ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
This Report on Form 10-K contains forward looking statements as well as historical information. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, regarding the prospects of our industry and our prospects, plans, financial position, and strategic plan may constitute forward looking statements. In addition, forward looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “hopeful,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “encouraged,” “opportunities,” “potential,” and/or the negatives or variations of these terms or similar terminology. Forward looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking statements. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward looking statements is included in the section titled “Risk Factors” (Item 1A of this Form 10-K). Forward looking statements are made as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is designed to provide a reader of MGP’s consolidated financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management. MGP’s MD&A is presented in eight sections:
•Overview
•Results of Operations
•Distilling Solutions Segment
•Branded Spirits Segment
•Ingredient Solutions Segment
•Cash Flow, Financial Condition and Liquidity
•Critical Accounting Estimates
•New Accounting Pronouncements
OVERVIEW
MGP is a leading producer and supplier of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits and food ingredients. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys (“brown goods”) and grain neutral spirits (“GNS”), including vodka and gin. Our distilled spirits are either sold directly or indirectly to manufacturers of other branded spirits. MGP is also a producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The Company has a portfolio of our own high quality branded spirits, which we produce through our distilleries and bottling facilities and sell to distributors. Our branded spirits products account for a range of price points from value products through ultra premium brands, with a focus on high-end American whiskey, tequila and gin. The Company’s protein and starch food ingredients provide a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products to serve the consumer packaged goods industry. Our ingredients products are sold directly, or through distributors, to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or to bakeries. During 2022, the Company changed the name of its Distillery Products segment to Distilling Solutions.
Our strategic plan is designed to leverage our history and strengths as well as to leverage the positive macro trends we see in the industries in which we compete while providing better insulation from outside factors, including swings in commodity pricing.
Distilling Solutions Segment
Our Distilling Solutions segment mission is to cultivate lasting partnerships with customers across all product categories by leveraging our strong sales and operating platform, aging whiskey inventory, and unique project development skills. The favorable macro trends benefiting our business include the expansion of the distilled spirits’ share within beverage alcohol, particularly growth of the American whiskey category that has continued to expand over the past several years. This includes shifting sales mix to higher margin products, such as premium brown goods, as well as extending the product range of distilled gins and GNS, the base component for vodka. Our Distilling Solutions segment is also subject to unfavorable macro trends which include increased competition as industry participants seek to capitalize on consumer trends as well as increased commodity prices. Our strategy within the Distilling Solutions segment is to continue migrating away from industrial alcohol to white beverage alcohol, cultivate additional multi-national and craft customers for brown goods sales, enhance offerings to
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become a beverage alcohol “solution provider”, and develop an export market for our aged brown goods.
We continued to focus on attracting and developing customers for our premium beverage alcohol products during 2022 as well as shifting our focus from industrial alcohol to white beverage alcohol. Distilling Solutions segment sales for 2022 increased 22 percent over the prior year.
Branded Spirits Segment
Our Branded Spirits segment mission is to align our product offering and enhance focus on growing spirits categories and price tiers. The favorable macro industry trends benefiting our business include growth in high-end whiskey and tequila brands as well as growth across all spirit categories in the high-end price tiers. Our Branded Spirits segment is also subject to unfavorable macro trends, which include increased competition as industry participants seek to capitalize on consumer trends. Our strategy for the Branded Spirits segment is to focus on the categories, brands, price points, bottle size and market support that will maximize profit for the Company. On April 1, 2021, we completed the merger with Luxco, Inc. and its affiliates (“Luxco”)(the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger we have increased our scale and market position in the branded spirits sector and believe it has strengthened our platform for future growth of higher valued-added products. The Branded Spirits segment sales for 2022 increased 30 percent over the prior year.
Ingredient Solutions Segment
Our Ingredient Solutions segment mission is to remain a strategic business partner of choice earning meaningful relationships through collaboration, innovation, and dedication to best-in-class customer service. The favorable macro industry trends benefiting our business include growth and focus on high fiber, high protein, meat alternatives, plant-based protein, and non-GMO Products. We continue to provide outstanding customer solutions, taking advantage of our position within growing consumer trends. Our strategy within the Ingredient Solutions segment is to expand our market share of specialty wheat starch and protein product lines, expand textured plant protein capabilities within specialty wheat proteins, maximize the value of clean label starches, and optimize our customer set, route to market, and channels to drive profitability. Ingredient Solutions segment sales for 2022 increased 28 percent over the prior year.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated results
The table below details the consolidated results for 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Year Ended December 31, % Increase (Decrease)
Insurance recoveries — (16,325) — N/A N/A
(a)Percentage points (“pp”).
Sales
2022 to 2021 - Sales for 2022 were $782,358, an increase of 25 percent compared to 2021, which was the result of increased sales in the Distilling Solutions, Branded Spirits, and Ingredient Solutions segments. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, sales were up 22 percent primarily due to an increase in sales of brown goods within premium beverage alcohol. Total Branded Spirits segment sales increased 30 percent, due to an increase in sales across all price tier categories. Total Ingredient Solutions segment sales increased 28 percent primarily due to increased sales of specialty wheat starches and proteins.
2021 to 2020 - Sales for 2021 were $626,720, an increase of 58 percent compared to 2020, which was the result of increased sales in the Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions segments. Total Branded Spirits segment sales increased 4,324 percent, due to the additional brands acquired as part of the Merger. Within the Distillery Solutions segment, sales were up 13 percent primarily due to an increase in sales of brown goods within premium beverage alcohol. Total Ingredient Solutions segment sales increased 16 percent primarily due to increased sales of specialty wheat starches and proteins.
Gross profit
2022 to 2021 - Gross profit for 2022 was $253,306, an increase of 27 percent compared to 2021. The increase was driven by an increase in gross profit in Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions segments. The Branded Spirits segment gross profit increased by $32,877 or 52 percent. The Distilling Solutions segment gross profit increased by $12,176, or 11 percent and the Ingredient Solutions segment gross profit increased by $9,288, or 42 percent.
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2021 to 2020 - Gross profit for 2021 was $198,965, an increase of 101 percent compared to 2020. The increase was driven by an increase in gross profit in Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions segments. The Branded Spirits segment gross profit increased by $60,457, or 2,764 percent. The Distilling Solutions segment gross profit increased by $38,333, or 51 percent and the Ingredient Solutions segment gross profit increased by $1,369, or 7 percent.
Advertising and promotion expenses
2022 to 2021 - Advertising and promotion expenses for 2022 were $29,714, an increase of 85 percent compared to 2021. This was primarily driven by an increased advertising and promotion investment in the Branded Spirits segment, specifically in the premium plus price tiers. The increase was also driven by the assumption of Luxco’s advertising and promotion expenses for the full year of 2022.
2021 to 2020 - Advertising and promotion expenses for 2021 were $16,098, an increase of 494 percent compared to 2020. The increase in advertising and promotion expenses were primarily driven by the assumption of Luxco’s advertising and promotion expenses during 2021.
SG&A expenses
2022 to 2021 - SG&A expenses for 2022 were $74,627, an increase of 2 percent compared to 2021. The increase in SG&A was driven by the assumption of Luxco’s SG&A expenses for the full year of 2022, as well as higher personnel and incentive compensation expense, partially offset by a decrease in advisory and other transaction costs in 2021 related to the merger with Luxco that did not recur in 2022.
2021 to 2020 - SG&A expenses for 2021 were $72,829, an increase of 74 percent compared to 2020. The increase in SG&A was driven by the assumption of Luxco’s SG&A, and one-time acquisition related costs.
Insurance recoveries
2021 to 2020 - Gain on insurance recoveries for 2021 was $16,325. During November 2020, we experienced a fire at the Atchison facility. The fire damaged certain equipment in the facility’s feed drying operations and caused a temporary loss of production time. At December 31, 2021, we received a legally binding commitment from our insurance carrier for final settlement for the replacement of the damaged dryer which resulted in a gain of $16,325.
Operating income
Operating income % Increase (Decrease)
Increase in gross profit - Branded Spirits segment(a) 60,457 111 pp(b)
Increase in gross profit - Distilling Solutions segment(a) 38,333 71 pp
Increase in gross profit - Ingredient Solutions segment(a) 1,369 3 pp
Increase in advertising and promotion expenses (13,386) (25) pp
Increase in SG&A expenses (30,976) (57) pp
Increase in insurance recoveries 16,325 30 pp
Increase in gross profit - Branded Spirits segment(a) 32,877 26 pp(b)
Increase in gross profit - Distilling Solutions segment(a) 12,176 10 pp
Increase in gross profit - Ingredient Solutions segment(a) 9,288 7 pp
Increase in advertising and promotion expenses (13,616) (11) pp
Increase in SG&A expenses (1,798) (1) pp
Decrease in insurance recoveries (16,325) (13) pp
(a) See segment discussion.
