas supply could impair our ability to produce ethanol. 
Furthermore, increases in natural gas price or changes in our cost relative to our competitors cannot be passed on to our 
customers which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Corn Oil.  Industrial corn oil is generally marketed as a renewable diesel and biodiesel feedstock; therefore, the price of 

corn oil is affected by demand for renewable diesel and biodiesel. Expanded profitability in the renewable diesel and 
biodiesel industry due to the extended blending tax credit and low carbon fuels standards could impact corn oil demand. In 
general, corn oil prices follow the prices of heating oil and soybean oil. Decreases in the price of corn oil could have an 
unfavorable impact on our business. 

Our risk management and commodity trading strategies could be ineffective and expose us to decreased liquidity.

As market conditions warrant, we use forward contracts to sell some of our ethanol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein, 
and corn oil, or buy some of the corn, and natural gas we need to partially offset commodity price volatility. We also engage 
in other hedging transactions and other commodity trading involving exchange-traded futures contracts for corn, natural gas, 
ethanol, soybean meal and other agricultural commodities. The financial impact of these activities depends on the price of the 
commodities involved and/or our ability to physically receive or deliver the commodities. 

Hedging arrangements expose us to risk of financial loss when the counterparty defaults on its contract or, in the case of 

exchange-traded contracts, when the expected differential between the price of the underlying and physical commodity 
changes. Hedging activities can result in losses when a position is purchased in a declining market or sold in a rising market.
Hedging losses may be offset by a decreased cash price for corn, and natural gas and an increased cash price for ethanol, 
distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil. We vary the amount of hedging and other risk mitigation strategies we 
undertake and sometimes choose not to engage in hedging transactions at all. We cannot provide assurance that our risk 

18 

management and commodity trading strategies and decisions will be profitable or effectively offset commodity price 
volatility. If they are not our results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected. 

The use of derivative financial instruments frequently involves cash deposits with brokers, or margin calls. Sudden 
changes in commodity prices may require additional cash deposits immediately. Depending on our open derivative positions, 
we may need additional liquidity with little advance notice to cover margin calls. While we continuously monitor our 
exposure to margin calls, we cannot guarantee we will be able to maintain adequate liquidity to cover margin calls in the 
future. 

Government mandates affecting ethanol could change and impact the ethanol market.  

Under the provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), Congress expanded the Renewable Fuel 

Standard (RFS II). The RFS II mandated the minimum volume of renewable fuels that must be blended into the 
transportation fuel supply which affects the domestic market for ethanol and each year, the Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) undertakes rulemaking to set the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for the following year. Further, the EPA has 
the authority to waive the requirements, in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the 
requirement severely harms the economy or the environment. After 2022, volumes shall be determined by the EPA in 
coordination with the Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture, taking into account such factors as impact on environment, 
energy security, future rates of production, cost to consumers, infrastructure, and other factors such as impact on commodity 
prices, job creation, rural economic development, or impact on food prices. However, on December 19, 2019, the EPA 
announced it would not be moving forward with a reset rulemaking in 2020. It is unclear when or if they will propose a reset 
rulemaking. Volumes can also be impacted as small refineries can petition the EPA for a SRE which, if approved, waives 
their portion of the annual RVO requirements. The EPA, through consultation with the DOE and the USDA can grant them a 
full or partial waiver, or deny it outright within 90 days of submittal. A small refinery is defined as one that processes fewer
than 75,000 barrels of petroleum per day. 

Our operations could be adversely impacted by legislation, administration actions, EPA actions, or lawsuits, that may 

reduce the RFS II mandated volumes of conventional ethanol and other biofuels through the annual RVO, the 2022 reset 
rulemaking, the point of obligation for blending, or small refinery exemptions. A number of lawsuits are pending involving 
the RVO, the point of obligation and small refinery exemptions. Similarly, should federal mandates regarding oxygenated 
gasoline be repealed, the market for domestic ethanol could be adversely impacted. Economic incentives to blend based on 
the relative value of gasoline versus ethanol, taking into consideration the octane value of ethanol, environmental 
requirements and the RFS II mandate, may affect future demand. A significant increase in supply beyond the RFS II mandate 
could have an adverse impact on ethanol prices. Moreover, changes to RFS II could negatively impact the price of ethanol or 
cause imported sugarcane ethanol to become more economical than domestic ethanol. Likewise state and regional low carbon 
fuel standards (LCFS) like that of California could be favorable or harmful to conventional ethanol, depending on how it is 
crafted. 

  Future demand may be influenced by economic incentives to blend based on the relative value of gasoline versus 
ethanol, taking into consideration the octane value of ethanol, environmental requirements and the value of RFS II credits or 
Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). A significant increase in supply beyond the RFS II mandate could have an 
adverse impact on ethanol prices. Moreover, any changes to RFS II, whether by legislation, EPA action or lawsuit, 
originating from issues associated with the market price of RINs could negatively impact the demand for ethanol, 
discretionary blending of ethanol and/or the price of ethanol. Recent actions by the EPA to grant small refiner exemptions 
without accounting for the lost gallons has resulted in lower RIN prices. 

Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are designed to run on a mixture of fuels, including higher blends of ethanol such 

as E85, receive preferential treatment to meet corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards in the form of CAFE 
credits. There are approximately 21 million FFVs on the road in the U.S. today, 16 million of which are light duty trucks. 
FFV credits have been decreasing since 2014 and will be completely phased out in 2020. Absent CAFE preferences, auto 
manufacturers may not be willing to build flexible-fuel vehicles, which has the potential to slow the growth of E85 markets.  

To the extent federal or state laws or regulations are modified and/or enacted, it may result in the demand for ethanol 

being reduced, which could negatively and materially affect our financial performance. 

Future demand for ethanol is uncertain and changes in public perception, consumer acceptance and overall consumer 
demand for transportation fuel could affect demand.

While many trade groups, academics and government agencies support ethanol as a fuel additive that promotes a cleaner 

environment, others claim ethanol production consumes considerably more energy, emits more greenhouse gases than other 
fuels and depletes water resources. While we do not agree, some studies suggest ethanol produced from corn is less efficient 

19 

than ethanol produced from switch grass or wheat grain. Others claim corn-based ethanol negatively impacts consumers by 
causing the prices of meat and other food derived from corn-consuming livestock to increase. Ethanol critics also contend the 
industry redirects corn supplies from international food markets to domestic fuel markets, and contributes to land use change 
domestically and abroad. 

There are limited markets for ethanol beyond the federal mandates. We believe further consumer acceptance of E15 and 
E85 fuels may be necessary before ethanol can achieve significant market share growth. Discretionary and E85 blending are 
important secondary markets. Discretionary blending is often determined by the price of ethanol relative to gasoline, and 
availability to consumers. When discretionary blending is financially unattractive, the demand for ethanol may be reduced.  

Demand for ethanol is also affected by overall demand for transportation fuel, which is affected by cost, number of miles 

traveled and vehicle fuel economy. Miles traveled typically increases during the spring and summer months related to 
vacation travel, followed closely behind the fall season due to holiday travel. Global events, such as COVID-19, have greatly 
decreased miles traveled and in turn, the demand for ethanol. Consumer demand for gasoline may be impacted by emerging 
transportation trends, such as electric vehicles or ride sharing. In January 2021, General Motors announced a target date of 
2035 for phasing out the production of gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Similarly, Nissan has stated that their entire 
fleet will be electric vehicles by the early 2030s. These announcements coincide with pledges to ban the sale of internal 
combustion engines in countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom by 2035, as well as a statewide ban in California. 
While aspirational, if realized these bans would accelerate the decline of liquid fuel demand and by extension demand for 
ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel. 

Additionally, factors such as over-supply of ethanol, which has been the case for some time, could continue to negatively 

impact our business. Reduced demand for ethanol may depress the value of our products, erode its margins, and reduce our 
ability to generate revenue or operate profitably. 

Our business is directly affected by the supply and demand for ethanol and other fuels in the markets served by our 
assets. Reduced demand for ethanol, regardless of cause, may erode our margins and reduce our ability to generate revenue 
and operate profitably. 

In the past, we have had operating losses and could incur future operating losses.  

In the last five years, we incurred operating losses during certain quarters and could incur operating losses in the future 

that are substantial. Although we have had periods of sustained profitability, we may not be able to maintain or increase 
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis, which could impact the market price of our common stock and the value of your 
investment. 

If the United States were to withdraw from or materially modify certain international trade agreements, our business, 
financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. 

Ethanol and other products that we produce are or have been exported to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China and other 
countries. The previous administration expressed antipathy towards certain existing international trade agreements and has 
significantly increased tariffs on goods imported into the United States, which in turn has led to retaliatory actions on U.S. 
exports. The current trade situation, the outcome of trade negotiations or lack thereof, has had and/or may continue to have a 
material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Our ability to access the partnership’s terminals adjacent to our ethanol plants could cause disruptions in our operations 
and adversely affect our production levels, profitability and needed capital expenditures. 

We are party to the storage and throughput agreement with our partnership, under which we access the storage and 
throughput services offered by the partnership.  In the event of a default by either party under that agreement, our ability to
throughput our ethanol may be disrupted, which in turn could adversely affect our production levels, operating expenses, 
profitability and our need for capital expenditures for alternative throughput arrangements.  

Our debt exposes us to numerous risks that could have significant consequences to our shareholders.  

Risks related to the level of debt we have include: (1) requiring a sizeable portion of cash to be dedicated for debt 
service, reducing the availability of cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures, and other general business activities
and limiting our ability to invest in new growth opportunities; (2) limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for 
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other activities; (3) limiting our flexibility to plan for or react to 
changes in the businesses and industries in which we operate; (4) increasing our vulnerability to general and industry-specific

20 

adverse economic conditions; (5) being at a competitive disadvantage against less leveraged competitors; and (6) being 
vulnerable to increases in prevailing interest rates. 

Most of our debt bears interest at variable rates, which creates exposure to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our

debt service obligations at variable rates would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, decreasing net 
income. 

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations and to fund our planned capital 

expenditures, acquisitions and other ongoing liquidity needs depends on our financial condition and operating performance, 
which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions as well as certain financial, business and other factors 
which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that we will maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities 
in an amount sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flow 
and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments 
and capital expenditures, or to seek additional capital or restructure our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be 
successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and 
resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to 
meet our debt service and other obligations. 

We are required to comply with a number of covenants under our existing loan agreements that could hinder our growth. 

We are required to maintain specified financial ratios, including minimum cash flow coverage, working capital and 
tangible net worth under certain loan agreements. A breach of these covenants could result in default, and if such default is 
not cured or waived, our lenders could accelerate our debt and declare it immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may 
not be able to repay or borrow sufficient funds to refinance the debt. Even if financing is available, it may not be on 
acceptable terms. No assurance can be given that our future operating results will be sufficient to comply with these 
covenants or remedy default.  

In the past, we have received waivers from our lenders for failure to meet certain financial covenants and amended our 

loan agreements to change these covenants. In the event we are unable to comply with these covenants in the future, we 
cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain the necessary waivers or amend our loan agreements to prevent 
default. Under our convertible senior notes, default on any loan in excess of $10.0 million could result in the notes being 
declared due and payable, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to operate. 

We operate in a capital intensive business and rely on cash generated from operations and external financing, which could 
be limited. 

Increased commodity prices could increase liquidity requirements. Our operating cash flow is dependent on overall 

commodity market conditions as well as our ability to operate profitably. In addition, we may need to raise additional 
financing to fund growth. In some market environments, we may have limited access to incremental financing, which could 
defer or cancel growth projects, reduce business activity or cause us to default on our existing debt agreements if we are 
unable to meet our payment schedules. These events could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial position. 

Our ability to repay current and anticipated future debt will depend on our financial and operating performance and 
successful implementation of our business strategies. Our financial and operational performance will depend on numerous 
factors including prevailing economic conditions, commodity prices, and financial, business and other factors beyond our 
control. If we cannot repay, refinance or extend our current debt at scheduled maturity dates, we could be forced to reduce or 
delay capital expenditures, sell assets, restructure our debt or seek additional capital. If we are unable to restructure our debt 
or raise funds, our operations and growth plans could be harmed and the value of our stock could be significantly reduced. 

Disruptions in the credit market could limit our access to capital. 

We may need additional capital to fund our growth or other business activities in the future. The cost of capital under our 

existing or future financing arrangements could increase and affect our ability to trade with various commercial 
counterparties or cause our counterparties to require additional forms of credit support. If capital markets are disrupted, we 
may not be able to access capital at all or capital may only be available under less favorable terms. 

We are required to continue to make payments to the partnership to the minimum volume commitment regardless of our 
production levels. 

We are party to the storage and throughput agreement with our partnership, under which we are obligated to pay a 
minimum volume commitment regardless of whether or not we operate. We may not run our plants at volumes sufficient 

21 

enough to cover the MVC resulting in payments being made to the partnership. In times of sustained negative margins, our 
volumes may be insufficient to recover these MVC payments in the following four quarters as outlined in the partnership 
agreement.   

Our ability to maintain the required regulatory permits or manage changes in environmental, safety and TTB regulations is 
essential to successfully operating our plants. 

Our plants are subject to extensive air, water, environmental and TTB regulations. Our production facilities involve the 
emission of various airborne pollutants, including particulate, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hazardous air pollutants and 
volatile organic compounds, which requires numerous environmental permits to operate our plants. Governing state agencies 
could impose costly conditions or restrictions that are detrimental to our profitability and have a material adverse effect on 
our operations, cash flows and financial position. 

Environmental laws and regulations at the federal and state level are subject to change. These changes can also be made 

retroactively. It is possible that more stringent federal or state environmental rules or regulations could be adopted, which 
could increase our operating costs and expenses. Consequently, even though we currently have the proper permits, we may 
be required to invest or spend considerable resources in order to comply with future environmental regulations. Furthermore, 
ongoing plant operations, which are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, may change in a way 
that increases the cost of plant operations. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash 
flows and financial position. 

Part of our business is regulated by environmental laws and regulations governing the labeling, use, storage, discharge 

and disposal of hazardous materials. Since we handle and use hazardous substances, changes in environmental requirements 
or an unanticipated significant adverse environmental event could have a negative impact on our business. While we strive to 
comply with all environmental requirements, we cannot provide assurance that we have been in compliance at all times or 
will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements. Private parties, including current and former
employees, could bring personal injury or other claims against us due to the presence of hazardous substances. We are also 
exposed to residual risk by our land and facilities which may have environmental liabilities from prior use. Changes in 
environmental regulations may require us to modify existing plant and processing facilities, which could significantly 
increase our cost of operations. 

TTB regulations apply when producing our undenatured ethanol.  These regulations carry substantial penalties for non-
compliance and therefore any non-compliance may adversely affect our financial operations or adversely impact our ability 
to produce undenatured ethanol. 

Any inability to generate or obtain RINs could adversely affect our operating margins. 

Nearly all of our ethanol production is sold with RINs that are used by our customers to comply with the RFS II. Should 

(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
open market or sell our ethanol at lower prices to compensate for the absence of RINs. The price of RINs depends on a 
variety of factors, including the availability of qualifying biofuels and RINs for purchase, production levels of transportation
fuel and percentage mix of ethanol with other fuels, and cannot be predicted. Failure to obtain sufficient RINs or reliance on 
invalid RINs could subject us to fines and penalties imposed by the EPA which could adversely affect our results of 
operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

As we trade ethanol acquired from third-parties, should it be discovered the RINs associated with the ethanol we 
purchased are invalid, albeit unknowingly, we could be subject to substantial penalties if we are assessed the maximum 
amount allowed by law. Prior to 2013, the EPA assessed only modest penalties for RIN violations. However, based on EPA 
penalties assessed on RINS violations in the past few years, in the event of a violation, the EPA could assess penalties, which
could have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

Compliance with evolving environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, particularly those related to climate 
change, could be costly.  

Our plants emit carbon dioxide as a by-product of ethanol production. In February 2010, the EPA released its final 
regulations on RFS II, grandfathering our plants at their current authorized capacity.  While some of our plants have received 
efficient producer status and no longer rely on grandfathered status, for those still reliant upon it, expansion above these 
levels will require a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the 2005 baseline measurement. Separately, CARB 
adopted a LCFS that took effect in January 2013, which requires a 10% reduction in the average carbon intensity of gasoline 
and diesel transportation fuels from 2010 to 2020. An ILUC component is included in the greenhouse gas emission 
calculation, which may have an adverse impact on the market for corn-based ethanol in California. 

22 

To expand our production capacity, federal and state regulations may require us to obtain additional permits, achieve 
(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)oducer status under the pathway petition program, install advanced technology or reduce drying distillers 
grains. Compliance with future laws or regulations to decrease carbon dioxide could be costly and may prevent us from 
operating our plants as profitably, which may have an adverse impact on our operations, cash flows and financial position. 

We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or partnerships.

We have increased the size and diversity of our operations through mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures or 

partnerships and intend to continue exploring potential growth opportunities. Acquisitions involve numerous risks that could 
harm our business, including: (1) difficulties integrating the operations, technologies, products, existing contracts, accounting
processes and personnel and realizing anticipated synergies of the combined business; (2) risks relating to environmental 
hazards on purchased sites; (3) risks relating to developing the necessary infrastructure for facilities or acquired sites, 
including access to rail networks; (4) difficulties supporting and transitioning customers; (5) diversion of financial and 
management resources from existing operations; (6) the purchase price exceeding the value realized; (7) risks of entering new 
markets or areas outside of our core competencies; (7) potential loss of key employees, customers and strategic alliances from 
our existing or acquired business; (8) unanticipated problems or underlying liabilities; and (9) inability to generate sufficient
revenue to offset acquisition and development costs. 

The anticipated benefits of these transactions may not be fully realized or could take longer to realize than expected.  

We have also pursued growth through joint ventures or partnerships, which typically involve restrictions on actions that 

the partnership or joint venture may take without the approval of the partners. These provisions could limit our ability to 
manage the partnership or joint venture in a manner that serves our best interests. 

Future acquisitions may involve issuing equity as payment or to finance the business or assets, which could dilute your 

ownership interest. Furthermore, additional debt may be necessary to complete these transactions, which could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial condition. Failure to adequately address the risks associated with acquisitions or joint 
ventures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

We may be affected by our portfolio optimization and total transformation strategies. 

In May 2018, we announced that we were evaluating the performance of our entire portfolio of assets and businesses. As 
part of that process, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we sold three ethanol plants, permanently closed one ethanol plant and
(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:17)(cid:3)Furthermore, we sold our 50% interest in JGP Energy Partners during the fourth quarter of 
2019, we sold a 50% interest in GPCC during the third quarter of 2019 and the remaining 50% interest in GPCC during the 
fourth quarter of 2020, the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant in December 2020 and the recently announced sale of the Ord, 
Nebraska ethanol plant, which is expected to close within 45 days.  

As we continue to evaluate our portfolio, we may sell additional assets or businesses or exit particular markets that are 
no longer a strategic fit or no longer meet their growth or profitability targets. Depending on the nature of the assets sold, our 
profitability may be impacted by lost operating income or cash flows from such businesses. In addition, divestitures we 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:92)-to-
day operations. We are also undergoing a number of project initiatives to improve margins, including the Project 24 initiative 
and increased investment into Ultra-High Protein animal feed products, as part of our total transformation strategy. Our 
failure to achieve the intended financial results associated with our portfolio optimization and total transformation strategies
could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Future events could result in impairment of long-lived assets, which may result in charges that adversely affect our results of
operations. 

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, goodwill and equity method investments, 
are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of 
an asset may not be recoverable. Our impairment evaluations are sensitive to changes in key assumptions used in our analysis 
and may require use of financial estimates of future cash flows. Application of alternative assumptions could produce 
significantly different results. We may be required to recognize impairments of long-lived assets based on future economic 
factors such as unfavorable changes in estimated future undiscounted cash flows of an asset group. 

23 

Global competition could affect our profitability. 

We compete with producers in the United States and abroad. Depending on feedstock, labor and other production costs, 

producers in other countries, such as Brazil, may be able to produce ethanol cheaper than we can. Under RFS II, certain 
parties are obligated to meet an advanced biofuel standard. In recent years, sugarcane ethanol imported from Brazil has been 
one of the most economical means for obligated parties to meet this standard. While transportation costs, infrastructure 
constraints and demand may temper the impact of ethanol imports, foreign competition remains a risk to our business. 
Moreover, significant additional foreign ethanol production could create excess supply, which could result in lower ethanol 
prices throughout the world, including the United States. Any penetration of ethanol imports into the domestic market may 
have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position. 

International activities such as boycotts, embargoes, product rejection, trade policies and compliance matters, may have an 
adverse effect on our results of operations.

Government actions abroad can have a significant impact on our business. In 2020, we exported 21% of our ethanol 

production. In 2013, the European Union imposed a five-year tariff of $83.33 per metric ton on U.S. ethanol to discourage 
foreign competition. Effective January 1, 2017, China indicated its intention to raise its 5% tariff on U.S. and Brazil fuel 
ethanol to 30%. On April 1, 2018, China raised their tariff rate to 45%, and later raised it further to 70%. In January 2020, the 
(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)ommitments, including ethanol; 
however, these ethanol tariffs have not been reduced or eliminated.  

Although the ethanol export markets are affected by competition from other ethanol exporters, particularly Brazil, and in 
spite of the actions by China, we believe exports will remain active going forward. On September (cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:93)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
of Foreign Trade, or CAMEX, issued an official written resolution, imposing a 20% tariff on U.S. ethanol imports in excess 
of 150 million liters, or 39.6 million gallons per quarter. The ruling was extended for a year in 2019, and again by 90 days in
2020, but was allowed to lapse in December 2020, and a 20% duty now applies to all U.S. ethanol imports into Brazil.  

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)-dumping investigation into U.S.-produced dried 
distillers grains exported to China. In January of 2017, the Ministry of Commerce of China announced it increased anti-
dumping duties on U.S. distillers grains, ranging from 42.2% to 53.7%.  

With more tariffs and reduced exports, the value of our products may be affected, which could have a negative impact on 

our profitability. Additionally, tariffs on U.S. ethanol may lead to further industry over-supply and reduce our profitability.
Moreover, the America First trade position has caused more countries to toughen their positions on U.S. imports. 

The ability or willingness of OPEC and other oil exporting nations to set and maintain production levels has a significant 
impact on oil and natural gas commodity prices. 

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies (collectively, OPEC+), is an intergovernmental 

organization that seeks to manage the price and supply of oil on the global energy market. Actions taken by OPEC+ 
members, including those taken alongside other oil exporting nations, have a significant impact on global oil supply and 
pricing. For example, OPEC+ and certain other oil exporting nations have previously agreed to take measures, including 
production cuts, to support crude oil prices. In March 2020, members of OPEC+ considered extending and potentially 
increasing these oil production cuts, however these negotiations were unsuccessful. As a result, Saudi Arabia announced an 
immediate reduction in export prices and Russia announced that all previously agreed oil production cuts will expire on April 
1, 2020. These actions led to an immediate and steep decrease in oil prices. There can be no assurance that OPEC+ members 
and other oil exporting nations will agree to future production cuts or other actions to support and stabilize oil prices, nor can 
there be any assurance that they will not further reduce oil prices or increase production. Uncertainty regarding future actions
to be taken by OPEC+ members or other oil exporting countries could lead to increased volatility in the price of oil, which 
could adversely affect our business, future financial condition and results of operations. 

Increased ethanol industry penetration by oil and other multinational companies could impact our margins. 

We operate in a very competitive environment and compete with other domestic ethanol producers in a relatively 
fragmented industry. The top five producers account for approximately 40% of the domestic production capacity with 
production capacity ranging from 800 mmgy to 1,800 mmgy. The remaining ethanol producers consist of smaller entities 
engaged exclusively in ethanol production and large integrated grain companies that produce ethanol in addition to their base 
grain businesses. We compete for capital, labor, corn and other resources with these companies. 

Until recently, oil companies, petrochemical refiners and gasoline retailers were not engaged in ethanol production even 

though they form the primary distribution network for ethanol blended with gasoline. Over the past decade, several oil 

24 

refiners have acquired ethanol production plants, and now account for almost 1/5 of domestic ethanol production. If these 
companies increase their ethanol plant ownership or additional companies commence production, the need to purchase 
ethanol from independent producers like us could diminish and adversely effect on our operations, cash flows and financial 
position. 

Our agribusiness operations are subject to significant government regulations. 

Our agribusiness operations are regulated by various government entities that can impose significant costs on our 
business. Failure to comply could result in additional expenditures, fines or criminal action. Our production levels, markets 
and grains we merchandise are affected by federal government programs, which include USDA acreage control and price 
support programs. Government policies such as tariffs, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions and embargos can 
also impact our business. Changes in government policies and producer support could impact the type and amount of grains 
planted, which could affect our ability to buy grain. Export restrictions or tariffs could limit sales opportunities outside of the 
United States. 

Commodities futures trading is subject to extensive regulations. 

The futures industry is subject to extensive regulation. Since we use exchange-traded futures contracts as part of our 

business, we are required to comply with a wide range of requirements imposed by the Commodity Futures Trading 
Commission, National Futures Association and the exchanges on which we trade. These regulatory bodies are responsible for 
safeguarding the integrity of the futures markets and protecting the interests of market participants. As a market participant,
we are subject to regulation concerning trade practices, business conduct, reporting, position limits, record retention, the 
conduct of our officers and employees, and other matters. 

Failure to comply with the laws, rules or regulations applicable to futures trading could have adverse consequences. Such 

claims could result in fines, settlements or suspended trading privileges, which could have a material adverse impact on our 
business, financial condition or operating results.

Our success depends on our ability to manage our growing and changing operations. 

Since our formation in 2004, our business has grown significantly in size, products and complexity. This growth places 

substantial demands on our management, systems, internal controls, and financial and physical resources. If we acquire 
additional operations, we may need to further develop our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems, and could 
incur expenses related to hiring additional qualified personnel and expanding our information technology infrastructure. Our 
ability to manage growth effectively could impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. 

Replacement technologies could make corn-based ethanol or our process technology obsolete. 

Ethanol is used primarily as an octane additive and oxygenate blended with gasoline. Critics of ethanol blends argue that 

it decreases fuel economy, causes corrosion and damages fuel pumps. Prior to federal restrictions and ethanol mandates, 
methyl tertiary-butyl ether, or MTBE, was the leading oxygenate. Other oxygenate products could enter the market and prove 
to be environmentally or economically superior to ethanol. Alternative biofuel alcohols, such as methanol and butanol, could 
evolve and replace ethanol. 

Research is currently underway to develop products and processes that have advantages over ethanol, such as: lower 
vapor pressure, making it easier to add to gasoline; similar energy content as gasoline, reducing any decrease in fuel economy 
caused by blending with gasoline; ability to blend at higher concentration levels in standard vehicles; and reduced 
susceptibility to separation when water is present. Products offering a competitive advantage over ethanol could reduce our 
ability to generate revenue and profits from ethanol production. 

New ethanol process technologies could emerge that require less energy per gallon to produce and result in lower 
production costs. Our process technologies could become obsolete and place us at a competitive disadvantage, which could 
have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position. 

We may be required to provide remedies for ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein 
or corn oil that does not meet the specifications defined in our sales contracts. 

If we produce or purchase ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein or corn oil that 

does not meet the specifications defined in our sales contracts, we may be subject to quality claims. We could be required to 
refund the purchase price of any non-conforming product or replace the non-conforming product at our expense. Ethanol, 
including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein or corn oil that we purchase or market and 

25 

subsequently sell to others could result in similar claims if the product does not meet applicable contract specifications, 
which could have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

Business disruptions due to unforeseen operational failures or factors outside of our control could impact our ability to fulfill
contractual obligations. 

Natural disasters, pandemics, transportation issues, significant track damage resulting from a train derailment or strikes 

by our transportation providers could delay shipments of raw materials to our plants or deliveries of ethanol, including 
industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil to our customers. If we are unable to meet customer
demand or contract delivery requirements due to stalled operations caused by business disruptions, we could potentially lose 
customers. 

Adverse weather conditions, such as inadequate or excessive amounts of rain during the growing season, overly wet 

conditions, an early freeze or snowy weather during harvest could impact the supply of corn that is needed to produce 
ethanol. Corn stored in an open pile may be damaged by rain or warm weather before the corn is dried, shipped or moved 
into a storage structure. 

Our business continues to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The outbreak of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, which has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a 
pandemic, has spread across the globe and continues to impact worldwide economic activity. COVID-19 poses a risk on all 
aspects of our business, including how it will impact our employees, customers, vendors, and business partners. We are 
unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our future financial position and operating results, due to numerous 
uncertainties. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the severity of the virus and its impact on the demand for 
our products; (2) the duration of the outbreak; (3) federal, state or local governmental regulations or other actions which 
could include limitations on our operations; (4) the effect on customer demand resulting in a decline in the demand for our 
products; (5) impacts on our supply chain and potential limitations of supply of our feedstocks; (6) interruptions of our 
distribution systems and delays in the delivery of our products; (7) the health of our workforce, and our ability to meet 
staffing needs which is vital to our operations; and (8) volatility in the credit and financial markets.  

The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions have created significant volatility, uncertainty, and 

turmoil in the energy industry. We are unable to predict the overall impact these events will have on our future financial 
position and operations. 

We continue to actively manage our response in collaboration with customers, government officials, team members and 

business partners and assessing potential impacts to our future financial position and operating results, as well as adverse 
developments in our business. It is not possible for us to predict whether there will be additional government-mandated 
shelter-in-place and similar government orders that could affect our business, how long the existing orders will remain in 
place, and how these measures will impact our operations. 

Our ethanol-related assets may be at greater risk of terrorist attacks, threats of war or actual war, than other possible 
targets.

Terrorist attacks in the United States, including threats of war or actual war, may adversely affect our operations. A 
direct attack on our ethanol production plants, or our (cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)
material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, a terrorist attack could
have an adverse impact on ethanol prices. Disruption or significant increases in ethanol prices could result in government-
imposed price controls. 

Our network infrastructure, enterprise applications and internal technology systems could be damaged or otherwise fail and 
disrupt business activities. 

Our network infrastructure, enterprise applications and internal technology systems are instrumental to the day-to-day 

operations of our business. Numerous factors outside of our control, including earthquakes, floods, lightning, tornados, fire, 
power loss, telecommunication failures, computer viruses, physical or electronic vandalism or similar disruptions could result 
in system failures, interruptions or loss of critical data and prevent us from fulfilling customer orders. We cannot provide 
assurance that our backup systems are sufficient to mitigate hardware or software failures, which could result in business 
disruptions that negatively impact our operating results and damage our reputation. 

26 

We could be adversely affected by cyber-attacks, data security breaches and significant information technology systems 
interruptions. 

We rely on network infrastructure and enterprise applications, and internal technology systems for operational, 

marketing support and sales, and product development activities. The hardware and software systems related to such 
activities are subject to damage from earthquakes, floods, lightning, tornados, fire, power loss, telecommunication failures, 
cyber-attacks and other similar events. They are also subject to acts such as computer viruses, physical or electronic 
vandalism or other similar disruptions that could cause system interruptions and loss of critical data, and could prevent us 
(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:92)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)dual attempts to 
gain unauthorized access to information technology networks and systems to more sophisticated and targeted measures, 
known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the company, its products, its customers and/or its third-party service 
providers. Despite the implementation of cybersecurity measures (including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability 
assessments, employee training, continuous monitoring, and maintenance of backup and protective systems), the c(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
information technology systems may still be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats and other electronic security breaches. While 
we have taken reasonable efforts to protect ourselves, and to date, we have not experienced any material losses related to 
cyber-attacks, we cannot assure our shareholders that any of our security measures would be sufficient in the future. Any 
event that causes failures or interruption in such hardware or software systems could result in disruption of our business 
operations, have a negative impact on our operating results, and damage our reputation, which could negatively affect our 
financial condition, results of operation, cash flows. 

We may not be able to hire and retain qualified personnel to operate our facilities. 

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain competent employees. Qualified managers, engineers, 

merchandisers and other personnel must be hired for each of our locations. If we are unable to hire and retain productive, 
skilled personnel, we may not be able to maximize production, optimize plant operations or execute our business strategy.

Compliance with and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our performance. 

We are subject to extensive tax liabilities imposed by multiple jurisdictions, including income taxes, indirect taxes 
(excise/duty, sales/use, gross receipts, and value-added taxes), payroll taxes, franchise taxes, withholding taxes, and ad 
valorem taxes. New tax laws and regulations and changes in existing tax laws and regulations are continuously being enacted 
or proposed that could result in increased expenditures for tax liabilities in the future. Many of these liabilities are subject to 
periodic audits by the respective taxing authority. Subsequent changes to our tax liabilities as a result of these audits may 
subject us to interest and penalties. 

Federal, state and local jurisdictions may challenge our tax return positions.  

The positions taken in our federal and state tax return filings require significant judgments, use of estimates and the 
interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is also required in assessing the timing and amounts 
(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)
positions may be successfully challenged by federal, state and local jurisdictions. 

Financial performance of our equity method investments are subject to risks beyond our control and can vary substantially 
from period to period. 

The company invests in certain limited liability companies, which are accounted for using the equity method of 

accounting. This means that (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)
the carrying value of the investment. By operating a business through this arrangement, we do not have control over 
operating decisions as we would if we owned the business outright. Specifically, we cannot act on major business initiatives 
without the consent of the other investors. 

The company recognizes these investments as a separate line item in the consolidated balance sheets its proportionate 

share of earnings on a separate line item in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result, the amount of net 
investment income recognized from these investments can vary substantially from period to period. Any losses experienced 
by these entities could adversely impact our results of operations and the value of our investment. 

We are exposed to credit risk that could result in losses or affect our ability to make payments should a counterparty fail to 
perform according to the terms of our agreement. 

