UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 3, 2017

 

Gevo, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

345 Inverness Drive South, Building C, Suite 310, Englewood, CO 80112

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 858-8358

N/A

(Former Name, or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On August 3, 2017, Gevo, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the Company’s financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

 

The information contained herein and in the accompanying exhibit shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, unless expressly incorporated by specific reference to such filing. The information in this report, including the exhibit hereto, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: August 3, 2017

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Exhibit 99.1

Gevo Reports 2nd Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Completion of Bond Exchange with Whitebox Restructures Gevo’s Balance Sheet

 

- Gevo to Host Conference Call Today at 4:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 MDT -

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – August 3, 2017 - Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Key highlights for the second quarter of 2017 and key subsequent events included:

 

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Commenting on the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter, Dr. Patrick Gruber stated, “a key goal we set out for ourselves in 2017 was to restructure our balance sheet in a manner that addresses the debt that was coming due this year, and that helps us to execute on our long-term strategy and business development plan. Following the debt exchange with Whitebox, we believe that this target was met. Our new debt facility with Whitebox comes due in March of 2020, which we expect will occur following the completion and startup of the expanded Luverne Facility. This puts us in a much stronger position in terms of financing and executing the buildout of the expanded Luverne Facility.”

 

Dr. Gruber continued, "we remain mindful of the need to operate the business in a manner that extends our runway as we continue to develop the isobutanol and hydrocarbons markets. In terms of isobutanol, we see promising growth in several key regions, namely Texas and Arizona, where isobutanol is being used in gasoline blends servicing primarily the on-road, off-road and marine markets. We anticipate 1-2 additional regions of the country to follow suit in the coming 1-2 years. With respect to hydrocarbons, we are currently discussing or negotiating terms for long-term supply agreements with two potential customers for our jet and isooctane products that we believe have the potential to allow us to achieve our 2017 goal of obtaining binding supply contracts for a combination of isobutanol and related hydrocarbon products equal to at least fifty percent (50%) of the capacity of the anticipated expanded Luverne Facility that we plan to construct. Given the configuration of our Luverne plant, and the relatively high cost of production, we will continue to produce isobutanol at a pace that optimizes the use of cash, allows us to provide product to customers, and provides the means of improving our technology.”

Outlook for 2017

The following are the operational and financial targets and milestones that Gevo previously established for 2017:

Operational Summary for the Quarter

In the second quarter of 2017, Gevo focused 100% of its production activities at the Luverne Facility to the production of ethanol. This is consistent with Gevo’s previous production guidance to align isobutanol production with its isobutanol sales efforts and technology development goals, such that over certain periods Gevo would only produce ethanol at the Luverne Facility. Given the Luverne Facility has only one production line suitable for isobutanol, Gevo’s current isobutanol production costs exceed the expected sales price for isobutanol. As a result, the cash flow profile of the Luverne Facility is improved by dedicating production to ethanol, rather than co-producing isobutanol and ethanol.

For the balance of 2017, Gevo expects to maintain limited production of isobutanol to better conserve its cash. Gevo expects to produce some level of isobutanol in the second half of 2017, with the primary goals being to continue to optimize Gevo’s isobutanol fermentation processes and decrease production costs, as well as to generate data which Gevo believes will assist in the design and engineering of the expansion Gevo expects to undertake at the Luverne Facility (the “Luverne Facility Expansion”). As a result, Gevo does not expect to meet its previously stated guidance of producing 500,000 gallons of isobutanol during 2017.

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In the second quarter of 2017, Gevo’s isobutanol market development efforts remained focused on gaining market acceptance in its core gasoline blendstock markets such as marinas and on-road gasoline fueling stations, while maintaining its targeted selling price. Gevo continued to work with its distribution partners to make investments to develop end-customer relationships, as well as to establish value chains to deliver its isobutanol to those end-customers.

Gevo’s market development efforts related to its renewable hydrocarbon products continued to be mainly targeted towards entering into binding supply agreements to underpin the economics of the Luverne Facility Expansion. Gevo has been in discussions with numerous potential alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) and isooctane customers to enter into long term supply agreements, with a goal in 2017 of signing contracts representing the majority of the isobutanol production volumes to be produced at the expanded Luverne Facility. In April 2017, as noted above, Gevo entered into its first long term supply agreement with HCS, which Gevo estimates would represent approximately 10-15% of the isooctane production from the Luverne Facility following the Luverne Facility Expansion.

As Gevo develops markets for its products, there will be a mismatch in timing between isobutanol production and sales. As a result, at times Gevo will build isobutanol inventory levels.  At June 30, 2017, Gevo had approximately 270,000 gallons of isobutanol and approximately 51,000 gallons of renewable hydrocarbons in inventory.

Financial Highlights

Revenues for the second quarter of 2017 were $7.5 million compared with $8.1 million in the same period in 2016. During the second quarter of 2017, revenues derived at the Luverne Facility related to ethanol sales and related products were $6.8 million, a decrease of approximately $0.3 million from the same period in 2016. This was primarily a result of lower ethanol and distiller grain prices in the second quarter of 2017 versus the same period in 2016.

During the second quarter of 2017, hydrocarbon revenues were $0.7 million, down $0.1 million as compared to the same period in 2016. Gevo’s hydrocarbon revenues are comprised of sales of ATJ, isooctane and isooctene.

Gevo generated grant and other revenue of $43,000 during the second quarter of 2017, down $0.2 million as compared to the same period in 2016, mainly as a result of Gevo’s contract with the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliances ending in 2016.

Cost of goods sold was $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared with $10.0 million in the same period in 2016. Cost of goods sold included approximately $8.2 million associated with the production of ethanol, isobutanol and related products and approximately $1.5 million in depreciation expense.