(b) Percentage points (“pp”).
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2022 to 2021 - Operating income for 2022 increased to $148,965 from $126,363 for 2021, due to increases in gross profit in the Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions segments. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in insurance recoveries as well as increases in advertising and promotion expenses and SG&A expenses.
2021 to 2020 - Operating income for 2021 increased to $126,363 from $54,241 for 2020, due to increases in gross profit in the Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions segments as well as the increase from the insurance recovery. These increases were partially offset by increases in SG&A expenses and advertising and promotion expenses.
Income tax expense
2022 to 2021 - Income tax expense for 2022 was $31,300, for an effective tax rate for the year of 22.3 percent. Income tax expense for 2021 was $30,279, for an effective tax rate for the year of 25.0 percent. The 2.7 percentage point decrease was primarily due to an increase in state tax credits due to capital expenditures investments.
2021 to 2020 - Income tax expense for 2021 was $30,279, for an effective tax rate for the year of 25.0 percent. Income tax expense for 2020 was $12,256, for an effective tax rate for the year of 23.3 percent. The 1.7 percentage point increase was primarily due to higher income before income taxes, and its dilutive effect on favorable tax credits and deductions as it concerns our effective tax rate.
Basic and diluted EPS
EPS % Increase (Decrease)
Basic and Diluted EPS for 2020 $ 2.37
Change in operating income(a) 3.24 137 pp(b)
Change in income attributable to participating securities(c) 0.03 1 pp
Change in interest expense (a) (0.08) (3) pp
Change in other income (expense), net(a) (0.08) (3) pp
Change in weighted average shares outstanding(d) (0.98) (41) pp
Change in effective tax rate (0.10) (4) pp
Change in noncontrolling interest (0.03) (1) pp
Change in operating income(a) 1.12 26 pp(b)
Change in interest expense (a) (0.06) (1) pp
Change in other income (expense), net(a) (0.08) (2) pp
Change in weighted average shares outstanding(d) (0.51) (12) pp
Change in effective tax rate 0.10 2 pp
Impact of dilutive shares outstanding (0.02) — pp
(a)Items are net of tax based on the effective tax rate for each base year.
(b)Percentage points (“pp”).
(c)Income attributable to participating securities changes primarily due to the awarding and vesting of the employee RSUs that receive dividend equivalent payments.
(d)Weighted average shares outstanding change primarily due to our repurchases of Common Stock, the vesting of employee RSUs, our purchase of vested RSUs from employees to pay withholding taxes, and the granting of Common Stock to directors. Additionally, during 2021, the weighted average shares outstanding were impacted by the issuance of shares as part of the Merger consideration.
2022 to 2021 - Basic EPS increased to $4.94 in 2022 from $4.37 in 2021, primarily due to the increase in operating income, partially offset by an increase in shares outstanding as a result of shares issued as part of the consideration paid for the Merger. Diluted EPS increased to $4.92 in 2022 from $4.37 in 2021, primarily due to the above described changes in Basic EPS, partially offset by the impact of dilutive shares outstanding related to the conversion feature of the Convertible Senior Notes.
2021 to 2020 - Basic and DilutedEPS increased to $4.37 in 2021 from $2.37 in 2020, primarily due to the increase in operating income, partially offset by an increase in shares outstanding as a result of shares issued as part of the consideration paid for the Merger.
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DISTILLING SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
DISTILLING SOLUTIONS SALES
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Sales Change Increase/ (Decrease)
Change in Year-versus-Year Sales Attributed to:
Total(a) Volume(b) Net Price/Mix(c)
Premium beverage alcohol 28% 12% 16%
Other Financial Information
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Increase/(Decrease)
(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.
(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(c) Price/Mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(d) Percentage points (“pp”).
2022 compared to 2021
Total Distilling Solutions sales for 2022 increased by $75,974, or 22 percent compared to 2021. Sales of brown goods within premium beverage alcohol, distillers feed and related co-products, and warehouse services increased while industrial alcohol, white goods within premium beverage alcohol, and fuel grade alcohol decreased compared to 2021. The increase in sales of brown goods was driven by higher sales volume and higher average selling price. The increase in sales of distillers feed and related co-products was due to higher average selling price, partially offset by lower sales volumes, both of which primarily resulted from the previously disclosed dryer fire at our Atchison facility which occurred in 2020. Our warehouse services sales increased due to the increase in storage of our customer owned barreled whiskey and related warehouse services that we provide. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of industrial alcohol and white goods, which were driven by lower sales volume, partially offset by higher average selling price.
Gross profit increased year versus year by $12,176, or 11 percent. Gross margin for 2022 decreased to 29.5 percent from 32.4 percent for 2021. The increase in gross profit was due primarily to higher average selling price and higher sales volume on brown goods. These increases were partially offset by lower gross profit in industrial alcohol, white goods, and fuel grade alcohol, all of which were driven by higher input costs. The average selling price for these products also increased, but not enough to offset the higher input costs which caused a decrease in the gross margin percentage.
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DISTILLING SOLUTIONS SALES
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Sales Change Increase/ (Decrease)
Change in Year-versus-Year Sales Attributed to:
Total(a) Volume(b) Net Price/Mix(c)
Premium beverage alcohol 28% 21% 7%
Other Financial Information
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Increase/(Decrease)
(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.
(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(c) Price/Mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(d) Percentage points (“pp”).
2021 compared to 2020
Total Distilling Solutions sales for 2021 increased by $39,195, or 13 percent compared to 2020. Sales of brown goods and white goods within premium beverage alcohol, fuel grade alcohol, and warehouse services increased, while sales of industrial alcohol and distillers feed and related co-products decreased compared to 2020. The increase in brown goods, white goods and fuel grade alcohol was driven by higher sales volume and higher average selling price. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of industrial alcohol, which was driven by lower sales volume due to the discontinuing of the ICP third party sales and marketing services, partially offset by higher average selling price. The decrease in sales of distillers feed and related co-products was due to lower average selling price, partially offset by higher sales volume, both of which resulted from the Dryer Fire Incident and the subsequent sale of wet rather than dry distillers grains (see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for further details).
Gross profit increased year versus year by $38,333, or 51 percent. Gross margin for 2021 increased to 32.4 percent from 24.2 percent for 2020. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to higher sales volume on brown goods as well as higher average selling price on industrial, white goods and fuel grade alcohol. The increase in gross profit was partially offset by lower average selling price on distillers feed and related co-products and higher input costs of industrial alcohol, white goods and brown goods.
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BRANDED SPIRITS SEGMENT
BRANDED SPIRITS SALES
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Sales Change Increase/ (Decrease)
Change in Year-versus-Year Sales Attributed to:
Total(a) Volume(b) Net Price/Mix(c)
Other Financial Information
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Increase/(Decrease)
(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.
(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(c) Price/Mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(d) Percentage points (“pp”).
2022 compared to 2021
Total Branded Spirits sales for 2022 increased by $54,373, or 30 percent compared to 2021. Sales across all pricing tiers increased compared to 2021, primarily due to the additional brands acquired as part of the Merger that occurred on April 1, 2021. Additionally, sales increased in the premium plus price tiers due primarily to increased sales of American whiskey brands.
Gross profit increased year versus year by $32,877, or 52 percent. Gross margin for 2022 increased to 40.1 percent compared to 34.1 percent for 2021. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by volume associated with the additional brands acquired as part of the Merger, increased average net price and mix as well as a required step up in value of certain assets due to purchase accounting related to the Merger in 2021 that did not recur in 2022. Of the purchase accounting step ups, $2,529 was associated with marking the finished goods inventory to fair value and fully flowed through in the prior year period. Additionally, gross profit increased due to increased sales of American whiskey brands within our premium plus price tiers.
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BRANDED SPIRITS SALES
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Sales Change Increase/ (Decrease)
Change in Year-versus-Year Sales Attributed to:
Total(a) Volume(b) Net Price/Mix(c)
Other Financial Information
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Increase/(Decrease)
(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.
(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(c) Price/Mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(d) Percentage points (“pp”).
2021 compared to 2020
Total Branded Spirits sales for 2021 increased by $179,417, or 4,324 percent compared to 2020. Sales across all price tiers increased compared to 2020, primarily due to the additional brands acquired as part of the Merger.
Gross profit increased year versus year by $60,457, or 2,764 percent. Gross margin for 2021 decreased to 34.1 percent compared to 52.7 percent for 2020. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the additional brands acquired as part of the Merger. The decrease in gross margin was due to sales price, as the vast majority of the Company’s branded spirits sales pre-merger were in the premium plus price tiers. Gross profit was reduced during 2021, due to a required step up in value due to purchase accounting related to the Merger. Of the purchase accounting step up, $2,529 was associated with marking the finished goods inventory to fair value, which fully flowed through in the year and is not expected to recur in the future periods.