We are exposed to credit risk from a variety of customers, including major integrated oil companies, large independent 
refiners, petroleum wholesalers and other ethanol plants. We are also exposed to credit risk with major suppliers of petroleum 

27 

products and agricultural inputs when we make payments for undelivered inventories. Our fixed-price forward contracts are 
subject to credit risk when prices change significantly prior to delivery. The inability by a third party to pay us for our sales,
provide product that was paid for in advance or deliver on a fixed-price contract could result in a loss and adversely impact 
our liquidity and ability to make our own payments when due. 

The interest rates under our revolving credit facility may be impacted by the phase-out of LIBOR. 

LIBOR is the basic rate of interest widely used as a reference for setting the interest rates on loans globally. We use 

LIBOR as a (cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)
which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear if LIBOR will cease 
to exist at that time or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The
U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of 
large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a new index, the Secured Overnight 
(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:54)(cid:50)(cid:41)(cid:53)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)-term repurchase agreements backed by Treasury securities. We are 
evaluating the potential impact of the eventual replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate, however, we are not able 
to predict whether LIBOR will cease to be available after 2021, whether SOFR will become a widely accepted benchmark in 
place of LIBOR, or what the impact of such a possible transition to SOFR may be on our business, financial condition, and 
results of operations. 

We have limitations, as a holding company, in our ability to receive distributions from a small number of our subsidiaries.

We conduct most of our operations through our subsidiaries and rely on dividends or intercompany transfers of funds to 
generate free cash flow. Some of our subsidiaries are currently, or are expected to be, limited in their ability to pay dividends 
or make distributions under the terms of their financing agreements. Consequently, we cannot fully rely on the cash flow 
from one subsidiary to satisfy the loan obligations of another subsidiary. As a result, if a subsidiary is unable to satisfy its
loan obligations, we may not be able to prevent default by providing additional cash to that subsidiary, even if sufficient cash
exists elsewhere within our organization. 

Increased federal support of cellulosic ethanol could result in increased competition to corn-based ethanol producers. 

Legislation, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and EISA, provides numerous funding 
opportunities supporting cellulosic ethanol production. In addition, RFS II mandates an increasing level of biofuel production 
that is not derived from corn, though this will be amended lower by the EPA in the reset rulemaking. Federal policies suggest 
a long-term political preference for cellulosic processing using feedstocks such as switch grass, silage, wood chips or other 
forms of biomass. Cellulosic ethanol is viewed more favorably since the feedstock is not diverted from food production and 
has a smaller carbon footprint. Several cellulosic ethanol plants are currently under development. While these have had 
limited success to date, as research and development programs persist, there is risk that cellulosic ethanol could displace corn
ethanol. 

Any changes in federal mandates from corn-based to cellulosic-based ethanol production may reduce our profitability. 

Our plants are designed as single-feedstock facilities and would require significant additional investments to convert 
production to cellulosic ethanol. Furthermore, our plants are strategically located in high-yield, low-cost corn production 
areas. At present, there is limited supply of alternative feedstocks near our facilities. As a result, the adoption of cellulosic 
ethanol and its use as the preferred form of ethanol could have a significant adverse impact on our business. 

Environmental, social and corporate governance matters and uncertainty regarding regulation of such matters may increase 
our operating costs, impact our capital markets and potentially reduce the value of our  products and assets.

The issue of global climate change continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention with widespread 
concern about the impacts of human activity, especially the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and 
methane. With the incoming administration, climate change legislation in the U.S. is likely to receive increased focus and 
consideration over the next several years, with numerous proposals having been made and are likely to continue to be made 
at the international, national, regional and state levels of government that are intended to limit emissions of greenhouse gases
and capture carbon. Several states have already adopted measures requiring reduction of greenhouse gases within state 
boundaries. Other states have elected to participate in voluntary regional cap-and-trade programs. While we believe our 
products are low carbon and result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternatives, any significant 
legislative changes at the international, national, state or local levels could significantly affect our ability to produce and sell 
our products, could increase the cost of the production and sale of our products and could materially reduce the value of our 
products. 

28 

Apart from governmental regulation, some investment banks based both domestically and internationally have 

announced that they have adopted environmental, social and corporate governance guidelines (ESG). There have also been 
efforts in recent years affecting the investment community, including investment advisers, sovereign wealth funds, public 
pension funds, universities and other groups, promoting the divestment of fossil fuel equities, and encouraging the 
consideration of ESG practices of companies in a manner that could negatively affect us. The impact of such efforts may 
adversely affect the demand for and price of securities issued by us, and impact our access to the capital and financial 
markets.  

 Further, it is believed by some that climate change itself may cause more extreme weather conditions such as more 
intense hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and snow or ice storms, as well as rising sea levels and increased volatility in 
seasonal temperatures. Extreme weather conditions can interfere with our operations and increase our costs, and damage 
resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured. However, at this time, we are unable to determine the extent to 
which any potential climate change may lead to increased weather hazards affecting our operations. 

Our insurance policies do not cover all losses, costs or liabilities that we may experience, and insurance companies that 
currently insure companies in the energy industry may cease to do so or substantially increase premiums. 

We are insured under property, liability and business interruption policies, subject to the deductibles and limits under 
those policies. We have acquired insurance that we believe to be adequate to prevent loss from material foreseeable risks. 
However, events may occur for which no insurance is available or for which insurance is not available on terms that are 
acceptable. Loss from an event, such as, but not limited to war, riots, pandemics, terrorism or other risks, may not be insured
and such a loss may have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial position. 

Certain of our ethanol production plants and our related storage tanks, as well as certain of our fuel terminal facilities are 
located within recognized seismic and flood zones. We believe that the design of these facilities have been modified to fortify
them to meet structural requirements for those regions of the country. We have also obtained additional insurance coverage 
specific to earthquake and flood risks for the applicable plants and fuel terminals. However, there is no assurance that any 
such facility would remain in operation if a seismic or flood event were to occur. 

Additionally, our ability to obtain and maintain adequate insurance may be adversely affected by conditions in the 
insurance market over which we have no control. In addition, if we experience insurable events, our annual premiums could 
increase further or insurance may not be available at all. If significant changes in the number or financial solvency of 
insurance underwriters for the ethanol industry occur, we may be unable to obtain and maintain adequate insurance at a 
reasonable cost. We cannot assure our unitholders that we will be able to renew our insurance coverage on acceptable terms, 
if at all, or that we will be able to arrange for adequate alternative coverage in the event of non-renewal. The occurrence of an
event that is not fully covered by insurance, the failure by one or more insurers to honor its commitments for an insured event
or the loss of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash 
flows and ability of the partnership to make distributions to its unitholders. 

Risks Related to the Partnership  

We depend on the partnership to provide fuel storage and transportation services. 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:78)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:93)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)tation of fuel, 

including: damages to storage facilities, railcars and surrounding properties caused by floods, fires, severe weather, 
(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:80)(cid:30)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)at third-
party facilities at which its operations are dependent; curtailments of operations relative to severe weather; and other hazards, 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:88)(cid:87)-down of the 
part(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)
business could be adversely impacted, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The 
inability of the partnership to continue operations, for any reason, could also impact the value of our investment in the 
partnership and, because the partnership is a consolidated entity, our business, financial condition and results of operations.

29 

The partnership’s revolving credit facility includes restrictions that may limit its ability to finance future operations, meet its 
capital needs or expand its business. In addition, the partnership’s revolving credit facility matures on December 31, 2021 
and the partnership may not be able to renew, extend or replace the expiring facility with similar terms. If the partnership 
fails to comply with covenants in its revolving credit facility or if the facility is terminated, the partnership may be required to 
repay its indebtedness thereunder, which may have an adverse effect on the partnership’s liquidity and its ability to operate 
and provide services to us. 

The partnership is dependent upon the earnings and cash flow generated by its operations in order to meet its debt service 

obligations and to allow the partnership to pay cash distributions to our unitholders. The operating and financial restrictions
(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)s ability to 
finance future operations or capital needs or to expand or pursue its business activities, which may, in turn, limit its ability to 
(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)bility to, among 
other things: (1) make certain cash distributions; (2) incur certain indebtedness; (3) create certain liens; (4) make certain 
investments; (5) merge or sell certain of our assets; and (6) expand the nature of our business. 

Furthermore, th(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)

ratios.  

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)

attractive business opportunities and its flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in business conditions. In 
(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)
default that could enable (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)
facility, to declare the outstanding principal of that debt, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable 
and/or to proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such debt. If there is a default or event of default, the 
payment of (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86) debt is accelerated, defaults under its other debt instruments, if any, may be triggered, and its 
assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full. Therefore, the holders of our units could experience a partial or total loss
of their investment.  

The credit facility will mature on December 31, 2021. The partnership anticipates that it will renew and extend the credit 
facility prior to its maturity. Adverse changes in market conditions could make the renewal of the credit facility more difficult
or cold result in an increase in the cost to renew.   

The partnership may not have sufficient available cash to pay quarterly distributions on its units. 

The amount of cash the partnership can distribute depends on how much cash is generated from operations, which can 
fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on ethanol and other fuel volumes, handling fees, payments associated with minimum 
volume commitments, timely payments by subsidiaries, and other third parties, and prevailing economic conditions. The 
(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and organic growth projects, debt service requirements, working capital needs, 
ability to borrow funds and access capital markets, revolving credit facility restrictions, cash reserves and other risks affecting 
cash levels. Increa(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)certain projects could increase interest expense, 
which could impact the amount of cash available for distributions. 

There are no limitations in the partnership agreement regarding its ability to issue additional units. Should the partnership 

issue additional units in connection with an acquisition or expansion, the distributions on the incremental units will increase
the risk that the partnership will be unable to maintain or increase distributions on a per unit basis.  

Increases in interest rates could adversely impact the partnership’s unit price, ability to issue equity or incur debt, and pay
cash distributions at intended levels. 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:92)ield affect its unit price. Distributions are often used by 
investors to compare and rank yield-oriented securities when making investment decisions. A rising interest rate environment 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)o issue equity or incur debt or pay cash distributions at 
intended levels, which could adversely impact the value of our investment in the partnership. 

We may be required to pay taxes on our share of the partnership’s income that are greater than the cash distributions we 
receive from the partnership. 

The unitholders of the partnership generally include, for purposes of calculating their U.S. federal, state and local income 
(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71) cash distributions from the partnership. We 

30 

ultimately may not receive cash distributions from the partnership equal to our share of taxable income or the taxes that are 
due with respect to that income, which could negatively impact our liquidity. 

A majority of the executive officers and directors of the partnership are also officers of our company, which could result in 
conflicts of interest. 

We indirectly own and control the partnership and appoint all of its officers and directors. A majority of the executive 

officers and directors of the partnership are also officers or directors of our company. Although our directors and officers 
have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the company in a manner that is beneficial to us, as directors and officers of the 
partnership, they also have certain duties to the partnership and its unitholders. Conflicts of interest may arise between us and 
our affiliates, and the partnership and its unitholders, and in resolving these conflicts, the partnership may favor its own 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)l
conflicts of interest to its conflicts committee, which must consist entirely of independent directors, for resolution. The 
conflicts committee must act in the best interests of the public unitholders of the partnership. As a result, the partnership may 
manage its business in a manner that differs from the best interests of the company or our stockholders, which could 
adversely affect our profitability. 

Cash available for distributions could be reduced and likely cause a substantial reduction in unit value if the partnership 
became subject to entity-level taxation for federal income tax purposes. 

The present federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or investments in its units could be modified, at 

any time, by administrative, legislative or judicial changes and interpretations. From time to time, members of Congress 
propose and consider substantive changes to the existing federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. 
Should any legislative proposal eliminate the qualifying income exception, all publicly traded partnerships would be treated 
as corporations for federal income tax purposes. The partnership would be required to pay federal income tax on its taxable 
income at the corporate tax rate and likely state and local income taxes at varying rates as well. Distributions to unitholders
would be taxed as corporate distributions. The partnershi(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)
be substantially reduced. 

Risks Related to our Common Stock 

The price of our common stock may be highly volatile and subject to factors beyond our control. 

Some of the many factors that can influence the price of our common stock include: (1) our results of operations and the 

performance of our competitors; (2) (cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:40)(cid:38)(cid:30)
(3) changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by equity research analysts who follow us or other companies in our 
industry; (4) changes in general economic conditions; (5) changes in market prices for our products or raw materials and 
related substitutes; (6) sales of common stock by our directors, executive officers and significant shareholders; (7) actions by
institutional investors trading in our stock; (8) disruptions in our operations; (9) changes in our management team; (10) other
developments affecting us, our industry or our competitors; and (11) U.S. and international economic, legal and regulatory 
factors unrelated to our performance. 

In recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, which are unrelated to the 

operating performance of any particular company. These broad market fluctuations could materially reduce the price of our 
common stock price based on factors that have little or nothing to do with our company or its performance. 

Anti-takeover provisions could make it difficult for a third party to acquire us. 

(cid:50)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)-takeover provisions that could delay 
or prevent change in control of us or our management. These provisions discourage proxy contests, making it difficult for our 
shareholders to elect directors or take other corporate actions without the consent of our board of directors, which include: (1)
board members have three-year staggered terms; (2) board members can only be removed for cause with an affirmative vote 
of no less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares; (3) shareholder action can only be taken at a special or annual meeting, 
not by written consent except where required by Iowa law; (4) shareholders are restricted from making proposals at 
shareholder meetings; and (5) the board of directors can issue authorized or unissued shares of stock. 

We are subject to the provisions of the Iowa Business Corporations Act, which prohibits combinations between an Iowa 

corporation whose stock is publicly traded or held by more than 2,000 shareholders and an interested shareholder for three 
years unless certain exemption requirements are met. 

Provisions in the convertible notes could also make it more difficult or too expensive for a third party to acquire us. If a 
takeover constitutes a fundamental change, holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase their notes in cash.

31 

If a takeover constitutes a make-whole fundamental change, we may be required to increase the conversion rate for holders 
who convert their notes. In either case, the obligation under the notes could increase the acquisition cost and discourage a 
third party from acquiring us. 

These items discourage transactions that could otherwise command a premium over prevailing market prices and may 

limit the price investors are willing to pay for our stock. 

Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. income tax on gains related to the sale of their common stock. 

If we are a U.S. real property holding corporation during the shorter of the five-year period before the stock was sold or 
the period the stock was held by a non-U.S. shareholder, the non-U.S. shareholder could be subject to U.S federal income tax 
on gains related to the sale of their common stock. Whether we are a U.S. real property holding corporation depends on the 
fair market value of our U.S. real property interests relative to our other trade or business assets and non-U.S. real property
interests. We cannot provide assurance that we are not a U.S. real property holding corporation or will not become one in the 
future. 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments. 

None. 

Item 2.  Properties.

We believe the property owned and leased at our locations is sufficient to accommodate our current needs, as well as 

potential expansion.  

Corporate 

We lease approximately 54,000 square feet of office space at 1811 Aksarben Drive in Omaha, Nebraska for our 

corporate headquarters, which houses our corporate administrative functions and commodity trading operations.  

Ethanol Production Segment  

We own approximately 1,775 acres of land and lease approximately 78 acres of land at and around our ethanol 

production facilities. As detailed in our discussion of the ethanol production segment in Item 1 – Business, our ethanol plants 
have the capacity to produce approximately 1.0 billion gallons of ethanol per year.  

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment  

We own approximately 39 acres of land at our three grain elevators. As detailed in our discussion in Item 1 – Business,

our agribusiness and energy services segment facilities include three grain elevators with combined grain storage capacity of 
approximately 7.6 million bushels, and grain storage capacity at our ethanol plants of approximately 30.5 million bushels. 

We lease approximately 50,500 square feet manufacturing space at 4500 S. 76th Circle in Omaha, Nebraska for our 
Optimal Aquafeed LLC operations which manufactures and stores fish food, feed ingredients and other related products.   

Our marketing operations are conducted primarily at our corporate office, in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Partnership Segment  

Our partnership owns approximately five acres of land and leases approximately 17 acres of land at six locations in five 

states, as disclosed in Item 1 – Business, where its fuel terminals are located and owns approximately 42 acres of land and 
leases approximately two acres of land where its storage facilities are located at our ethanol production facilities.  

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

We are currently involved in litigation that has occurred in the ordinary course of doing business. We do not believe this 

will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures. 

Not applicable. 

32 

Item 5.  Market f(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)

PART II 

Securities. 

Common Stock 

Our common stock trades und(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:42)(cid:51)(cid:53)(cid:40)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:84)(cid:17)

Holders of Record 

We had 1,999 holders of record of our common stock, not including beneficial holders whose shares are held in names 
other than their own, on February 11, 2021. This figure does not include approximately 32.7 million shares held in depository 
trusts.  

Dividend Policy 

On June 18, 2019, the company announced that its board of directors decided to suspend its future quarterly cash 

(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:3)
operating expense equalization plan, the deployment of high-protein technology and its stock repurchase program.  

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

Employees surrender shares when restricted stock grants are vested to satisfy statutory minimum required payroll tax 

withholding obligations. No restricted stock vested during the fourth quarter of 2020 and therefore no shares were 
surrendered. 

Our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $200.0 million of our common stock. Under this 

program, we may repurchase shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated buyback 
programs, tender offers or by other means. The timing and amount of the transactions are determined by management based 
on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program may be suspended, 
modified or discontinued at any time, without prior notice. We did not repurchase any shares during the fourth quarter of 
2020. Since inception, the company has repurchased 7,396,936 shares of common stock for approximately $92.8 million 
under the program. 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities 

None. 

Equity Compensation Plans 

Refer to Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 

for information regarding shares authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.   

33 

Performance Graph 

The following graph compares our cumulative total return with the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and the Nasdaq Clean 

Edge Green Energy Index (CELS) for each of the five years ended December 31, 2020. The graph assumes a $100 
investment in our common stock and each index at December 31, 2015, and that all dividends were reinvested. 

Green Plains Inc. 
S&P SmallCap 600 
Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy 

$

12/15 
 100.00  $
 100.00 
 100.00 

12/16 
 124.59  $
 126.56 
 97.35 

12/17 

12/18 

12/19

 77.28  $

 61.73  $

 73.83  $

 143.30 
 128.55 

 131.15 
 112.98 

 161.03 
 161.18 

12/20 

 63.02 
 179.20 
 459.09 

The information in the graph will not be considered solicitation material, nor will it be filed with the SEC or incorporated 

by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, unless we specifically incorporate it by 
reference into our filing. 

34 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data. 

The statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and the balance sheet data as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read together with 
the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this report. 

The statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the balance sheet data as of 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in 
this report, which describe a number of matters that materially affect the comparability of the periods presented. 

The following selected financial data should be read together with Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report. The financial information below is not necessarily indicative of 
results to be expected for any future period. Future results could differ materially from historical results due to numerous 
factors, including those discussed in Item 1A – Risk Factors of this report. 

Statement of Operations Data: 
(in thousands, except per share information) 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2018 (1) (2)

2017 (1)

2019 (1)

2016 (1)

$  1,923,719  $  2,417,238  $  2,983,932  $  3,289,475  $  3,159,313 
 3,080,101 

 3,265,727 

 2,559,808 

 2,046,415 

 2,893,978 

Revenues 
Costs and expenses 
Operating income (loss) from continuing 
operations (3)
Total other expense (4)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 
including noncontrolling interest 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of 
income taxes 
Net income (loss) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains  $

 (122,696) 
 38,434 

 (142,570) 
 30,372 

 89,954 
 84,310 

 23,748 
 78,902 

 79,212 
 50,918 

 (89,654) 

 (148,829) 

 25,195 

 76,633 

 24,669 

 - 
 (89,654) 
 (108,775)  $

 829 
 (148,000) 
 (166,860)  $

 11,539 
 36,734 
 15,923  $

 4,998 
 81,631 
 61,061  $

 5,822 
 30,491 
 10,663 

Basic earnings per share: 

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing 
operations 
Earnings per share from discontinued 
operations 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Green 
Plains 

Diluted earnings per share: 

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing 
operations 
Earnings per share from discontinued 
operations 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Green 
Plains 

Cash dividend declared per share (5)

Other Data: (Non-GAAP) 

Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands) 

$

$

$

$

$

$

 (3.14)  $

 (4.40)  $

 0.11  $

 1.43  $

 0.13 

 - 

 0.02 

 0.28 

 0.13 

 0.15 

 (3.14)  $

 (4.38)  $

 0.39  $

 1.56  $

 0.28 

 (3.14)  $

 (4.40)  $

 0.11  $

 1.37  $

 0.13 

 - 

 0.02 

 0.28 

 0.10 

 0.15 

 (3.14)  $

 (4.38)  $

 0.39  $

 1.47  $

 0.28 

 -  $

 0.24  $

 0.48  $

 0.48  $

 0.40 

 36,748  $

 (39,940)  $

 75,429  $

 154,451  $

 175,106 

35 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2018 (1)

2017 (1)

2019 

Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents 
Current assets 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities 
Stockholders' equity 

$

 233,860  $
 642,353 
 1,578,917 
 452,556 
 287,299 
 802,253 
 776,664 

 245,977  $
 667,913 
 1,698,218 
 541,791 
 243,990 
 832,932 
 865,286 

 251,681  $

 266,619  $

 1,206,642 
 2,216,432 
 833,700 
 298,110 
 1,153,443 
 1,062,989 

 1,211,965 
 2,790,144 
 891,755 
 767,278 
 1,731,008 
 1,059,136 

2016 (1)

 303,449 
 1,000,576 
 2,506,492 
 594,946 
 782,610 
 1,527,301 
 979,191 

(1) The assets and liabilities and results of operations of GPCC prior to its divesture on September 1, 2019 have been reclassified as discontinued 

operations. 

(2) Fiscal year 2018 includes approximately eleven months of operations of the Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, Iowa, Riga, Michigan and the Hopewell, 

(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:17)

(3) Fiscal year 2020 includes the goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million, the $22.4 million loss on sale of assets, net from the sale of the 

Hereford, Texas ethanol plant and the $1.5 million gain from sale of GPCC. Fiscal year 2018 includes the $150.4 million gain on the sale of the 
(cid:37)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)r. 

(4) Fiscal year 2019 includes the $4.8 million gain related to the sale of our 50% interest in JGP Energy Partners LLC. 
(5) On June 18, 2019, the company announced that its board of directors decided to suspend its future quarterly cash dividend following the June 14, 

2019 dividend payment. 

We use EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as segment measures of profitability to compare the financial performance of 

our reportable segments and manage those segments. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax 
expense, including related tax expense of equity method investments, depreciation and amortization excluding the 
amortization of right-of-use assets and debt issuance costs. Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments related to operational 
results of GPCC prior to its disposition which are recorded as discontinued operations, our proportional share of EBITDA 
adjustments of our equity method investees, noncash goodwill impairment and the loss (gain) on sale of assets, net. We 
believe EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are useful measures to compare our performance against other companies. EBITDA 
and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, which is prepared in 
accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA calculations may vary from company to company. Accordingly, our 
computation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable with a similarly titled measure of other companies.  

The following table reconciles net income (loss) from continuing operations including noncontrolling interest to adjusted 

EBITDA (in thousands): 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2018 

2017 

2019 

2016 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations 
including noncontrolling interest 

Interest expense 
Income tax expense (benefit), net of equity 
method income tax expense 
Depreciation and amortization (1)

EBITDA 

EBITDA adjustments related to discontinued 
operations 
Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments to 
equity method investees 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net (2)
Noncash goodwill impairment 

Adjusted EBITDA 

$

 (89,654)  $
 39,993 

 (148,829)  $
 40,200 

 25,195  $
 87,449 

 76,633  $
 83,700 

 24,669 
 49,935 

 (43,879) 
 78,244 
 (15,296) 

 (21,316) 
 72,127 
 (57,818) 

 (20,147) 
 98,258 
 190,755 

 (132,061) 
 103,582 
 131,854 

 3,625 
 83,137 
 161,366 

 - 

 17,703 

 33,897 

 22,516 

 13,615 

 7,093 
 20,860 
 24,091 
 36,748  $

$

 4,974 
 (4,799) 
 - 

 1,128 
 (150,351) 
 - 

 81 
 - 
 - 

 (39,940)  $

 75,429  $

 154,451  $

 125 
 - 
 - 
 175,106 

(1) Excludes the amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and amortization of debt issuance costs.
(2)

Fiscal year 2019 includes gain reported in other income (expense).

36 

(cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)

General 

The following discussion and analysis includes information management believes is relevant to understand and assess 

our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. This section should be read in conjunction with our 
consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and the risk factors contained in this report. 

Overview 

Green Plains is an Iowa corporation, founded in June 2004 as a producer of low carbon fuels and has grown to be one of 

the leading corn processors in the world. We continue the transition from a commodity-processing business to a value-add 
agricultural technology company focusing on creating diverse, non-cyclical, higher margin products. In addition, we are 
currently undergoing a number of project initiatives to improve margins. Through our Project 24 initiative, we anticipate 
reductions in operating expense per gallon across our non-ICM plants and with our high-protein initiative, we expect to 
produce various Ultra-High Protein feed ingredients further increasing margins per gallon.  

Our first Ultra-High Protein installation was completed at our Shenandoah plant during the first quarter of 2020 with 
shipments of dried product beginning in April 2020. Installation at our Wood River plant began during the third quarter 2020 
with shipments expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021. We anticipate that additional locations will be completed over 
the course of the next several years. 

We have also upgraded our York facility to include USP grade alcohol capabilities and it will be further upgraded to 
GNS by adding additional distillation and processing capabilities to serve other high-value markets, including the beverage 
alcohol market and will continue to produce USP grade alcohol during construction. The GNS upgrade is expected to be 
completed during the second quarter of 2021. We expect to complete the CST production facility at York in the first quarter 
of 2021, which will allow for the production of both food and industrial grade dextrose. We anticipate modifying one or more 
biorefineries to CST production facilities to meet anticipated future customer demands. 

We recently completed the purchase of a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. The acquisition capitalizes 

on the core strengths of each company to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial 
biotechnology systems and rapidly expand installation and production of Ultra-High Protein across Green Plains facilities, as 
well as offer these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. 

 Additionally, we have taken advantage of opportunities to divest certain assets in recent years. We are focused on 
generating stable operating margins through our business segments and risk management strategy. We own and operate 
assets throughout the ethanol value chain: upstream, with grain handling and storage; through our ethanol production 
facilities; and downstream, with marketing and distribution services to mitigate commodity price volatility. Our other 
businesses leverage our supply chain, production platform and expertise. 

Our profitability is highly dependent on commodity prices, particularly for ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, corn, and 

natural gas. Since market price fluctuations of these commodities are not always correlated, our operations may be 
unprofitable at times. We use a variety of risk management tools and hedging strategies to monitor price risk exposure at our 
ethanol plants and lock in favorable margins or reduce production when margins are compressed.(cid:3)

More information about our business, properties and strategy can be found under Item 1 – Business and a description of 

our risk factors can be found under Item 1A – Risk Factors.

Industry Factors Affecting our Results of Operations 

U.S. Ethanol Supply and Demand 

According to the EIA, domestic ethanol production averaged 0.91 million barrels per day in 2020, which was 12% lower 

than the 1.03 million barrels per day in 2019. Refiner and blender input volume decreased 13% to 798 thousand barrels per 
day for 2020, compared with 921 thousand barrels per day in 2019. Gasoline demand decreased 1.2 million barrels per day, 
or 13% in 2020. U.S. domestic ethanol ending stocks increased by approximately 2.5 million barrels, or 12%, year over year 
to 23.5 million barrels. As of December 31, 2020, according to Prime the Pump, there were approximately 2,300 retail 
stations selling E15 in 30 states, up from 2,080 at the beginning of the year, as well as 203 pipeline terminal locations now 
offering E15 to wholesale customers. 

37 

Global Ethanol Supply and Demand 

According to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, domestic ethanol exports through November 30, 2020 were 
approximately 1.22 bgy, down 7.6% from 1.32 bgy for the same period of 2019. Canada was the largest export destination 
for U.S. ethanol accounting for 25% of domestic ethanol export volume. Brazil, India, and South Korea accounted for 16%, 
15%, and 8%, respectively, of U.S. ethanol exports. We currently estimate that net ethanol exports will range from 1.3 to 1.5 
billion gallons in 2021, excluding any significant exports to China, based on historical demand from a variety of countries 
and certain countries who seek to improve their air quality and eliminate MTBE from their own fuel supplies. 

On April 1, 2018, China announced it would add an additional 15% tariff to the existing 30% tariff it had earlier imposed 
on ethanol imports from the United States and Brazil. China later raised the tariff further to 70% as the trade war escalated. In 
(cid:45)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:72)nts on agricultural 
commodity purchases. Ethanol, corn and distillers grains were included as potential purchases in the agreement. China has 
been purchasing large quantities of corn, which has raised domestic prices of this feedstock for our ethanol production 
process. In addition, in October 2020 it was announced that China had purchased a shipment of U.S. ethanol for the first time 
since March 2018. 

The cost to produce the equivalent amount of starch found in sugar from $3.50-per-bushel corn is 7 cents per pound. The 

average price of sugar was approximately 12.9 cents per pound during 2020.  

Year-to-date U.S. distillers grains exports through November 30, 2020, were 10.1 million metric tons, or 1% higher than 

the same period last year, according to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service. Mexico, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, 
Thailand, and Turkey accounted for approximately 62.5% of total U.S. distillers export volumes. 

Legislation and Regulation

We are sensitive to government programs and policies that affect the supply and demand for ethanol and other fuels, 

which in turn may impact the volume of ethanol and other fuels we handle. Over the past few years, various bills and 
amendments have been proposed in the House and Senate which would eliminate the RFS II entirely, eliminate the corn 
based ethanol portion of the mandate, and make it more difficult to sell fuel blends with higher levels of ethanol. We believe 
it is unlikely that any of these bills will become law in the current Congress. In addition, the manner in which the EPA 
administers the RFS II and related regulations can have a significant impact on the actual amount of ethanol blended into the 
domestic fuel supply.  

Federal mandates and state-level clean fuel programs supporting the use of renewable fuels are a significant driver of 
ethanol demand in the U.S. Ethanol policies are influenced by concerns for the environment, diversifying our fuel supply, and 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:91)-fuel vehicles and higher ethanol blends of 
ethanol in non-flex-fuel vehicles may be necessary before ethanol can achieve further growth in U.S. market share. In 
addition, expansion of clean fuel programs in other states, or a national low carbon fuel standard could increase the demand 
for ethanol, depending on how it is structured. 

Congress first enacted CAFE in 1975 to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light 
trucks. Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are designed to run on a mixture of fuels, including higher blends of ethanol 
such as E85, receive preferential treatment in the form of CAFE credits. There are approximately 21 million FFVs on the 
road in the U.S. today, 16 million of which are light duty trucks. FFV credits have been decreasing since 2014 and were 
completely phased out in 2020. Absent CAFE preferences, auto manufacturers may not be willing to build flexible-fuel 
(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:88)(cid:72)l Standard 
program (LCFS) has driven growth in E85 usage, and other state/regional LCFS programs have the potential to do the same. 

The RFS II sets a floor for ethanol usage in the United States. When the RFS II was established in 2010, the required 

volum(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:81)-based ethanol to be blended with gasoline was to increase each year until it reached 15.0 
billion gallons in 2015, which left the EPA to address existing limitations in both supply and demand. The EPA has not yet 
released a draft RVO rule for the 2021 volumes, despite the fact they typically release a draft mid-year and finalize the rule 
by November 30 each year. It is unclear when they will release the RVO for 2021. 

According to the RFS II, if mandatory renewable fuel volumes are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years, the 

EPA is required to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022 (cid:177) the year through which the statutorily prescribed 
volumes run. While conventional ethanol maintained 15 billion gallons, 2019 was the second consecutive year that the total 
proposed RVO was more than 20% below the statutory volumes levels. Thus, the EPA was expected to initiate a reset 
rulemaking, and modify statutory volumes through 2022, and do so based on the same factors they are to use in setting the 
RVOs post-2022. These factors include environmental impact, domestic energy security, expected production, infrastructure 

38 

impact, consumer costs, job creation, price of agricultural commodities, food prices, and rural economic development. 
However, in late 2019, the EPA announced it would not be moving forward with a reset rulemaking in 2020. It is unclear 
when or if they will propose a reset rulemaking. 

Under the RFS, RINs and SREs are important tools impacting supply and demand. The EPA assigns individual refiners, 

blenders, and importers the volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to use based on their percentage of total domestic 
transportation fuel sales. Obligated parties use RINs to show compliance with the RFS II mandated volumes. Ethanol 
producers assign RINs to renewable fuels and the RINs are detached when the renewable fuel is blended with transportation 
fuel domestically. Market participants can trade the detached RINs in the open market. The market price of detached RINs 
affects the price of ethanol in certain markets and can influence purchasing decisions by obligated parties. As it relates to 
SREs, a small refinery is defined as one that processes fewer than 75,000 barrels of petroleum per day. Small refineries can 
petition the EPA for a SRE which, if approved, waives their portion of the annual RVO requirements. The EPA, through 
consultation with the DOE and the USDA can grant them a full or partial waiver, or deny it outright within 90 days of 
submittal. The EPA granted significantly more of these waivers for 2016, 2017 and 2018 than they had in the past, totaling 
790 mmg of waived requirements for the 2016 compliance year, 1.82 billion gallons for 2017 and 1.43 billion gallons for 
2018. In doing so, the EPA effectively reduced the RFS II mandated volumes for those compliance years by those amounts 
respectively, and as a result, RIN values declined significantly. 

The One-Pound Waiver that was extended in May 2019 to allow E15 to be sold year-round to all vehicles model year 
2001 and newer is being challenged in an action filed in Federal District Court for the D.C. Circuit. However, the One-Pound 
Waiver remains in effect, and E15 is sold year-round in approximately 30 states. 