Gross loss was $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, versus $1.9 million in the same quarter in 2016.

Research and development expense increased by $0.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016, due primarily to an increase in employee-related expenses and costs associated with the production of hydrocarbons.

Selling, general and administrative expense was essentially flat during the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016.

Loss from operations in the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $6.2 million, compared with $5.5 million in the same period in 2016.

Non-GAAP cash EBITDA loss in the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $4.4 million, compared with $3.6 million in the same period in 2016.  

Interest expense in the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $0.6 million, down $1.6 million as compared to the same period in 2016, due to a decrease in outstanding principal balances of our debt.

During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the estimated fair value of the derivative warrant liability decreased, resulting in a non-cash gain of $2.3 million from a change in the fair value of derivative warrant liability. During the same period, the estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives associated with the 2020 Notes increased, resulting in a non-cash loss of $1.7 million from a change in the fair value of the 2020 Notes embedded derivative.

During the three months ended June 30, 2017, there was no change in the value of the embedded derivatives in the 2022 Notes, as the derivatives have had no meaningful value since the third quarter of 2014.  

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During the three months ended June 30, 2017, Gevo also incurred a non-cash loss of $4.0 million associated with exchanges of debt, primarily due to the exchange of the 2017 Notes for the 2020 Notes.

The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $10.2 million, compared with $21.5 million during the same period in 2016.

The non-GAAP adjusted net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $6.8 million, compared with $7.5 million during the same period in 2016.

The cash position at June 30, 2017 was $16.3 million and the total principal face value of the debt outstanding was $17.2 million.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Hosting today’s conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT (2:30 p.m. MDT) will be Dr. Patrick Gruber, Chief Executive Officer, Mike Willis, Chief Financial Officer, and Geoff Williams, General Counsel. They will review Gevo’s financial results and provide an update on recent corporate highlights. 

To participate in the conference call, please dial 1(888) 771-4371 (inside the U.S.) or 1 (847) 585-4405 (outside the U.S.) and reference the access code 45172485. A replay of the call and webcast will be available two hours after the conference call ends on August 3, 2017. To access the replay, please dial 1-888-843-7419 (inside the US) or 1-630-652-3042  (outside the US) and reference the access code 45172485#. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo's website at www.gevo.com.

About Gevo

Gevo is a renewable technology, chemical products, and next generation biofuels company. Gevo has developed proprietary technology that uses a combination of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering to focus primarily on the production of isobutanol, as well as related products from renewable feedstocks. Gevo’s strategy is to commercialize biobased alternatives to petroleum-based products to allow for the optimization of fermentation facilities’ assets, with the ultimate goal of maximizing cash flows from the operation of those assets. Gevo produces isobutanol, ethanol and high-value animal feed at its fermentation plant in Luverne, Minnesota. Gevo has also developed technology to produce hydrocarbon products from renewable alcohols. Gevo currently operates a biorefinery in Silsbee, Texas, in collaboration with South Hampton Resources Inc., to produce ATJ, octane, and ingredients for plastics like polyester. Gevo has a marquee list of partners including The Coca-Cola Company, Toray Industries Inc. and Total SA, among others. Gevo is committed to a sustainable bio-based economy that meets society’s needs for plentiful food and clean air and water.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, statements related to the ability of Gevo to develop markets for its products, the status of negotiations or discussions with potential customers, Gevo’s ability to enter into binding offtake, sales or supply agreements for its products, Gevo’s ability to produce isobutanol or related hydrocarbon products at its Luverne Facility, Gevo’s ability to finance, construct and operate the contemplated expanded Luverne Facility, Gevo’s 2017 operational and financial targets and milestones, Gevo’s cash operating and financing expectations, the supply agreement with HCS Holding, Gevo’s financial condition, including liquidity, Gevo’s ability to secure new customer relationships across core markets, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact.  These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2016, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

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Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains financial measures that do not comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including non-GAAP Cash EBITDA Loss and non-GAAP Adjusted Net Loss Per Share. Non-GAAP Cash EBITDA Loss excludes non-cash items such as depreciation and stock-based compensation. Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Loss Per Share excludes non-cash gains and/or losses recognized in the quarter due to the changes in the fair value of certain of Gevo’s financial instruments, such as warrants, convertible debt and embedded derivatives.  

Management believes these measures are useful to supplement its GAAP financial statements with this non-GAAP information because management uses such information internally for its operating, budgeting and financial planning purposes. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to Gevo’s historical performance as well as comparisons to the operating results of other companies. In addition, Gevo believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they allow for greater transparency into the indicators used by management as a basis for its financial and operational decision making. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and therefore, should only be read in conjunction with financial information reported under U.S. GAAP when understanding Gevo’s operating performance. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial information is provided in the financial statement tables below.

Reverse Stock Split

On December 21, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a reverse split of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a ratio of one-for-twenty.  This reverse stock split became effective on January 5, 2017 and, unless otherwise indicated, all share amounts, per share data, share prices, exercise prices and conversion rates set forth in this press release and the accompanying consolidated financial statements have, where applicable, been adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split.

 

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Gevo, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Information

(Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

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Gevo, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

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Gevo, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Information

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

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Gevo, Inc.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

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Gevo, Inc.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

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Media Contact

David Rodewald

The David James Agency, LLC

+1 805-494-9508

gevo@davidjamesagency.com

 

Investor Contact

Shawn M. Severson

EnergyTech Investor, LLC

+1 415-233-7094

gevo@energytechinvestor.com

@ShawnEnergyTech

www.energytechinvestor.com

 

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