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INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SALES
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Sales Change Increase/ (Decrease)
Change in Year-versus-Year Sales Attributed to:
Total(a) Volume(b) Net Price/Mix(c)
Total Ingredient Solutions 28% 9% 19%
Other Financial Information
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-year Increase/(Decrease)
(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.
(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(c) Price/Mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(d) Percentage points (“pp”).
2022 compared to 2021
Total Ingredient Solutions sales for 2022 increased by $25,291, or 28 percent compared to 2021. The increase in Ingredient Solutions sales was primarily driven by higher sales of specialty wheat starches and proteins primarily due to higher average selling prices and higher sales volume. Additionally, the increase in Ingredient Solutions sales was driven by higher sales of commodity wheat starches primarily due to higher average selling price. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of commodity wheat proteins due to lower sales volume.
Gross profit increased year versus year by $9,288, or 42 percent. Gross margin for 2022 increased to 27.2 percent from 24.5 percent for 2021. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by higher average selling price and higher sales volumes of specialty wheat starches and proteins. These increases were partially offset by higher input costs for all product lines within the segment.
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INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SALES
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-Year Sales Change Increase/ (Decrease)
Change in Year-versus-Year Sales Attributed to:
Total(a) Volume(b) Net Price/Mix(c)
Total Ingredient Solutions 16% 11% 5%
Other Financial Information
Year Ended December 31, Year-versus-year Increase/(Decrease)
(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.
(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(c) Price/Mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.
(d) Percentage points (“pp”).
2021 compared to 2020
Total Ingredient Solutions sales for 2021 increased by $12,587, or 16 percent compared to 2020. Sales of specialty wheat starches and proteins and commodity wheat starches increased, while sales of commodity wheat proteins decreased. The increase in specialty wheat starches was primarily due to higher sales volume. The increase in specialty wheat proteins was primarily due to higher sales volume and higher average selling prices. The increase in commodity wheat starches was due to higher sales volume.
Gross profit increased year versus year by $1,369, or 7 percent. Gross margin for 2021 decreased to 24.5 percent from 26.7 percent for 2020. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by higher sales volume of specialty wheat starches and commodity wheat starches, as well as higher sales volume and higher average selling prices of specialty wheat proteins. These increases were partially offset by higher input costs.
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CASH FLOW, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
We believe our financial condition continues to be of high quality, as evidenced by our ability to generate adequate cash from operations while having ready access to capital at competitive rates.
Operating cash flow and borrowings through our Credit Agreement, Convertible Senior Notes and Note Purchase Agreement (Note 6, Corporate Borrowings) provide the primary sources of cash to fund operating needs and capital expenditures. These same sources of cash are used to fund shareholder dividends and other discretionary uses. Our overall liquidity reflects our strong business results and an effective cash management strategy that takes into account liquidity management, economic factors, and tax considerations. We expect our sources of cash to be adequate to provide for budgeted capital expenditures, potential merger or acquisitions, and anticipated operating requirements for the foreseeable future.
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $88,936 during the year ended December 31, 2022. The cash provided by operating activities during 2022 resulted primarily from net income of $108,872, adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $30,382 including depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, equity method investment loss, and by uses of cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities of $50,318. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $44,350 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily barreled distillate, and $16,786 use of cash related to an increase in receivables, partially offset by $10,626 of cash provided by an increase in accounts payable related to the timing of cash disbursements.
Cash provided by operating activities was $88,263 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The cash provided by operating activities during 2021 resulted primarily from net income of $90,817, adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $16,850 including depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation, and partially offset by a gain on insurance recoveries, and by uses of cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities of $19,404. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $14,214 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily barrel distillate, $6,242 use of cash related to income taxes refundable, and $6,031 use of cash related to an increase in receivables, inclusive of insurance receivables, partially offset by $5,301 of cash provided by an increase in accounts payable related to the timing of cash disbursements.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for year ended December 31, 2022 was $47,813, which primarily resulted from additions to property, plant and equipment of $45,323 (see Capital Spending).
Cash used in investing activities for year ended December 31, 2021 was $182,619, which primarily resulted from $149,005 related to the Merger with Luxco and additions to property, plant and equipment of $47,389 (see Capital Spending), partially offset by cash proceeds of $16,325 from property insurance recoveries.
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Capital Spending. We manage capital spending to support our business growth plans. We have incurred $47,859, $51,691, and $18,646 of capital expenditures and have paid $45,323, $47,389, and $19,701 for capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference between the amount of capital expenditures incurred and amount paid is due to the change in capital expenditures in accounts payable. We expect approximately $58,000, in capital expenditures for 2023 which will be used for facility improvement and expansion, facility sustenance projects and environmental health and safety projects.
FinancingActivities. Cash used in financing activities for year ended December 31, 2022 was $14,764, primarily due to payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $10,646 (see Note 8, Equity and EPS for additional information), and principal payments on long-term debt of $3,403 (see Long-Term and Short-Term Debt).
Cash provided by financing activities for year ended December 31, 2021 was $94,287, primarily due to net debt proceeds of $192,580 (see Long-Term and Short-Term Debt), primarily resulting from the issuance of the Convertible Senior Notes, partially offset by $87,509 payment on assumed debt as part of the Merger, and payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $10,017 (see Note 8, Equity and EPS for additional information).
Treasury Purchases. 29,376 RSUs vested and converted to common shares during year ended December 31, 2022, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 9,031 shares valued at $715 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.
38,079 RSUs vested and converted to common shares during year ended December 31, 2021, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 11,887 shares valued at $767 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.
Share Repurchase. On February 25, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a $25,000 share repurchase authorization commencing February 27, 2019 through February 27, 2022. The Company did not repurchase any shares during 2022 prior to the expiration of the program on February 27, 2022.
Long-Term and Short-Term Debt. We maintain debt levels we consider appropriate after evaluating a number of factors, including cash flow expectations, cash requirements for ongoing operations, investment and financing plans (including brand development and Board-approved dividends) and the overall cost of capital. Total debt was $230,335 (net of unamortized loan fees of $6,115) at December 31, 2022 and $233,399 (net of unamortized loan fees of $6,454) at December 31, 2021. During 2022, we had net payments on our long-term debt of $3,403. During 2021, we had net borrowings on our Convertible Senior Notes of $201,250, net payments on our long-term debt of $1,620, loan fees associated with the issuance of Convertible Senior Notes and refinancing of our credit agreement of $7,050. Net borrowings / (payments) on all debt for 2022 and 2021 were $(3,403), and $192,580, respectively (see Note 6, Corporate Borrowings for additional information).
Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. See Note 8, Equity and EPS for further discussion.
On February 23, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend payable to stockholders of record as of March 10, 2023, of our Common Stock and a dividend equivalent payable to holders of certain RSUs as of March 10, 2023, of $0.12 per share and per unit. The dividend payment and dividend equivalent payment will occur on March 24, 2023.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
Our principal uses of cash in the ordinary course of business are for input costs used in our production processes, salaries, capital expenditures, and investments supporting our strategic plan, such as the aging of barreled distillate and potential mergers and acquisitions. Generally, during periods when commodities prices are rising, our operations require increased use of cash to support inventory levels.
Our principal sources of cash are product sales and borrowing on our various debt agreements. Under these agreements, we must meet certain financial covenants and restrictions, and at December 31, 2022, we met those covenants and restrictions.
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At December 31, 2022, our current assets exceeded our current liabilities by $348,787, largely due to our inventories, at cost, of $289,722. At December 31, 2022, our cash balance was $47,889 and we have used our various debt agreements for liquidity purposes, with $400,000 remaining for additional borrowings and up to $120,000 potentially available under the Note Purchase Agreement. We anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs largely through cash generated from operations. We regularly assess our cash needs and the available sources to fund these needs. We utilize short-term and long-term debt to fund discretionary items, such as capital investments, dividend payments as well as potential mergers and acquisitions. Subject to market conditions, we could also fund future mergers and acquisitions through the issuance of additional shares of common stock. In addition, we have strong operating results such that we believe financial institutions should provide sufficient credit funding to meet short-term financing requirements, if needed.
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides information on the amounts and payments of our contractual obligations at December 31, 2022:
Payments due by period
Total Short-Term (a) Long-Term
(a) Short-term obligation payments are due within 12 months from the current year end.
(b) Includes open purchase order commitments related to raw materials and packaging used in the ordinary course of business of $238,969.