Biofuels groups have filed a lawsuit in the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, challenging the 2019 RVO rule over 

(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:41)(cid:54)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:44)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
expanded use of the exemptions came to light; however, the EPA had declined to cap the number of waivers it grants, and 
until late 2019, had declined to alter how it accounts for the retroactive waivers in its annual volume calculations. The EPA 
has a statutory mandate to ensure the volume requirements are met, which are achieved by setting the percentage standards 
(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)ly of renewable fuel would not meet the total 
volume requirements set by the EPA. This undermines Congressional intent to increase the consumption of renewable fuels 
in the domestic transportation fuel supply. Biofuels groups have argued the EPA must therefore adjust its percentage standard 
calculations to make up for past retroactive waivers and adjust the standards to account for any waivers it reasonably expects 
to grant in the future. 

In 2017, the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of biofuel groups against the EPA related to its decision to lower the 2016 
volume requirements by 500 mmg. As a result, the Court remanded to the EPA to make up for the 500 mmg. Despite this, in 
the proposed 2020 RVO rulemaking released in July 2019, the EPA stated it does not intend to make up the 500 mmg as the 
court directed, citing potential burden on obligated parties. The EPA had indicated that it plans to address this court ordered
remand in conjunction with the 2021 RVO rulemaking, however that rulemaking has been delayed indefinitely for political 
reasons. 

In 2019, in a supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 RVO rule, the EPA changed their approach, and for the first time 
accounted for the gallons that they anticipate they will be waiving from the blending requirements due to small refinery 
exemptions. To accomplish this, they added in the trailing three year average of gallons the DOE recommended be waived, in 
effect raising the blending volumes across the board in anticipation of waiving the obligations in whole or in part for certain
refineries that qualify for the exemptions. Though the EPA has often disregarded the recommendations of the DOE in years 
past, they stated in the rule their intent to adhere to these recommendations going forward, including granting partial waivers
rather than an all or nothing approach. The EPA will be adjudicating the 2020 compliance year small refinery exemption 
applications in early 2021, but have indicated they will adhere to the DOE recommendations for the 2019 compliance year 
applications as well. 

In January 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled on RFA et. al. vs. EPA in favor of biofuels 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:36)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
that, under the Clean Air Act, refineries are eligible for SREs for a given RVO year only if such exemptions are extensions of 
exemptions granted in previous RVO years. In this case, the three refineries at issue did not qualify for SREs in the year prior
to the year that EPA granted them. They were thus ineligible for additional SRE relief because there were no immediately 
prior SREs to extend. In addition, the Court agreed that the disproportionate economic hardship prong of SRE eligibility 
should be determined solely by reference to whether compliance with the RFS II creates such hardship, not whether 
compliance plus other issues create disproportionate economic hardship. The Court thus vacated EPA's grant of SREs for 
certain years and remanded the grants back to EPA. The refiners appealed for a rehearing which was denied. Two of the 

39 

refiners appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and in January 2021, the Supreme Court announced they would 
hear the case. If the decision against the EPA is upheld by the Supreme Court, it is uncertain how the EPA will propose to 
remedy the situation. 

In light of the 10th (cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:40)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)
continuous string of relief and to ensure they are able to qualify for SREs going forward. A total of 64 gap year requests were
filed with the EPA and reviewed by the DOE. In September 2020 the EPA announced that they were denying 54 of the gap 
year requests that had been scored and returned by DOE, regardless of how they had been scored. Without a string of 
continuous SRE approvals, almost no small refinery would be eligible to apply for hardship relief in this manner, unless the 
Supreme Court overturns the 10th Circuit ruling, which we believe is unlikely. 

In October 2019, the White House directed the USDA and EPA to move forward with rulemaking to expand access to 
higher blends of biofuels. This includes funding for infrastructure, labeling changes and allowing E15 to be sold through E10 
infrastructure. The USDA rolled out the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program in the summer of 2020, providing 
competitive grants to fuel terminals and retailers for installing equipment for dispensing higher blends of ethanol and 
biodiesel. The EPA had indicated it would move forward with notice of proposed rulemaking on E15 labeling reforms, but 
they have not as of this filing. In 2020, five Governors and 15 Republican Senators sent letters to the EPA requesting a 
general waiver from the RFS due to the drop in demand caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. As of this filing the EPA 
had indicated only that they are watching the situation closely and reviewing the letters.  

To respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and attempt to offset the subsequent economic damage, Congress passed 
multiple relief measures, most notably the CARES Act in March 2020, which created and funded multiple programs that 
have impacted our industry. The USDA was given additional resources for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and 
they are using those funds to provide direct payments to farmers, including corn farmers from whom we purchase most of our 
feedstock for ethanol production. Similar to the trade aid payments made by the USDA over the past two years, this cash 
injection for farmers could cause them to delay marketing decisions and increase the price we have to pay to purchase corn. 
The CARES Act also allowed for certain net operating loss carrybacks, which has allowed us to receive certain tax refunds.  
In December 2020, Congress passed and the President signed into law an annual spending package coupled with another 
COVID relief bill which included additional funds for the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute to those impacted by the 
pandemic. The language of the bill specifically includes biofuels producers as eligible for some of this aid. 

The CARES Act provided a tax exclusion on the shipment of undenatured ethanol for use in manufacturing hand 

sanitizer, a key ingredient of which is undenatured ethanol of specific grades. The FDA has also provided expanded guidance 
to allow for more denaturants to be used in ethanol intended for hand sanitizer production, and has expanded the grades of 
ethanol allowed for the duration of the public health crisis. 

Government actions abroad can sign(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:17)(cid:54)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)

Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Agency and 15 other state departments issued a joint plan to 
expand the use and production of biofuels containing up to 10% ethanol by 2020. China, the number three importer of U.S. 
ethanol in 2016, imported negligible volumes during 2018 and 2019 due to a 30% tariff on U.S. ethanol, which increased to 
(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)and blending to 10% will be carried to fruition, nor 
that it will lead to increased imports of U.S. ethanol in the near term. Ethanol is included as an agricultural commodity under
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73) $40 billion in agricultural commodities from 
the U.S. in both 2020 and 2021. In 2020, there were few meaningful purchases of U.S. ethanol by China. 

In Brazil, the Secretary of Foreign Trade had issued a tariff rate quota which expired in December of 2020. Exports to 
Brazil were on pace for 120 mmg in 2020. All U.S. ethanol gallons now face a 20% tariff into Brazil. Our exports also face 
tariffs, rate quotas, countervailing duties, and other hurdles in the European Union, India, Peru, Columbia and elsewhere, 
which limits the ability to compete in some markets. We believe some countries are using the COVID-19 crisis as 
justification for raising duties on imports of U.S. ethanol, or blocking our imports entirely. 

In June 2017, the Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRE) approved the use of 10% ethanol blends, which was 

challenged by multiple lawsuits, of which several were dismissed. The remaining four cases follow one of two tracks: 1) to 
determine the constitutionality of the CRE regulation, or 2) to determine the benefits, or lack thereof, of introducing E10 to 
Mexico. An injunction was granted in October 2017, preventing the blending and selling of E10, but was overturned by a 
higher court in June 2018 making it legal to blend and sell E10 by PEMEX throughout Mexico except for its three largest 
metropolitan areas. On January 15, 2020, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that the expedited process for the CRE regulation 
was unconstitutional, and that after a 180 day period the maximum ethanol blend allowed in the country would revert to 
5.8%. There is an effort underway to go through the full regulatory process to allow for 10% blends countrywide, including 

40 

in the three major metropolitan areas. The 180 day window was extended due to COVID-19, and the new deadline is March 
20, 2021. 

In January 2020, the updated North American Free Trade Agreement, known as the United States Mexico Canada 
Agreement or USMCA was signed. The USMCA went into effect on July 1, 2020, and maintains the duty free access of U.S. 
agricultural commodities, including ethanol, into Canada and Mexico. According to the Department of Commerce, exports to 
Canada were 303.5 mmg and exports to Mexico were 61.5 mmg through November 30, 2020. 

Environmental and Other Regulation 

Our operations are subject to environmental regulations, including those that govern the handling and release of ethanol, 

crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbon materials. Compliance with existing and anticipated environmental laws and 
regulations may increase our overall cost of doing business, including capital costs to construct, maintain, operate, and 
upgrade equipment and facilities. Our business may also be impacted by government policies, such as tariffs, duties, 
subsidies, import and export restrictions and outright embargos. We employ maintenance and operations personnel at each of 
its facilities, which are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

The U.S. ethanol industry relies heavily on tank cars to deliver its product to market. In 2015, the DOT finalized the 
Enhanced Tank Car Standard and Operational Controls for High-Hazard and Flammable Trains, or DOT specification 117, 
which established a schedule to retrofit or replace older tank cars that carry crude oil and ethanol, braking standards intended
to reduce the severity of accidents and new operational protocols. The deadline for compliance with DOT specification 117 is 
May 1, 2023. The rule may increase our lease costs for railcars over the long term, which will in turn result in an increase in
fees the partnership charges for railcar capacity. Additionally, existing railcars may be out of service for a period of time 
while upgrades are made, tightening supply in an industry that is highly dependent on railcars to transport product. We intend 
to strategically manage our leased railcar fleet to comply with the new regulations and have commenced transition of our 
fleet to DOT 117 compliant railcars. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 50% of our railcar fleet was DOT 117 
compliant. We anticipate that an additional 20% of our railcar fleet will be DOT 117 compliant by the end of 2021, and that 
our entire fleet will be fully compliant by 2023. 

In September 2015, the FDA issued rules for Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based 

Preventative Controls for food for animals in response to FSMA. The rules require FDA-registered food facilities to address 
safety concerns for sourcing, manufacturing and shipping food products and food for animals through food safety programs 
that include conducting hazard analyses, developing risk-based preventative controls and monitoring, and addressing 
intentional adulteration, recalls, sanitary transportation and supplier verification. We believe we have taken sufficient 
measures to comply with these regulations. 

Variability of Commodity Prices

Our business is highly sensitive to commodity price fluctuations, particularly for corn, ethanol, corn oil, distillers grains 

and natural gas, which are impacted by factors that are outside of our control, including weather conditions, corn yield, 
changes in domestic and global ethanol supply and demand, government programs and policies and the price of crude oil, 
gasoline and substitute fuels. We use various financial instruments to manage and reduce our exposure to price variability. 
For more information about our commodity price risk, refer to Item 7A. - Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About 
Market Risk, Commodity Price Risk in this report.  

During 2020, we continued to experience a weak ethanol margin environment. We maintained an average utilization rate 

of approximately 71% of capacity during 2020, compared with 76% of capacity, for the prior year. The reduction in the 
average utilization rate was primarily due to continued poor margins driven in part by a reduction in motor fuel demand as a 
result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our operating strategy is to reduce operating expenses, energy usage and water 
consumption through our Project 24 initiative while running at higher utilization rates in order to achieve improved margins. 
However, in the current environment, we may exercise operational discretion that results in reductions in production. 
Additionally, we may experience lower run rates due to the construction of various projects as well as due to delays in 
receiving the necessary permits required to operate our facilities. It is possible that production could be below minimum 
volume commitments in the future, depending on various factors that drive each biorefineries variable contribution margin, 
including future driving and gasoline demand for the industry.  

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires that we use estimates that affect the reported assets, 

liabilities, revenue and expense and related disclosures for contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on 
experience and assumptions we believe are proper and reasonable. While we regularly evaluate the appropriateness of these 

41 

estimates, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. The following accounting policies, in particular, may be 
impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. 

Revenue Recognition 

We recognize revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally this occurs 
with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received
in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales, value add, and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-
producing activities are excluded from revenue. 

(cid:54)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)keting business are 

recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs with the 
transfer of control of products or services. Revenues related to marketing for third parties are presented on a gross basis as we 
control the product prior to the sale to the end customer, take title of the product and have inventory risk. Unearned revenue 
is recorded for goods in transit when we have received payment but control has not yet been transferred to the customer. 
Revenues for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels are recognized when the product is 
delivered to the customer. 

We routinely enter into physical-delivery energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. At times, we settle these 
transactions by transferring obligations to other counterparties rather than delivering the physical commodity. Energy trading 
transactions are reported net as a component of revenue. Revenues include net gains or losses from derivatives related to 
products sold while cost of goods sold includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to commodities purchased. 
Revenues also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments and reclassifications of realized 
gains and losses on cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. 

Sales of products, including agricultural commodities are recognized when control of the product is transferred to the 

customer, which depends on the agreed upon shipment or delivery terms. Revenues related to grain merchandising are 
presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain 
storage are recognized over time as the services are rendered.  

A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal 

or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue upon transfer of control of product from its storage tanks and 
fuel terminals, when railcar volumetric capacity is provided, and as truck transportation services are performed. To the extent
shortfalls associated with minimum volume commitments in the previous four quarters continue to exist, volumes in excess 
of the minimum volume commitment are applied to those shortfalls. Remaining excess volumes generating operating lease 
revenue are recognized as incurred. 

Intercompany revenues are eliminated on a consolidated basis for reporting purposes. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

Our long-lived assets consist of property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets, intangible assets and equity 
method investments. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the 
asset with the estimated undiscounted future cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the carrying amount of the asset 
exceeds its estimated future cash flows, we record an impairment charge for the amount in excess of the fair value. There 
were no material impairment charges recorded for the periods reported. 

Our goodwill is related to certain acquisitions within our ethanol production and partnership segments. We review 
goodwill for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that an impairment may have occurred.  

We estimate the amount and timing of projected cash flows that will be generated by an asset over an extended period of 

time when we review our long-lived assets and goodwill. Circumstances that may indicate impairment include a decline in 
future projected cash flows, a decision to suspend plant operations for an extended period of time, a sustained decline in our 
market capitalization, a sustained decline in market prices for similar assets or businesses or a significant adverse change in
legal or regulatory matters, or business climate. Significant management judgment is required to determine the fair value of 
our long-lived assets and goodwill and measure impairment, including projected cash flows. Fair value is determined through 
various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models utilizing assumed margins, cost of capital, inflation and 

42 

other inputs, sales of comparable properties and third-party independent appraisals. Changes in estimated fair value as a 
result of declining ethanol margins, loss of significant customers or other factors could result in an impairment of the asset.

Near term industry outlook due to the significant decrease in crude oil prices, lower gasoline demand, general 

uncertainty due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent decline in our stock price cause(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
market capitalization during the three months ended March 31, 2020. As such, the company determined a triggering event 
had occurred that required an interim impairment assessment for its ethanol production reporting unit. Due to the impairment 
indicators noted as a result of these triggering events, we evaluated our goodwill as of March 31, 2020. Significant 
assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for goodwill were employed and included, but were not limited to, 
prospective financial information, growth rates, discount rates, inflationary factors, and cost of capital. Based on our 
quantitative evaluation, we determined that the fair value of the ethanol production reporting unit did not exceed its carrying
value. As a result, we concluded that the goodwill assigned to the ethanol production reporting unit was impaired and 
recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $24.1 million. 

During the first half of 2020, a (cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)
capitalization. As such, we determined a triggering event had occurred that required an interim impairment assessment as of 
March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for goodwill impairment 
testing were employed and include market capitalization, prospective financial information, growth rates, discount rates, 
inflationary factors, and cost of capital. (cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)March 31, 2020 and June 30, 
2020, it was determined that the fair value of the partnership reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value, and the
partnership concluded that the goodwill was not impaired. 

We performed the annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 1, 2020 using a qualitative approach, which 

resulted in no identified triggering events, and as such, no goodwill impairment. Please refer to Note 10 – Goodwill and 
Intangible Assets to the consolidated financial statements for further details. 

Leases  

On January 1, 2019, we adopted the amended guidance in ASC 842, Leases, and all related amendments and applied it to 
all leases using the optional transition method which requires the amended guidance to be applied at the date of adoption. The 
standard does not require the guidance to be applied to the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. 
As such, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect 
for those periods.  

We lease certain facilities, parcels of land, and equipment. Our leases are accounted for as operating leases, with lease 

expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The term of the lease may include options to extend or 
terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise one of those options. For leases with initial terms 
greater than 12 months, we record operating lease right-of-use assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities. Leases 
with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease right-of-use 
assets represent our right to control an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our 
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement 
date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use 
our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at commencement date to determine the present value of 
future payments.  

Our partnership segment records the majority of its operating lease revenue from its storage and throughput services and 

rail transportation services agreements with Green Plains Trade. The lease revenue from Green Plains Trade is eliminated 
upon consolidation. In addition, the partnership may sublease certain of its railcars to third parties on a short-term basis. 
These subleases are classified as operating leases, with the associated sublease revenue recognized on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term. 

Refer to Note 18 – Commitments and Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements for further details on 

operating lease expense.  

Derivative Financial Instruments  

We use various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and over-the-
counter options contracts, to attempt to minimize risk and the effect of commodity price changes including but not limited to, 
corn, ethanol, natural gas, soybean meal, soybean oil and crude oil. We monitor and manage this exposure as part of our 
overall risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on our operating results. We may 

43 

hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk; however, there may be situations when these hedging activities 
themselves result in losses. 

By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, we are exposed to credit and market risk. Our 

(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
derivative contract. We minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the 
amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring their financial condition. Market risk is the risk 
that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. We 
manage market risk by incorporating parameters to monitor exposure within our risk management strategy, which limits the 
types of derivative instruments and strategies we can use and the degree of market risk we can take using derivative 
instruments.  

We evaluate our physical delivery contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale exemptions which 

are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that do not meet the 
normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in operating income unless the 
contracts qualify for, and we elect, cash flow hedge accounting treatment.  

Certain qualifying derivatives related to ethanol production and agribusiness and energy services segments are 

designated as cash flow hedges. We evaluate the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness prior to entering into cash
flow hedges. Unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until the gain or 
loss from the underlying hedged transaction is realized. When it becomes probable a forecasted transaction will not occur, the 
cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which affects earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in 
current assets or current liabilities at fair value. 

At times, we hedge our exposure to changes in inventory values and designate qualifying derivatives as fair value 

hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted in the current period for changes in fair value. 
Ineffectiveness of the hedges is recognized in the current period to the extent the change in fair value of the inventory is not
offset by the change in fair value of the derivative.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with GAAP. Deferred tax assets and 

liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences between existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and
for net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates 
expected to be applied to taxable income in years temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of 
a tax rate change is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. The realization of deferred tax assets depends 
on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. 
Management considers scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning 
strategies to make this assessment. A valuation allowance is recorded by the company when it is more likely than not that 
some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such a determination, management considers the 
positive and negative evidence to support the need for, or reversal of, a valuation allowance. The weight given to the potential
effects of positive and negative evidence is based on the extent it can be objectively verified.  

To account for uncertainty in income taxes, we gauge the likelihood of a tax position based on the technical merits of the 

position, perform a subsequent measurement related to the maximum benefit and degree of likelihood, and determine the 
benefit to be recognized in the financial statements, if any. 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 

For information related to recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements in this report. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. 

44 

Components of Revenues and Expenses  

Revenues.  For our ethanol production segment, our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of ethanol, including 

industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil. For our agribusiness and energy services segment,
our primary sources of revenue include sales of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil that we market for our ethanol plants, in 
which we earn a marketing fee, sales of ethanol we market for a third-party and sales of grain and other commodities 
purchased in the open market. For our food and ingredients segment, the sale of corn oil, and vinegar prior to the sale of 
(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)during the fourth quarter of 2018, are our primary sources of revenue. For our partnership segment, 
our revenues consist primarily of fees for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels. Revenues 
include net gains or losses from derivatives related to products sold. 

Cost of Goods Sold.  For our ethanol production segment, cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials and plant 
overhead costs. Direct labor includes compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol 
plant operations. Plant overhead consists primarily of plant utilities and outbound freight charges. Corn is the most significant 
raw material cost followed by natural gas, which is used to power steam generation in the ethanol production process and dry 
distillers grains. Cost of goods sold also includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to commodities purchased. 

For our agribusiness and energy services segment, purchases of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and grain are the 
primary component of cost of goods sold. Grain inventories held for sale and forward purchase and sale contracts are valued 
at market prices when available or other market quotes adjusted for differences, such as transportation, between the 
exchange-traded market and local markets where the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the market value of grain 
inventories, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts are recognized as a 
component of cost of goods sold.  

For our food and ingredients segment, food-grade ethanol was the most significant raw material cost. For our vinegar 

operation, which was sold during the fourth quarter of 2018, cost of goods sold included direct labor, materials and plant 
overhead costs. Direct labor included compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in vinegar 
operations. 

Operations and Maintenance Expense.  For our partnership segment, transportation expense is the primary component of 
operations and maintenance expense. Transportation expense includes rail car leases, shipping and freight and costs incurred 
for storing ethanol at destination terminals. 

Loss (Gain) on Sale of Assets, Net.  We completed the sale of the ethanol plant located in Hereford, Texas during the 
fourth quarter of 2020. We completed the sale of the three ethanol plants located in Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, Iowa and Riga, 
(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:3)Proceeds from these sales, offset by related 
expenses, were recorded primarily at the corporate level, with only the loss on Hereford of $3.9 million being recorded at the 
ethanol production level and the gain on the assignment of operating leases of $2.7 million being recorded at the partnership 
level. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense.  Selling, general and administrative expenses are recognized at the 

operating segment and corporate level. These expenses consist of employee salaries, incentives and benefits; office expenses; 
director fees; and professional fees for accounting, legal, consulting and investor relations services. Personnel costs, which 
include employee salaries, incentives, and benefits, as well as severance and separation costs, are the largest expenditure. 
Selling, general and administrative expenses that cannot be allocated to an operating segment are referred to as corporate 
activities. 

Other Income (Expense).  Other income (expense) includes interest earned, interest expense and other non-operating 
items, including a gain of $4.8 million related to the sale of our 50% interest in JGP Energy Partners LLC during fiscal year 
2019. 

Income (loss) from Equity Method Investees, Net of Income Taxes.  Income (loss) from equity method investees, net of 

income taxes, represents our proportional share of earnings from our equity method investees. Refer to Note 21 – Equity 
Method Investments to the consolidated financial statements for further details. 

Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes.  Net income from discontinued operations, net of 

income taxes represents the operations of GPCC prior to its disposition during the third quarter of 2019. GPCC was 
previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Plains until the formation of the GPCC joint venture and disposition 
September 1, 2019. Refer to Note 5 – Acquisitions, Dispositions and Discontinued Operations to the consolidated financial 
statements for further details. 

45 

Results of Operations 

Comparability 

The following summarizes various events that affect the comparability of our operating results for the past three years: 

(cid:120)     August 2018 
(cid:120)     November 2018 

(cid:120)     November 2018 
(cid:120)     November 2018 
(cid:120)     September 2019 

(cid:120)     December 2019 
(cid:120)     October 2020 
(cid:120)     December 2020 

(cid:120)     December 2020 

Sublette, Kansas and Tulia, Texas cattle feeding operations were acquired. 
Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, Iowa and Riga, Michigan ethanol plants were sold and certain 
storage assets of these plants were acquired from the partnership prior to being sold. 
Hopewell, Virginia ethanol plant was permanently closed. 
(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71).
An aggregate 50% membership interest of GPCC was sold, resulting in the 
deconsolidation of GPCC and the equity method of accounting treatment of our continued 
investment. Operational results of GPCC prior to its disposition have been reclassified as 
discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements. The assets and liabilities 
of GPCC have been reclassified as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations. 
Our 50% membership interest in JGP Energy Partners was sold. 
Our remaining 50% membership interest in GPCC was sold. 
Hereford, Texas ethanol plant was sold and certain storage assets of this plant were 
acquired from the partnership prior to being sold. 
Acquired a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. 

The year ended December 31, 2018, includes approximately five months of operations at our Sublette and Tulia cattle 

feeding businesses, eleven months of operations at our Bluffton, Lakota, Hopewell and Riga ethanol plants and eleven 
months of our (cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17) The year ended December 31, 2019, includes eight months of operations of 
GPCC which are included in discontinued operations with the remaining four months of the GPCC joint venture being 
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Additionally, operations of GPCC have been reclassified as 
discontinued operations and assets and liabilities of GPCC have been reclassified as assets and liabilities of discontinued 
operations. The year ended December 31, 2020, includes approximately nine months of operations of the GPCC joint venture 
being accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The sale of the Hereford plant and acquisition of a majority 
interest in FQT did not have a material impact on comparability. 

Segment Results 

We report the financial and operating performance for the following four operating segments: (1) ethanol production, 
which includes the production of ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil,
(2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage, commodity marketing and merchant trading 
for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and 
ingredients, which includes food-grade corn oil operations and included vinegar production un(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Vinegar during the fourth quarter of 2018 and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services.  

During the normal course of business, our operating segments do business with each other. For example, our 
agribusiness and energy services segment procures grain and natural gas and sells products, including ethanol, distillers 
grains and corn oil of our ethanol production segment. Our partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation 
services for our agribusiness and energy services segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party 
transactions with origination, marketing and storage fees charged at estimated market values. Consequently, these 
transactions affect segment performance; however, they do not impact our consolidated results since the revenues and 
corresponding costs are eliminated. 

Corporate activities include selling, general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of compensation, 

professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment and the loss (gain) on sale of assets,
net recorded during the fourth quarter of 2020 and the fourth quarter of 2018. When we evaluate segment performance, we 
review the following segment information as well as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, or 
EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA. 

46 

The selected operating segment financial information are as follows (in thousands): 

Revenues: 

Ethanol production: 

Revenues from external customers 
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Agribusiness and energy services: 

Revenues from external customers  
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Food and ingredients: 

Revenues from external customers 
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Partnership: 

Revenues from external customers 
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Revenues including intersegment activity 
Intersegment eliminations 
Revenues as reported 

Cost of goods sold: 

Ethanol production 
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Intersegment eliminations 

Operating income (loss): 
Ethanol production (1)
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Intersegment eliminations 
Corporate activities (2)

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

$

 1,502,481 
 100 
 1,502,581 

$

 1,700,615 
 100 
 1,700,715 

 2,120,475 
 186 
 2,120,661 

 416,403 
 27,468 
 443,871 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 708,316 
 27,184 
 735,500 

 1,451 
 - 
 1,451 

 4,835 
 78,510 
 83,345 
 2,029,797 
 (106,078) 
 1,923,719 

$

 6,856 
 75,531 
 82,387 
 2,520,053 
 (102,815) 
 2,417,238 

$

 735,855 
 33,101 
 768,956 

 121,121 
 - 
 121,121 

 6,481 
 94,267 
 100,748 
 3,111,486 
 (127,554) 
 2,983,932 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

 1,507,335 
 409,407 
 - 
 - 
 (104,579) 
 1,812,163 

$

$

 1,791,099 
 696,226 
 1,526 
 - 
 (103,904) 
 2,384,947 

$

$

 2,118,787 
 717,772 
 94,679 
 - 
 (124,270) 
 2,806,968 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

 (129,618) 
 15,773 
 - 
 50,437 
 (1,400) 
 (57,888) 
 (122,696) 

$

$

 (178,575) 
 22,777 
 (76) 
 50,635 
 1,188 
 (38,519) 
 (142,570) 

$

$

 (111,823) 
 29,076 
 14,354 
 64,770 
 (3,110) 
 96,687 
 89,954 

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1) Operating loss for the ethanol production segment for fiscal year 2020 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million and $3.9 million 

pretax loss on sale of assets from the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant. 

(2) Corporate activities for fiscal year 2020 include a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million, $18.5 million pretax loss on sale of assets from 
the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant and a $1.5 million net gain from sale of GPCC. Fiscal year 2018 includes a $150.4 million gain on 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)uring the fourth quarter. 

47 

We use EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as segment measures of profitability to compare the financial performance of 
our reportable segments and manage those segments. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax 
expense, including related tax expense of equity method investments, depreciation and amortization excluding the 
amortization of right-of-use assets and debt issuance costs. Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments related to operational 
results of GPCC prior to its disposition which are recorded as discontinued operations, our proportional share of EBITDA 
adjustments of our equity method investees, noncash goodwill impairment and the loss (gain) on sale of assets, net. We 
believe EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are useful measures to compare our performance against other companies. EBITDA 
and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, which is prepared in 
accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA calculations may vary from company to company. Accordingly, our 
computation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable with a similarly titled measure of other companies.  

The following table reconciles net income (loss) from continuing operations including noncontrolling interest to adjusted 

EBITDA (in thousands): 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations including 
noncontrolling interest 

$

Interest expense 
Income tax benefit, net of equity method income taxes 
Depreciation and amortization (1)

EBITDA 

EBITDA adjustments related to discontinued operations 
Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments to equity 
method investees 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net (2)
Noncash goodwill impairment 

Adjusted EBITDA 

$

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

 (89,654) 
 39,993 
 (43,879) 
 78,244 
 (15,296) 
 - 

 7,093 
 20,860 
 24,091 
 36,748 

$

$

 (148,829) 
 40,200 
 (21,316) 
 72,127 
 (57,818) 
 17,703 

 4,974 
 (4,799) 
 - 
 (39,940) 

$

$

 25,195 
 87,449 
 (20,147) 
 98,258 
 190,755 
 33,897 

 1,128 
 (150,351) 
 - 
 75,429 

(1) Excludes the amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and amortization of debt issuance costs.
(2) Fiscal year 2019 includes gain reported in other income (expense). 

The following table reconciles net income (loss) from continuing operations including noncontrolling interest to adjusted 

EBITDA by segment (in thousands): 

Adjusted EBITDA: 

Ethanol production (1)
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Intersegment eliminations 
Corporate activities (2)

EBITDA 

EBITDA adjustments related to discontinued operations 
Proportional share of EBITDA adjustments to equity 
method investees 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net 
Noncash goodwill impairment 

Adjusted EBITDA 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

$

$

 (60,868) 
 18,430 
 - 
 54,907 
 (1,400) 
 (26,365) 
 (15,296) 
 - 

 7,093 
 20,860 
 24,091 
 36,748 

$

$

 (114,494) 
 25,050 
 (76) 
 54,853 
 1,188 
 (24,339) 
 (57,818) 
 17,703 

 4,974 
 (4,799) 
 - 
 (39,940) 

$

$

 (31,623) 
 31,583 
 21,908 
 69,399 
 (3,110) 
 102,598 
 190,755 
 33,897 

 1,128 
 (150,351) 
 - 
 75,429 

(1) Fiscal year 2020 includes the goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million and $3.9 million pretax loss on sale of assets from the sale of the 

Hereford, Texas ethanol plant. 

(2) Corporate activities for fiscal year 2020 include a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million, a $18.5 million pretax loss on sale of assets from 
the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant and the $1.5 million gain from sale of GPCC. Fiscal year 2019 includes a $4.8 million gain related to 
the sale of our 50% interest in JGP Energy Partners LLC. Fiscal year 2018 includes the $150.4 million gain on the sale of the Bluffton, Indiana, 
(cid:47)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:17)

48 

Total assets by segment are as follows (in thousands): 

Total assets (1):

Ethanol production 
Agribusiness and energy services 
Partnership 
Corporate assets 
Intersegment eliminations 

Year Ended December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 852,959 
 426,724 
 91,205 
 228,074 
 (20,045) 
 1,578,917 

$

$

 884,293 
 410,400 
 90,011 
 324,280 
 (10,766) 
 1,698,218 

(1) Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances. 

Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2019 

Consolidated Results 

Consolidated revenues decreased $493.5 million in 2020, compared with 2019 primarily due to lower production 
volumes of ethanol and distillers grains in our ethanol production segment and decreased trading revenues within our 
agribusiness and energy services segment. 

Operating loss decreased $19.9 million and adjusted EBITDA increased $76.7 million in 2020, compared with 2019 
primarily due to increased margins associated with the sales of industrial-grade alcohol and Ultra-High Protein feed, offset by
the pretax write-off of the goodwill in the ethanol production segment and loss on sale of assets, net during fiscal year 2020.
Interest expense decreased $0.2 million in 2020, compared with 2019 primarily due to lower interest rates. Income tax benefit 
was $50.4 million in 2020, compared to $21.3 million in 2019. The change in income tax benefit is primarily due to the carry 
back of a tax NOL generated in 2019 to the 2014 tax year under the newly enacted CARES Act of 2020, as well as the 
release of a valuation allowance recorded against the 2019 tax NOL and other deferred tax assets, while in 2019 we recorded 
a tax benefit due to a loss before income taxes, partially offset by the recognition of a $25.9 million valuation allowance 
(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)

The following discussion provides greater detail about our segment performance. 

Ethanol Production Segment 

Key operating data for our ethanol production segment is as follows: 

Ethanol sold 

(thousands of gallons) 

Distillers grains sold 

(thousands of equivalent dried tons) 

Corn oil sold 

(thousands of pounds) 

Corn consumed 

(thousands of bushels) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 
2020 

 793,743 

 856,623 

 2,054 

 213,818 

 275,351 

 2,234 

 212,071 

 298,178 

Revenues in the ethanol production segment decreased $198.1 million in 2020 compared with 2019 primarily due to 

lower production volumes of ethanol and distillers grains. 

Cost of goods sold in the ethanol production segment decreased $283.8 million for 2020 compared with 2019 due to 
lower production volumes. Operating loss decreased $49.0 million and EBITDA decreased $53.6 million in 2020 compared 
with the 2019 primarily due to improved margins as well as increased sales of industrial-grade alcohol and Ultra-High 
Protein feed, offset by the pretax write-off of the goodwill and the loss on sale of assets, net during fiscal year 2020. 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $68.0 million for 2020, compared with $63.1 
million during 2019.

49 

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment 

Revenues in the agribusiness and energy services segment decreased $291.6 million while operating income decreased 
$7.0 million and EBITDA decreased $6.6 million in 2020 compared with 2019. The decrease in revenues was primarily due 
to a decrease in ethanol and distillers grain trading activity, as well as lower average realized prices for ethanol. Operating
income and EBITDA decreased primarily as a result of decreased margins during the first and second quarters. 

Food and Ingredients Segment 

The food and ingredients segment, which now represents food-grade corn oil production had no activity during fiscal 

year 2020.

