REX increases ownership in ethanol firm

DAYTON — REX American Resources Corp. announced Wedensday that through a wholly-owned subsidiary it has acquired an additional approximate 50 percent equity ownership interest in NuGen Energy LLC, raising its equity ownership in the Marion, S.D. firm to approximately 98 percent. Local farmers own the remaining approximate 2 percent.

REX said it acquired the additional interest in NuGen and paid in full its remaining liability for $12.7 million and made a $7 million capital contribution to NuGen to reduce long-term debt.

REX said it will consolidate the plant’s results in its financial statements. In the twelve month period ended July 31, 2011, REX recognized pre-tax earnings of $9.3 million and received dividends of $3.1 million related to its then 48% equity ownership interest in NuGen. This acquisition increases REX’s ownership of annual operating nameplate production capacity by approximately 30% from approximately 169 million gallons to approximately 219 million gallons.

“NuGen is a highly efficient plant with solid operational performance, a favorable location and an excellent management team,” said REX Chief Executive Stuart Rose. “The structure of this transaction allows us to significantly expand our ethanol production ownership in a manner that we believe will prove to be very favorable for our shareholders.”

REX American Resources has interests in six operating ethanol production facilities.