Industrial Revenue Bonds
We are in various stages of financing projects with industrial revenue bond transactions for our facilities located in Kentucky. The bonds allow a 15 to 40 year real property tax abatement on our renovated and newly-constructed warehouse buildings and distilleries in Kentucky. We have been approved for $55,500 of industrial revenue bonds with the City of Williamstown Kentucky, and have used approximately $21,000. Additionally, we have been approved for $175,000 of industrial revenue bonds with Nelson County Kentucky and have used approximately $48,000. The City of Williamstown and Nelson County issued the industrial revenue bonds to us. The city then leased the facilities back to us under a capital lease, the terms of which provide for the payment of basic rent in an amount sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds. Our obligation to pay rent under the lease is in the same amount and due on the same date as the obligation to pay debt service on the bonds which we hold. The lease permits us to present the bonds at any time for cancellation, upon which our obligation to pay basic rent would be canceled. At the bonds’ maturity the facilities will revert to us without costs. If we were to present the bonds for cancellation prior to maturity, a nominal fee could be incurred.
We recorded the land and buildings as assets in property, plant, and equipment, net, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Because we own all outstanding bonds, have a legal right to set-off, and intend to set-off the corresponding lease and interest payment, we have netted the capital lease obligation with the bond asset. No amount for our obligation under the capital lease is reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, nor do we reflect an amount for the corresponding industrial revenue bond asset (see Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies for additional information).
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The application of certain of these policies places demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain, inclusive of effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop as forecast, and estimates routinely require adjustment and may require material adjustment. We have identified the most critical accounting policies which involve the most complex and subjective judgments. These should be read in conjunction with the significant accounting policies discussed in Note 1, Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if events and circumstances occur that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value. We have the option to evaluate qualitative factors to assess if goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired before quantifying the fair value of the reporting unit. Management judgment is required in the evaluation of qualitative factors, determination of reporting units, the assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, including goodwill, and the determination of fair value of the reporting units. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment of goodwill is recognized and allocated to the reporting units. Based on the impairment tests performed by the Company during the fourth quarter 2022, we believe none of our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired and are not currently at risk of impairment.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to commodity price and interest rate market risks. We monitor and manage these exposures as part of our overall risk management program. Our risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on our operating results.
Commodity Costs. Certain commodities we use in our production process, or input costs, expose us to market price risk due to volatility in the prices for those commodities. Through our grain supply contracts for our Atchison and Lawrenceburg facilities, our wheat flour supply contract for our Atchison facility, and our natural gas contracts for both facilities, we purchase grain, wheat flour, and natural gas, respectively, for delivery from one to 24 months into the future at negotiated prices. We have determined that the firm commitments to purchase grain, wheat flour, and natural gas under the terms of our supply contracts meet the normal purchases and sales exception as defined under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging, because the quantities involved are for amounts to be consumed within the normal expected production process.
Interest Rate Exposures. Our Credit Agreement, Convertible Senior Notes and Note Purchase Agreement (Note 6, Corporate Borrowings) expose us to market risks arising from adverse changes in interest rates. Established procedures and internal processes govern the management of this market risk.
Increases in market interest rates would cause interest expense to increase and earnings before income taxes to decrease. The change in interest expense and earnings before income taxes would be dependent upon the weighted average outstanding borrowings during the reporting period following an increase in market interest rates. Based on weighted average outstanding variable-rate borrowings at December 31, 2022, a 100 basis point increase over the current rates actually in effect at such date would have a minimal impact on interest expense. Based on weighted average outstanding fixed-rate borrowings at December 31, 2022, a 100 basis point increase in market rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of our outstanding fixed-rate debt of $29,537, and a 100 basis point decrease in market rates would result in an increase in the fair value of our outstanding fixed-rate debt of $37,243.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of MGP Ingredients, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission. As a result of this assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 was effective.
KPMG, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s financial statements contained herein, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. The combined report on the consolidated financial statements of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and subsidiaries and audit report is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
MGP Ingredients, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MGP Ingredients, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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 disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (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.
Revenue recognition under bill and hold arrangements
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s Distilling Solutions segment routinely enters into bill and hold arrangements, whereby the Company produces and sells aged and unaged distillate to customers. As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, brown goods premium beverage alcohol revenue was $229,523 thousands for the year ended December 31, 2022, a portion of which was for bill and hold arrangements.
We identified the evaluation of revenue recognized under bill and hold arrangements as a critical audit matter because of the extent of additional audit effort required to test the incremental bill and hold revenue recognition criteria. The incremental bill and hold revenue recognition criteria include the evaluation of: 1) the reason for the bill and hold arrangement; 2) the identification of the product as separately belonging to the customer; 3) the product being currently ready for physical transfer to the customer; and 4) the Company’s inability to use the product or direct it to another customer.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s revenue recognition process, including controls related to bill and hold revenue recognition criteria being met. We examined a sample of bill and hold revenue transactions to assess the incremental bill and hold revenue recognition criteria. Specifically, we inspected documentation received from the customer directing the Company to warehouse distillate after production. Additionally, we observed a sample of customer-owned barrels to determine they were marked with unique identifiers separating them from Company-owned inventory and were ready for physical transfer to the customer upon request. Also, to evaluate that the Company does not have the ability to use the product or direct to another customer, we inspected underlying documentation for the same sample of bill and hold transactions to determine legal title to the product had transferred to the customer.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 23, 2023
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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Insurance recoveries — (16,325) —
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 590 490 —
Income attributable to participating securities (871) (712) (261)
Weighted average common shares
Earnings per common share
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustment (676) (151) —
Changes in Company-sponsored post-employment benefit plan 18 19 732
Other comprehensive income (loss) (658) (132) 732
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (590) (490) —
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts and par value)
December 31,
Current Assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 15,042 9,671
Current Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 5,600 $ 3,227
Federal and state excise taxes payable 4,627 6,992
Long-term debt, less current maturities 29,510 35,266
Long-term operating lease liabilities 11,622 6,997
Commitments and Contingencies – Note 10
Stockholders’ Equity
Capital stock
Common stock
Accumulated other comprehensive income (304) 354
Total MGP Ingredients, Inc. stockholders equity 746,724 644,755
Noncontrolling interest (1,080) (490)
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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MGPINGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Gain on insurance recoveries — (16,325) —
Equity method investment loss 2,220 1,611 —
Deferred income taxes, including change in valuation allowance 1,011 6,772 593
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Federal and state excise taxes payable (2,365) (1,467) (34)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired — (149,005) (2,750)
Contributions to equity method investments (2,810) (1,470) —
Proceeds from property insurance recoveries — 16,325 —
Proceeds from sale of property and other 150 — 2,906
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payment of dividends and dividend equivalents (10,646) (10,017) (8,188)
Loan fees incurred with borrowings — (7,050) (1,148)
Proceeds from credit agreement - revolver — 242,300 54,700
Payments on credit agreement - revolver — (242,300) (55,000)
Proceeds from convertible senior notes — 201,250 —
Payment on assumed debt as part of the Merger — (87,509) —
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (14,764) 94,287 (15,255)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (38) (25) —
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 26,321 (94) 18,353
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
Comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income — — — — 732 — — 732
Share-based compensation — — 2,067 — — — — 2,067
Stock shares awarded, forfeited or vested — — (593) — — 1,528 — 935
Stock shares repurchased — — — — — (4,411) — (4,411)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (132) — — (132)
Share-based compensation — — 5,555 — — — — 5,555
Stock shares awarded, forfeited or vested — — (1,535) — — 1,535 — —
Stock shares repurchased — — — — — (767) — (767)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (658) — — (658)
Share-based compensation — — 4,518 — — — — 4,518
Stock shares awarded, forfeited or vested — — (1,481) — — 1,481 — —
Stock shares repurchased — — — — — (715) — (715)
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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MGP INGREDIENTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
NOTE 1: NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company. MGP Ingredients, Inc. (“MGP,” or the “Company”) is a leading producer and supplier of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits and food ingredients. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys and grain neutral spirits (“GNS”), including vodka and gin. Our distilled spirits are either sold directly or indirectly to manufacturers of other branded spirits. MGP is also a producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The Company has a portfolio of its own high quality branded spirits which are produce through the distilleries and bottling facilities and sell to distributors. The Company’s branded spirits products account for a range of price points from value products through ultra premium brands, with a focus on high-end American whiskey, tequila and gin. The Company’s protein and starch food ingredients provide a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products to serve the consumer packaged goods industry. The ingredients products are sold directly, or through distributors, to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or to bakeries.
The Company reports three operating segments: Distilling Solutions, Branded Spirits and Ingredient Solutions. During 2022, the Company changed the name of its Distillery Products segment to Distilling Solutions.
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in the 2020 and 2021 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2022 presentation.
Use of Estimates. The financial reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The application of certain of these policies places demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain, inclusive of effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop as forecast, and estimates routinely require adjustment and may require material adjustment.
Inventory. Inventory includes finished goods, raw materials in the form of agricultural commodities used in the production process, as well as bottles, caps and labels used in the bottling process, and certain maintenance and repair items. Bourbons, ryes, and other whiskeys, included in inventory, are normally aged in barrels for several years, following industry practice; all barreled bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys is classified as a current asset. The Company includes warehousing, insurance, and other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey in inventory costs.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on the first-in, first-out, or FIFO, method. Inventory valuations are impacted by constantly changing prices paid for key materials, primarily corn.