Partnership Segment 

Revenues generated from the partnership segment increased $1.0 million in 2020 compared with 2019. Storage and 
throughput service revenue increased $1.5 million due to an increase in the rate per gallon charged to Green Plains Trade 
beginning on July 1, 2020. Trucking and other revenue increased $0.4 million primarily due to an increase in volumes 
transported for Green Plains Trade. Railcar transportation services revenue increased $0.2 million primarily due to an 
increase in average volumetric capacity provided and the average capacity fee charged of $0.7 million, offset by a decrease in 
railcar sublease revenue of $0.5 million. Terminal services revenue decreased $1.1 million as a result of a reduction in fees 
associated with minimum volume commitments. 

Operating income for the partnership segment decreased $0.2 million while EBITDA increased $0.1 million in 2020 

compared to 2019 due to the changes in revenues discussed above, partially offset by an increase in operations and 
maintenance expenses of $0.5 million.

Intersegment Eliminations 

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased by $3.3 million for 2020 compared with 2019 due to increased storage 

and throughput fees paid to the partnership segment.

Corporate Activities 

Operating loss increased by $19.4 million for 2020 compared with 2019, primarily due to the loss on sale of assets 

recorded during the fourth quarter of 2020.  

Income Taxes 

We recorded income tax benefit of $50.4 million for 2020 compared to $21.3 million in 2019. The change in income tax 

benefit is primarily due to the carry back of a tax NOL generated in 2019 to the 2014 tax year under the newly enacted 
CARES Act of 2020, as well the release of a valuation allowance recorded against the 2019 tax NOL and other deferred tax 
assets, while in 2019 we recorded a tax benefit due to a loss before income taxes, partially offset by the recognition of a $25.9 
(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)We increased the valuation allowance for our net 
deferred tax assets due to uncertainty that we will realize these assets in the future. The valuation allowance on deferred tax
assets was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including cumulative losses in recent years, outweighing the more 
subjective positive evidence. 

Net Income from Discontinued Operations 

As previously discussed, we sold an aggregate 50% membership interest in GPCC to TGAM and StepStone during the 

third quarter of 2019. After closing, GPCC was no longer consolidated in our consolidated financial statements and the 
GPCC investment was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. GPCC results for all reported periods prior to its 
disposition are classified as discontinued operations. Net income from discontinued operations was $0.8 million in 2019. 

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2018 

Consolidated Results 

Consolidated revenues decreased $566.7 million in 2019, compared with 2018 primarily due to the disposition of three 

(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:17)

50 

Operating income decreased $232.5 million and adjusted EBITDA decreased $115.4 million in 2019, compared with 
2018 primarily due to lower volumes and decreased margins on ethanol production in 2019. Interest expense decreased $47.2 
million in 2019, compared with 2018 primarily due to the repayment of the $500 million senior secured term loan during the 
fourth quarter of 2018 and the deconsolidation of GPCC and elimination of the related revolver in the third quarter of 2019. 
Income tax benefit was $21.3 million in 2019, compared to $20.1 million in 2018. The change in income tax benefit is 
primarily due to a loss before income taxes in 2019, partially offset by the recognition of a valuation allowance of $25.9 
(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)R&D credits, net of FIN 48 
reserves, of $19.8 million. 

The following discussion provides greater detail about our segment performance. 

Ethanol Production Segment 

Key operating data for our ethanol production segment is as follows: 

Ethanol sold 

(thousands of gallons) 

Distillers grains sold 

Year Ended December 31, 

2019 

2018 

 856,623 

 1,086,633 

(thousands of equivalent dried tons) 

 2,234 

 2,815 

Corn oil sold 

(thousands of pounds) 

Corn consumed 

(thousands of bushels) 

 212,071 

 276,299 

 298,178 

 377,084 

Revenues in the ethanol production segment decreased $419.9 million in 2019 compared with 2018 primarily due to the 
disposition of three ethanol plants during the fourth quarter of 2018 as well as lower production volumes of ethanol, distillers
grains and corn oil due to the depressed margin environment and lower average realized prices for ethanol and distillers 
grains in 2019. 

Cost of goods sold in the ethanol production segment decreased $327.7 million for 2019 compared with 2018 due to the 

disposition of three ethanol plants during the fourth quarter of 2018 as well as lower production volumes. As a result of the 
factors identified above, operating income decreased $66.8 million and EBITDA decreased $82.9 million during 2019. 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $63.1 million for 2019, compared with $80.2 
million during 2018 due to the sale of three ethanol plants during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment 

Revenues in the agribusiness and energy services segment decreased $33.5 million while operating income decreased 
$6.3 million and EBITDA decreased $6.5 million in 2019 compared with 2018. The decrease in revenues was primarily due 
to a decrease in ethanol, distillers grain and corn oil production and trading activity, as well as lower average realized prices
for ethanol. Operating income and EBITDA decreased primarily as a result of decreased margins. 

Food and Ingredients Segment 

Revenues in our food and ingredients segment decreased $119.7 million while operating income decreased by $14.4 
million and EBITDA decreased $22.0 million during 2019, compared with 2018. The decrease in revenues, operating income 
and EBITDA was primarily due to (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)

Partnership Segment 

Revenues generated from the partnership segment decreased $18.4 million in 2019 compared with 2018. Storage and 
throughput revenues decreased $12.1 million primarily due to a decrease in throughput volumes as a result the disposition of 
three ethanol plants in the fourth quarter of 2018. Revenues generated from rail transportation services decreased $4.8 million
primarily due to the reduction in volumetric capacity provided as a result of the assignment of railcar operating leases as part
of the disposition discussed above. Terminal services revenue decreased $0.8 million as a result of reduced throughput 
volume at our terminals. Trucking and other revenues decreased $0.6 million primarily due to a reduction in volumes 
transported for Green Plains Trade, partially offset by an increase in volumes transported for third party customers. 

51 

Operating income for the partnership segment decreased $14.1 million while EBITDA decreased $14.5 million in 2019 

compared to 2018 due to the changes in revenues discussed above, partially offset by a decrease in operations and 
maintenance expenses of $5.2 million as a result of the factors identified above.

Intersegment Eliminations 

Intersegment eliminations of revenues decreased by $24.7 million for 2019 compared with 2018 due to a decrease in 
storage and throughput fees paid to the partnership segment as well as decreased intersegment marketing fees within the 
agribusiness and energy services segment as a result of lower production volumes.

Corporate Activities 

Operating income decreased by $135.2 million for 2019 compared with 2018, primarily due to the gain on sale of assets 

recorded during the fourth quarter of 2018.  

Income Taxes 

We recorded income tax benefit of $21.3 million for 2019 compared to $20.1 million in 2018. The change in income tax 
benefit is primarily due to a loss before income taxes in 2019, partially offset by the recognition of a $25.9 million valuation
allowance against the c(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:9)(cid:39)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:3)
reserves, of $19.8 million. We increased the valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets due to uncertainty that we 
will realize these assets in the future. The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was recognized as a result of negative 
evidence, including cumulative losses in recent years, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence. 

Net Income from Discontinued Operations 

As previously discussed, we sold an aggregate 50% membership interest in GPCC to TGAM and StepStone during the 

third quarter of 2019. After closing, GPCC was no longer consolidated in our consolidated financial statements and the 
GPCC investment was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. GPCC results for all reported periods prior to its 
disposition are classified as discontinued operations. Net income from discontinued operations decreased by $10.7 million in 
2019 primarily due to severe winter weather and abnormally negative basis during the first quarter of 2019. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Our principal sources of liquidity include cash generated from operating activities and bank credit facilities. We fund our 

operating expenses and service debt primarily with operating cash flows. Capital resources for maintenance and growth 
expenditures are funded by a variety of sources, including cash generated from operating activities, borrowings under bank 
credit facilities, or issuance of senior notes or equity. Our ability to access capital markets for debt under reasonable terms
depends on our financial condition, credit ratings and market conditions. We believe that our ability to obtain financing at 
reasonable rates and history of positive cash flow from operating activities, which have been positive for seven of the 
previous ten years, provide a solid foundation to meet our future liquidity and capital resource requirements. 

On December 31, 2020, we had $233.9 million in cash and equivalents, excluding restricted cash, consisting of $180.7 

million available to our parent company and the remainder at our subsidiaries. Additionally, we had $41.0 million in 
restricted cash at December 31, 2020. We also had $332.0 million available under our committed revolving credit agreements 
and delayed draw term loan, (cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15) some of which were 
subject to restrictions or other lending conditions. Funds held by our subsidiaries are generally required for their ongoing 
operational needs and restricted from distribution. At December 31, 2020, our subsidiaries had approximately $77.7 million 
of net assets that were not available to use in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in their
credit facilities. 

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $98.9 million in 2020 compared with net cash 
used in operating activities of continuing operations of $27.0 million in 2019. Operating activities compared to the prior year
were primarily affected by the decrease in operating loss, distributions from equity method investments, goodwill impairment 
and the loss on disposal of assets during fiscal year 2020. Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations was 
$11.5 million in 2020, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations of $34.8 million in 
2019 due primarily to an increase in capital expenditures during fiscal year 2020. Net cash used in financing activities of 
continued operations was $82.5 million in 2020, compared to $18.9 million in 2019 primarily due to an increase in debt 
repayments offset by lower repurchases of common stock during fiscal year 2020. 

52 

Additionally, Green Plains Trade, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Commodity Management use revolving credit 

facilities to finance working capital requirements. We frequently draw from and repay these facilities which results in 
significant cash movements reflected on a gross basis within financing activities as proceeds from and payments on short-
term borrowings.  

We incurred capital expenditures of $111.8 million in 2020 primarily for high-protein expansion projects at our 

Shenandoah and Wood River biorefineries, Project 24 operating expense reduction and for various maintenance projects. The 
current projected estimate for capital spending for 2021 is approximately $200 million to $225 million, which is subject to 
review prior to the initiation of any project. The estimate includes additional expenditures for our high-protein and Project 24
initiatives, as well as expenditures for various other maintenance projects, and is expected to be financed with cash proceeds 
from recent dispositions, available borrowings under our credit facilities and notes and cash provided by operating activities.

Our business is highly sensitive to the price of commodities, particularly for corn, ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and 

natural gas. We use derivative financial instruments to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity 
prices. Sudden changes in commodity prices may require cash deposits with brokers for margin calls or significant liquidity 
with little advanced notice to meet margin calls, depending on our open derivative positions. On December 31, 2020, we had 
$29.8 million in margin deposits for broker margin requirements included in the balance of restricted cash. We continuously 
monitor our exposure to margin calls and believe we will continue to maintain adequate liquidity to cover margin calls from 
our operating results and borrowings. 

On June 18, 2019, we announced that our board of directors decided to suspend future quarterly cash dividends 

following the June 14, 2019 dividend payment, in order to retain and redirect cash flow to our Project 24 operating expense 
equalization plan, the deployment of high-protein technology and our stock repurchase program.  

Our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $200.0 million of our common stock. Under the 
program, we may repurchase shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share buyback 
programs, tender offers or by other means. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions are determined by our 
management based on market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program may be suspended, 
modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. During 2020, we purchased a total of 880,979 shares of common 
stock for approximately $11.5 million. As of December 31, 2020, we have repurchased 7,396,936 of common stock for 
approximately $92.8 million under the program.  

The requirements under the partnership agreement for the conversion of all of the outstanding subordinated units into 

common units were satisfied upon the payment of the distribution with respect to the quarter ended June 30, 2018. 
Accordingly, the subordination period ended on August 13, 2018, the first business day after the date of the distribution 
payment, and all of the 15,889,642 outstanding subordinated units were converted into common units on a one-for-one basis. 
The conversion of the subordinated units does not impact the amount of cash distributions paid or the total number of 
outstanding units.  

On December 27, 2019, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, declared effective January 7, 

2020, registering an indeterminate number of shares of common stock, warrants and debt securities up to $250,000,000. 

We believe we have sufficient working capital for our existing operations. Additionally, subsequent to December 31, 
2020, we closed on a $125 million, 5-year mezzanine note facility with BlackRock. Furthermore, our liquidity position is 
expected to improve as a result of the sale of the ethanol plant located in Ord, Nebraska, announced in January 2021, which is 
expected to close within 45 days. A continued sustained period of unprofitable operations, however, may strain our liquidity. 
We may sell additional assets or equity or borrow capital to improve or preserve our liquidity, expand our business or acquire 
businesses. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to secure funding necessary for additional working capital or 
these projects at reasonable terms, if at all. 

Debt 

We were in compliance with our debt covenants at December 31, 2020. Based on our forecasts, we believe we will 

maintain compliance at each of our subsidiaries for the next twelve months or have sufficient liquidity available on a 
consolidated basis to resolve noncompliance. We cannot provide assurance that actual results will approximate our forecasts 
or that we will inject the necessary capital into a subsidiary to maintain compliance with its respective covenants. In the event
a subsidiary is unable to comply with its debt covenants, (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)
occurred, and following notice, the lenders may terminate the commitment and declare the unpaid balance due and payable. 

53 

As outlined in Note 12 - Debt, we use LIBOR as a reference rate for certain revolving credit facilities. LIBOR is 
currently set to be phased out at the end of 2021. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of this change or the
alternative reference rate to be used. We will need to renegotiate certain credit facilities to determine the interest rate to 
replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. As such, the potential effect of any such event on interest expense 
cannot yet be determined. 

Corporate Activities 

In 2019, we issued $115.0 million of 4.00% convertible senior notes due in 2024, or the 4.00% notes. The 4.00% notes 

are senior, unsecured obligations, with interest payable on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning January 1, 2020, at a 
rate of 4.00% per annum. The initial conversion rate will be 64.1540 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal 
amount of the 4.00% notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.59 per share of our 
common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, we may 
be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, 
including our calling the 4.00% notes for redemption. We may settle the 4.00% notes in cash, common stock or a 
combination of cash and common stock. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance was $89.1 million on the 
4.00% notes. 

In August 2016, we issued $170.0 million of 4.125% convertible senior notes due in 2022, or 4.125% notes, which are 

senior, unsecured obligations with interest payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. Prior to March 1, 2022, the 
4.125% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The initial conversion rate is 35.7143 shares of 
common stock per $1,000 of principal which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $28.00 per share. The 
conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including when the quarterly cash dividend 
exceeds $0.12 per share. We may settle the 4.125% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common 
stock. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance was $156.4 million on the 4.125% notes. 

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment

Green Plains Trade has a $300.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital up 
to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral, which matures in July of 2022. This facility can be increased by up 
to $70.0 million with agent approval. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to a daily LIBOR rate plus 2.25% 
or the base rate plus 1.25%. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.375% per 
annum. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance was $79.3 million on the facility and the interest rate was 
2.43%.

Green Plains Grain has a $100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital up 
to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral, which matures in June of 2022. This facility can be increased by an 
additional $75.0 million with agent approval and up to $50.0 million for seasonal borrowings. Total commitments 
outstanding under the facility cannot exceed $225.0 million. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance was 
$38.7 million and the interest rate was 3.65%. 

Green Plains Grain has short-term inventory financing agreements with a financial institution with a maximum 

commitment of up to $50.0 million, which matures June 2022. Green Plains Grain has accounted for the agreements as short-
term notes, rather than sales, and has elected the fair value option to offset fluctuations in market prices of the inventory. 
Green Plains Grain had no short-term notes payable related to these inventory financing agreements as of December 31, 
2020. 

Green Plains Commodity Management has an uncommitted $30.0 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit 

facility, which matures April 30, 2023, is used to finance margins related to its hedging programs. Advances are subject to 
variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 1.75%. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance was 
$21.7 million and the interest rate was 1.85%.  

Ethanol Production Segment 

On September 3, 2020, Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the 
company, entered into a $75.0 million delayed draw loan agreement, which matures on September 1, 2035. At December 31, 
2020, the outstanding principal balance was $30.0 million on the loan and the interest rate was 6.52%. The loan is guaranteed 
by the company and has certain limitations on distributions, dividends or loans to Green Plains by Wood River and 
Shenandoah unless immediately after giving effect to such action, there will not exist any event of default.   

54 

We also have small equipment financing loans, capital leases on equipment or facilities, and other forms of debt 

financing. 

Partnership Segment 

Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has a credit facility to fund working capital, acquisitions, 
distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. The credit facility was amended on June 4, 2020, 
decreasing the size of the facility from $200.0 million to $135.0 million. The amended credit facility includes a $130.0 
million term loan and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility which matures on December 31, 2021. Payments of $30.0 
million were made on the term loan principal during fiscal year 2020 including the proceeds of $10.0 million related to the 
sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant. As of December 31, 2020, no additional prepayments on the term loan were 
required or paid. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $2.5 million, with a step up to monthly payments of 
$3.2 million beginning May 15, 2021 through maturity. As of December 31, 2020, the term loan had a balance of $100.0 
million and an interest rate of 6.00%, and there were no outstanding swing line loans. 

In certain situations we are required to make prepayments on the outstanding principal balance on the credit facility. If at 

any time our cash balance exceeds $2.5 million for more than five consecutive business days, prepayments of outstanding 
principal are required in an amount equal to the excess cash. We are also required to prepay outstanding principal on the 
credit facility with 100% of net cash proceeds from any asset disposition or recovery event. Any prepayments on the term 
loan are applied to the remaining principal balance in inverse order of maturity, including the final payment.  

While the partnership has not yet renegotiated the credit facility or secured additional funding necessary to repay the 
loan, the partnership believes it is probable that (cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
stable fee-based cash flows, ongoing profitability, low leverage and history of obtaining financing on reasonable commercial 
terms. In the unlikely scenario that the partnership is unable to refinance its debt with the lenders prior to its maturity, the
partnership will consider other financing sources, including but not limited to, the restructuring or issuance of new debt with
a different lending group, the issuance of additional partnership units, other strategic actions to extinguish the debt, or support
from the company. 

Refer to Note 12 – Debt included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements for more information about our 

debt. 

Contractual Obligations 

Contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands): 

Contractual Obligations 

Long-term and short-term debt obligations (1)
Interest and fees on debt obligations (2)
Operating lease obligations (3)
Other 
Purchase obligations 

$

Forward grain purchase contracts (4)
Other commodity purchase contracts (5)
Other 
Total contractual obligations 

Total 
 571,744   $
 66,675  
 75,996  
 24,224  

 190,541  
 112,284  
 521  

$  1,041,985   $

Payments Due By Period 

Less than 1 
year 
 241,121   $
 23,651  
 17,303  
 4,644  

 188,004  
 85,768  
 357  
 560,848   $

1-3 years 

3-5 years 

 173,646   $
 19,601  
 27,000  
 5,171  

 1,890  
 21,258  
 138  
 248,704   $

 118,623   $
 7,468  
 16,343  
 6,865  

 647  
 5,258  
 26  

 155,230   $

More than 
5 years 

 38,354  
 15,955  
 15,350  
 7,544  

 - 
 - 
 - 
 77,203  

(1)

(2)

Includes the current portion of long-term debt and future finance lease obligations and excludes the effect of any debt discounts and issuance 
costs. 
Interest amounts are calculated over the terms of the loans using current interest rates, assuming scheduled principal and interest amounts are 
paid pursuant to the debt agreements. Includes administrative and/or commitment fees on debt obligations. 

(3) Operating lease costs are primarily for railcars, land and office space and exclude leases not yet commenced with undiscounted future lease 

payments of approximately $6.5 million. 

(4) Purchase contracts represent index-priced and fixed-price contracts. Index purchase contracts are valued at current year-end prices. 
(5)

Includes fixed-price ethanol, dried distillers grains and natural gas purchase contracts.(cid:3)
(cid:3)

55 

Item 7A.  Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 

We use various financial instruments to manage and reduce our exposure to various market risks, including changes in 
commodity prices and interest rates. We conduct the majority of our business in U.S. dollars and are not currently exposed to 
material foreign currency risk. 

Interest Rate Risk  

We are exposed to interest rate risk through our loans which bear interest at variable rates. Interest rates on our variable-
(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:44)(cid:37)(cid:50)(cid:53)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)% increase in interest rates would affect our 
interest cost by approximately $0.9 million per year. At December 31, 2020, we had $526.2 million in debt, $237.4 million of 
which had variable interest rates.  

Refer to Note 12 – Debt included as part of the notes to consolidated financial statements for more information about our 

debt. 

Commodity Price Risk 

Our business is highly sensitive to commodity price risk, particularly for ethanol, corn, distillers grains, corn oil and 
natural gas. Ethanol prices are sensitive to world crude oil supply and demand, the price of crude oil, gasoline, corn, the price
of substitute fuels, refining capacity and utilization, government regulation and consumer demand for alternative fuels. Corn 
prices are affected by weather conditions, yield, changes in domestic and global supply and demand, and government 
programs and policies. Distillers grains prices are impacted by livestock numbers on feed, prices for feed alternatives and 
supply, which is associated with ethanol plant production. Natural gas prices are influenced by severe weather in the summer 
and winter and hurricanes in the spring, summer and fall. Other factors include North American energy exploration and 
production, and the amount of natural gas in underground storage during injection and withdrawal seasons.  

To reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in the price of ethanol, corn, distillers grains, corn oil and natural gas, at 
times we use forward fixed-price physical contracts and derivative financial instruments, such as futures and options executed 
on the Chicago Board of Trade, the New York Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. We focus on 
locking in favorable operating margins, when available, using a model that continually monitors market prices for corn, 
natural gas and other inputs relative to the price for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create
offsetting positions using a combination of forward fixed-price purchases, sales contracts and derivative financial 
instruments. As a result, we frequently have gains on derivative financial instruments that are offset by losses on forward 
fixed-price physical contracts or inventories and vice versa. Our results are impacted by a mismatch of gains or losses 
associated with the derivative instrument during a reporting period when the physical commodity purchases or sale has not 
yet occurred. For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenues included net losses of $5.3 million and cost of goods sold 
included net gains of $27.0 million associated with derivative instruments. 

Ethanol Production Segment 

In the ethanol production segment, net gains and losses from settled derivative instruments are offset by physical 
commodity purchases or sales to achieve the intended operating margins. To reduce commodity price risk caused by market 
fluctuations, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that serve as economic hedges. Our results are 
impacted when there is a mismatch of gains or losses associated with the derivative instrument during a reporting period 
when the physical commodity purchases or sale has not yet occurred.  

56 

Our exposure to market risk, which includes the impact of our risk management activities resulting from our fixed-price 

purchase and sale contracts and derivatives, is based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% 
change in price for the next 12 months starting on December 31, 2020, are as follows (in thousands): 

Commodity 

  Ethanol 
  Corn 
  Distillers grains 
  Corn Oil 
  Natural gas 

Estimated Total Volume 
Requirements for the Next 
12 Months (1)
1,023,000 
354,000 
2,500 
276,000 
29,400 

Unit of Measure 
Gallons 
Bushels 
Tons (2)
Pounds 
MMBTU 

Net Income Effect of 
Approximate 10% Change 
in Price 

$
$
$
$
$

 100,273 
 122,275 
 35,296 
 6,320 
 4,396 

(1) Estimated volumes reflect anticipated expansion of production capacity at our ethanol plants and assumes production at full capacity. 
(2) Distillers grains quantities are stated on an equivalent dried ton basis. 

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment 

In the agribusiness and energy services segment, our inventories, physical purchase and sale contracts and derivatives are 
marked to market. To reduce commodity price risk caused by market fluctuations for purchase and sale commitments of grain 
and grain held in inventory, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that serve as economic hedges. 

The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for hedging are highly correlated with the underlying 
market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts for grain. The less correlated portion of inventory 
and purchase and sale contract market values, known as basis, is much less volatile than the overall market value of 
exchange-traded futures and tends to follow historical patterns. We manage this less volatile risk by constantly monitoring 
our position relative to the price changes in the market. Inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread in the 
futures markets. These spreads are also less volatile than overall market value of our inventory and tend to follow historical 
patterns, but cannot be mitigated directly. Our accounting policy for futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory 
held for sale and purchase and sale contracts, is to reflect their current market values and include gains and losses in the 
consolidated statement of operations.  

Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded 
contracts. The fair value of our position was approximately $0.2 million for grain at December 31, 2020. Our market risk at 
that date, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in price, was approximately $18 
thousand. 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

The required consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are listed in Part IV, Item 15.  

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

None. 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures. 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information that must be disclosed in the reports we 
file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:40)(cid:38)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)e, to 
allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and 
procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide 
only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management is required to apply its judgment in 
evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. 

Under the supervision of and participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, management carried 
out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 

57 

31, 2020, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act and concluded that our disclosure controls 
and procedures were effective. 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined 
in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. 

Under the supervision and participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, management assessed 
the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the 
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission. We completed the acquisition of Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC during fiscal year 2020. Our management 
excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness (cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
31, 2020(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)
represent approximately 3(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79) assets and approximately 0% of the (cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
total revenues as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. Based on this assessment, management concluded that our 
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.  

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)

by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein. 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting to provide 

reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. We have not identified any changes in our internal control over 
financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably 
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

58 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors 
Green Plains Inc.: 

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

We have audited Green Plains Inc. and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated 
(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)-year 
period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report 
dated February 16, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. 

The Company acquired Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC during 2020, and management excluded from its assessment of the 
(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85) 31, 2020, Fluid Quip Technologies, 
(cid:47)(cid:47)(cid:38)(cid:182)(cid:86) internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of 3% and total revenues of 0% included in the 
consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our audit of internal 
control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of
Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. 

Basis for Opinion  

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's 
(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in 
all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)

59 

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

Omaha, Nebraska 
February 16, 2021 

 /s/ KPMG LLP 

60 

Item 9B.  Other Information.

None. 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

PART III

Information in our Proxy Statement for the 2021 (cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)
Gov(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:177) (cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:179)Our Management(cid:15)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:68)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:17)

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and all other senior 

financial officers. Our code of ethics is available on our website at www.gpreinc.com (cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:177) Corporate 
(cid:42)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:17)

Item 11.  Executive Compensation. 

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)Corporate Governance(cid:180) and (cid:179)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)

incorporated by reference. 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.  

Information in the Proxy Statement under (cid:179)Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)

(cid:179)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:17)

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons(cid:180)(cid:3)

is incorporated by reference. 

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:17)

61 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

PART IV 

(1)  Financial Statements.  The following consolidated financial statements and notes are filed as part of this annual 

report on Form 10-K. 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years-ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years-ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)-ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years-ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page 
F-1 
F-3 
F-4 
F-5 
F-6 
F-7 
F-9 

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules.  All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required 

information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 

(3)  Exhibits.  The following exhibits are incorporated by reference, filed or furnished as part of this annual report on 

Form 10-K.  

Exhibit 
No. 
2.1 

2.2 

2.3(a) 

2.3(b) 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

Description of Exhibit 

Exhibit Index 

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement between Murphy Oil USA, Inc. and Green Plains Inc. dated 
October 28, 2015 (certain exhibits and disclosure schedules to this agreement have been omitted; Green 
Plains will furnish such exhibits and disclosure schedules to the SEC upon request) (incorporated herein 
(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated November 12, 2015)

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2018, by and among Green Plains Cattle Company LLC, 
and Bartlett Cattle Company, L.P. (i(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2018) 

Asset Purchase Agreement among Green Plains Bluffton LLC, Green Plains Holdings II LLC, Green 
Plains Inc. and Valero Renewable Fuels Company, LLC, dated October 8, 2018. (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 10, 2018). (The schedules to 
the Asset Purchase Agreement have been omitted. The company will furnish such schedules to the SEC
upon request.) 

Asset Purchase Agreement among Green Plains Partners LP, Green Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains 
Operating Company LLC, Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC, Green Plains Logistics LLC, Green Plains 
Inc., Green Plains Trade Group LLC, Green Plains Bluffton LLC and Green Plains Holdings II LLC 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 10, 2018). 
(The schedules to the Asset Purchase Agreement have been omitted. The Partnership will furnish such 
schedules to the SEC upon request). 

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2017, by and among Green Plains Cattle Company 
(cid:47)(cid:47)(cid:38)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:47)(cid:38)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2017) 

Stock Purchase Agreement among Green Plains Inc., Green Plains II LLC and Kerry Holding Co. dated 
October 23, 2018. (The schedules to the Stock Purchase Agreement have been omitted. The Company 
will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request.) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed October 25, 2018) 

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2019, by and among Green Plains Inc., Green 
Plains Cattle Company LLC, TGAM Agribusiness Fund Holdings-B LP, and StepStone Atlantic Fund, 
L.P. (Certain schedules to the Securities Purchase Agreement have been omitted. The company will 
furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request.) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed September 9, 2019) 

62 

2.7 

2.8 

2.9(a) 

2.9(b) 

2.10 (a) 

3.1(a) 

3.1(b) 

3.1(c)  

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Green Plains Cattle Company 
LLC, dated September 6, 2019 (Certain schedules to the Second Amended and Restated Limited 
Liability Company Agreement have been omitted. The company will furnish such schedules to the SEC 
(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:17)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
Form 8-K filed September 9, 2019) 

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2020, by and among Green Plains Inc., Green 
Plains Cattle Company LLC, AGR Special Opportunities Fund I, LP, TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP, and 
StepStone Atlantic Fund, LP (inco(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
Report on Form 8-K filed on October 13, 2020) (Certain schedules to the Securities Purchase Agreement 
have been omitted. The company will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request) 

Asset Purchase Agreement among Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P. and Green Plains Hereford LLC, 
dated December 11, 2020. (The schedules to the Asset Purchase Agreement have been omitted. The 
Company will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request.) 

