Equity Method Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s equity method investments were zero.

Illinois Corn Processing ("ICP") Investment. In 2017, the Company completed the sale of its equity ownership interest in ICP to Pacific Ethanol Central, LLC ("Pacific Ethanol"), consistent with an Agreement and Plan of Merger ("Merger Agreement"). The total transaction proceeds to the Company from the ICP sale transaction represented a return of its investment in ICP of $22,832 (net of fees and including additional dividends), which included a gain on sale of equity method investment of $11,381 (before tax), on the Company’s 2017 Consolidated Statement of Income. The Merger Agreement contemplated a special distribution of all of ICP’s cash and cash equivalents to equity owners prior to the closing, which

resulted in the Company receiving cash dividend distributions from ICP during June 2017 totaling $7,430 that reduced its 30 percent ownership interest. The Company’s equity method investment losses for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $348.

Related Party Transactions. In 2019 and 2018, Pacific Ethanol (formerly ICP) was not a related party of the Company. During 2017, related party sales to ICP were $17,672 which were included in Sales on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. During 2017, related party purchases by the Company from ICP were approximately $18,425, that were included in Cost of sales on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. In June 2017, the Company received cash dividend distributions from ICP totaling $7,430, as mentioned above.

Summary Financial Information. Condensed financial information of the Company’s equity method investment in ICP for the year ended December 31, 2017:


	Year Ended December 31,
ICP’s Operating results:	2017
Sales	$	78,062
Cost of sales and expenses^(a)	(79,224)
Net loss	$	(1,162)

(a)Includes depreciation and amortization of $1,720 for 2017.