Properties, Depreciation, and Amortization. Property, plant, and equipment are typically stated at cost. Additions, including those that increase the life or utility of an asset, are capitalized and all properties are depreciated over their estimated remaining useful lives. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings and improvements(a) 10 – 35 years
Machinery and equipment 3 – 10 years
Office furniture and equipment 5 – 10 years
Computer equipment and software 3 – 5 years
Motor vehicles 5 years
(a)Leasehold improvements are the shorter of economic useful life or life of lease
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Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of property, plant, and equipment sold, retired, or otherwise disposed of, as well as related accumulated depreciation and amortization, are eliminated from the property accounts with related gains and losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with significant construction projects. Total interest incurred for 2022, 2021, and 2020 is noted below:
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services, through performance obligations by the Company, is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for the performance obligations. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant and the period between when the entity transfers the promised good or service to the customer and when the customer pays for that good or service is one year or less.
Revenue is recognized for the sale of products at the point in time finished products are delivered to the customer in accordance with shipping terms. This is a faithful depiction of the satisfaction of the performance obligation because, at that point control passes to the customer, the customer has legal title and the risk and rewards of ownership have transferred, and the customer has present obligation to pay.
The Company’s Distilling Solutions segment routinely enters into bill and hold arrangements, whereby the Company produces and sells aged and unaged distillate to customers, and the product is barreled at the customer’s request and warehoused at a Company location for an extended period of time in accordance with directions received from the Company’s customers. Even though the aged and unaged distillate remains in the Company’s possession, a sale is recognized at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the product. Control is transferred to the customer in bill and hold transactions when: customer acceptance specifications have been met, legal title has transferred, the customer has a present obligation to pay for the product and the risk and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer. Additionally, all the following bill and hold criteria have been met in order for control to be transferred to the customer: the reason for the bill and hold arrangement is substantive, the customer has requested the product be warehoused, the product has been identified as separately belonging to the customer, the product is currently ready for physical transfer to the customer, and the Company does not have the ability to use the product or direct it to another customer.
Warehouse service revenue is recognized over the time that warehouse services are rendered and as they are rendered. This is a faithful depiction of the satisfaction of the performance obligation because control of the aging products has already passed to the customer and there are no additional performance activities required by the Company, except as requested by the customer. The performance of the service activities, as requested, is invoiced as satisfied and revenue is concurrently recognized. Contract bottling is recognized over the time contract bottling services are rendered and as they are rendered.
Sales in the Branded Spirits segment reflect reductions attributable to consideration given to customers in incentive programs, including discounts and allowances for certain volume targets. These allowances and discounts are not for distinct goods and are paid only when the depletion volume targets are achieved by the customer. The amounts reimbursed to customers are determined based on agreed-upon amounts and are recorded as a reduction of revenue.
Excise Tax. The Company is responsible for compliance with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
of the U.S. Treasury Department (the “TTB”) regulations which includes making timely and accurate excise tax payments. The Company is subject to periodic compliance audits by the TTB. Individual states also impose excise taxes on alcohol beverages in varying amounts. The Company calculates its Federal and state excise tax expense based upon units shipped and on its understanding of the applicable excise tax laws. Excise taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer are excluded from revenue and expense.
Recognition of Insurance Recoveries. Estimated loss contingencies are recognized as charges to income when they are probable and reasonably estimable. Insurance recoveries are not recognized until all contingencies related to the insurance claim have been resolved and settlement has been reached with the insurer. Insurance recoveries, to the extent of costs and losses, are reported as a reduction to costs on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Insurance recoveries, in excess of costs and losses, if any, would be reported as a separate caption in operating income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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During November 2020, the Company experienced a fire at the Atchison facility. The fire damaged certain equipment in the facility’s feed drying operations and caused temporary loss of production time. At December 31, 2021, the Company received a legally binding commitment from its insurance carrier for final settlement of $43,688, $27,363 related to business interruption and $16,325 for the damaged dryer. As of December 31, 2021, $7,188 of the insurance recovery was recorded as receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company recorded a settlement related to business interruption from its insurance carrier of $23,583 and $3,780 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The business interruption portion of the settlement was recorded as a reduction of cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income and the insurance recoveries for the replacement of the damaged dryer was recorded as insurance recoveries on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company finalized the construction of the replacement drying system and placed this dryer into service during 2021.
Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is “more likely than not” that at least some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Earnings Per Common Share (“EPS”). Basic and diluted EPS is computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of Common Stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Basic EPS amounts are computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed using the if-converted method by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding, inclusive of the impact of the Convertible Senior Notes, except for where the result would be anti-dilutive as of the balance sheet date.
Translation of Foreign Currencies. Assets and liabilities of Niche Drinks, Co., ltd. (“Niche”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company whose functional currency is the British pound sterling, are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. Results of operations are translated using average rates during the period. Adjustments resulting from the translation process are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company maintains a US bank account denominated in British pound sterling and is adjusted for the market exchange rate at the reporting period-end. Any impacts of the adjustment for the exchange rate applied to the financial asset is reported in other income (loss), net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Business Combinations. Assets and liabilities assumed during a business combination are generally recorded at fair market value as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is recognized to the extent that the purchase consideration exceeds the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company uses its best estimate and third party valuation specialists to determine the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, which can be up to one year after the acquisition date, the Company can make adjustments to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the offset being an adjustment to goodwill.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company records goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets in connection with various acquisitions of businesses and allocates the goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets to its respective reporting units. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if events and circumstances occur that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment of goodwill is recognized and allocated to the reporting units. Judgment is required in the determination of reporting units, the assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, including goodwill, and the determination of fair value of the reporting units. The Company separately evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. As of December 31, 2022, the Company determined that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based upon the observability of inputs. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
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The Company’s short-term financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying value of the short-term financial instruments approximates the fair value due to their short-term nature. These financial instruments have no stated maturities or the financial instruments have short-term maturities that approximate market.
The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on current market interest rates for debt with similar maturities and credit quality. Excluding the impact of the conversion feature of the convertible note, the fair value of the Company’s debt was $150,249 and $272,971 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The financial statement carrying value (including unamortized loan fees) was $230,335 and $233,399 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These fair values are considered Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.
See Note 4, Business Combination, for discussion related the the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the merger with Luxco.
Derivative Instruments. Certain commodities the Company uses in its production process, or input costs, expose it to market price risk due to volatility in the prices for those commodities. Through the Company’s grain supply contracts for its Atchison and Lawrenceburg facilities, its wheat flour supply contract for the Atchison facility, and its natural gas contracts for both facilities, it purchases grain, wheat flour, and natural gas, respectively, for delivery from one to 24 months into the future at negotiated fixed prices. The Company has determined that the firm commitments to purchase grain, wheat flour, and natural gas under the terms of its supply contracts meets the normal purchases and sales exception as defined under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, because the quantities involved are for amounts to be consumed within the normal expected production process.
Equity Method Investments. The consolidated financial statements include the results of Luxco and its affiliated companies since April 1, 2021, when the Company obtained control through the Merger. The Company holds 50 percent interest in DGL Destiladores, S.de R.L. de C.V. (“DGL”) and Agricola LG, S.de R.L. de C.V. (“Agricola”) (combined “LMX”), which are accounted for as equity method investments. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the investment in LMX was $5,534 and $4,944, respectively, which is recorded in investment in joint ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded a $2,220 and $1,611 loss from equity method investments, respectively, which is recorded in other income (loss), net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Immaterial Correction to Prior Period Financial Statements. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company identified an immaterial correction related to gross amounts of property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021. The Company performed a materiality assessment, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors, which resulted in the determination that the correction to the financial statements was immaterial. As such, the Company corrected the December 31, 2021 gross balances for property, plant, and equipment and accumulated depreciation and amortization in Note 2, Other Balance Sheet Captions, in this Form 10-K by equal and offsetting amounts, which resulted in no change to the balance of property, plant, and equipment, net.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company identified an immaterial correction related to the calculation of diluted earnings per share within the year ended December 31, 2021 financial statements filed on Form 10-K. Other than as follows, this correction had no impact on the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the period ended December 31, 2021, diluted earnings per share should have been $4.37 instead of $4.34. The Company performed a materiality assessment, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors, which resulted in the determination that the correction to the financial statements is immaterial. As such, the Company corrected the December 31, 2021 diluted earnings per share on the Consolidated Statements of Income in this Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standard Updates. ASU 2021-08, Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted this standard and it did not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provide optional expedients
and exceptions for a period of time to help facilitate the adoption of reference rate reform and the impact on financial
reporting. This guidance was effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06, Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which extends the effective date fro December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company has adopted these standards and it did not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. The other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 2: OTHER BALANCE SHEET CAPTIONS
Inventory.