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 14, 2020, by and among Green Plains Partners LP, Green 
Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains Operating Company LLC, Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC, Green 
Plains Logistics LLC, Green Plains Inc., Green Plains Trade Group LLC and Green Plains Hereford 
LLC. (cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K 
filed on December 15, 2020) 

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 25, 2021, by and among Green Plains Partners LP, Green 
Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains Operating Company LLC, Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC, Green 
Plains Logistics LLC, Green Plains Inc., Green Plains Trade Group LLC and Green Plains Ord LLC. 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhib(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on 
January 27, 2021) 

Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the company (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed October 15, 2008) 

Articles of Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Green Plains 
(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
Report on Form 8-K filed May 9, 2011) 

Second Articles of Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Green 
(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2014) 

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Green Plains Inc., dated October 1, 2020 (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on October 5, 2020) 

(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)able Energy, Inc., each of the investors 
listed on Schedule A, and each of the existing shareholders and affiliates identified on Schedule B, dated 
(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
on Form S-4/A filed September 4, 2008) 

Indenture relating to the 4.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022, dated as of August 15, 2016, 
between Green Plains Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, including the form of Global 
Note attached as Exhibi(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2016) 

Indenture relating to the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019, dated as of August 14, 2018, 
between Green Plains Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (including therein 
Form of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed August 14, 2018) 

Indenture relating to the 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024, dated as of June 21, 2019, between 
Green Plains Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, including the form of Global Note 
attached as Exhibit A thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Ex(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2019) 

4.5 

*10.1 

Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Exchange Act (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed February 20, 2020) 
(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
Proxy Statement filed March 27, 2007) 

63 

10.2 

*10.3(a) 

*10.3(b) 

*10.3(c) 

*10.4(a) 

*10.4(b) 

*10.4(c) 

*10.4(d) 

*10.4(e) 

*10.4(f) 

*10.4(g) 

*10.4(h) 

*10.4(i) 

*10.4(j) 

*10.4(k) 

10.5(a) 

10.5(b) 

10.5(c) 

10.5(d) 

(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed August 1, 2008)

Employment Agreement with Todd Becker (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.54 of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:54)-4/A filed August 1, 2008) 

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement with Todd Becker, dated December 18, 2009. 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed 
February 24, 2010) 

Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement with Todd Becker, dated March 27, 2018 (incorporated 
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)m 10-Q filed on May 7, 
2018) 

(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
Report on Form 8-K dated May 11, 2009) 

Amendment No. 1 to the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:12)

Amendment No. 2 to the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)ed March 29, 2013) 

Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:54)-8 filed June 23, 2017) 

Form of Stock Option Award Agreement for 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed February 24, 2010) 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by 
re(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:11)(cid:70)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K/A (Amendment No. 1) filed 
February 25, 2010) 

Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award agreement for 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.(cid:24)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed on May 7, 
2018) 

Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement for 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:11)(cid:71)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed February 24, 2010)  

Form of Performance Share Unit Award agreement for 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein 
(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed on May 7, 2018) 

2019 Equit(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
Proxy Statement filed March 28, 2019)

Amendment No. 1 to the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86) Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 26, 2020)

Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated April 26, 2013 by and 
among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (as Lender and Agent) 
(incorpo(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed 
May 2, 2013) 

Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated November 26, 2014 by 
and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC, the Lenders and PNC Bank, National Association (as Lender 
(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)
8-K filed December 2, 2014) 

Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated July 28, 2017, among 
Green Plains Trade Group LLC, the Lenders and PNC Bank, National Association as Lender and Agent 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated 
July 31, 2017) 

First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as 
of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and PNC Bank, National Association, as 
agent, and the lenders party to the Credit and Security Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to 
(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:68)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated August 29, 2017) 

64 

10.5(e) 

10.5(f) 

10.5(g) 

10.5(h) 

10.5(i) 

10.5(j) 

10.5(k) 

10.5(l) 

10.5(m) 

*10.6 

*10.7 

*10.8 

10.9(a) 

10.9(b) 

10.9(c)  

10.9(d) 

10.9(e) 

Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated 
as of March 15, 2018, by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and PNC Bank, National 
(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
Form 10-Q dated May 7, 2018) 

Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as 
of November 27, 2019, by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and PNC Bank, National 
(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:11)(cid:73)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
Form 10-K filed February 20, 2020) 

Revolving Credit Note dated April 26, 2013 by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and Citibank, 
(cid:49)(cid:17)(cid:36)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)
10-Q filed May 2, 2013) 

Revolving Credit Note dated April 26, 2013 by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and BMO 
(cid:43)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:17)(cid:36)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:70)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)
on Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2013) 

Revolving Credit Note dated April 26, 2013 by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and Alostar 
(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:71)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)
Report on Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2013) 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Note dated April 26, 2013 by and among Green Plains Trade 
Group LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed May 2, 2013) 

Revolving Credit Note dated April 26, 2013 by and among Green Plains Trade Group LLC and Bank of 
(cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:72)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)
10-Q filed May 2, 2013) 

ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among PNC Bank, National Association, as 
ABL Collateral Agent, and BNP Paribas, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Green 
Plains Trade Group LLC and the other ABL Grantors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)nt Report on Form 8-K dated August 29, 2017) 

Guaranty, dated as of August 29, 2017, in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, as agent 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:70)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated 
August 29, 2017) 

Umbrella Short-(cid:55)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Proxy Statement filed April 3, 2014) 

Director Compensation effective May 11, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Director Compensation effective November 14, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed February 15, 2018) 

Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2011 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green 
Plains Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. as Lead 
Arranger, Rabo Agrifinance, Inc. as Syndication Agent, ABN AMRO Capital USA LLC as 
Documentation Agent and BNP Paribas as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to 
(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed November 3, 2011) 

Security Agreement dated October 28, 2011 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green 
Plains Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex Inc. and BNP Paribas (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed November 3, 2011) 

Promissory Note dated October 28, 2011 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains 
Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex Inc. and Bank of Oklahoma (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed November 3, 2011) 

Promissory Note dated October 28, 2011 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains 
Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the compan(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed November 3, 
2011) 

Promissory Note dated October 28, 2011 by and among Green Plains Grain Company LLC, Green Plains 
Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex Inc. and Farm Credit Bank of Texas (incorporated herein 
(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed November 3, 2011) 

65 

10.9(f) 

10.9(g) 

10.9(h) 

10.9(i) 

10.9(j) 

10.9(k) 

10.9(l) 

10.9(m) 

10.9(n) 

10.9(o) 

10.9(p) 

*10.10 

*10.11 

First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated January 6, 2012 by and among Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex Inc., BNP Paribas and the 
(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:78)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)
on Form 10-K filed February 17, 2012) 

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 26, 2012, by and among Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex, Inc., BNP Paribas, as the 
administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhib(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed 
November 1, 2012) 

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated August 27, 2013, by and among Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC, Green Plains Grain Company TN LLC, Green Plains Essex, Inc., BNP Paribas, as the 
administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed 
October 31, 2013) 

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated August 8, 2014, by and among Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC (including in its capacity as successor by merger to Green Plains Essex Inc.), Green 
Plains Grain Company TN LLC, BNP Paribas, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, 
and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed October 30, 2014) 

Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated June 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains Grain Company 
LLC (including in its capacity as successor by merger to Green Plains Essex Inc.), Green Plains Grain 
Company TN LLC, BNP Paribas, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, and the 
lenders party to the Cr(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated January 5, 2016, by and among Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC (including in its capacity as successor by merger to Green Plains Essex Inc.), Green 
Plains Grain Company TN LLC, BNP Paribas, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, 
and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated July 27, 2016, by and among Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC (including in its capacity as successor by merger to Green Plains Essex Inc.), Green 
Plains Grain Company TN LLC, BNP Paribas, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, 
and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)n Form 10-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among Green Plains Grain 
Company and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement 
(incorporated herein by (cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:68)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated 
August 29, 2017) 

Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2019, among Green Plains Grain Company 
LLC and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party to the Credit Agreement 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on 
July 1, 2019) 

ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2017, among BNP Paribas, as ABL Collateral 
Agent, and BNP Paribas, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Green Plains Grain 
Company LLC and the other ABL Grantors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(b) to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated August 29, 2017) 

Guaranty, dated as of August 29, 2017, in favor of BNP Paribas, as administrative agent (incorporated 
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:70)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated August 29,
2017) 

Employment Agreement by and between Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. and Patrich Simpkins 
(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)
on Form 10-Q filed May 1, 2014)

Employment Agreement with Michelle S. Mapes (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed February 20, 2020) 

66 

10.12 

10.13 

10.14(a) 

10.14(b) 

10.14(c) 

10.14(d) 

10.15(a) 

10.15(b) 

10.15(c) 

10.15(d) 

10.15(e) 

10.16(a) 

10.16(b) 

10.16(c) 

10.16(d) 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2019, by and among Green Plains 
Cattle Company LLC, Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC, as Joint Administrative Agents, and the 
lenders party to the Credit Agreement (Certain schedules to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement 
have been omitted. The company will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request.) (incorporated 
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed September 9, 
2019) 

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains 
Inc., Green Plains Obion LLC, Green Plains Trucking LLC, Green Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains 
Partners LP and Green Plains Operating Company LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated July 6, 2015) 

Omnibus Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains Inc., Green Plains Holdings LLC, 
Green Plains Partners LP and Green Plains Operating Company LLC (incorporated herein by reference 
(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated July 6, 2015) 

First Amendment to the Omnibus Agreement, dated January 1, 2016, by and among Green Plains Inc., 
Green Plains Holdings LLC, Green Plains Partners LP and Green Plains Operating Company LLC 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(b) to t(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for 
the year ended December 31, 2015) 

Second Amendment to the Omnibus Agreement, dated September 23, 2016, by and among Green Plains 
Inc., Green Plains Partners LP, Green Plains Holdings LLC and Green Plains Operating Company LLC 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated 
September 26, 2016) 

Third Amendment to the Omnibus Agreement, dated November 15, 2018, by and among Green Plains 
Inc., Green Plains Partners LP, Green Plains Holdings LLC and Green Plains Operating Company LLC 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:71)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for 
the year ended December 31, 2018) 

Operational Services and Secondment Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and between Green Plains Inc. 
(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:47)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015) 

Amendment No. 1 to the Operational Services and Secondment Agreement, dated January 1, 2016, by 
and between Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to 
(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended December 31, 2015) 

Amendment No. 2 to Operational Services and Secondment Agreement, dated September 23, 2016, 
between Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87) on Form 8-K dated September 26, 2016) 

Amendment No. 3 to Operational Services and Secondment Agreement, dated November 15, 2018, 
between Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
10.19(d) to th(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended December 31, 2018) 

Amendment No. 4 to Operational Services and Secondment Agreement, dated December 28, 2020, 
between Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed December 28, 2020) 

Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and between Green Plains Logistics LLC 
and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporate(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015) 

Amendment No. 1 to Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated September 1, 2015, by and between 
Green Plains Logistics LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by reference to 
(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Correction to Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated May 12, 2016, by and between Green 
Plains Logistics LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Amendment No. 2 to Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated November 30, 2016 (incorporated 
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated December 1, 
2016) 

67 

10.16(e) 

10.16(f) 

10.16(g) 

10.17(a) 

10.17(b) 

10.17(c) 

10.17(d) 

10.17(e) 

10.17(f) 

10.18(a) 

10.18(b) 

10.18(c) 

10.18(d) 

10.18(e) 

10.18(f) 

Amendment No. 3 to Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated November 15, 2018 (incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated November 15, 
2018) 

Corrective Amendment to Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated November 15, 2018, by and 
between Green Plains Logistics LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:73)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2018) 

Amendment No. 4 to Rail Transportation Services Agreement, dated December 28, 2020 (incorporated 
herein by reference to (cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated December 28, 
2020 

Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and between Green Plains Ethanol 
Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated July 6, 2015) 

Amendment No. 1 to the Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated January 1, 2016, by and 
between Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2015) 

Clarifying Amendment to Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and 
between Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q filed August 3, 2016) 

Amendment No. 2 to Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated September 23, 2016, by and 
between Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated September 26, 2016) 

Amendment No. 3 to Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated November 15, 2018, by and 
between Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated November 15, 2018) (The 
exhibits to Amendment No. 3 have been omitted. The company will furnish such schedules to the SEC 
upon request). 

Amendment No. 4 to Ethanol Storage and Throughput Agreement, dated December 28, 2020, by and 
between Green Plains Ethanol Storage LLC and Green Plains Trade Group LLC (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K dated December 28, 2020) 

Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2015, by and among Green Plains Operating Company LLC, as the 
Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower identified therein, Bank of America, N.A., and the other 
(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)
on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015) 

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated September 16, 2016 by and among Green Plains Operating 
Company LLC, as the Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower identified therein, Bank of America, 
N.A., and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(b) to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended December 31, 2018) 

Incremental Joinder Agreement, dated October 27, 2017, among Green Plains Operating Company LLC 
and Bank of America, as Administrative (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q dated November 2, 2017)  

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated February 16, 2018 by and among Green Plains 
Operating Company LLC, as the Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower identified therein, Bank of 
America, N.A., and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(d) 
(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended December 31, 2018) 

Incremental Joinder Agreement, dated February 20, 2018, among Green Plains Operating Company LLC 
and Bank of America, as Administrative (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(e) to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79) Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018) 

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2018 by and among Green Plains Operating 
Company LLC, as the Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower identified therein, Bank of America, 
N.A., and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(f) to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the year ended December 31, 2018) 

68 

10.18(g) 

10.18(h) 

10.19 

10.20 

10.21(a) 

10.21(b) 

10.22 

10.23(a) 

10.23(b) 

10.23(c) 

10.23(d) 

10.23(e) 

10.24(a) 

10.24(b) 

Consent to Credit Agreement, dated July 15, 2019, by and among Green Plains Operating Company LLC 
and Bank of America, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q dated August 6, 2019) 

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated June 4, 2020, by and among Green Plains Operating 
Company LLC, as the Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower identified therein, Bank of America, 
N.A. and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
comp(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on June 4, 2020)

Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated July 13, 2018, among Green Plains Inc. and BNP 
Paribas, as administrative agent and collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q dated August 2, 2018) 

Partial Release of Security Interest, dated as of April 30, 2018, by and among Green Plains Inc., its 
subsidiaries and BNP Paribas, as collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q dated May 7, 2018) 

Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of April 30, 2018, by and among Green Plains Commodity 
Management LLC and Macquarie Bank Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-Q dated May 7, 2018) 

Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of June 18, 2019, by and among Green Plains 
Commodity Management LLC and Macquarie Bank Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K filed February 20, 2020) 

Promissory Note between Green Plains Inc. and StepStone Atlantic Fund, L.P., dated September 6, 2019 
(incorporated herein by r(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed 
September 9, 2019) 

Loan Agreement dated September 3, 2020 by and among Green Plains Wood River LLC and Green 
Plains Shenandoah LLC, as the Borrowers, and MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC, as the Lender 
(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on 
September 8, 2020)

Delayed Draw Term Promissory Note dated September 3, 2020 by and among Green Plains Wood River 
LLC and Green Plains Shenandoah LLC, as the Borrowers, and MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC, as the 
(cid:47)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K 
filed on September 8, 2020)

Loan Guaranty Agreement dated September 3, 2020 by and among Green Plains Inc, as the Guarantor, 
and MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC, as the Lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on September 8, 2020)

Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated September 
3, 2020 by and among Green Plains Wood River LLC, as the Trustor, and MetLife Real Estate Lending 
LLC, as the Beneficiary (incorporated herein b(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2020)

Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated September 3, 
2020 by and among Green Plains Shenandoah LLC, as the Borrower, and MetLife Real Estate Lending 
(cid:47)(cid:47)(cid:38)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2020)

Note Purchase Agreement dated February 9, 2021 by and among Green Plains SPE LLC, as the Issuer, 
Green Plains Inc., as Guarantor, and Purchasers signatory thereto. (The schedules to the Note Purchase 
Agreement have been omitted.  The Company will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request.) 
(incorporated (cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:27)-K filed on 
February 12, 2021) 

Pledge and Security Agreement dated February 9, 2021 by and among Green Plains SPE LLC, as the 
Pledgor, in favor of Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee. (The schedules to the Pledge 
and Security Agreement have been omitted. The Company will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:17)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)m 8-K 
filed on February 12, 2021) 

69 

10.24(c) 

10.24(d) 

10.24(e) 

21.1 

23.1 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

101 

Indenture dated February 9, 2021 by Green Plains SPE LLC, as Issuer, Green Plains Inc., as Guarantor 
and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee. (The schedules to the Indenture have been 
omitted. The Company will furnish such schedules to the SEC upon request.) (incorporated herein by 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)rm 8-K filed on February 12, 2021) 

First Priority Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement 
from Green Plains Mount Vernon LLC, as Mortgagor and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as 
(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)
8-K filed on February 12, 2021) 

First Priority Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing 
Statement from Green Plains Obion LLC, as Mortgagor and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as 
(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)
8-K filed on February 12, 2021) 

Schedule of Subsidiaries 

Consent of KPMG LLP 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)-K for the annual period 
ended December 31, 2020, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated 
(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:89)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and 
Financial Statement Schedule. 

104 

The cover page from Green Plains Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2020, formatted in iXBRL 

*  Represents management compensatory contracts 

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary.

None. 

70 

SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

c

GREEN PLAINS INC 
(Registrant)

Date: February 16, 2021 

By: /s/ Todd A. Becker                   

Todd A. Becker 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature

Title 

/s/ Todd A. Becker 
Todd A. Becker 

President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director 

/s/ G. Patrich Simpkins Jr. 
G. Patrich Simpkins Jr. 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial 
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) 

Date 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

/s/ Wayne B. Hoovestol 
Wayne B. Hoovestol 

/s/ Jim Anderson 
Jim Anderson 

/s/ James F. Crowley 
James F. Crowley 

/s/ S. Eugene Edwards 
S. Eugene Edwards 

/s/ Gordon F. Glade 
Gordon F. Glade 

/s/ Ejnar A. Knudsen III 
Ejnar A. Knudsen III 

/s/ Thomas L. Manuel 
Thomas L. Manuel 

/s/ Brian D. Peterson
Brian D. Peterson 

/s/ Alain Treuer 
Alain Treuer 

/s/ Kimberly Wagner 
Kimberly Wagner 

Chairman of the Board 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

February 16, 2021 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

71 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors  
Green Plains Inc.: 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Green Plains Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of 
December 31, (cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes 
(collectively, 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations 
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(cid:11)(cid:51)(cid:38)(cid:36)(cid:50)(cid:37)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85) 31, 2020, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission, and our report dated February 16, (cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
internal control over financial reporting. 

Change in Accounting Principle  

As discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for 
leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases.

Basis for Opinion 

These consolidated financial statemen(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with 
the 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 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. 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 Matter

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: (1) relates to accounts or 
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective,
or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter 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. 

Fair value of physical delivery contracts 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company records physical delivery contracts that do not 
meet the normal purchase or sale criteria at fair value. The Company estimates a fair value based on exchange-quoted 
prices, adjusted as appropriate for regional location basis values, which represent differences in local markets including 
transportation as well as quality or grade differences. Basis values are generally determined using inputs from broker 
(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
liabilities associated with physical delivery contracts were $22.0 million and $11.0 million, respectively, and are classified 
as Level 2 assets and liabilities within Note 6. 

F-1 

We identified the assessment of the valuation of physical delivery contracts as a critical audit matter. Specifically, auditing
the valuation of physical delivery contracts, which includes assumptions related to exchange-quoted prices and adjustments 
for regional location basis values, is complex due to the judgment involved in determining the fair value. 

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and 
tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls related to the valuation of physical delivery contracts. To assess the 
valuation of physical delivery contracts, for a sample of contracts, we: 

(cid:3511) (cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)-quoted price by comparing the amount used to observable market transactions 

(cid:3511) (cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)

to third-party information, including broker quotations or market transactions. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

We (cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:28)(cid:17)

Omaha, Nebraska 
February 16, 2021 

F-2 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(in thousands, except share amounts) 

ASSETS 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $143 and $166, respectively  
Income taxes receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total current assets 
Property and equipment, net 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 
Investment in equity method investees 
Other assets 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 

Current liabilities 

Accounts payable 
Accrued and other liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Operating lease current liabilities 
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings 
Current maturities of long-term debt 

Total current liabilities 

Long-term debt 
Operating lease long-term liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) 

Stockholders' equity 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 
47,470,505 and 46,964,115 shares issued, and 35,657,344 
and 36,031,933 shares outstanding, respectively 
Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Treasury stock, 11,813,161 and 10,932,182 shares, respectively 

Total Green Plains stockholders' equity 

Noncontrolling interests 

Total stockholders' equity 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 

December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

$

$

 233,860  
 40,950  
 55,568  
 661  
 269,491  
 16,531  
 25,292  
 642,353  
 801,690  
 61,883  
 3,994  
 68,997  
 1,578,917  

 140,058  
 38,471  
 20,265  
 14,902  
 140,808  
 98,052  
 452,556  
 287,299  
 49,549  
 12,849  
 802,253  

 47  
 740,889  
 39,375  
 (2,172) 
 (131,287) 
 646,852  
 129,812  
 776,664  
 1,578,917  

$

$

$

$

 245,977  
 23,919  
 107,183  
 6,216  
 252,992  
 13,685  
 17,941  
 667,913  
 827,271  
 52,476  
 68,998  
 81,560  
 1,698,218  

 156,693  
 39,384  
 8,721  
 16,626  
 187,812  
 132,555  
 541,791  
 243,990  
 38,314  
 8,837  
 832,932  

 47  
 734,580  
 148,150  
 (11,064) 
 (119,808) 
 751,905  
 113,381  
 865,286  
 1,698,218  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

F-3 

 
GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Revenues 

Product revenues 
Service revenues 
Total revenues 

Costs and expenses 

Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization expenses 
reflected below) 
Operations and maintenance expenses 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net 
Goodwill impairment 
Depreciation and amortization expenses 

Total costs and expenses 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations 

Other income (expense) 

Interest income 
Interest expense 
Other, net 

Total other expense 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income 
(loss) from equity method investees 
Income tax benefit 
Income (loss) from equity method investees, net of income taxes 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations including noncontrolling 
interest 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 
Net income (loss) 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains 

Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations 
Net income from discontinued operations 
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains 

Weighted average shares outstanding: 

Basic  
Diluted 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

$

 1,918,884  $
 4,835 
 1,923,719 

 2,410,382  $
 6,856 
 2,417,238 

 2,977,451 
 6,481 
 2,983,932 

 1,812,163 
 26,125 
 84,932 
 20,860 
 24,091 
 78,244 
 2,046,415 
 (122,696) 

 659 
 (39,993) 
 900 
 (38,434) 

 (161,130) 
 50,383 
 21,093 

 2,384,947 
 25,657 
 77,077 
 - 
 - 
 72,127 
 2,559,808 
 (142,570) 

 4,333 
 (40,200) 
 5,495 
 (30,372) 

 (172,942) 
 21,316 
 2,797 

 (89,654) 
 - 
 (89,654) 
 19,121 
 (108,775)  $

 (148,829) 
 829 
 (148,000) 
 18,860 
 (166,860)  $

 2,806,968 
 30,844 
 108,259 
 (150,351) 
 - 
 98,258 
 2,893,978 
 89,954 

 2,961 
 (87,449) 
 178 
 (84,310) 

 5,644 
 20,147 
 (596) 

 25,195 
 11,539 
 36,734 
 20,811 
 15,923 

 (3.14)  $
 - 
 (3.14)  $

 (4.40)  $
 0.02 
 (4.38)  $

 0.11 
 0.28 
 0.39 

 34,631 
 34,631 

 38,111 
 38,111 

 40,320 
 41,254 

$

$

$

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

F-4 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
(in thousands) 

Net income (loss) 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period, net of tax 
benefit (expense) of $257, ($14,431) and $2,854, respectively 
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) on derivatives, net of tax expense 
(benefit) of $857, $10,002 and ($2,887), respectively 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 

Share of equity method investees other comprehensive gain (loss) arising 
during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($3,929), $3,929 and $0, 
respectively 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 

Comprehensive income (loss) 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Green Plains 

$

$

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 
 (148,000)  $

2020 
 (89,654)  $

2018 

 36,734 

 (768) 

 55,973 

 (6,788) 

 (2,566) 
 (3,334) 

 (38,795) 
 17,178 

 6,669 
 (119) 

 12,226 
 8,892 
 (80,762) 
 19,121 
 (99,883)  $

 (12,226) 
 4,952 
 (143,048) 
 18,860 
 (161,908)  $

 - 
 (119) 
 36,615 
 20,811 
 15,804 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

F-5 

Balance, December 31, 2017 
Reclassification of certain tax 
effects from other 
comprehensive loss (Note 1) 
Balance, January 1, 2018 
Net income 
Cash dividends and 
distributions declared 
Other comprehensive loss 
before reclassification 
Amounts reclassified from 
accum. other comp. loss 
Other comp. loss, net of tax  
Repurchase of common stock 
Modification of 3.25% 
convertible notes due 2019 
Exchange of 3.25% 
convertible notes due 2018 
Stock-based compensation 
Stock options exercised 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Net income (loss) 
Cash dividends and 
distributions declared 
Other comp. income before 
reclassification 
Amounts reclassified from 
accum. other comp. loss 
Other comprehensive income, 
net of tax 
Share of equity method 
investees other comprehensive 
loss arising during the period, 
net of tax 
Proceeds from disgorgement of 
shareholders short-swing 
profits, net of tax 
Issuance of 4.00% convertible 
notes due 2024, net of tax 
Settlements of 3.25% 
convertible notes due 2019, net 
of tax 
Repurchase of common stock 
Stock-based compensation 
Stock options exercised 
Balance, December 31, 2019 
Net income (loss) 
Cash dividends and 
distributions declared 
Other comprehensive loss 
before reclassification 
Amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other 
comprehensive loss 
Other comprehensive income, 
net of tax 
Share of equity method 
investees other comprehensive 
loss arising during the period, 
net of tax 
Acquisition of FQT 
Repurchase of common stock 
Stock-based compensation 
Balance, December 31, 2020 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (cid:54)(cid:55)(cid:50)(cid:38)(cid:46)(cid:43)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:40)(cid:53)(cid:54)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:52)(cid:56)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:60)
(in thousands) 

Common   
Stock 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Shares  Amount  Capital 
 46,410   $

 46   $

 685,019   $

Accum. Other 
Retained  Comp. Income 
Earnings 

(Loss) 

Treasury Stock 
Shares  Amount 

Total 
Green Plains 
Non- 
Stockholders'  Control.  Stockholders' 
Interests 

Equity 

Equity 

Total 

 325,411   $

 (13,110)

 5,326   $  (55,184)  $

 942,182  $  116,954   $  1,059,136  

 - 
 46,410  
 - 

 - 
 46  
 - 

 - 
 685,019  
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 
 213  
 15  
 46,638  
 - 

 - 
 1  
 - 
 47  
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 3,480  

 - 
 7,573  
 150  
 696,222  
 - 

 2,787  
 328,198  
 15,923  

 (19,393) 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 324,728  
 (166,860) 

 (2,787)
 (15,897)
 -

 - 
 5,326  
 - 

 - 
 (55,184) 
 - 

 -
 942,182 
 15,923 

 - 
 116,954  
 20,811  

 - 
 1,059,136  
 36,734  

 (19,393)

 (21,872) 

 (41,265) 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 210  

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 (2,979) 

 -

 -
 (119)
 (2,979)

 - 

 3,480 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 (119) 
 (2,979) 

 3,480  

 - 
 - 
 - 
 5,536  
 - 

 1  
 - 
 - 
 (58,162) 
 - 

 1 
 7,574 
 150 
 946,819 
 (166,860)

 - 
 277  
 - 
 116,170  
 18,860  

 1  
 7,851  
 150  
 1,062,989  
 (148,000) 

 (9,718) 

 -

 (9,718)

 (21,968) 

 (31,686) 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 -

 -

 17,178 

 (12,226)

 5,054 

 24,928 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 17,178  

 (12,226) 

 5,054  

 24,928  

 (271) 
 (61,646) 
 7,371  
 1,595  
 865,286  
 (89,654) 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 -

 -

 -

 (3,334)

 (9,675) 

 (9,675) 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (3,334) 

 (271) 
 - 
 7,052  
 1,595  
 734,580  
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 148,150  
 (108,775) 

 - 
 5,396  
 - 
 - 
 10,932  
 - 

 - 
 (61,646) 
 - 
 - 
 (119,808) 
 - 

 (271)
 (61,646)
 7,052 
 1,595 
 751,905 
 (108,775)

 - 
 - 
 319  
 - 
 113,381  
 19,121  

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 207  
 119  
 46,964  
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 47  
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 5,054  

 24,928  

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 39,375   $

 - 
 - 
 - 
 507  
 47,471   $

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 47   $

 - 
 - 
 - 
 6,309  
 740,889   $

 12,226 
 -
 -
 -
 (2,172)

 - 
 - 
 881  
 - 

 - 
 - 
 (11,479) 
 - 

 12,226 
 -
 (11,479)
 6,309 

 - 
 6,667  
 - 
 318  

 11,813   $  (131,287)  $

 646,852  $  129,812   $

 12,226  
 6,667  
 (11,479) 
 6,627  
 776,664  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

F-6 

 -

 (6,788)

 6,669 
 (119)
 -

 -

 -
 -
 -
 (16,016)
 -

 55,973 

 (38,795)

 17,178 

 (12,226)

 -

 -

 -
 -
 -
 -
 (11,064)
 -

 -

 (768)

 (2,566)

 (3,334)

 
GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(in thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2020 

2018 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations including noncontrolling interest 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 
Net income (loss) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: 

Depreciation and amortization 
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount 
Loss (gain) on the disposal of assets, net 
Goodwill impairment 
Write-off of deferred financing fees related to extinguishment of debt 
Deferred income taxes 
Stock-based compensation 
Loss (income) from equity method investees, net of income taxes 
Distribution from equity method investees, net of income taxes 
Other 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of  
business combinations and dispositions: 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Derivative financial instruments 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Current income taxes 
Other 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - continuing operations 
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities: 

Purchases of property and equipment, net 
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash divested 
Proceeds from the sale of assets, net 
Disposition of equity method investee 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 
Distributions from (contribution to) equity method investees 
Other investing activities 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations 
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 
Payments of principal on long-term debt 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 
Payments on short-term borrowings 
Payments for repurchase of common stock 
Payments of cash dividends and distributions 
Proceeds from disgorgement of shareholder short-swing profits 
Payments of loan fees  
Payments related to tax withholdings for stock-based compensation 
Proceeds from exercises of stock options 

Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - discontinued operations 
Net cash used in financing activities 

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 

Discontinued operations cash activity included above: 

Add: Cash balance included in current assets of discontinued operations at beginning of period 
Less: Cash balance included in current assets of discontinued operations at end of period 

$

 (89,654)  $

 (148,829)  $

 - 
 (89,654) 

 78,244  
 22,500  
 21,464  
 24,091  
 - 
 (13,336) 
 7,915  
 (21,093) 
 27,910  
 - 

 57,060  
 (21,632) 
 1,274  
 (2,105) 
 (22,772) 
 30,073  
 (1,044) 
 98,895  
 - 
 98,895  

 (110,579) 
 - 
 39,952  
 80,500  
 (21,325) 
 - 
 - 
 (11,452) 
 - 
 (11,452) 

 33,000  
 (12,987) 
 2,392,258  
 (2,468,485) 
 (11,479) 
 (9,675) 
 - 
 (3,873) 
 (1,288) 
 - 
 (82,529) 
 - 
 (82,529) 

 4,914  
 269,896  

 - 
 - 

 829  
 (148,000) 

 72,127  
 20,364  
 (3,680) 
 - 
 - 
 (17,252) 
 9,692  
 (2,797) 
 - 
 - 

 (21,762) 
 50,022  
 12,420  
 793  
 (1,778) 
 3,138  
 (288) 
 (27,001) 
 17,469  
 (9,532) 

 (75,481) 
 76,884  
 3,469  
 29,721  
 - 
 220  
 - 
 34,813  
 (4,169) 
 30,644  

 157,710  
 (45,702) 
 2,802,199  
 (2,840,505) 
 (61,646) 
 (31,686) 
 6,699  
 (5,291) 
 (2,320) 
 1,595  
 (18,947) 
 (50,464) 
 (69,411) 

 (48,299) 
 283,284  

 34,911  
 - 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period 

$

 274,810   $

 269,896   $

Continued on the following page 

 25,195  
 11,539  
 36,734  

 98,258  
 13,277  
 (150,351) 
 - 
 13,178  
 (24,484) 
 11,420  
 596  
 - 
 (11,604) 

 43,443  
 26,972  
 (12,294) 
 1,907  
 (53,565) 
 31,517  
 4,526  
 29,530  
 9,437  
 38,967  

 (40,529) 
 - 
 671,650  
 - 
 - 
 (3,091) 
 7,500  
 635,530  
 (128,065) 
 507,465  

 83,100  
 (576,389) 
 3,479,784  
 (3,578,629) 
 (2,978) 
 (41,265) 
 - 
 (3,808) 
 (3,569) 
 150  
 (643,604) 
 103,007  
 (540,597) 

 5,835  
 289,667  

 22,693  
 (34,911) 
 283,284  

F-7 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(in thousands) 

Continued from the previous page 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

Reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash 
Discontinued operations cash activity included above: 

$

 233,860  $
 40,950 

 245,977  $
 23,919 

 251,683 
 66,512 

Less: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balance included in current 
assets of discontinued operations at end of period 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 

 - 

 - 

$

 274,810  $

 269,896  $

 (34,911) 
 283,284 

Non-cash financing activity: 

Settlement of NMTC transaction 
Modification of 3.25% convertible notes due 2019, net 
Exchange of common stock held in treasury stock for 3.25% convertible notes 
due 2018 

Supplemental investing and financing activities: 
Assets acquired in acquisitions, net of cash 
Less: liabilities assumed 
Less: noncontrolling interests assumed 

Net assets acquired 

Assets disposed of in sale 
Less: liabilities disposed 
Net assets disposed 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow: 
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes 
Cash paid for interest of continuing operations 
Cash paid for interest of discontinued operations 

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$
$

 -  $
 -  $

 -  $

 8,100  $
 -  $

 - 
 3,480 

 -  $

 1 

 42,443  $
 (14,451) 
 (6,667) 
 21,325  $

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 -  $

 124,525 
 (118) 
 - 
 124,407 

 67,711  $
 (6,234) 
 61,477  $

 527,614  $
 (373,846) 
 153,768  $

 550,648 
 (41,276) 
 509,372 

 (60,587)  $
 23,300  $
 -  $

 563  $
 24,287  $
 11,557  $

 (22,478) 
 60,664 
 12,481 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

F-8 

GREEN PLAINS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 

References to the Company 

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)

consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.  

Consolidated Financial Statements 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)

transactions are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. As of 
December 31, 2020, the company owns a 48.9% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains 
Partners LP. Public investors own the remaining 49.1% limited partner interest in the partnership. The company determined 
that the limited partners in the partnership with equity at risk lack the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)nce; therefore, the partnership is considered a 
variable interest entity. The company, through its ownership of the general partner interest in the partnership, has the power 
to direct the activities that most significantly affect economic performance and is obligated to absorb losses and has the right
to receive benefits that could be significant to the partnership. Therefore, the company is considered the primary beneficiary 
(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)s of the partnership cannot be used by the 
company for general corporate purposes. (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
excluding intercompany balances, are $91.2 million and $90.0 million, respectively, and primarily consist of property and 
equipment, operating lease right-of-(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)December 
31, 2020 and 2019, excluding intercompany balances, are $151.2 million and $180.9 million, respectively, which primarily 
consist of current maturities of long-term debt as discussed in Note 12 – Debt and operating lease liabilities. The liabilities 
recognized as a result of consolidating the partnership do not represent additional claims on our general assets.  

GPCC, previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Plains, was disposed of during the third quarter of 2019. After 
closing, GPCC was (cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:51)(cid:38)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)was 
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Additionally, the company concluded that the disposition of GPCC met 
the requirements under ASC 205-20 Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations (cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:36)(cid:54)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:24)-(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:3)
presented as discontinued operations. As such, GPCC results prior to its disposition are classified as discontinued operations 
in prior period consolidated financial statements.  

Additionally, on October 1, 2020, pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the company sold its remaining 50% 

joint venture interest in GPCC to AGR, TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP and StepStone. The transaction resulted in a reduction 
in investment in equity method investees of $69.7 million as a result of removal of the equity method investment in GPCC, 
and a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $10.7 million as a result of the removal of the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)See Note 5 - Acquisitions, Dispositions 
and Discontinued Operations and Note 21 – Equity Method Investments for further details. 

The company also owns a 90.0% interest in BioProcess Algae, a joint venture formed in 2008, as well as a majority 
interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC with their results being consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain 

estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period. The company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions it believes are proper and 
reasonable under the circumstances and regularly evaluates the appropriateness of its estimates and assumptions. Actual 
results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue 
recognition, carrying value of intangible assets, operating leases, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative 
financial instruments, accounting for income taxes and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, are impacted 
significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. 

F-9 

Description of Business 

The company operates within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, 

including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, 
which includes grain handling and storage, commodity marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-
party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes food-
grade corn oil and included vinegar production until the sale of (cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
(4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services.  

Ethanol Production Segment 

Green Plains is one of the largest ethanol producers in North America. The company operates 12 ethanol plants in six 
(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)
ethanol and co-products such as wet, modified wet or dried distillers grains, as well as corn oil. The corn oil systems are 
designed to extract non-edible corn oil from the whole stillage immediately prior to production of distillers grains. At 
capacity, the company expects to process approximately 354 million bushels of corn and produce approximately 1.0 billion 
gallons of ethanol, 2.5 million tons of distillers grains and 276 million pounds of industrial grade corn oil annually.  

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment 

The company owns and operates grain handling and storage assets through its agribusiness and energy services segment, 

which has grain storage capacity of approximately 38.1 million bushels, with 30.5 million bushels of storage capacity at the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)7.6 million bushels of total storage capacity at its three grain elevat(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
agribusiness operations provide synergies with the ethanol production segment as it supplies a portion of the feedstock 
needed to produce ethanol. The company has an in-house marketing business that is responsible for the sale, marketing and 
distribution of all ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil produced at its ethanol plants. The company also purchases and sells
ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, grain, natural gas and other commodities and participates in other merchant trading 
activities in various markets.  

Food and Ingredients Segment 

The company has food-grade corn oil operations which focus on shipping corn oil from facilities across the Midwest by 

rail or barge to terminal facilities located in the southern United States. Until its sale on November 27, 2018, the company 
(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)-grade industrial vinegar. 

Partnership Segment 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)tion services by owning, operating, developing 

and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. As of 
December 31, 2020, the partnership owns (i) 31 ethanol storage facilities located a(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)12 operational 
ethanol production plants and one non-operational ethanol production plant, which have the ability to efficiently and 
effectively store and load railcars and tanker trucks with all of the ethanol produced at the compa(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
plants, (ii) six fuel terminal facilities, located near major rail lines, which enable the partnership to receive, store and deliver 
fuels from and to markets that seek access to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of 
approximately 2,480 railcars (cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
throughout the United States and international export terminals. 

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents includes bank deposits as well as short-term, highly liquid investments with original 

maturities of three months or less. 

Restricted Cash 

The company has restricted cash, which can only be used for funding letters of credit or for payment towards a credit 
agreement. Restricted cash also includes cash margins and securities pledged to commodity exchange clearinghouses and at 
times, funds in escrow related to acquisition and disposition activities. To the degree these segregated balances are cash and 
cash equivalents, they are considered restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets. 

F-10 

Revenue Recognition 

The company recognizes revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally 
this occurs with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected 
to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales, value add, and other taxes the company collects
concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. 

(cid:54)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)

recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs with the 
transfer of control of products or services. Revenues related to marketing for third parties are presented on a gross basis as the 
company controls the product prior to the sale to the end customer, takes title of the product and has inventory risk. Unearned
revenue is recorded for goods in transit when the company has received payment but control has not yet been transferred to 
the customer. Revenues for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels are recognized when the 
product is delivered to the customer. 

The company routinely enters into physical-delivery energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. At times, the 

company settles these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than delivering the physical 
commodity. Energy trading transactions are reported net as a component of revenue. Revenues include net gains or losses 
from derivatives related to products sold while cost of goods sold includes net gains or losses from derivatives related to 
commodities purchased. Revenues also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments and 
reclassifications of realized gains and losses on cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. 

Sales of products, including agricultural commodities, are recognized when control of the product is transferred to the 

customer, which depends on the agreed upon shipment or delivery terms. Revenues related to grain merchandising are 
presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain 
storage are recognized over time as the services are rendered.  

A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal 

or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue upon transfer of control of product from its storage tanks and 
fuel terminals, when railcar volumetric capacity is provided, and as truck transportation services are performed. To the extent
shortfalls associated with minimum volume commitments in the previous four quarters continue to exist, volumes in excess 
of the minimum volume commitment are applied to those shortfalls. Remaining excess volumes generating operating lease 
revenue are recognized as incurred. 

Shipping and Handling Costs  

The company accounts for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as costs to fulfill its 
promise to transfer the associated products. Accordingly, the company records customer payments associated with shipping 
and handling costs as a component of revenue, and classifies such costs as a component of cost of goods sold. 

Cost of Goods Sold 

Cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials, shipping and plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all 

compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol production and vinegar production until 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)
costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Materials include the cost of corn 
feedstock, denaturant, and process chemicals. Corn feedstock costs include gains and losses on related derivative financial 
instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, inbound freight charges, inspection costs and transfer costs, as well as 
reclassifications of gains and losses on cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Plant 
overhead consists primarily of plant utilities, repairs and maintenance and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred 
by the company, including railcar costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.  

The company uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts and forward purchase and sale contracts to attempt to 

minimize the effect of price changes on ethanol, grain and natural gas. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are 
valued at quoted market prices and settled predominantly in cash. The company is exposed to loss when counterparties 
default on forward purchase and sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale and forward purchase and sale contracts are 
valued at market prices when available or other market quotes adjusted for basis differences, primarily in transportation, 
between the exchange-traded market and local market where the terms of the contract is based. Changes in forward purchase 
contracts and exchange-traded futures and options contracts are recognized as a component of cost of goods sold. 

F-11 

Operations and Maintenance Expenses 

In the partnership segment, transportation expenses represent the primary component of operations and maintenance 
(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)-products, as 
well as costs incurred storing ethanol at destination terminals. 

Derivative Financial Instruments 

The company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and 
over-the-counter options contracts, to attempt to minimize risk and the effect of commodity price changes including but not 
limited to, corn, ethanol, natural gas and crude oil. The company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall 
risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on its operating results. The company may 
hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk; however, there may be situations when these hedging activities 
themselves result in losses.  

By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the company is exposed to credit and market 

(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:78)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
terms of the derivative contract. The company minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality 
counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring their financial 
condition. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in 
commodity prices or interest rates. The company manages market risk by incorporating parameters to monitor exposure 
within its risk management strategy, which limits the types of derivative instruments and strategies the company can use and 
the degree of market risk it can take using derivative instruments.  

The company evaluates its physical delivery contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale 

exemptions which are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that 
do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in operating 
income unless the contracts qualify for, and the company elects, cash flow hedge accounting treatment.  

Certain qualifying derivatives related to ethanol production and agribusiness and energy services are designated as cash 
flow hedges. The company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness prior to entering into cash flow 
hedges. Unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until the gain or loss 
from the underlying hedged transaction is realized and the physical transaction is completed. When it becomes probable a 
forecasted transaction will not occur, the cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which affects earnings. These derivative 
financial instruments are recognized in current assets or current liabilities at fair value. 

At times, the company hedges its exposure to changes in inventory values and designates qualifying derivatives as fair 

value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted in the current period for changes in fair value. 
Estimated fair values carried at market are based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted as appropriate for regional location 
basis values which represent differences in local markets including transportation as well as quality or grade differences. 
Basis values are generally determined using inputs from broker quotations or other market transactions. However a portion of 
the value may be derived using unobservable inputs. Ineffectiveness of the hedges is recognized in the current period to the 
extent the change in fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in fair value of the derivative.

Concentrations of Credit Risk 

The company is exposed to credit risk resulting from the possibility that another party may fail to perform according to 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:71)
parties, which can result in concentrations of credit risk from a variety of customers, including major integrated oil 
companies, large independent refiners, petroleum wholesalers and other marketers. The company also sells grain to large 
commercial buyers, including other ethanol plants. Although payments are typically received within fifteen days of the sale, 
the company continually monitors its exposure. The company is also exposed to credit risk on prepayments of undelivered 
inventories with a few major suppliers of petroleum products and agricultural inputs.  

The company has master netting arrangements with various counterparties. On the consolidated balance sheets, the 
associated net amount for each counterparty is reflected as either an accounts receivable or accounts payable. If the amount 
for each (cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)
increase by $1.1 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

F-12 

Inventories

Corn held for ethanol production, ethanol, corn oil and distillers grains inventories are recorded at the lower of average 

cost or net realizable value.  

Other grain inventories include readily marketable grain, forward contracts to buy and sell grain, and exchange traded 
futures and option contracts, which are all stated at market value. All grain inventories held for sale are marked to market. 
Changes are reflected in cost of goods sold. The forward contracts require performance in future periods. Contracts to 
purchase grain generally relate to current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. 
Contracts for the sale of grain to processors or other consumers generally do not extend beyond one year. The terms of the 
purchase and sale agreements for grain are consistent with industry standards. Raw materials and finished goods inventories 
are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. 

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally calculated using the 

straight-line method over the following estimated useful life of the assets: 

Plant, buildings and improvements 
Production equipment 
Other machinery and equipment 
Land improvements 
Railroad track and equipment 
Computer hardware and software 
Office furniture and equipment 

Years 
10-40 
15-40 
5-7 
20 
20 
3-5 
5-7 

Property and equipment is capitalized at cost. Land improvements and other property improvements are capitalized and 

depreciated. Costs of repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. The company periodically evaluates 
whether events and circumstances have occurred that warrant a revision of the estimated useful life of its fixed assets.  

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, intellectual property, research and development 
technology and licenses. These intangible assets were capitalized at fair market value and are being amortized over their 
estimated useful lives. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

The company reviews its long-lived assets, currently consisting of property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use 

assets, intangible assets and equity method investments, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by 
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the 
asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the 
amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Significant management judgment is 
required to determine the fair value of our long-lived assets and measure impairment, which includes projected cash flows. 
Fair value is determined by using various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, sales of comparable 
properties and third-party independent appraisals. Changes in estimated fair value could result in an impairment of the asset. 
There were no material impairment charges recorded for the periods reported. 

Goodwill 

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business 

combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. The determination of goodwill takes into 
consideration the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets. (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)
within our ethanol production and partnership segments. 

On January 1, 2018, the company early adopted the amended guidance in ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: 
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the 
goodwill impairment test. Under the amended guidance, an entity may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it 

F-13 

is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the quantitative impairment 
test shall be used to identify goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized (if 
any).  

The company is required to perform impairment tests related to goodwill annually, which it performs as of October 1, or 
sooner if an indicator of impairment occurs. (cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
future projected cash flows, a decision to suspend plant operations for an extended period of time, sustained decline in the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)r
regulatory matters or business climate. Significant management judgment is required to determine the fair value of goodwill 
and measure impairment, which include, but are not limited to, market capitalization, prospective financial information, 
growth rates, discount rates, inflationary factors, and cost of capital. Fair value is determined by using various valuation 
techniques, including discounted cash flow models, sales of comparable properties and third-party independent appraisals. 
Changes in estimated fair value could result in a write-down of the asset. 

Near term industry outlook due to the significant decrease in crude oil prices, lower gasoline demand, general 

uncertainty due to the COVID-(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:69)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
market capitalization during the three months ended March 31, 2020. As such, the company determined a triggering event 
had occurred that required an interim impairment assessment for its ethanol production reporting unit and as such we 
evaluated our goodwill as of March 31, 2020. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for goodwill 
were employed and included, but were not limited to, prospective financial information, growth rates, discount rates, 
inflationary factors, and cost of capital. Based on our quantitative evaluation, we determined that the fair value of the ethanol
production reporting unit did not exceed its carrying value. As a result, we concluded that the goodwill assigned to the 
ethanol production reporting unit was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $24.1 million. 

The company also (cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)

capitalization, and performed interim quantitative goodwill assessments as of March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. The 
company  performed its annual goodwill assessment as of October 1, 2020, using a qualitative assessment. Each of the 
goodwill assessments resulted in no goodwill impairment. 

For additional information, please refer to Note 10 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Leases  

On January 1, 2019, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC 842, Leases, and all related amendments and 
applied it to all leases using the optional transition method which requires the amended guidance to be applied at the date of 
adoption. The standard does not require the guidance to be applied to the earliest comparative period presented in the 
financial statements. As such, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the 
accounting standards in effect for those periods.  

The company leases certain facilities, parcels of land, and equipment. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, 

with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The term of the lease may include options to 
extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. For leases with initial terms 
greater than 12 months, the company records operating lease right-of-use assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities. 
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. The company did not 
incur any material short-term lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. 

Operating lease right-of-use assets represent the right to control an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease 
liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are recognized at 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)
provide an implicit rate, the incremental borrowing rate is used based on information available at commencement date to 
determine the present value of future payments.  

The company elected to utilize a portfolio approach for lease classification, which allows for an entity to group together 

leases with similar characteristics provided that its application does not create a material difference when compared to 
accounting for the leases at a contract level. For railcar leases, the company elected to combine the railcars within each rider
and account for each rider as an individual lease.  

From a lessee perspective, the company combines both the lease and non-lease components and accounts for them as one 

(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)
incurred or charged by the lessor. This maintenance cost is a non-lease component that the company combines with the 

F-14 

monthly rental payment and accounts for the total cost as operating lease expense. In addition, the company has a land lease 
that contains a non-lease component for the handling and unloading services the landlord provides. The company combines 
the cost of services with the land lease cost and accounts for the total as operating lease expense. 

The partnership segment records the majority of it operating lease revenue from its storage and throughput services, rail 

transportation services and certain terminal services agreements with Green Plains Trade. In addition, the partnership may 
sublease certain of its railcars to third parties on a short-term basis. These subleases are classified as operating leases, with 
the associated sublease revenue recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

Please refer to Note 18 – Commitments and Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements for further details on 

operating lease expense and revenue.  

Investments in Equity Method Investees 

The company accounts for investments in which the company exercises significant influence using the equity method so 

long as the company (i) does not control the investee and (ii) is not the primary beneficiary of the entity. The company 
recognizes these investments as a separate line item in the consolidated balance sheets and its proportionate share of earnings
(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)thod investees other 
comprehensive income arising during the period is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated 
balance sheet. 

The company recognizes losses in the value of equity method investments when there is evidence of an other-than-
temporary decrease in value. Evidence of a loss might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, the inability to 
recover the carrying amount of the investment or the inability of the equity method investee to sustain an earnings capacity 
that justifies the carrying amount of the investment. The current fair value of an investment that is less than its carrying 
amount may indicate a loss in value of the investment. The company evaluates equity method investments for impairment if 
there is evidence an investment may be impaired. We use the nature of distribution approach to classify distributions from 
equity method investments on the statements of cash flows.  

Discontinued Operations 

In determining whether a disposal group should be presented as discontinued operations, the company makes a 

determination of whether such a group being disposed of comprises a component of the entity, or a group of components of 
the entity, that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the company's operations and financial 
results. If these determinations are made affirmatively, the results of operations of the group being disposed of are aggregated
for separate presentation apart from the continuing operations of the company for all periods presented in the consolidated 
financial statements. General corporate overhead is not allocated to discontinued operations. 

Net income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, relates to the operations of GPCC, which was previously 

a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Plains until the formation of the GPCC joint venture and partial sale during the third 
quarter of 2019. The assets and liabilities of GPCC have been reclassified as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations
in the prior year. The company entered into a shared service agreement whereby they continued to provide certain 
administrative services to GPCC and received $400 thousand on a quarterly basis through December 31, 2020, at which time 
administrative services began to unwind as a result of the disposition of the GPCC joint venture on October 1, 2020. 
Associated services are not expected to be material in the future. See Note 5 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Discontinued 
Operations for further details. 

Financing Costs 

Fees and costs related to securing debt are recorded as financing costs. Debt issuance costs are stated at cost and are 
amortized using the effective interest method for term loans and the straight-line basis over the life of the agreements for 
revolving credit arrangements and convertible notes. During periods of construction, interest is capitalized in construction-in-
progress.  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of various expenses including employee salaries, incentives and 
benefits; office expenses; director compensation; professional fees for accounting, legal, consulting, and investor relations 
activities. 

F-15 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The company recognizes compensation cost using a fair value based method whereby compensation cost is measured at 
the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. 
The company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to calculate the fair value of options and warrants issued to both 
employees and non-employees. The company used the Monte Carlo valuation model to estimate the fair value of 
performance shares issued to employees. Stock issued for compensation is valued using the market price of the stock on the 
date of the related agreement. 

Income Taxes 

The provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial
reporting carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are 
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
operating results in the period of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely 
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  

The company recognizes uncertainties in income taxes within the financial statements under a process by which the 
likelihood of a tax position is gauged based upon the technical merits of the position, and then a subsequent measurement 
relates the maximum benefit and the degree of likelihood to determine the amount of benefit recognized in the financial 
statements.  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Effective January 1, 2020, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC 326, Financial Instruments - Credit 
Losses, which replaces the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses on 
financial instruments. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 
December 15, 2019, and allows for early adoption. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)

In December 2019, the FASB issued amended guidance in ASC 740, Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for 
Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles 
in ASC 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify U.S. GAAP for other areas of ASC 740 by 
clarifying and amending existing guidance. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments is 
permitted. The company is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2020, the FASB issued amended guidance in ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of 
Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions to U.S. GAAP guidance 
on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burden related to the expected market 
transition from the LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The expedients and exceptions 
provided by the amended guidance do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or 
evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has 
elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The guidance is 
effective upon issuance and to be applied prospectively from any date beginning March 12, 2020 through December 31, 
(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)nancial statements. 

In August 2020, the FASB issued amended guidance in ASC 470-20, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options 
and ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity - Accounting for Convertible Instruments and 
Contracts in an Equity’s Own Equity. The amended guidance simplifies the accounting for convertible debt instruments by 
reducing the number of accounting models and the number of embedded conversion features that could be recognized 
separately from the primary contract. The amended guidance also enhances transparency and improves disclosures for 
convertible instruments and earnings per share guidance. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after 
December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal periods. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than 
fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The amended guidance permits the use of either the modified retrospective 
or fully retrospective method of transition. The company intends on adopting the amended guidance on January 1, 2022 using 
the modified retrospective method of transition. The company is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated 
financial statements and anticipates it will result in an increase to long-term debt and a decrease in additional paid-in-capital
as well as a reduction of non-(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)

F-16 

3.  GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP 

The partnership is a fee-based master limited partnership formed by Green Plains to provide fuel storage and 
transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, 
transportation assets and other related assets and businesses(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)ntly include (i) 31 ethanol storage 
(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)12 operational ethanol production plants, which have the ability to efficiently and 
effectively store and load railcars and tanker trucks with all of the ethanol produced at t(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
plants, (ii) six fuel terminal facilities, located near major rail lines, which enable the partnership to receive, store and deliver 
fuels from and to markets that seek access to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of 
approximately 2,480 (cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)
refineries throughout the United States and international export terminals. The partnership is (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)
downstream logistics provider to support its approximately 1.0 bgy ethanol marketing and distribution business since the 
(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)

As of December 31, 2020, the company owns a 48.9% limited partner interest, consisting of 11,586,548 common units, 

and a 2.0% general partner interest in the partnership. The public owns the remaining 49.1% limited partner interest in the 
partnership. The partne(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)

(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)-term, fee-based commercial agreements with 

(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)s with Green Plains Trade include the 
following:  

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

10-year storage and throughput agreement, expiring on June 30, 2028; 

10-year rail transportation services agreement, expiring on June 30, 2025; 

1-year trucking transportation agreement, expiring on May 31, 2021;  

Terminal services agreement for the Birmingham, Alabama unit train terminal, expiring December 31, 2022; and 

(cid:120) Various other terminal services agreements for other fuel terminal facilities, each with Green Plains Trade. 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)throughput agreement, and certain terminal services agreements, including the terminal 

(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)
transportation services agreement is supported by minimum take-or-pay capacity commitments. The company also has 
agreements which establish fees for general and administrative, and operational and maintenance services it provides. These 
transactions are eliminated when the company consolidates its financial results. 

The company consolidates the financial results of the partnership and records a noncontrolling interest in the partnership 
held by public common unitholders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations includes the portion 
(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)n
unitholders. 

4.  REVENUE 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Generally this occurs 

with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be 
received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales, value add, and other taxes the company collects 
concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. 

F-17 

Revenue by Source 

The following tables disaggregate revenue by major source (in thousands):  

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 

Ethanol 
Production 

Agribusiness 
& Energy 
Services 

Food & 

Ingredients  Partnership  Eliminations 

Total 

Revenues: 

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606: 
  Ethanol 
  Distillers grains 
  Corn oil 
  Service revenues 
  Other 
  Intersegment revenues 
Total revenues from contracts with customers 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under 
ASC 815 (1):
  Ethanol 
  Distillers grains 
  Corn oil 
  Grain 
  Other 
  Intersegment revenues 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives 
  Leasing revenues under ASC 842 (2)
Total Revenues 

$

 -  $

 32,032  
 - 
 - 
 4,306  
 100  
 36,438  

(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)

 1,150,018  
 261,554  
 49,666  
 42  
 4,863  
 - 
 1,466,143  
 - 

 -  $
 - 
 2,938  
 - 
 6,423  
 4,463  
 13,824  

 287,261  
 41,184  
 33,563  
 32,833  
 12,201  
 23,005  
 430,047  
 - 

$  1,502,581   $

 443,871   $

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 -  $

 - $
 -
 -
 4,434 
 -
 8,411 
 12,845 

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 (12,974) 
 (12,974) 

 - 
 32,032  
 2,938  
 4,434  
 10,729  
 - 
 50,133  

 1,437,279  
 - 
 -
 302,738  
 - 
 -
 83,229  
 - 
 -
 32,875  
 - 
 -
 17,064  
 - 
 -
 - 
 (23,005) 
 -
 1,873,185  
 (23,005) 
 -
 70,500 
 401  
 (70,099) 
 83,345  $  (106,078)  $  1,923,719  

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019 

Ethanol 
Production 

Agribusiness 
& Energy 
Services 

Food & 

Ingredients  Partnership  Eliminations 

Total 

Revenues: 

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606: 
  Ethanol 
  Distillers grains 
  Service revenues 
  Other 
  Intersegment revenues 
Total revenues from contracts with customers 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under 
ASC 815 (1):
  Ethanol 
  Distillers grains 
  Corn oil 
  Grain 
  Other 
  Intersegment revenues 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives 
  Leasing revenues under ASC 842 (2)
Total Revenues 

$

 620   $

 70,729  
 - 
 2,589  
 100  
 74,038  

 1,338,093  
 228,849  
 50,290  
 175  
 9,270  
 - 
 1,626,677  
 - 

(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 3,684  
 - 
 3,684  

 522,572  
 42,445  
 28,034  
 63,233  
 48,348  
 27,184  
 731,816  
 - 

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - $
 -
 6,422 
 -
 7,126 
 13,548 

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 - 
 (7,226) 
 (7,226) 

 620  
 70,729  
 6,422  
 6,273  
 - 
 84,044  

 - 
 - 
 1,451  
 - 
 - 
 - 
 1,451  
 - 

 -
 - 
 1,860,665  
 -
 - 
 271,294  
 -
 - 
 79,775  
 -
 - 
 63,408  
 -
 - 
 57,618  
 -
 (27,184) 
 - 
 -
 (27,184) 
 2,332,760  
 434  
 (68,405) 
 68,839 
 82,387  $  (102,815)  $  2,417,238  

$  1,700,715   $

 735,500   $

 1,451   $

F-18 

Revenues: 

Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606: 
  Ethanol 
  Distillers grains 
  Vinegar 
  Service revenues 
  Other 
  Intersegment revenues 
Total revenues from contracts with customers 
Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under 
ASC 815 (1):
  Ethanol 
  Distillers grains 
  Corn oil 
  Grain 
  Other 
  Intersegment revenues 
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives 
  Leasing revenues under ASC 840 (2)
Total Revenues 

$

 3,803   $

 206,905  
 - 
 - 
 5,369  
 186  
 216,263  

 1,618,319  
 198,738  
 66,567  
 520  
 20,254  
 - 
 1,904,398  
 - 

(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 

Ethanol 
Production 

Agribusiness 
& Energy 
Services 

Food & 

Ingredients  Partnership  Eliminations 

Total 

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 - 
 3,014  
 24  
 3,038  

 -  $
 - 
 108,011  
 - 
 - 
 - 
 108,011  

 - $
 -
 -
 5,180 
 -
 9,030 
 14,210 

 -  $
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 (9,240) 
 (9,240) 

 3,803  
 206,905  
 108,011  
 5,180  
 8,383  
 - 
 332,282  

 418,956  
 141,140  
 22,623  
 81,742  
 68,380  
 33,077  
 765,918  
 - 

 - 
 - 
 13,110  
 - 
 - 
 - 
 13,110  
 - 

 2,037,275  
 339,878  
 102,300  
 82,262  
 88,634  
 - 
 2,650,349  
 1,301  
 121,121   $  100,748  $  (127,554)  $  2,983,932  

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 (33,077) 
 (33,077) 
 (85,237) 

 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 86,538 

$  2,120,661   $

 768,956   $

(1) Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives represent physically settled derivative sales that are outside the scope of ASC 606, where 

the company recognizes revenue when control of the inventory is transferred within the meaning of ASC 606 as required by ASC 610-20, Gains 
and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets.

(2) Leasing revenues do not represent revenues recognized from contracts with customers under ASC 606, and are accounted for under ASC 842, 

Leases for 2020 and 2019 and ASC 840, Leases for 2018. 

Major Customer 

Revenues from Customer A represented 16% and 11% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 
2019, respectively and are reported in the ethanol production segment. There were no third party customers that accounted 
for more than 10% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018.  

Payment Terms 

The company has standard payment terms, which vary depending upon the nature of the services provided, with the 
majority falling within 10 to 30 days after transfer of control or completion of services. In instances where the timing of 
revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the company has determined that contracts generally do not include 
a significant financing component.  

Contract Liabilities 

The company records unearned revenue when consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, 

from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of service and lease agreements. 
Unearned revenue from service agreements, which represents a contract liability, is recorded for fees that have been charged 
to the customer prior to the completion of performance obligations. Unearned revenue is generally recognized in the 
subsequent quarter and is not material to the company. The company expects to recognize all of the unearned revenue 
associated with service agreements as of December 31, 2020, in the subsequent quarter when the inventory is withdrawn 
(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:17)

5.  ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

ACQUISITIONS 

Acquisition of a Majority Interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC

On December 9, 2020, the company acquired a majority interest in Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. The acquisition 
capitalizes on the core strengths of each company to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and 
industrial biotechnology systems and rapidly expand installation and production of Ultra-High Protein across Green Plains 
facilities, as well as offer these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities. The agreement contains certain earn-out 
provisions to be received from the company if certain future results are met, including but not limited to, results of 

F-19 

implementation and execution of technology. We will record the obligation related to the earn-out provision as compensation 
within selling, general and administrative expenses as the earn-out becomes probable. 

The purchase price allocation is based on the preliminary results of an external valuation. The purchase price and 
purchase price allocation are preliminary until contractual post-closing working capital adjustments and valuations are 
finalized. The company paid $29.1 million for its interests in Fluid Quip Technologies, of which $2.4 million settled 
liabilities assumed in conjunction with the acquisition, and recognized $6.7 million of noncontrolling interest as part of the 
FQT acquisition. 

The following is a summary of the preliminary purchase price of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands): 

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed 

Cash and restricted cash 
Accounts receivable (1)
Inventory 
Intangible assets 
Other assets 

Current liabilities (1)
Other long term liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

$

$

8,911 
5,446 
3,037 
30,803 
2,059 

(13,708) 
(743) 
35,805 

(1) Accounts receivable contain $3.4 million of pre-existing receivables owed by the company, and current liabilities contain $5.8 million in deferred 
revenues associated with services to be performed for the company. These net to $2.4 million in liabilities assumed that were effectively settled at 
the time of acquisition of FQT. 

Acquisition of Cattle Feeding Operations – Bartlett Cattle Company, L.P.

On August 1, 2018, the company acquired two cattle-feeding operations from Bartlett Cattle Company, L.P. for 

$16.2 million, plus working capital of approximately $106.6 million primarily consisting of work-in-process inventory. The 
transaction included the feed yards located in Sublette, Kansas and Tulia, Texas, which added combined feedlot capacity of 
97,000 (cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)s. The transaction was financed using cash on hand and proceeds from the 
Green Plains Cattle senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility. There were no material acquisition costs recorded for
the acquisition. 

The following is a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands): 

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed 

Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Property and equipment, net 

Current liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

$

$

1,897 
104,809 
16,190 

(118) 
122,778 

The amounts above reflect the final purchase price allocation, which included working capital true-up payments by the 
company of $0.9 million made during 2018. After the disposition of GPCC, the assets and liabilities of the acquired feedlots 
were reclassified as discontinued operations. See Disposition of Equity Interest in Green Plains Cattle Company LLC and
Disposition of Green Plains Cattle Company LLC described below.

DISPOSITIONS 

Disposition of Hereford Ethanol Plant 

On December 28, 2020, the company completed the sale of the ethanol plant located in Hereford, Texas, and certain 
related assets, to Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P. for the sale price of $39.0 million, plus working capital. Correspondingly, 
the partners(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)$10.0 million, and 
certain railcar operating leases were assigned to Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P. The divested assets were reported within the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)oduction, agribusiness and energy and partnership segments. The company recorded a pretax loss on the 
sale of the ethanol plant of $22.4 million, of which a loss of $18.5 million was recorded within corporate activities and a loss

F-20 

of $3.9 million was recorded within the ethanol production segment. Transaction fees related to the disposal were not 
material. The agreement contains certain earn-out provisions to be received from the buyers if certain provisions are met. The 
company will record any contingent amounts in the consolidated financial statements when the amount is reasonably 
determinable or the consideration is realized. 

The asset and liabilities of the Hereford ethanol plant at closing on December 28, 2020 were as follows: (in thousands): 

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Disposed and Liabilities Relinquished 

Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and other 
Property and equipment 
Operating lease right-of-use-assets 

Accrued and other liabilities 
Operating lease current liabilities 
Operating lease long-term liabilities 
Long-term liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets disposed 

$

$

8,140 
196 
54,279 
5,096 

(870) 
(977) 
(4,201) 
(186) 
61,477 

The amounts reflected above represent working capital estimates which are considered preliminary until contractual 

post-closing working capital adjustments are finalized.  

Disposition of Equity Interest in Green Plains Cattle Company LLC 

On October 1, 2020, pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the company sold its remaining 50% joint venture 
interest in GPCC to AGR, TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP and (cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:179)(cid:37)(cid:88)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)$80.5 million in cash, plus closing 
adjustments. The transaction resulted in a reduction in other assets of $69.7 million as a result of the removal of the equity 
method investment in GPCC, and a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $10.7 million as a result 
(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)fees 
related to the disposal were not material. There was no material gain or loss recorded as part of this transaction. The 
Securities Purchase Agreement contains certain earn-out provisions to be paid to or received from the Buyers if certain 
EBITDA thresholds are met. The company will record any contingent amounts associated with the earn-out provision in the 
consolidated financial statements when the amount is probable and reasonably determinable or the consideration is realized. 
See Note 21 – Equity Method Investments for further details. 

Disposition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar

On November 27, 2018, the company and Green Plains II LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:46)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:180)). The company received as net 
consideration from Kerry $354.0 million in cash and restricted cash, excluding net working capital adjustments. The divested 
(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)pretax gain on the sale of 
(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)$58.2 million, including offsetting related transaction costs of $7.4 million within corporate 
activities. 

F-21 

The (cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:82)vember 27, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): 

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Disposed and Liabilities Relinquished 

Cash 
Accounts receivable, net 
Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and other 
Property and equipment 
Other assets 

Current liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

Goodwill 

Net assets disposed 

$

$

2,107 
16,142 
15,167 
853 
64,552 
79,389 

(8,837) 
(26,617) 
142,756 

142,002 
284,758 

The amounts above reflect the final purchase price allocation, including a working capital payment made to and received 

from Kerry of $0.3 million and $0.3 million during the first and third quarters of 2019, respectively. 

Disposition of Bluffton, Lakota and Riga Ethanol Plants 

On November 15, 2018, the company completed the sale of three ethanol plants located in Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, 

Iowa, and Riga, Michigan, and certain related assets from subsidiaries, to Valero Renewable Fuels Company, LLC 
(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:57)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)$323.2 million, including net working capital and other adjustments. Correspondingly, the 
(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)$120.9 million. The company 
received as consideration from Valero approximately $323.2 million, while the partnership received as consideration from the 
company 8.7 million partnership units and a portion of the general partner interest equating to 0.2 million equivalent limited 
(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)2% interest. In addition, the partnership also received additional consideration 
of approximately $2.7 million from Valero for the assignment of certain railcar operating leases. The divested assets were 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)ts. The company 
recorded a pretax gain on the sale of the three ethanol plants of $92.2 million, of which $89.5 million was recorded within 
corporate activities and $2.7 million was recorded within the partnership segment, including offsetting transaction costs of 
$4.2 million, of which $3.7 million were recorded within corporate activities and $0.5 million were recorded within the 
partnership segment. 

The assets and liabilities of the Bluffton, Lakota and Riga ethanol plants at closing on November 15, 2018 were as 

follows (in thousands): 

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Disposed and Liabilities Relinquished 

Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and other 
Property and equipment 
Other assets 

Current liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

Goodwill 

Net assets disposed 

$

$

36,812 
189 
184,970 
1,717 

(746) 
(4,706) 
218,236 

6,188 
224,424 

The amounts above reflect the final working capital true-up payments by Valero of $3.4 million received during the first 

quarter of 2019. 

The company determined that the dispositions noted above did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations 
presentation as the disposition of these businesses did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on its 
operations and financial results. 

F-22 

Disposition of Green Plains Cattle Company LLC 

On September 1, 2019, the company, TGAM and StepStone formed a joint venture and entered into the LLC Agreement. 

GPCC was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Plains. Green Plains also entered into a Securities Purchase 
Agreement with TGAM and StepStone, whereby TGAM and StepStone purchased an aggregate of 50% of the membership 
interests of GPCC from Green Plains for approximately $76.9 million in cash. There was no gain or loss recorded as part of 
this transaction. The LLC Agreement contains certain earn-out or bonus provisions to be paid by or received from GPCC if 
certain EBITDA thresholds are met. Pursuant to the bonus provision, on August 31, 2020, Green Plains earned $2.0 million 
which has been recorded within loss (gain) on sale of assets, net on the consolidated statements of operations for the year 
ended December 31, 2020. 

The assets and liabilities of the GPCC at closing on September 1, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): 

Amounts of Identifiable Assets Disposed and Liabilities Relinquished 

Cash 
Accounts receivable, net 
Inventory 
Derivative financial instruments 
Property and equipment 
Other assets 

Current liabilities 
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings 
Current maturities of long-term debt 
Long-term debt 
Other liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets disposed 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

$

$

2
17,920 
387,534 
48,189 
71,678 
2,291 

(49,297) 
(38) 
(324,028) 
(80) 
(403) 
153,768 

After closing on September 1, 2019(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:51)(cid:38)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)ments 

and the GPCC investment was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Additionally, the company concluded 
that the disposition of GPCC met the requirements under ASC 205-20. As such, GPCC results prior to its disposition are 
classified as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Financial results of GPCC were 
previously recorded within the food and ingredients segment. 