December 31,
Barreled distillate (bourbons and other whiskeys) 199,040 174,080
Property, plant, and equipment, net.
December 31,
Transportation equipment 805 697
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (215,168) (196,863)
Accrued expenses.
December 31,
Current operating lease liabilities 3,807 2,865
NOTE 3: REVENUE
The Company generates revenues from the Distilling Solutions segment by the sale of products and by providing warehouse services related to the storage and aging of customer products. The Company generates revenue from the Branded Spirits segment by the sale of products and by providing contract bottling services. The Company generates revenue from the Ingredient Solutions segment by the sale of products. Revenue related to sales of products is recognized at a point in time whereas revenue generated from warehouse services and contract bottling services are recognized over time. Contracts with customers include a single performance obligation (either the sale of products or the provision of warehouse services and contract bottling service).
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Disaggregation of Sales. The following table presents the Company’s sales disaggregated by segment and major products and services.
Year Ended December 31,
Distilling Solutions
Branded Spirits
Ingredient Solutions
NOTE 4: BUSINESS COMBINATION
Description of the transaction. On January 22, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Luxco, and subsequently completed the merger on April 1, 2021 (the “Merger”). Luxco is a leading branded beverage alcohol company across various categories, with a more than 60-year business heritage. As a result of the Merger, MGP increased its scale and market position in the branded-spirits sector and believes it strengthened its platform for future growth of higher valued-added products.
Following the Merger, Luxco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MGP and is included within the Branded Spirits segment. The aggregate consideration paid by the Company in connection with the Merger was $237,500 in cash (less assumed indebtedness) and 5,007,833 shares of common stock of the Company, subject to adjustment for fractional shares (the “Company Shares,” and together with the cash portion, the “Merger Consideration”). The Company Shares were valued at $296,213 and represented approximately 22.8 percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock immediately following the closing of the Merger. The Merger Consideration was subject to customary purchase price adjustments related to, among other things, net working capital, acquired cash and assumed debt. The consideration paid at closing included a preliminary estimated purchase price adjustment. In September 2021, the parties finalized the purchase price adjustment, which decreased
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the cash consideration paid by approximately $608 and increased stock consideration by an additional 1,373 shares from the preliminary amounts that were paid at closing.
The cash portion of the Merger Consideration, the repayment of assumed debt, and transaction-related expenses were financed with borrowings under the Company’s existing Credit Agreement which was drawn down on April 1, 2021.
For tax purposes, the transaction was structured partially as a tax-free reorganization and partially as a taxable acquisition, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. The Company anticipates the amount transferred in a tax deferred manner, under the tax-free reorganization rules, will not create additional tax basis for the Company. The taxable component of the transaction will create additional tax basis and a corresponding future tax deduction for the Company.
Purchase Price Allocation. The Merger was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), and as such, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration transferred were recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the allocation of the consideration paid for Luxco to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, with the excess recorded to goodwill.
Consideration:
Cash, net of assumed debt $ 149,484
Value of MGP Common Stock issued at close (a) 296,279
Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 445,763
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Prepaid expenses 1,454
Property, plant and equipment, net 41,279
Investments in joint ventures 5,085
Current maturities of long-term debt (c) 87,509
Federal and state excise taxes payable 8,352
Accrued expenses and other 2,832
Other noncurrent liabilities 196
Deferred income taxes 57,034
(a) The Company issued 5,007,833 shares of MGP Common Stock which was valued at $59.15 per share on April 1, 2021. In September 2021, the parties finalized the purchase price adjustments which increased stock consideration by an additional 1,373 shares from the preliminary amounts that were paid at closing.
(b) Intangible assets acquired included trade names with an estimated fair value of $178,100 and distributor relationships with an estimated fair value of $41,400.
(c) The fair value of Luxco’s debt that was assumed by MGP in the transaction and repaid on the closing date.
In accordance with ASC 805 assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration transferred were recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The fair value measurements of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities were based on significant inputs not observable in the market and represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 inputs include discount rates that would be used by a market participant in valuing these assets and liabilities, projections of
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revenues and cash flows, distributor attrition rates, royalty rates and market comparable, among others. The fair value of work-in-process and finished goods inventory was determined using the comparative sales method and raw materials was determined using the replacement cost method. The fair value of personal property assets was determined using the market approach and the indirect and direct method of the cost approach, and the fair value of real property was determined using the cost approach and and the sales comparison approach.
Goodwill of $223,556, none of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes, represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of assets acquired net of liabilities assumed. The intangible assets acquired include indefinite-lived intangible assets, trade names, with an estimated fair value of $178,100 and definite-lived intangible assets, distributor relationships, with an estimated fair value of $41,400 and a useful life of 20 years. The trade names and distributor relationships acquired by the Company have been recorded at the estimated fair values using the relief from royalty method and multi-period earnings method, respectively. Management engaged a third party valuation specialist to assist in the valuation analysis of certain acquired assets including trade name and distributor relationship.
Operating Results. The operating results of Luxco were consolidated with the Company’s operating results subsequent to the merger date. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded $177,607 and $17,027, of sales and income before income taxes, respectively, attributable to Luxco on the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company incurred $8,927 of transaction related costs, which are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Pro Forma Information. The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2020:
Pro Forma Financial Information
Year Ended December 31,
Basic earnings per common share 4.84 2.09
The pro forma results are adjusted for items that are non-recurring in nature and directly attributable to the Merger, including the income tax effect of the adjustments. Merger related costs incurred by the Company of $8,927 for the year ended December 31, 2021 were excluded and $7,037 is assumed to have been incurred on January 1, 2020. Merger related costs incurred by Luxco of $3,132 were excluded from the year ended December 31, 2021 pro forma results. A non-recurring expense of $2,529 for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the fair value adjustment of finished goods inventory estimated to have been sold was removed and included in the results for the year ended December 31, 2020. Other acquired tangible and intangible assets are assumed to be recorded at estimated fair value on January 1, 2020 and are amortized or depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
The summary pro forma financial information is for informational purposes only, is based on estimates and assumptions, and does not purport to represent what the Company’s consolidated results of operations actually would have been if the Merger had occurred at an earlier date, and such data does not purport to project the Company’s results of operations for any future period. The basic shares outstanding used to calculate the pro forma net income per share amounts presented above have been adjusted to assume shares issued at the closing of the Merger were outstanding since January 1, 2020.
NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets. The Company has a definite-lived intangible asset which was acquired as a result of the Merger. The distributor relationships have a carrying value of $37,778, net of accumulated amortization of $3,622. The distributor relationships have a useful life of 20 years. The amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $2,070 and $1,552, respectively.
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As of December 31, 2022, the expected future amortization expense related to definite-lived intangibles assets are as follows:
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. The Company records goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in connection with various acquisitions of businesses and allocates the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets to its respective reporting units. The carrying amount of goodwill, which relates to the Branded Spirits segment was $226,294 at both December 31, 2022 and 2021. The carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets, which relates to the Branded Spirits segment was $178,990 at both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
NOTE 6: CORPORATE BORROWINGS
Indebtedness Outstanding. The following table presents the Company’s outstanding indebtedness
December 31,
Credit Agreement - Revolver, 5.46% (variable rate) due 2025 $ — $ —
Note Purchase Agreement
Other long-term borrowings — 203
Less unamortized loan fees(b) (6,115) (6,454)
Less current maturities of long-term debt (5,600) (3,227)
(a)Interest rates are as of December 31, 2022.
(b)Loan fees are being amortized over the life of the debt agreements.
Credit Agreement. On February 14, 2020, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with multiple participants led by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo Bank”), which provided for a $300,000 revolving credit facility. On May 14, 2021, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the principal amount to $400,000 and to increase the amount of the revolving credit facility by up to an additional $100,000 provided certain conditions are satisfied and at the discretion of the lender. On August 31, 2022, the Credit Agreement was amended to change the interest rate benchmark from LIBOR to SOFR. The Credit Agreement matures on February 14, 2025. The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all assets, excluding real property.
The Credit Agreement includes certain requirements and covenants, which the Company was in compliance with at December 31, 2022. The Company incurred no new loan fees related to the Credit Agreement during 2022. The unamortized balance of total loan fees related to the Credit Agreement was $1,177 at December 31, 2022, which were included in other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The unamortized loan fees are being amortized over the life of the Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement leaving $400,000 available. The interest rate for the borrowings of the Credit Agreement at December 31, 2022 was 5.46%.
Note Purchase Agreements. TheCompany’s Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”),
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with PGIM, Inc., (“Prudential”), an affiliate of Prudential Financial, Inc., and certain affiliates of Prudential, provides for the issuance of $20,000 of Series A Senior Secured Notes and the issuance of up to $105,000 of additional Senior Secured Notes (or any higher amount solely to the extent Prudential has provided written notice to the Company of its authorization of such a higher amount). On July 29, 2021, Prudential provided the Company notice pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Note Agreement that Prudential has authorized an increase in the amount of additional Senior Secured Notes that may be issued under the uncommitted shelf facility under the Note Agreement from $105,000 to $140,000, effective as of July 29, 2021. The deadline for issuing the notes under the shelf facility is August 23, 2023.