F-23 

Summarized Results of Discontinued Operations 

The following table presents the results of our discontinued operations for the periods presented. GPCC was disposed of 
on September 1, 2019, and as such, operational results through August 31, 2019 are included in the fiscal year 2019 amounts 
presented below (in thousands). 

Product revenues 

Costs and expenses 

Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization expenses reflected 
below) 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Depreciation and amortization expenses 

Total costs and expenses 
Operating income 

Other income (expense) 

Interest income 
Interest expense 
Other, net 

Total other expense 

Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net income 

Year Ended December 31, 
2018 (1)
2019 (1)

$

 638,122 

$

 884,072 

 614,671 
 5,931 
 4,198 
 624,800 
 13,322 

 182 
 (12,417) 
 - 
 (12,235) 
 1,087 
 (258) 
 829 

$

 845,160 
 7,775 
 5,361 
 858,296 
 25,776 

 147 
 (13,576) 
 2,613 
 (10,816) 
 14,960 
 (3,421) 
 11,539 

$

(1) Product revenues, costs of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses include certain revenue and expense items which were 
previously considered intercompany transactions prior to the disposition of GPCC and therefore eliminated upon consolidation. These revenue 
and costs of goods sold transactions total $14.5 million and $24.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.   

6.  FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES  

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)

financial instruments: 

Level 1 (cid:177) unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the company can access at the 

measurement date. 

Level 2 (cid:177) directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets 
other than quoted prices included within Level 1, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active,
and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data through correlation or 
other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness and energy services segment are valued at nearby futures 
values, plus or minus nearby basis values, which represent differences in local markets including transportation or 
commodity quality or grade differences. 

Level 3 (cid:177) unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and comprise a significant component of 

the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial instruments. 

Derivative contracts include exchange-traded commodity futures and options contracts and forward commodity purchase 

and sale contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active 
(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)-traded futures and options contracts are cash-
settled on a daily basis. 

F-24 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)

liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands): 

Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash 
Inventories carried at market 
Unrealized gains on derivatives 
Other assets 

Total assets measured at fair value 

Liabilities: 

Accounts payable (1)
Unrealized losses on derivatives 

Total liabilities measured at fair value 

Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash 
Inventories carried at market 
Unrealized gains on derivatives 
Other assets 

Total assets measured at fair value 

Liabilities: 

Accounts payable (1)
Unrealized losses on derivatives 

Total liabilities measured at fair value 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Total 

$

$

$

$

 233,860  $
 40,950 
 - 
 - 
 112 
 274,922  $

 -  $
 - 
 -  $

 -  $
 - 
 77,900 
 21,956 
 29 
 99,885  $

 19,355  $
 10,997 
 30,352  $

 233,860 
 40,950 
 77,900 
 21,956 
 141 
 374,807 

 19,355 
 10,997 
 30,352 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Total 

$

$

$

$

 245,977  $
 23,919 
 - 
 - 
 113 
 270,009  $

 -  $
 - 
 -  $

 -  $
 - 
 73,318 
 14,515 
 - 

 87,833  $

 37,294  $
 7,771 
 45,065  $

 245,977 
 23,919 
 73,318 
 14,515 
 113 
 357,842 

 37,294 
 7,771 
 45,065 

(1) Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $19.4.million and $37.3 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively, related to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are 
hybrid financial instruments for which the company has elected the fair value option. 

The fair valu(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)$535.9 million compared with a book value of $526.2 million at 

December 31, 2020(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)$564.4 million at December 
31, 2019. The company estimated the fair value of its outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs. The company believes the fair 
values of its accounts receivable approximated book value, which was $55.6 million and $107.2 million, respectively, at 
December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Although the company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial measurements, the fair values of tangible 

assets and goodwill acquired and the equity component of convertible debt represent Level 3 measurements which were 
derived using a combination of the income approach, market approach and cost approach for the specific assets or liabilities 
being valued. 

F-25 

7.  SEGMENT INFORMATION  

The company reports the financial and operating performance for the following four operating segments: (1) ethanol 
production, which includes the production of ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein
and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage, commodity marketing and 
merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, 
(3) food and ingredients, which includes food-grade corn oil and included (cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Vinegar during the fourth quarter of 2018 and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services.  

Corporate activities include selling, general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of compensation, 

professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment. 

During the normal course of business, the operating segments conduct business with each other. For example, the 

agribusiness and energy services segment procures grain and natural gas and sells products, including ethanol, distillers 
grains and corn oil for the ethanol production segment. The partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation 
services for the ethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions with 
origination, marketing and storage fees charged at estimated market values. Consequently, these transactions affect segment 
(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:30)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)e
eliminated.  

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)

discontinued operations (in thousands):

Revenues: 

Ethanol production: 

Revenues from external customers 
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Agribusiness and energy services: 

Revenues from external customers  
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Food and ingredients: 

Revenues from external customers 
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Partnership: 

Revenues from external customers 
Intersegment revenues 

Total segment revenues 

Revenues including intersegment activity 
Intersegment eliminations 
Revenues as reported 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

$

$

$

 1,502,481 
 100 
 1,502,581 

$

 1,700,615 
 100 
 1,700,715 

 2,120,475 
 186 
 2,120,661 

 416,403 
 27,468 
 443,871 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 708,316 
 27,184 
 735,500 

 1,451 
 - 
 1,451 

 4,835 
 78,510 
 83,345 
 2,029,797 
 (106,078) 
 1,923,719 

$

 6,856 
 75,531 
 82,387 
 2,520,053 
 (102,815) 
 2,417,238 

$

 735,855 
 33,101 
 768,956 

 121,121 
 - 
 121,121 

 6,481 
 94,267 
 100,748 
 3,111,486 
 (127,554) 
 2,983,932 

Refer to Note 4 – Revenue, for further disaggregation of revenue by operating segment. 

Cost of goods sold: 

Ethanol production 
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Intersegment eliminations 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

$

$

 1,507,335 
 409,407 
 - 
 - 
 (104,579) 
 1,812,163 

$

$

 1,791,099 
 696,226 
 1,526 
 - 
 (103,904) 
 2,384,947 

$

$

 2,118,787 
 717,772 
 94,679 
 - 
 (124,270) 
 2,806,968 

F-26 

Operating income (loss): 
Ethanol production (1)
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Intersegment eliminations 
Corporate activities (2)

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

$

$

 (129,618) 
 15,773 
 - 
 50,437 
 (1,400) 
 (57,888) 
 (122,696) 

$

$

 (178,575) 
 22,777 
 (76) 
 50,635 
 1,188 
 (38,519) 
 (142,570) 

$

$

 (111,823) 
 29,076 
 14,354 
 64,770 
 (3,110) 
 96,687 
 89,954 

(1) Operating loss for the ethanol production segment for fiscal year 2020 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million and $3.9 million 

pretax loss on sale of assets from the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant. 

(2) Corporate activities for fiscal year 2020 include a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million, $18.5 million pretax loss on sale of assets from 
the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant and a $1.5 million net gain from sale of GPCC. Fiscal year 2018 includes a $150.4 million gain on 
the sale of the Bluffton, Indiana, Lakota, Iowa, an(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:17)

Depreciation and amortization: 

Ethanol production 
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Corporate activities 

Capital expenditures: 
Ethanol production 
Agribusiness and energy services 
Food and ingredients 
Partnership 
Corporate activities 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

 67,956 
 2,512 
 - 
 3,806 
 3,970 
 78,244 

$

$

 63,073 
 2,222 
 - 
 3,441 
 3,391 
 72,127 

$

$

 80,227 
 2,470 
 7,553 
 4,442 
 3,566 
 98,258 

2020 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

 109,970 
 1,195 
 - 
 162 
 472 
 111,799 

$

$

 72,374 
 2,251 
 - 
 305 
 1,542 
 76,472 

$

$

 27,322 
 277 
 9,025 
 1,268 
 451 
 38,343 

$

$

$

$

The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands): 

Total assets (1):

Ethanol production 
Agribusiness and energy services 
Partnership 
Corporate assets 
Intersegment eliminations 

Year Ended December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 852,959 
 426,724 
 91,205 
 228,074 
 (20,045) 
 1,578,917 

$

$

 884,293 
 410,400 
 90,011 
 324,280 
 (10,766) 
 1,698,218 

(1) Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances.  

8.  INVENTORIES 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value, except grain held for sale and fair-value hedged 
inventories. Commodities held for sale are reported at market value. As of December 31, 2020, there was no lower cost of 
market inventory adjustment recorded. The company recorded a $6.6 million lower of cost or market inventory adjustment 
reflected in cost of goods sold within the ethanol production segment as of December 31, 2019. 

F-27 

     
The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands): 

Finished goods 
Commodities held for sale 
Raw materials 
Work-in-process 
Supplies and parts 

9.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 

December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 89,223 
 40,147 
 90,800 
 13,201 
 36,120 
 269,491 

$

$

 85,975 
 42,836 
 77,900 
 13,523 
 32,758 
 252,992 

The components of property and equipment are as follows (in thousands): 

Plant equipment 
Buildings and improvements 
Land and improvements 
Railroad track and equipment 
Construction-in-progress 
Computer hardware and software 
Office furniture and equipment 
Leasehold improvements and other 
Total property and equipment 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 

Property and equipment, net 

10.  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill 

December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 940,363 
 170,813 
 86,909 
 34,637 
 48,378 
 20,477 
 3,797 
 26,510 
 1,331,884 
 (530,194) 
 801,690 

$

$

 911,097 
 168,309 
 92,321 
 34,404 
 60,262 
 19,368 
 3,716 
 24,471 
 1,313,948 
 (486,677) 
 827,271 

The company had two reporting units, to which goodwill was assigned. We are required to perform impairment tests 
related to our goodwill annually, which we perform as of October 1, or sooner if an indicator of impairment occurs. Near 
term industry outlook due to the significant decrease in crude oil prices, lower gasoline demand, general uncertainty due to 
the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent decline in our stock price caused a decline in the co(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)
capitalization during the three months ended March 31, 2020. As such, the company determined a triggering event had 
occurred that required an interim impairment assessment for its ethanol production reporting unit. Due to the impairment 
indicators noted as a result of these triggering events, we evaluated our goodwill as of March 31, 2020. Significant 
assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for goodwill were employed and included, but were not limited to, 
prospective financial information, growth rates, discount rates, inflationary factors, and cost of capital. Based on our 
quantitative evaluation, we determined that the fair value of the ethanol production reporting unit did not exceed its carrying
value. As a result, we concluded that the goodwill assigned to the ethanol production reporting unit was impaired and 
recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $24.1 million. 

During the first half of 2020, a (cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)

capitalization. As such, the company determined a triggering event had occurred that required an interim impairment 
assessment as of March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for 
goodwill impairment testing were employed and include market capitalization, prospective financial information, growth 
(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)March
31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, it was determined that the fair value of the partnership reporting unit substantially exceeded its 
carrying value, and the partnership concluded that the goodwill was not impaired. During the three months ended September 
30, 2020, the company did not identify any triggering events, and as such, no impairment assessment was deemed necessary. 

The company performed the annual goodwill assessment as of October 1, 2020, and given the quantitative work 
performed during previous quarters as described above, the partnership used a qualitative assessment, which resulted in no 
goodwill impairment. 

F-28 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each business segment during the years ended December 31, 

2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance, December 31, 2018 
Balance, December 31, 2019 (1)
Impairment charge 
Balance, December 31, 2020 (1)

Ethanol 
Production 

$
$

$

 24,091  $
 24,091  $
 (24,091) 

 -  $

Partnership 

Total 

 10,598  $
 10,598  $
 - 
 10,598  $

 34,689 
 34,689 
 (24,091) 
 10,598 

(1) The company records goodwill within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.    

Intangible Assets 

The company recognized certain customer relationships, intellectual property and trade names in connection with the 
FQT acquisition (cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72) related to 
FQT was $30.6 million, which primarily consisted of $18.8 million of customer relationship and backlog assets, $10.4 
million of intellectual property and $1.4 million of trade name assets, net of $0.2 million of accumulated amortization, and 
has a remaining 12-year weighted-average amortization period. The company recognized $0.2 million of amortization 
expense associated with amortization of these intangible assets during fiscal year 2020, and expects estimated amortization 
expense of $5.9 million, $5.1 million, $3.1 million, $2.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively for the years ended December 
31, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as $11.4 million thereafter. (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. 

(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)$68.9 million, net of $11.1 million of amortization, was disposed of in connection with 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)-lived trade name intangible asset of 
$10.5 millio(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
$4.4 million of amortization expense associated with amortizing the customer relationship intangible asset during the year 
ended December 31, 2018. 

11.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

At December 31, 2020(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)unrealized losses of $2.2 million, net of tax, 
in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The company expects these items will be reclassified as operating income over the 
next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount realized in operating income will 
differ as commodity prices change.  

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments 

The fair values of the com(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)

where they are reported are as follows (in thousands): 

Derivative financial instruments 
Other assets 

Total 

Asset Derivatives' 
Fair Value at December 31, 

2020 

2019 

Liability Derivatives' 
Fair Value at December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 21,956 (1) $
 29 
 21,985 

$

 14,515  (2) $
 - 
 14,515 

$

 10,997  (3) $
 - 
 10,997 

$

 7,771 
 - 
 7,771 

(1) At December 31, 2020, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized gains on exchange traded 

futures and options contracts of $3.3 million, which include $2.8 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as 
cash flow hedging instruments. 

(2) At December 31, 2019, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized gains on exchange traded 

futures and options contracts of $3.4 million, which include $0.1 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as 
cash flow hedging instruments. 

(3) At December 31, 2020, derivative financial instruments, as reflected on the balance sheet, includes net unrealized losses on exchange traded 

futures and options contracts of $9.3 million, none of which were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. 

Refer to Note 6 - Fair Value Disclosures, which contains fair value information related to derivative financial 

instruments. 

F-29 

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated 
Statements of Comprehensive Income 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
instruments and the line items on the consolidated financial statements where they are reported are as follows (in thousands): 

Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income 

Revenues 
Cost of goods sold 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income 
taxes 

Net gain (loss) recognized in loss before tax 

Gain (Loss) Recognized in 
Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives 

Commodity Contracts 

$

$

$

Derivatives Not Designated  
as Hedging Instruments 

Commodity contracts 
Commodity contracts 

Commodity contracts 

Location of Gain (Loss) 
Recognized in 
Income on Derivatives 

Revenues 
Costs of goods sold 
Net income (loss) from discontinued 
operations, net of income taxes 

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into 
Income  
Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

 5,538 
 (2,115) 

 - 
 3,423 

$

$

 - 
 - 

 48,797 
 48,797 

$

$

 3,648 
 1,258 

 (14,462) 
 (9,556) 

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other 
Comprehensive Income on Derivatives 
Year Ended December 31, 
2019 
 70,404 

 (1,025) 

2018 

2020 

$

$

 (9,642) 

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in 
Income on Derivatives 
Year Ended December 31, 
2019 
$  (10,202) 
 (2,442) 

2018 
 11,565 
 21,101 

2020 
$  (10,813) 
 32,914 

$

 - 
 22,101 

$

 (2,470) 
$  (15,114) 

 (3,607) 
 29,059 

$

The following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for the 

fair value hedged items (in thousands): 

December 31, 2020 

December 31, 2019 

Line Item in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Which the 
Hedged Item is Included 

Carrying Amount 
of the Hedged 
Assets 

Cumulative 
Amount of Fair 
Value Hedging 
Adjustment 
Included in the 
Carrying Amount 
of the Hedged 
Assets 

Cumulative 
Amount of Fair 
Value Hedging 
Adjustment 
Included in the 
Carrying Amount 
of the Hedged 
Assets 

Carrying Amount 
of the Hedged 
Assets 

Inventories 

$

 53,963 

$

 9,041 

$

 55,021 

$

 (2,808) 

F-30 

Effect of Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedge Accounting on the Statements of Operations 

Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized 
in Income on Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedging 
Relationships for the Year Ended December 31, 
2020 

Revenue 

Cost of 
Goods Sold 

Net Income from 
Discontinued 
Operations, Net of 
Income Taxes 

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships: 

Commodity contracts: 
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other 
comprehensive income into income 

Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships: 

Commodity contracts: 
Hedged item 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 

$

 5,538  $

 (2,115)  $

 - 
 - 

 5,098 
 (3,752) 

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the 
consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow 
or fair value hedges are recorded 

$

 5,538  $

 (769)  $

 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 

Gain on cash flow hedging relationships: 

Commodity contracts: 
Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive 
income into income 

Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships: 

Commodity contracts: 
Hedged item 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 

Location and Amount of Gain Recognized in 
Income on Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedging 
Relationships for the Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

Revenue 

Cost of 
Goods Sold 

Net Income from 
Discontinued 
Operations, Net of 
Income Taxes 

$

 -  $

 -  $

 48,797 

 - 
 - 

 (844) 
 4,254 

 - 
 - 

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the 
consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow 
or fair value hedges are recorded 

$

 -  $

 3,410  $

 48,797 

F-31 

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships: 

Commodity contracts: 
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other 
comprehensive income into income 

Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships: 

Commodity contracts: 
Hedged item 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 

Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized 
in Income on Cash Flow and Fair Value Hedging 
Relationships for the Year Ended December 31, 
2018 

Revenue 

Cost of 
Goods Sold 

Net Income from 
Discontinued 
Operations, Net of 
Income Taxes 

$

 3,648  $

 1,258  $

 (14,462) 

 - 
 - 

 13,681 
 (12,304) 

 - 
 - 

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the 
consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow 
or fair value hedges are recorded 

$

 3,648  $

 2,635  $

 (14,462) 

There were no gains or losses from discontinuing cash flow or fair value hedge treatment during the years ended 

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.  

The open commodity derivative positions as of December 31, 2020, are as follows (in thousands): 

Derivative
Instruments 
Futures 
Futures 
Futures 
Futures 
Futures 
Futures 
Futures 
Futures 
Options 
Options 
Options 
Options 
Options 
Forwards 
Forwards 
Forwards 
Forwards 
Forwards 

Exchange Traded 
Net Long & 
(Short) (1)

December 31, 2020 

Non-Exchange Traded 

Long (2)

(Short) (2)

 (27,245) 
 45,520  (3)
 (7,430) (4)
 (161,070) 
 (134,946) (3)
 (14,200) 
 (6,888) (4)
 69 
 130 
 73,973 
 6,168 
 105 
 238 

 41,357 
 - 
 156 
 528 
 11,242 

 (302) 
 (147,432) 
 (343) 
 (47,057) 
 (931) 

Unit of 
Measure 
Bushels 
Bushels 
Bushels 
Gallons 
Gallons 
mmBTU 
mmBTU 
Tons 
Tons 
Pounds 
Bushels 
Gallons 
mmBTU 
Bushels 
Gallons 
Tons 
Pounds 
mmBTU 

Commodity 
Corn and Soybeans 
Corn 
Corn 
Ethanol 
Ethanol 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Soybean Meal 
Soybean Meal 
Soybean Oil 
Corn 
Ethanol 
Natural Gas 
Corn and Soybeans 
Ethanol 
Distillers Grains 
Corn Oil 
Natural Gas 

(1) Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis. Options are presented on a delta-adjusted basis. 
(2) Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis including both fixed-price and basis contracts. 
(3) Futures used for cash flow hedges.
(4) Futures used for fair value hedges. 

Energy trading contracts that do not involve physical delivery are presented net in revenues on the consolidated 
statements of operations. Included in revenues are net gains of $3.0 million, $12.3 million, and $23.1 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 respectively, on energy trading contracts.  

F-32 

12.  DEBT  

The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): 

Corporate:

$170.0 million convertible notes due 2022 (1)
$115.0 million convertible notes due 2024 (2)

Green Plains Partners: 

$135.0 million credit facility (3)

Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah: 

$75.0 million delayed draw loan agreement (4)

Other 
Total book value of long-term debt 
Unamortized debt issuance costs 
Less: current maturities of long-term debt 

Total long-term debt 

December 31, 

2020 

2019 

 156,441 
 89,125 

$

 100,000 

 30,000 
 15,936 
 391,502 
 (6,151) 
 (98,052) 
 287,299 

$

 149,256 
 83,497 

 132,100 

 - 
 16,512 
 381,365 
 (4,820) 
 (132,555) 
 243,990 

$

$

Includes $1.3 million and $2.0 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 
Includes $2.2 million and $2.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

(1)
(2)
(3) The Green Plains Partners credit facility was amended on June 4, 2020 and includes $2.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of 

December 31, 2020. Additionally, the credit facility is included in current maturities of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as of 
December 31, 2020 as its maturity date is December 31, 2021. See below for further discussion. 

(4) On September 3, 2020, Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company, entered into a $75.0 
million delayed draw loan agreement. The delayed draw loan includes $0.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2020. 

Scheduled long-term debt repayments, including full accretion of the $170.0 million convertible notes due 2022 and of 
the $115.0 million convertible notes due 2024 at maturity but excluding the effects of any debt discounts and debt issuance 
costs, are as follows (in thousands):  

Year Ending December 31,  

Amount 

2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
Thereafter 
Total 

$

$

 100,313 
 171,831 
 1,815 
 116,819 
 1,804 
 38,354 
 430,936 

The components of short-term notes payable and other borrowings are as follows (in thousands): 

Green Plains Trade: 

$300.0 million revolver 

Green Plains Grain: 

$100.0 million revolver 
$50.0 million inventory financing 

Green Plains Commodity Management: 

$30.0 million hedge line 

Other 

Total short-term notes payable and other borrowings 

Corporate Activities 

December 31, 

2020 

2019 

 79,251 

$

 138,204 

 38,700 
 - 

 21,682 
 1,175 
 140,808 

$

 40,000 
 - 

 9,608 
 - 
 187,812 

$

$

During 2019, the company issued an aggregate $115.0 million of 4.00% convertible senior notes due in 2024, or the 
4.00% notes. The 4.00% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company, with interest payable on January 1 and 
July 1 of each year, beginning January 1, 2020, at a rate of 4.00% per annum. The 4.00% notes will mature on July 1, 2024, 
unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 4.00% notes will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into 
consideration consisting of, at t(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)

F-33 

(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)
preceding the maturity date. However, before January 1, 2024, the 4.00% notes will not be convertible unless certain 
conditions are satisfied. The initial conversion rate is 64.1540 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal
to a conversion price of approximately $15.59 per share. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the 
occurrence of certain events. In addition, the company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)alling the 4.00% notes for redemption.  

On and after July 1, 2022, and prior to the maturity date, the company may redeem all, but not less than all, of the 4.00% 
(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)140% of the applicable conversion price for 
a specified time period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date the company delivers notice of the 
redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 4.00% notes to be redeemed, plus any 
accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, 
holders of the 4.00% notes will have the right, at their option, to require the company to repurchase the 4.00% notes in cash 
at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 4.00% notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, 
but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.  

In August 2016, the company issued $170.0 million of 4.125% convertible senior notes due in 2022, or the 4.125% 
notes. The 4.125% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company, with interest payable on March 1 and September 
1 of each year. The company may settle the 4.125% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common 
stock. Prior to March 1, 2022, the 4.125% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The initial 
conversion rate is 35.7143 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of 
approximately $28.00 per share. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including 
upon redemption of the 4.125% notes. 

The company may redeem all, but not less than all, of the 4.125% notes at any time on or after September 1, 2020, if the 

(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on 
the trading day immediately prior to the date the company delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 
100% of the principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the 4.125% notes have the option to require the 
company to repurchase the 4.125% notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest 
when there is a fundamental change, such as change in control. If an event of default occurs, it could result in the 4.125% 
notes being declared due and payable. 

Agribusiness and Energy Services Segment 

Green Plains Trade has a $300.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to finance working capital 
for marketing and distribution activities based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables 
and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. The credit facility matures on July 28, 2022 and consists of a $285 million 
credit facility and a $15 million first-in-last-out (FILO) credit facility, and includes an accordion feature that enables the 
credit facility to be increased by up to $70.0 million with agent approval. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal
to daily LIBOR plus 2.25% on the credit facility and daily LIBOR plus 3.25% on the FILO credit facility. The total unused 
portion of the revolving credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum.  

The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants for Green Plains Trade, including maintaining a minimum fixed 
charge coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00. Capital expenditures are limited to $1.5 million per year under the credit facility. The
credit facility also restricts distributions related to capital stock, with an exception for distributions up to 50% of net income 
if, on a pro forma basis, (a) availability has been greater than $10.0 million for the last 30 days and (b) the borrower would be
in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on the distribution date.  

Green Plains Grain has a $100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, which matures on June 28, 

2022. The credit facility finances working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral equal to the 
sum of percentages of eligible cash, receivables and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to an 
interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.00% (cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:3)2.00%. The credit facility also includes an accordion 
feature that enables the facility to be increased by up to $75.0 million with agent approval. The credit facility can also be 
increased by up to $50.0 million for seasonal borrowings. Total commitments outstanding cannot exceed $225.0 million. 
Depending on utilization, the total unused portion of the $100.0 million revolving credit facility is also subject to a 
commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.50%. 

Lenders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable and other assets owned by Green 
Plains Grain. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants for Green Plains Grain, including maintaining minimum 
working capital to be the greater of (i) $18,000,000 and (ii) 18% of the sum of the then total commitment plus the aggregate 
seasonal line commitments. Minimum tangible net worth is required to be greater than 21% of the sum of the then total 

F-34 

commitment plus the aggregate seasonal line commitments. The credit facility also requires the company to maintain a 
maximum annual leverage of 6.00 to 1.00. Capital expenditures are limited to $8.0 million per year under the credit facility, 
plus equity contributions from the company and unused amounts of up to $8.0 million from the previous year. In addition, if 
the company has long-term indebtedness on the date of calculation of greater than $10.0 million, the credit facility requires 
the company to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00 and a maximum long term debt 
capitalization of 40%.  

Green Plains Grain has entered into short-term inventory financing agreements with a financial institution. The company 

has accounted for the agreements as short-term notes, rather than sales, and has elected the fair value option to offset 
fluctuations in market prices of the inventory. The company had no short-term notes payable related to these inventory 
financing agreements as of December 31, 2020. 

Green Plains Commodity Management has an uncommitted $30.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures April 
30, 2023, is used to finance margins related to its hedging programs. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to 
LIBOR plus 1.75%. 

Ethanol Production Segment 

On September 3, 2020, Green Plains Wood River and Green Plains Shenandoah, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the 
company, entered into a delayed draw loan agreement with MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC. The $75.0 million delayed 
draw loan matures on September 1, 2035 and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Wood River and Shenandoah 
facilities. The proceeds from the loan will be used to add high protein processing systems at the Wood River and Shenandoah 
facilities as well as other capital expenditures.   

The delayed draw loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.02%, plus an interest rate premium of 1.5% until the loan is fully 

drawn, which must occur within the 18 month draw period. After the earlier of the 18 month draw period or the loan being 
fully drawn, the interest rate premium may be adjusted quarterly from 0.00% to 1.50% based on the leverage ratio of total 
funded debt to EBITDA of Wood River and Shenandoah. Principal payments of $1.5 million per year begin 24 months from 
the closing date. Prepayments are prohibited until September 2024. Financial covenants of the delayed draw loan agreement 
include a minimum loan to value ratio of 50%, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x commencing on June 30, 
2021, a total debt service reserve of six months of future principal and interest payments and a minimum working capital 
requirement at Green Plains of not less than $0.10 per gallon of nameplate capacity or $102.3 million. The loan is guaranteed 
by the company and has certain limitations on distributions, dividends or loans to Green Plains by Wood River and 
Shenandoah unless immediately after giving effect to such action, there will not exist any event of default.   

The company also has small equipment financing loans, finance leases on equipment or facilities, and other forms of 

debt financing.  

Partnership Segment 

Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has a $135.0 million credit facility to fund working capital, 

capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. The credit facility was amended on June 4, 2020, decreasing the 
size of the facility from $200.0 million to $135.0 million. The amended credit facility consists of a $130.0 million term loan 
and a $5.0 million revolver, and matures on December 31, 2021. The partnership made $30.0 million in principal payments 
on the term loan during fiscal year 2020 including $10.0 million related to the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant. As 
of December 31, 2020, no additional prepayments on the term loan were required or paid. Monthly principal payments of 
$2.5 million are required October 15, 2020 through April 15, 2021, with a step up to monthly payments of $3.2 million 
beginning May 15, 2021 through maturity.  

In certain situations we are required to make prepayments on the outstanding principal balance on the credit facility. If at 

any time our cash balance exceeds $2.5 million for more than five consecutive business days, prepayments of outstanding 
principal are required in an amount equal to the excess cash. The partnership is also required to prepay outstanding principal 
on the credit facility with 100% of net cash proceeds from any asset disposition or recovery event. Any prepayments on the 
term loan are applied to the remaining principal balance in inverse order of maturity, including the final payment.  

The term loan balance, and any advances on the revolver, are subject to a floating interest rate based on a 1.0% LIBOR 
floor plus 4.50% to 5.25% (cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)rage ratio. However, if less than 
$40.0 million of prepayments in excess of the scheduled monthly payments have been made prior to April 1, 2021, the term 
loan balance and any advances on the revolver will be subject to a floating rate based on a 1.00% Libor floor plus 5.00% to 
(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:3)The unused portion of the revolver is also 
subject to a commitment fee of 0.50%. The credit facility also allows for swing line loans subject to the revolver availability.

F-35 

Swing line loans are subject to a floating interest rate based on the Prime Rate plus 3.5% to 4.25% dependent upon the 
preceding (cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87) be repaid 
within 10 days of the date of the advance. As of December 31, 2020, the term loan had a balance of $100.0 million and an 
interest rate of 6.00% and there were no outstanding swing line loans. 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)ity are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the equity interests of the 

(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)
investment property, general intangibles and contract rights, including rights under any agreements with Green Plains Trade, 
(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)onal 
(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)eal property and material leases of real property. The terms impose 
(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71) sell 
assets, create liens, invest capital, pay distributions a(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)
Green Plains Trade. The credit facility also requires the partnership to maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, as of 
the end of any fiscal quarter, of no more than 3.0x that decreases 0.25x each quarter to 1.50x by December 31, 2021, and a 
minimum consolidated debt service coverage ratio of 1.1x, each of which is calculated on a pro forma basis with respect to 
acquisitions and divestitures occurring during the applicable period. The consolidated leverage ratio is calculated by dividing
(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:37)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:39)(cid:36)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:3)
service coverage ratio is calculated by taking the sum of the four preceding fiscal (cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:37)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:39)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)
consolidated interest charges plus consolidated scheduled funded debt payments for such period. 

Under the amended terms of the credit facility, the partnership may make quarterly distribution payments in an aggregate 

amount not to exceed $0.12 per outstanding unit, so long as (i) no default has occurred and is continuing, or would result 
from payment of the distribution, and (ii) the partnership and its subsidiaries are in compliance with its financial covenants 
and remain in compliance after payment of the distribution. The credit facility is not guaranteed by the company. 

The facility, which is supported by a group of financial institutions, will mature on December 31, 2021 unless extended 
by agreement of the lenders or replaced by another funding source. While the partnership has not yet renegotiated the credit 
facility or secured additional funding necessary to repay the loan, the partnership believes it is probable that it will source
(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:72)-based cash flows, ongoing profitability, low debt 
leverage and history of obtaining financing on reasonable commercial terms. In the unlikely scenario that the partnership is 
unable to refinance its debt with the lenders prior to its maturity, the partnership will consider other financing sources, 
including but not limited to, the restructuring or issuance of new debt with a different lending group, the issuance of 
additional partnership units, other strategic actions to extinguish the debt, or support from the company. 

In June 2013, the partnership, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Birmingham BioEnergy, was a recipient of qualified 

low income community investment notes in conjunction with New Markets Tax Credits financing related to the Birmingham, 
Alabama terminal. Two promissory notes payable of $1.9 million and $8.1 million, and a note receivable of $8.1 million, 
were issued in connection with this transaction. On December 31, 2019, the parties to the transaction executed certain 
provisions under the agreements whereby the promissory notes payable totaling $10.0 million were assigned to BlendStar in 
satisfaction of the $8.1 million note receivable. The partnership previously accounted for the $1.9 million promissory note 
payable as grant revenue, which was reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of the property and equipment at 
Birmingham BioEnergy and recognized in earnings as a decrease in depreciation expense over the useful life of the assets. 
The remaining $8.1 million promissory note payable and note receivable between Birmingham BioEnergy and BlendStar 
were forgiven in conjunction with the closing on December 31, 2019. 

Covenant Compliance 

The company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Restricted Net Assets 

At December 31, 2020, there were approximately $77.7 million of net assets at the (cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)

be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit 
facilities of these subsidiaries. 

F-36 

13.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

On May 6, 2020, the shareholders of the company approved the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan which granted an additional 

1.6 million shares of common stock for stock-based compensation. All shares remaining under the 2009 Equity Incentive 
Plan rolled into the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan effective May 6, 2020. The 2019 Equity Inventive Plan reserves 5.7 million 
shares of common stock for issuance to its directors and employees. The plan provides for shares, including options to 
purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, restricted stock, performance 
share awards, and restricted and deferred stock unit awards, to be granted to eligible employees, non-employee directors and 
consultants. The company measures stock-based compensation at fair value on the grant date, with no adjustments for 
estimated forfeitures. The company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated 
financial statements over the requisite period on a straight-line basis. 