On August 23, 2017, the Company initially issued $20,000 of Series A Senior Secured Notes with a maturity date of August 23, 2027. The Series A Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.53 percent per year. On April 30, 2019, the Company issued $20,000 of additional Senior Secured Notes with a maturity date of April 30, 2029. The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.80 percent per year. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has $15,200 of Series A Senior Secured Notes and $20,000 of additional Senior Secured Notes outstanding under the Note Purchase Agreement leaving $120,000 available of Senior Secured Notes.
The Company incurred no new loan fees related to the Note Purchase Agreement during 2022. The unamortized balance of total loan fees related to the Note Purchase Agreement was $90 at December 31, 2022 and is being amortized over the life of the Note Purchase Agreement. The Note Purchase Agreement is secured by substantially all assets, excluding real property. The Note Purchase Agreement includes certain requirements and covenants, which the Company was in compliance with at December 31, 2022.
Convertible Senior Notes. On November 16, 2021, the Company issued $201,250 in aggregate principal amount of 1.88% convertible senior notes due in 2041 (“2041 Notes”). The total aggregate principal amount includes $26,250 aggregate principal amount of 2041 Notes purchased by the initial purchasers in the offering pursuant to their exercise in full of their option to purchase additional notes under the purchase agreement for the offering. The 2041 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of November 16, 2021 ( the “Indenture”), by and among the Company, as issuer, Luxco, Inc., MGPI Processing, Inc., and MGPI of Indiana, LLC as subsidiary guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The 2041 Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the Company and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears at a fixed interest rate of 1.88% on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The 2041 Notes mature on November 15, 2041 (“Maturity Date”) unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted, per the agreement. Upon conversion, the Company will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the 2041 Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, at its election, in respect to the remainder, if any, of the Company’s conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the 2041 Notes being converted.
The Company incurred no new loan fees related to the 2041 Notes during 2022. The unamortized balance of total loan fees related to the 2041 Notes was $6,025 at December 31, 2022 and is being amortized over the life of the 2041 Notes.
The initial conversion rate for the 2041 Notes is 10.3911 shares of common stock per $1 principal amount of the 2041 Notes. Prior to the Maturity Date, holders may convert at their option only in the following circumstances:
•During any calendar quarter commencing after the quarter ending March 31, 2022, if the closing sale price of common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days is more than 130% of the conversion price;
•during the 5 consecutive business days following any 10 consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1 principal amount of the notes for each trading day was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price of common stock on such trading day and the conversion rate on such trading day;
•upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, as defined in the Indenture;
•if the Company calls the notes for redemption; and
•during the period July 15, 2026 ending close of business day immediately preceding November 20, 2026 or the period July 15, 2041 and close of business day immediately preceding the Maturity Date.
Other long-term borrowings. As part of the Merger, the Company acquired additional long-term notes payable to certain counties in Kentucky and during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid off the outstanding balances.
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Debt Maturities. Aggregate amount of maturities for long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:
NOTE 7: INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense is composed of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
Current:
Deferred:
Foreign (71) — —
Income tax expense also included tax expense allocated to comprehensive income for 2022, 2021, and 2020 of $33, $19, and $229, respectively (see the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income).
A reconciliation of income tax expense at the normal statutory federal rate to income tax expense included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income is below:
Year Ended December 31,
Foreign income taxes (223) 294 —
Share-based compensation (34) 31 56
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The tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to deferred income taxes shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
December 31,
Deferred income tax assets:
State tax credit carryforwards 3,991 2,343
Less: valuation allowance (2,073) (1,657)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Operating lease right-of-use assets (3,850) (2,487)
Convertible Senior Note (2,424) (411)
Gross deferred income tax liabilities (84,110) (80,354)
Net deferred income tax liability $ (67,112) $ (66,101)
A schedule of the change in valuation allowance is as follows:
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s total valuation allowance of $2,073 related to net operating loss in states and foreign countries in which it is not “more likely than not” to create enough taxable income to fully utilize the carryforwards before expiration of the carryforward periods. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s total valuation allowance of $1,657 related to net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards in states and foreign countries in which it is not “more likely than not” to create enough taxable income to fully utilize the carryforwards before expiration of the carryforward periods.
The Merger with Luxco during 2021 was largely structured as a non-taxable merger for U.S. income tax purposes. This merger required the Company to book an additional $57,034 in deferred tax liabilities to its opening balance sheet. In addition, at December 31, 2021, the Company had book tax differences resulting in a net deferred tax liability balance of $66,101. This increase in the Company’s deferred tax balances could make the Company more susceptible to the tax impact of tax rate changes and its effect on earnings and earnings per share in the future.
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As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had $21,537 and $19,823 in gross state net operating loss carryforwards, respectively. Due to varying state carryforward periods, the state net operating loss carryforwards will primarily expire in varying years between calendar years 2022 and 2042. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had gross state tax credit carryforwards of $5,052 and $2,966, respectively. State credits, if not used to offset income tax expense in their respective jurisdictions, will expire in varying years between 2022 and 2039.
The Company treats accrued interest and penalties related to tax liabilities, if any, as a component of income tax expense. During 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company’s activity in accrued interest and penalties was not significant.
The following is a reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) for 2022, 2021, and 2020:
Year Ended December 31,
Additions based on prior year tax positions 75 — 2
Additions based on current year tax positions 2 31 20
Reduction for prior year tax positions (34) (30) —
Reductions for settlements — — (165)
For each period presented, substantially all of the amount of unrecognized benefits (excluding interest and penalties) would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company reasonably expects that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will not change significantly over the next 12 months.
The Company is not under any federal, state or foreign income tax audits. For federal tax purpose, all tax years after 2018 remain open to adjustment. Amounts paid for income tax in foreign jurisdictions are not material to the financial statements. In addition, the Company is subject to examination for its state tax returns for years 2018, and forward, with the exception of certain net operating losses and credit carryforwards originating in years prior to 2018 that remain subject to adjustment.
NOTE 8: EQUITY AND EPS
Capital Stock. Common Stockholders are entitled to elect four of the nine members of the Board of Directors, while Preferred Stockholders are entitled to elect the remaining five members. All directors are elected annually for a one year term. Any vacancies on the Board are to be filled only by the shareholders and not by the Board. Shareholders who own 10 percent or more of the outstanding Common or Preferred Stock have the right to call a special meeting of stockholders. Common Stockholders are not entitled to vote with respect to a merger, dissolution, lease, exchange or sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets, or on an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, unless such action would increase or decrease the authorized shares or par value of the Common or Preferred Stock, or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Common or Preferred Stock so as to affect the Common Stockholders adversely. Generally, Common Stockholders and Preferred Stockholders vote as separate classes on all other matters requiring shareholder approval.
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EPS. The computations of basic and diluted EPS:
Year Ended December 31,
Operations:
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 590 490 —
Share information:
(a)Net income attributable to all shareholders.
(b)Participating securities included 177,398, 163,024, and 110,665 unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
(c)Under the two class method, basic weighted average common shares exclude outstanding unvested participating securities.
(d)The impacts of the Convertible Senior Notes were included in the diluted weighted average common shares if the inclusion was dilutive. The Convertible Senior Notes would only have a dilutive impact if the average market price per share during the quarter and year to date period exceeds the conversion price of $96.24 per share. There was no dilutive impact for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020.
Share Issuance. On April 1, 2021, as part of the consideration for the Merger, the Company issued 5,007,833 shares of common stock. Additionally, in September 2021, the parties finalized the purchase price adjustments, which increased stock consideration by an additional 1,373 shares from the preliminary amounts that were paid at closing.
Share Repurchase. On February 25, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a $25,000 share repurchase authorization commencing February 27, 2019 through February 27, 2022. Under the share repurchase program, the company can repurchase stock from time to time for cash in open market purchases, block transactions, and privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The Company did not repurchase any shares under the share repurchase program during 2022, prior to its expiration on February 27, 2022. The Company did not renew the share repurchase program upon its expiration.
Common Stock Share Activity.
Shares Outstanding
Capital Stock Preferred Common Stock
Issuance of Common Stock — 5,060,339
Repurchase of Common Stock — (11,887)
Issuance of Common Stock — 38,760
Repurchase of Common Stock — (9,032)
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Dividends and Dividend Equivalents.
Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Information (per Share and Unit)
(a)Dividend equivalent payments on unvested participating securities (see Note 11, Employee Benefit Plans).
(b) Includes estimated forfeitures.