Grants under the equity incentive plans may include stock options, stock awards, performance share awards or deferred 

stock units: 

(cid:120)

Restricted Stock Awards (cid:177) Restricted stock awards may be granted to directors and employees that vest immediately 
or over a period of time as determined by the compensation committee. Stock awards granted to date vested 
immediately and over a period of time, and included sale restrictions. Compensation expense is recognized on the 
grant date if fully vested or over the requisite vesting period.  

(cid:120) Deferred Stock Units (cid:177) Deferred stock units may be granted to directors and employees that vest immediately or 

over a period of time as determined by the compensation committee. Deferred stock units granted to date vest over a 
period of time with underlying shares of common stock that are issuable after the vesting date. Compensation 
expense is recognized on the grant date if fully vested, or over the requisite vesting period.  

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

Performance Share Awards (cid:177) Performance share awards may be granted to directors and employees that cliff-vest 
after a period of time as determined by the compensation committee. Performance share awards granted to date cliff-
vest after a period of time, and included sale restrictions. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite 
vesting period.  

Stock Options (cid:177) Stock options may be granted that can be exercised immediately in installments or at a fixed future 
date. Certain options are exercisable regardless of employment status while others expire following termination. 
Options issued to date could have been exercised immediately or at future vesting dates, and expired five to eight 
years after the grant date. Compensation expense for stock options that vest over time is recognized on a straight-
line basis over the requisite service period.  

Restricted Stock Awards and Deferred Stock Units 

The non-vested restricted stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2020, are as 

follows: 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2019 

Granted 
Forfeited 
Vested 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2020 

Performance Share Awards 

Non-Vested 
Shares and 
Deferred
Stock Units 

Weighted-
Average Grant- 
Date Fair Value 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Vesting Term 
(in years) 

 751,315 
 650,745 
 (21,241) 
 (352,080) 
 1,028,739 

$

$

17.48 
9.79 
16.01 
18.83 
12.18 

1.7 

On March 18, 2020, the board of directors granted performance shares to be awarded in the form of common stock to 

certain participants of the plan. These performance shares vest based on the level of achievement of certain performance 
(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)-protein initiatives, annual production levels and 
return on investment (ROI). Performance shares granted in 2020 do not contain market based factors requiring a Monte Carlo 
valuation model. The performance shares were granted at a target of 100%, but each performance share will reduce or 
increase depending on results for the performance period. If the company achieves the maximum performance goals, the 
maximum amount of shares available to be issued pursuant to the 2020 awards are 641,823 performance shares which 

F-37 

represents approximately 276% of the 232,566 performance shares which remain outstanding. The actual number of 
performance shares that will ultimately vest is based on the actual performance targets achieved at the end of the performance 
period. 

On February 19, 2019 and March 19, 2018, the board of directors granted performance shares to be awarded in the form 
of common stock to certain partici(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:53)(cid:50)(cid:49)(cid:36)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:55)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
vest on the third anniversary of the grant, if the RONA and TSR criteria are achieved and the participant is then employed by 
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
RONA during the three year performance period. The remaining fifty percent of the performance shares vest based upon the 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)

The performance shares were granted at a target of 100%, but each performance share will reduce or increase depending 

(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:10)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:50)(cid:49)(cid:36)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)
peer group. (cid:44)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:50)(cid:49)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)f shares available to be 
issued pursuant to the 2018 and 2019 awards are 428,104 performance shares or 150% of the 285,403 performance shares 
which remain outstanding. The actual number of performance shares that will ultimately vest is based on the actual percentile 
(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:50)(cid:49)(cid:36)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:54)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)
period. 

For performance shares which include market based factors, the company uses the Monte Carlo valuation model to 
estimate the fair value of the performance shares on the date of the grant.(cid:3)The weighted average assumptions used by the 
company in applying the Monte Carlo valuation model for performance share grants and related valuation are illustrated in 
the following table: 

Risk-free interest rate 
Dividend yield 
Expected volatility 
Monte Carlo valuation 
Closing stock price on the date of grant 

FY 2019 
Performance 
Awards 

FY 2018 
Performance 
Awards 

 2.45 %
 3.13 %
 41.69 %
 99.62 %
 15.34 

$

 2.44 %
 2.64 %
 45.11 %
 97.39 %
 18.15 

$

The non-vested performance share award activity for the year ended December 31, 2020, is as follows: 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2019 

Granted 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2020 

Stock Options 

Performance 
Shares 

Weighted-
Average Grant- 
Date Fair Value 

 285,403 
 232,566 
 517,969 

$

$

16.38 
10.64 
13.80 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Vesting Term 
(in years) 

1.8 

The fair value of the stock options is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, a 
pricing model acceptable under GAAP. The expected life of the options is the period of time the options are expected to be 
outstanding. The company did not grant any stock option awards during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. 

The activity related to the exercisable stock options for the year ended December 31, 2020, is as follows: 

Outstanding at December 31, 2019 

Expired 

Outstanding at December 31, 2020 
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise Price 
 16.95 
 16.95 
 - 
 - 

$

$
$

Shares 

 10,000 
 (10,000) 
 - 
 - 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining
Contractual Term 
(in years) 
0.2 
-
-
-

F-38 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(in thousands) 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

$

$
$

Green Plains Partners 

Green Plains Partners has a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) intended to promote the interests of the partnership, its 
general partner and affiliates by providing unit-based incentive compensation awards to employees, consultants and directors 
to encourage superior performance. The LTIP reserves 2,500,000 common limited partner units for issuance in the form of
options, restricted units, phantom units, distribution equivalent rights, substitute awards, unit appreciation rights, unit awards, 
profit interest units or other unit-based awards. The partnership measures unit-based compensation related to equity awards in 
its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.  

The non-vested unit-based awards activity for the year ended December 31, 2020, are as follows: 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2019 

Granted 
Vested 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2020 

Stock-Based and Unit-Based Compensation Expense  

Non-Vested 
Shares and 
Deferred
Stock Units 

Weighted- 
 Average 
 Grant-Date  
Fair Value 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Vesting Term 
(in years) 

 22,856 
 47,620 
 (22,856) 
 47,620 

$

$

14.00 
6.72 
14.00 
6.72 

0.5 

Compensation costs for stock-based and unit-based payment plans during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, were approximately $7.9 million, $9.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, there were $9.6 
million of unrecognized compensation costs from stock-based and unit-based compensation related to non-vested awards. 
This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years. The potential tax 
benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 24.0% of these expenses.  

14.  EARNINGS PER SHARE  

Basic earnings per share, or EPS, is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted 

average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  

The company computed diluted EPS by dividing net income on an if-converted basis, adjusted to add back net interest 
expense related to the convertible debt instruments, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during 
the period, adjusted to include the shares that would be issued if the convertible debt instruments were converted to common 
shares and the effect of any outstanding dilutive securities. In addition, due to the presentation of GPCC as discontinued 
operations, the company has presented basic and diluted earnings per share from both continuing operations and from 
discontinued operations. 

F-39 

The basic and diluted EPS are calculated as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2020 

2018 

Basic EPS: 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (1)
Net income from discontinued operations 
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains 

$  (108,775)  $  (167,689)  $

 - 

 829 

$  (108,775)  $  (166,860)  $

 4,384 
 11,539 
 15,923 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 

 34,631 

 38,111 

 40,320 

EPS from continuing operations - basic 
EPS from discontinued operations - basic 
EPS - basic 

$

$

 (3.14)  $
 - 
 (3.14)  $

 (4.40)  $
 0.02 
 (4.38)  $

 0.11 
 0.28 
 0.39 

Diluted EPS: (2)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (1)
Net income from discontinued operations 
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 
Effect of dilutive convertible debt: 
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 

EPS from continuing operations - diluted 
EPS from discontinued operations - diluted 
EPS - diluted 

$  (108,775)  $  (167,689)  $

 - 

 829 

$  (108,775)  $  (166,860)  $

 4,384 
 11,539 
 15,923 

 34,631 

 38,111 

 40,320 

 - 
 34,631 

 - 
 38,111 

 934 
 41,254 

$

$

 (3.14)  $
 - 
 (3.14)  $

 (4.40)  $
 0.02 
 (4.38)  $

 0.11 
 0.28 
 0.39 

Anti-dilutive weighted-average convertible debt and stock-based compensation (3)

 14,089 

 10,560 

 7,283 

(1) Net income (loss) from continuing operations can be recalculated from the consolidated statements of operations by taking the net income (loss) 

from continuing operations including noncontrolling interest less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. 

(2) The effect related to interest and amortization on convertible debt on an if converted basis has been excluded from diluted EPS for the periods 

presented as the inclusion of these effects would have been antidilutive. 

(3) The effect related to the co(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71) certain stock-based compensation awards has been excluded from diluted EPS for the 

periods presented as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive.  

15(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:55)(cid:50)(cid:38)(cid:46)(cid:43)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:40)(cid:53)(cid:54)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:52)(cid:56)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:60)

Treasury Stock 

The company holds 11.8 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $131.3 million. Treasury stock is recorded at 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:182)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)
weighted average cost method for determining the cost basis. The difference between the cost and the issuance price is added 
or deducted from additional paid-in capital. 

Share Repurchase Program 

T(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)a share repurchase program of up to $200.0 million. Under the program, 
the company may repurchase shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share buyback 
programs, tender offers or by other means. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions are determined by its 
management based on market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program may be suspended, 
modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. The company repurchased 880,979 shares of common stock for 
approximately $11.5 million during 2020. Since inception, the company has repurchased 7,396,936 shares of common stock 
for approximately $92.8 million under the program. 

F-40 

      
Dividends 

On June 18, 2019, the company announced that its board of directors decided to suspend its future quarterly cash 

(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:3)
operating expense equalization plan, the deployment of high-protein technology and its stock repurchase program.  

For each calendar quarter commencing with the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the partnership agreement provides 

for a quarterly distribution to be paid within 45 days after the end of the quarter, provided the partnership has sufficient 
available cash. Available cash generally means, all cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of that quarter less cash 
reserves established by the general partner of the partnership plus all or any portion of the cash on hand resulting from 
working capital borrowings made subsequent to the end of that quarter. On January 21, 2021, the board of directors of the 
general partner of the partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.12 per unit on outstanding common units. The 
distribution is payable on February 12, 2021, to unitholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2021.  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income are associated primarily with gains and losses on derivative 
financial instruments. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2020 

2018 

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges: 

Commodity derivatives 
Commodity derivatives 

Total gains on cash flow hedges from continuing 
operations 

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from discontinued 
operations, net of income taxes 

Income tax expense 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) 

$

 5,538 
 (2,115) 

$

 3,423 

 - 
 - 

 - 

$

 3,648 
 1,258 

 4,906 

 - 

 38,795 

 (10,092) 

 857 

 - 

 1,483 

$

 2,566 

$  38,795 

$  (6,669) 

(1) Revenues 
(2) Costs of goods sold 
(3)
(4) Net income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 
(5)

Income tax benefit 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income (loss) from equity method investees 

Statements of 
Operations 
Classification 

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

At December 31, 2020 and 2019(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)sheets reflected unrealized losses of $2.2 million 

and $11.1 million, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively. 

16.  RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES 

In the second quarter of 2018, the company announced its portfolio optimization program of which one of the five 

strategic objectives was to reduce controllable expenses. As part of the program, the company implemented a workforce 
reduction at certain of its facilities, including its corporate location. The associated severance costs were recognized at the
time both the employee and employer were irrevocably committed to the terms of the separation. As of December 31, 2018, 
the company recognized a $4.2 million charge for such workforce reductions it had implemented through that date with $3.8 
million classified as selling, general and administrative expense and $0.4 million classified as costs of goods sold. Of the $4.2 
million charge, $3.1 million was recorded in corporate activities, $0.7 million was recorded in the agribusiness and energy 
services segment, $0.4 million was recorded in the ethanol production segment. Approximately $2.7 million of the total 
charge was included in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and paid in full during 2019. 

F-41 

17.  INCOME TAXES 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for 
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases, and net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured 
using enacted rates expected to be applicable to taxable income in the years those temporary differences are recovered or 
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income during the period
that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded by the company when it is more likely than not that some 
portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. 

The CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act includes several significant business tax 
(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:49)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)to carry 
back NOLs arising in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to the five prior tax years, accelerating refunds of previously generated corporate 
AMT credits, and loosening the business interest limitation under §163(j) from 30% to 50%. The CARES Act also contains 
an employee retention credit to encourage employers to maintain headcounts even if employees cannot report to work 
because of issues related to COVID-19. In the second quarter of 2020, the company filed its preliminary 2019 federal income 
tax return, as well as a refund claim with the IRS to carry back our 2019 NOL to prior years. In the fourth quarter of 2020 the
company filed its final 2019 federal income tax return and trued-up our 2019 NOL. The company recorded an income tax 
benefit of approximately $41.6 million related to the CARES Act including adjustments to certain valuation allowances. 

Green Plains Partners is a limited partnership, which is treated as a flow-through entity for federal income tax purposes 
and is not subject to federal income taxes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements do not reflect such income taxes
on pretax income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the partnership. 

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (in thousands): 

Current 
Deferred 
Total 
Less: Income tax expense - discontinued operations 
Income tax benefit - continuing operations 

$

$

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2020 
 (37,047)  $
 (13,336) 
 (50,383) 
 - 

 (50,383)  $

 (2,177)  $

 (18,881) 
 (21,058) 
 258 
 (21,316)  $

2018 

 7,758 
 (24,484) 
 (16,726) 
 3,421 
 (20,147) 

Differences between income tax expense from continuing operations at the statutory federal income tax rate and as 

presented on the consolidated statements of operations are summarized as follows (in thousands): 

Tax expense at federal statutory rate 
State income tax expense, net of federal benefit 
Nondeductible compensation 
Noncontrolling interests 
Unrecognized tax benefits 
R&D credits 
Increase in valuation allowance 
Disposition of subsidiary 
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act impact 
Stock compensation 
Audit adjustments 
Amended return adjustments 
Other 
Income tax benefit 

Year Ended December 31, 

2020 

2019 

2018 

 (33,698)  $
 (802) 
 421 
 (4,015) 
 (28) 
 - 
 6,279 
 - 
 - 
 721 
 - 
 (19,786) 
 525 
 (50,383)  $

 (36,317)  $
 (7,839) 
 762 
 (3,961) 
 36 
 (323) 
 25,314 
 (373) 
 - 
 369 
 - 
 - 
 1,016 
 (21,316)  $

 1,060 
 702 
 921 
 (4,370) 
 15,148 
 (34,979) 
 - 
 (1,022) 
 278 
 993 
 559 
 374 
 189 
 (20,147) 

$

$

F-42 

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): 

December 31,  

2020 

2019 

Deferred tax assets: 

Net operating loss carryforwards - Federal 
Net operating loss carryforwards - State 
Tax credit carryforwards - Federal 
Tax credit carryforwards - State 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred revenue 
Interest expense carryforward 
Investment in partnerships 
Inventory valuation 
Stock-based compensation 
Accrued expenses 
Leases 
Organizational and start-up costs 
Other 
Total 

Valuation allowance 

Total deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities: 

Convertible debt 
Fixed assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Organizational and start-up costs 
Right-of-use assets 

Total deferred tax liabilities 

Deferred income taxes 

$

$

$

 11,670 
 10,875 
 64,081 
 7,369 
 - 
 149 
 6,609 
 45,519 
 290 
 1,439 
 5,351 
 7,958 
 1,047 
 337 
 162,694 
 (43,336) 
 119,358 

 (9,154) 
 (104,364) 
 (724) 
 - 
 (5,116) 
 (119,358) 
 - 

$

 27,935 
 8,788 
 49,937 
 7,750 
 342 
 795 
 5,539 
 46,774 
 1,560 
 1,347 
 4,325 
 6,993 
 - 
 51 
 162,136 
 (33,337) 
 128,799 

 (12,266) 
 (107,909) 
 - 
 (4,484) 
 (4,140) 
 (128,799) 
 - 

At December 31, 2020, the company has federal R&D credits of $67.8 million which will begin to expire in 2033. The 
company also has $7.4 million of state credits which will expire beginning in 2021. The company has federal net operating 
losses of $11.7 million which do not have an expiration date.  

The company increased the valuation allowance associated with its net deferred tax assets due to uncertainty that it will 

realize these assets in the future. The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was recognized as a result of negative 
evidence, including cumulative losses in recent years, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence. Management 
considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, which is dependent on
the generation of future taxable income and other tax attributes during the periods those temporary differences become 
deductible. Scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies are 
considered to make this assessment. The company will continue to regularly assess the realizability of deferred tax assets. 
Changes in earnings performance and future earnings projections, among other factors, may cause the company to adjust its 
valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, (cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)
determined that these factors have changed. 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:23) and 2017 are currently under 
(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)
audit. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): 

Balance at January 1, 2020 
Additions for prior year tax positions 
Additions for current year tax positions 
Balance at December 31, 2020 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits 

$

$

 51,596 
 27 
 (54) 
 51,569 

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)s effective tax rate. Unrecognized tax benefits of 

$51.6 million include $51.4 million recorded as a reduction of the deferred asset associated with the federal tax credit 
carryforwards. Interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions are accrued as part of income taxes payable. 

F-43 

As a result of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the progress of our ongoing 2014 federal audit has been 

significantly impacted. While progress has been slow, we believe it is reasonably possible that approximately $23.0 million 
in unrecognized tax benefits related to R&D credits may be settled within the coming year as a result of the ongoing federal 
audit. In addition, the results of the current audit may cause the company to significantly increase or decrease the 
unrecognized tax benefits associated with R&D credits for periods not under audit. At this time, the company does not have 
enough information to be able to reasonably estimate the potential impact. 

18.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Adoption of ASC 842 

On January 1, 2019, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC 842, Leases(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:179)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:3)

(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:180)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:3)
applied at the d(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)
increasing total assets and total liabilities for continuing operations by $60.2 million upon adoption. It did not have an impact
on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. 

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)

on information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments.  

Lease Expense 

The company leases certain facilities, parcels of land, and equipment, with remaining terms ranging from less than one 
year to 16.9 years. The land and facility leases include renewal options. The renewal options are included in the lease term 
only for those sites or locations in which they are reasonably certain to be renewed. Equipment renewals are not considered 
reasonably certain to be exercised as they typically renew with significantly different underlying terms.  

The company may sublease certain of its railcars to third parties on a short-term basis. The subleases are classified as 

operating leases, with the associated sublease income being recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  

The components of lease expense are as follows (in thousands): 

Lease expense 

Operating lease expense 
Variable lease expense (1)

Total lease expense 

Year Ended December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 20,771  $
 1,681 
 22,452  $

 20,806 
 824 
 21,630 

(1) Represents amounts incurred in excess of the minimum payments required for a certain building lease and for the handling and unloading of 

railcars for a certain land lease, offset by railcar lease abatements provided by the lessor when railcars are out of service during periods of 
maintenance or upgrade. 

Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases is as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 

2020 

2019 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: 

Operating cash flows from operating leases 

$

 20,864  $

 21,459 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: 

Operating leases 

Right-of-use assets and lease obligations derecognized due to lease 
modifications: 

Operating leases 

 32,713 

 11,176 

 5,176 

 1,726 

F-44 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases is as follows: 

Weighted average remaining lease term 

Weighted average discount rate 

2020 

2019 

6.2 years

4.55% (cid:3)

6.6 years

5.46% 

Aggregate minimum lease payments under the operating lease agreements for future fiscal years as of December 31, 

2020 are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ending December 31,  

Amount 

2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
Thereafter 
Total 

Less: Present value discount 
Lease liabilities 

$

$

 17,303 
 15,289 
 11,711 
 9,902 
 6,441 
 15,350 
 75,996 
 (11,545) 
 64,451 

Lease Revenue 

As described in Note 4 – Revenue, the majority of the part(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)
and throughput services and rail transportation services agreements with Green Plains Trade and are accounted for as lease 
revenue. Leasing revenues do not represent revenues recognized from contracts with customers under ASC 606, and are 
accounted for under ASC 842, Leases. Lease revenue associated with agreements with Green Plains Trade are eliminated 
upon consolidation. The remaining lease revenue is not material to the company.

Refer to Note 4 – Revenue for further discussion on lease revenue.

Commodities 

As of December 31, 2020, the company had contracted future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, ethanol and 

distillers grains, valued at approximately $302.8 million. 

Legal 

The company is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but does not believe 

any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

19.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

The company offers eligible employees a comprehensive employee benefits plan that includes health, dental, vision, life 
and accidental death, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. The company 
also offers a 401(k) plan enabling eligible employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis up to the limits allowed 
under the Internal Revenue Code and matches up to 4% of eligible employee contributions. Employee and employer 
contributions are 100% vested immediately. Employer contributions to the 401(k) plan for the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 and 2018 were $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively. 

The company contributes to a defined benefit pension plan. Since January of 2009, the benefits under the plan were 
frozen; however, the company remains obligated to ensure the plan is funded according to its requirements. As of December 
31, 2020(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:7)5.6 million and liabilities were $6.8 million. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, net liabilities 
of $1.2 million were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively.  

F-45 

20.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

Green Plains Cattle Company LLC 

The company engaged in certain related party transactions with GPCC, which was considered a related party until the 
(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)50% interest was sold. The company provided a variety of 
shared services to GPCC, including accounting and finance, payroll and human resources, information technology, legal, 
communications and treasury activities. The company reduced selling, general and administrative expenses by $1.2 million 
and $0.5 million related to shared services provided for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The 
company had $2.2 million outstanding receivables related to the shared service agreement and expenses paid on behalf of 
GPCC as of December 31, 2019.

Green Plains Trade Group, a subsidiary of the company, enters into certain sale contracts with GPCC during the normal 

course of business. Related party revenues associated with GPCC were $8.2 million and $4.0 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Mr. (cid:40)(cid:77)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71) of directors, has an indirect ownership interest in GPCC of 
0.0736% by reason of his ownership in TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP.  Based on the purchase price, the value of that 
ownership interest is approximately $0.1 million. Mr. Knudsen also is the CEO and partial owner of AGR Partners LLC 
(AGR) which provides investment advisory services to TGAM Agribusiness Fund LP pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement 
between AGR Partners LLC and Nuveen Alternative Advisors LLC, which is the investment manager for TGAM 
Agribusiness Fund LP. 

Aircraft Leases 

The company entered into two agreements with an entity controlled by Wayne Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts. 
(cid:48)(cid:85)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)Given the limited amount of travel during fiscal year 2020, 
the companies have agreed to defer the monthly payment until excess carryover hours are used. As of December 31, 2020, 
the company has approximately 61 hours of flight time available to be used. Once used, the company agreed to pay $11,588 
per month for the combined use of up to 125 hours per year of the aircrafts. Flight time in excess of 125 hours per year will 
incur additional hourly charges. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, payments related to these leases 
totaled $56 thousand, $129 thousand and $159 thousand, respectively. The company had no outstanding payables related to 
these agreements at December 31, 2020 and $17 outstanding payables related to these agreements at December 31, 2019.

21. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS 

Green Plains Cattle Company LLC 

On September 1, 2019, the company formed a joint venture with TGAM and StepStone. Such parties entered into the 

Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GPCC effective as of September 1, 2019. GPCC 
was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Plains. Green Plains also entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement 
with TGAM and StepStone, whereby TGAM and StepStone purchased an aggregate of 50% of the membership interests of 
GPCC from Green Plains. After closing, GPCC was (cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
statements and the GPCC investment was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. GPCC results prior to its 
disposition are classified as discontinued operations in our current and prior period financials.(cid:3)

GPCC conducts the business of the joint venture, including (i) owning and operating the cattle feeding operations (as 
(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:51)(cid:38)(cid:38)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)nagers. GPCC continues to have the capacity to 
support 355,000 head of cattle and has approximately 24.1 million bushels of grain storage capacity. 

The company did not consolidate any part of the assets or liabilities or operating results of its equity method investee. 
(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)d or decreased, as applicable, the carrying value of the 
investment. With respect to GPCC, the company determined that this entity did not represent a variable interest entity and 
consolidation was not required. In addition, although the company had the ability to exercise significant influence over the 
joint venture through board representation and voting rights, all significant decisions required the consent of the other 
investors without regard to economic interest. 

On October 1, 2020, the company sold its remaining 50% joint venture interest in GPCC to AGR, TGAM Agribusiness 
Fund LP and StepStone for $80.5 million in cash, plus closing adjustments. The transaction resulted in a reduction in other 
assets of $69.7 million as a result of removal of the equity method investment in GPCC, and a reduction in accumulated other 

F-46 

comprehensive income (loss) of $10.7 million as a result (cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)thod investees 
accumulated other comprehensive loss. 

Summarized Financial Information  

Our equity method investments are summarized in the following table (in thousands): 

Green Plains Cattle Company LLC (1)
Other 
Total 

Ownership as of  
December 31, 2020 
0% 
Various 

Year Ended December 31, 

2020 

2019 

$

$

 - 
 3,994 
 3,994 

$

$

 64,161 
 4,837 
 68,998 

(1) The equity method investment in GPCC is impacted by the effect of deferred gains or losses on cattle sale contracts designated in a cash flow 

hedge relationship. Pretax accumulated other comprehensive loss for GPCC was $16.2 million as of December 31, 2019. 

Earnings from equity method investments, net of income taxes, were as follows (in thousands): 

Green Plains Cattle Company LLC (1)
All others 

Total income (loss) from equity method investments, net of income 
taxes 

Distributions from equity method investments 

Earnings from equity method investments, net of distributions 

Year Ended December 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

$

$

$

$

 20,531 
 562 

 21,093 

 27,910 

$

$

$

 2,839 
 (42) 

 2,797 

 320 

 (6,817)  $

 2,477 

$

$

$

$

 - 
 (596) 

 (596) 

 - 

 (596) 

(1) Pretax equity method earnings of GPCC were $27.0 and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The company reports its proportional share of equity method investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of 

(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:83)eriod is 
included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. 

The following table present summarized information of GPCC. 

December 31, 2020 (1)

December 31, 2019 (1)

Total revenues 
Total operating expenses 
Net income 

$

$

 747,824 
 693,753 
 54,071 

$

$

 370,383 
 362,878 
 7,505 

(1) GPCC equity method treatment began on September 1, 2019 and ended on October 1, 2020.  As such, fiscal year 2020 includes nine months of 

GPCC operations while fiscal year 2019 includes four months of GPCC operations. 

Balance sheet: 
Current assets 
Noncurrent assets 
Current liabilities 
Noncurrent liabilities 

Net assets 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

December 31, 2019 

$

$

 516,324 
 73,922 
 461,534 
 390 
 128,322 

F-47 

(cid:3)
22.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)(cid:3)

The following table includes unaudited financial data for each of the quarters within the years ended December 31, 2020 

and 2019 (cid:11)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)ements. 
(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:182)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)
presented. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. 

Three Months Ended 

Revenues 
Costs and expenses (2)
Operating loss 
Other expense 
Income tax benefit (expense) (3)
Net loss from continuing operations including noncontrolling 
interest 
Net loss attributable to Green Plains 

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Green 
Plains (3):

Revenues 
Costs and expenses 
Operating loss 
Other expense 
Income tax benefit (expense) (4)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations including 
noncontrolling interest 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of 
income taxes 
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains 

Basic and diluted earnings per share (5):
Loss per share from continuing operations 
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations 
Loss per share attributable to Green Plains 

$

December 31, 
2020 
 478,764  $
 513,559 
 (34,795) 
 (10,403) 
 1,922 

September 30, 
2020 

June 30, 
  2020 (1)

 424,062  $
 438,267 
 (14,205) 
 (10,154) 
 (7,280) 

 388,024  $
 407,392 
 (19,368) 
 (9,609) 
 11,458 

March 31, 
2020 
 632,869 
 687,197 
 (54,328) 
 (8,268) 
 44,283 

$

$

 (43,100) 
 (49,630)  $

 (30,733) 
 (34,486)  $

 (5,474) 
 (8,214)  $

 (10,347) 
 (16,445) 

 (1.43)  $

 (1.00)  $

 (0.24)  $

 (0.47) 

Three Months Ended 

$

December 31, 
2019 
 715,677  $
 730,599 
 (14,922) 
 (2,286) 
 (19,514) 

September 30, 
2019 

June 30, 
2019 
 630,570  $
 677,215 
 (46,645) 
 (10,759) 
 15,322 

March 31, 
2019 
 438,641 
 477,279 
 (38,638) 
 (7,633) 
 12,943 

 632,350  $
 674,715 
 (42,365) 
 (9,694) 
 12,565 

 (34,459) 

 (38,850) 

 (42,118) 

 (33,402) 

 - 

 (39,749)  $

 3,359 
 (38,970)  $

 1,939 
 (45,342)  $

 (4,469) 
 (42,799) 

 (1.13)  $
 - 
 (1.13)  $

 (1.15)  $
 0.09 
 (1.06)  $

 (1.18)  $
 0.05 
 (1.13)  $

 (0.95) 
 (0.11) 
 (1.06) 

$

$

$

(1) During the third quarter of 2020, the company identified an immaterial issue which resulted in the overstatement of both revenues and cost of 
goods sold within the agribusiness and energy services segment as previously reported for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. The 
second quarter revenues and cost of goods sold reflected in the quarterly financial data have been revised to correct these amounts. 

(2) The fourth quarter of 2020 includes a pretax loss on sale of assets, net of $22.4 million related to the sale of the Hereford, Texas ethanol plant 

and a loss related to GPCC of $0.5 million. The third quarter of 2020 includes a gain of $2.0 million related to GPCC. The first quarter of 2020 
includes a goodwill impairment charge of $24.1 million. 

(3) The fourth quarter of 2020 includes the recognition of a $8.5 million valuation allowance which impacted income tax expense. 
(4) The fourth quarter of 2019 includes the recognition of a $25.9 million valuation allowance which impacted income tax expense.  
(5) Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated independently for each of the quarters presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly 

earnings per share amounts may not agree with the total year. 

F-48 

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

BlackRock Note Facility 

On February 9, 2021, Green Plains SPE LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company and a special purpose entity 
(the Issuer) completed a $125.0 million, 5-year mezzanine note facility with funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. The 
proceeds will be used initially to support the construction and deployment of Ultra-High Protein technology and production 
at the Obion, Tennessee and Mount Vernon, Indiana facilities.  

The junior secured mezzanine notes will mature on February 9, 2026 and are secured via first lien in the membership 
interests and real property of Green Plains Obion LLC and Green Plains Mount Vernon LLC. The Notes accrue interest at an 
annual rate of 11.75%. The Issuer may elect to pay an amount in cash equal to interest accruing at a rate of 6.00% per annum 
plus an amount equal to interest accruing at a rate of 6.75% per annum to be paid in kind. The entire outstanding principal 
balance, plus any accrued and unpaid interest is due upon maturity. Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuer is required to comply
with certain financial covenants regarding minimum liquidity and a maximum aggregate loan to value. The Notes can be 
retired or refinanced after 42 months with no prepayment premium. The Notes are guaranteed by the Company and have 
certain limitations on distributions, dividends or loans to Green Plains unless there will not exist any event of default. The 
Indenture provides for customary events of default. Additionally, as part of the transaction, BlackRock acquired 2,000,000 
warrants for Green Plains stock (each warrant equal to one share of stock) with a strike price of $22.00 per share, which 
expire on February 9, 2026. 

Disposition of Ord Ethanol Plant 

On January 25, 2021, the company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its ethanol plant located in Ord, 

Nebraska to GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC. The transaction involves the disposition of 65 million gallons of nameplate 
capacity, and is being sold for $64.0 million, plus an estimated $6.0 million of related working capital. Correspondingly, the 
partnership entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its storage assets located adjacent to the Ord plant to the 
company for $27.0 million, which will be used to pay down debt, along with the transfer of associated railcar operating 
leases. As part of this transaction, upon closing, the quarterly storage and throughput minimum volume commitment with 
Green Plains Trade will be reduced to 217.7 mmg per quarter and the storage and throughput agreement with Green Plains 
Trade will be extended an additional year to June 30, 2029. The transaction is anticipated to close within 45 days, subject to 
customary closing conditions. 

F-49 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Corporate Information

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

WAYNE HOOVESTOL, Chairman
Owner and President
Hoovestol Inc. | Lone Mountain Truck Leasing

JIM ANDERSON1,2
Chief Executive Officer
Moly-Cop

TODD BECKER
President and Chief Executive Officer
Green Plains Inc. | Green Plains Holdings LLC

JAMES CROWLEY1
Chairman and Managing Partner
Old Strategic, LLC

GENE EDWARDS1,2
Retired Executive Vice President and 
Chief Development Officer
Valero Energy Corporation

GORDON GLADE1,3
Director
Heartland Agriculture, LLC | Brunswick State Bank
Vice President and Director
Edgar and Frances Reynolds Foundation, Inc.

EJNAR KNUDSEN
Founding and Managing Partner
AGR Partners

THOMAS MANUEL2,3
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Nu-Tek Salt, LLC

BRIAN PETERSON3
President and Chief Executive Officer
Whiskey Creek Enterprises

ALAIN TREUER2,3 Vice Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Tellac Reuert Partners SA

KIMBERLY WAGNER
Founder and Managing Partner
TBGD Partners

Member of: (1) Audit Committee, (2) Compensation 
Committee and/or (3) Nominating and Governance Committee

TODD BECKER
President and Chief Executive Officer

PATRICH SIMPKINS
Chief Financial Officer

WALTER CRONIN
Chief Commercial Officer

PAUL KOLOMAYA
Chief Accounting Officer

MICHELLE MAPES
Chief Legal and Administration Officer

MARK HUDAK
Executive Vice President
Human Resources

CORPORATE OFFICE

1811 Aksarben Drive
Omaha, NE 68106
402.884.8700
www.gpreinc.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS

PHIL BOGGS
Senior Vice President
Investor Relations
phil.boggs@gpreinc.com

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

The Nasdaq Global Market
Stock Ticker Symbol: GPRE

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT

Correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233

Overnight correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202

Shareholder services: 1.800.962.4284
Investor CentreTM portal:
www.computershare.com/investor

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