NOTE 9: LEASES
The Company has operating leases for railcars, computer equipment, office spaces, a bottling facility, a distribution facility, fulfillment center, retail location, and certain equipment. The Company has no finance leases. Leases with terms of twelve months or less are not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease components are accounted for separately from non-lease components, such as common-area maintenance, based on the relative, observable stand-alone prices of the components.
The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of one year to six years, some of which may include options to extend the lease. Options to renew the Company’s leases were not considered when assessing the value of the right-of-use assets because the Company is not reasonably certain that it will assert the options to renew the leases. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
The following table provides supplemental balance sheet classification information related to leases:
December 31,
Leases Balance Sheet Classification 2022 2021
Assets
Operating Operating lease right-of-use-assets, net $ 15,042 $ 9,671
Liabilities
Current Operating Accrued expenses $ 3,807 $ 2,865
Noncurrent Operating Long-term operating lease liabilities 11,622 6,997
Total operating lease liability $ 15,429 $ 9,862
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The following table presents the components of lease costs:
Year Ended December 31,
Sublease income — (4)
(a) Recorded as a component of operating income on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table presents supplemental cash flow and non-cash activity related to lease information:
Year Ended December 31,
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 4,082 $ 2,857
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
The following table presents weighted average discount rate and remaining lease term:
December 31,
Weighted average discount rate
Weighted average remaining lease term
Operating leases 4.6 years 4.1 years
As of December 31, 2022, the maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows:
Total lease payments 16,093
Less interest (664)
Total operating lease liability $ 15,429
NOTE 10: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments. We are in various stages of financing projects with industrial revenue bond transactions for our facilities located in Kentucky. The bonds allow a 15 or 40 year real property tax abatement on our renovated and newly-constructed warehouse buildings and distilleries in Kentucky. We have been approved for $55,500 of industrial revenue bonds with the City of Williamstown Kentucky, and have used approximately $21,000. Additionally, we have been approved for $175,000 of industrial revenue bonds with Nelson County Kentucky and have used approximately $48,000. The City of Williamstown and Nelson County issued the industrial revenue bonds to us. The Company recorded as property, plant, and equipment, net, on its Consolidated Balance Sheets under a capital lease. The lease payment on the facilities is sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds. Because the Company owns all of the outstanding bonds, has a legal right to set-off, and intends to set-off the corresponding lease and interest payment, the Company netted the capital lease obligation with the bond asset and, in turn, reflected no amount for the obligation or the corresponding asset on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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Contingencies. There are various legal and regulatory proceedings involving the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company accrues estimated costs for a contingency when management believes that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated.
Shareholder matters. On May 11, 2020, Mitchell Dorfman, a shareholder in MGP, filed an action in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, under the caption Dorfman, derivatively on behalf of MGP Ingredients v. Griffin, et al., Case 2:20-cv-02239. On June 4, 2020, Justin Carter, a shareholder in MGP, filed an action in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, under the caption Carter, derivatively on behalf of MGP Ingredients v. Griffin, et al., Case 2:20-cv-02281. On June 18, 2020, Alexandra Kearns, a shareholder in MGP, filed an action in the District Court of Atchison County, Kansas, under the caption Kearns, derivatively on behalf of MGP Ingredients v. Griffin, et al., Case 2020-CV-000042. The defendants were certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors. The Company was a nominal defendant in each action. Plaintiffs alleged that the Company was damaged as a result of the commencement of securities litigation against defendants, the repurchase of Company stock at artificially inflated prices, and compensation paid to the individual defendants. The Complaint in Dorfman asserted claims for violations of Sections 14(a), 10(b), and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The Complaint in Carter asserted claims for violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The Petition in Kearns asserted claims for breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The pleadings prayed for an award of compensatory damages, including interest, in favor of the Company, for equitable relief related to the Company’s corporate governance, for disgorgement of compensation, and for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs.
On August 31, 2021, the court dismissed with prejudice the securities litigation on which some of the derivative claims were based. On January 4, 2022, the court dismissed the Carter action. On January 11, 2022, the court dismissed the Dorfman action. On February 2, 2022, the plaintiffs and defendants entered into a stipulation of dismissal of the Kearns action. The federal claims alleged in Carter were dismissed with prejudice. All other derivative claims were dismissed without prejudice.
2016 Atchison Chemical Release. A chemical release occurred at the Company’s Atchison facility on October 21, 2016, which resulted in emissions venting into the air (“the Atchison Chemical Release”). Private plaintiffs initiated legal proceedings against the Company for damages resulting from the Atchison Chemical Release. The Company reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in December 2021 and the legal proceedings were dismissed with prejudice in January 2022.
NOTE 11: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
401(k) Plans. The Company has established 401(k) plans covering all employees after certain eligibility requirements are met. Amounts charged to operations for employer contributions related to the plans totaled $2,517, $1,826, and $1,733 for 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Post-Employment Benefits. The Company sponsors life insurance coverage as well as medical benefits, including prescription drug coverage, to certain retired employees and their spouses. In 2014, the Company made a change to the plan to terminate post-employment health care and life insurance benefits for retirees and employees except for a specified grandfathered group. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, total current benefit obligation recorded in accrued expense on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $190 and $232, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, total noncurrent benefit obligation was $847 and $1,159, which was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation Plans. As of December 31, 2022, the Company was authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock and had a treasury share balance of 1,131,124 at December 31, 2022.
The Company currently has two active share-based compensation plans: the Employee Equity Incentive Plan of 2014 (the “2014 Plan”) and the Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”). The plans were approved by shareholders at the Company’s annual meeting in May 2014. Detail of activities in both plans follows below.
The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide for the awarding of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and shares of restricted stock and RSUs for senior executives and salaried employees, as well as for outside directors. Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards is based on the market price of the stock on the date the Board of Directors communicates the approved award and is amortized over the vesting period of the restricted stock award. The Consolidated Statements of Income for 2022, 2021, and 2020 reflect total share-based compensation costs and director fees for awarded grants of $3,487, $2,346, and $2,723, respectively, related to these plans.
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For long-term incentive awards to be granted in the form of RSUs in 2023 based on 2022 results, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (“HRCC”) determined that the grants would have performance conditions that would be based on the same performance metrics as the Short-Term Incentive Plan (the “STI Plan”). The performance metrics are operating income, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), and EPS. Because management determined at the beginning of 2022 that the performance metrics would more likely than not be met, amortization of the estimated dollar pool of RSUs to be awarded based on 2022 results was started in the first quarter over an estimated 48 month period, including 12 months to the grant date and an additional 36 months to the vesting date. The Consolidated Statements of Income for 2022, 2021, and 2020 reflects share-based compensation costs for grants to be awarded of $2,018, $960, and $2,566, respectively.
2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan, with 1,500,000 shares registered for future grants, provides that vesting occurs pursuant to the time period specified in the particular award agreement approved for that issuance of RSUs, which is to be not less than three years unless vesting is accelerated due to the occurrence of certain events. As of December 31, 2022, 586,353 RSUs had been granted of the 1,500,000 shares approved for under the 2014 Plan.
Directors’ Plan. The Director’s Plan, with 300,000 shares registered for future grants, provides that vesting occurs pursuant to the time period specified in the particular award agreement approved for that issuance of equity. As of December 31, 2022, 131,663 shares were granted of the 300,000 shares approved for grants under the Directors’ Plan and all 131,663 shares were vested.
RSUs.Summary of unvested RSUs under the Company’s share-based compensation plans for 2022, 2021, and 2020:
Year Ended December 31,
During 2022, 2021, and 2020, the total grant date fair value of RSU awards vested was $2,252, $2,687, and $1,384, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 there was $3,098 of total estimated unrecognized compensation costs (net of estimated forfeitures) related to granted RSU awards. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.3 years.
Upon their vesting, the Company purchased restricted stock and RSUs from employees to cover associated withholding taxes. Total treasury stock purchases added 9,031 shares for $715 in 2022; 11,887 shares for $767 in 2021; and 10,437 shares for $358 in 2020.
Annual Cash Incentive Plan. Pursuant to the STI Plan, short-term incentive compensation is dependent on the achievement of certain performance metrics by the Company, established by the Board of Directors. Each performance metric is calculated in accordance with the rules approved by the HRCC, which may adjust the results to eliminate unusual items. For 2022, 2021, and 2020, the performance metrics were operating income, EBITDA, and EPS. Operating income for the performance metric was defined as reported GAAP operating income adjusted for certain discretionary items as determined by the Company’s management, if applicable (“adjusted operating income”). The HRCC determines the officers and employees eligible to participate under the STI Plan for the plan year as well as the target annual incentive compensation for each participant for each plan year. Additionally, certain employees within the Branded Spirits segment have an incentive plan that is based on performance metrics of number of depleted cases and gross margin. Amounts expensed under the STI Plan totaled $13,370, $11,155, and $9,732 for 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.