10-Q 1 chscp10q022815.htm 10-Q
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________________
Form 10-Q
________________________________________

þ |  | Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2015.
or
o |  | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-36079
________________________________________
CHS Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | 41-0251095 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
5500 Cenex Drive Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55077 (Address of principal executive office, including zip code) |  | (651) 355-6000 (Registrant’s Telephone number, including area code)

________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer þ | Smaller reporting company o
|  | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o NO þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: The Registrant has no common stock outstanding.

INDEX

| PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | Page No.
Item 1. | Financial Statements (unaudited) | 2
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 | 2
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 | 3
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 | 4
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 | 5
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 22
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 35
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 36
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | 37
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 37
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 37
Item 5. | Other Information | 37
Item 6. | Exhibits | 37
SIGNATURE PAGE | 39

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors include those set forth in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the caption “Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act” to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2015.
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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

| February 28, 2015 |  | August 31, 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,262,360 |  |  | $ | 2,133,207 |
Receivables | 2,514,849 |  |  | 2,988,563 |
Inventories | 3,697,524 |  |  | 2,760,253 |
Derivative assets | 614,004 |  |  | 603,933 |
Margin deposits | 289,662 |  |  | 301,045 |
Supplier advance payments | 841,339 |  |  | 331,345 |
Other current assets | 566,401 |  |  | 279,304 |
Total current assets | 9,786,139 |  |  | 9,397,650 |
Investments | 995,279 |  |  | 923,227 |
Property, plant and equipment | 4,404,578 |  |  | 4,031,023 |
Other assets | 787,047 |  |  | 795,079 |
Total assets | $ | 15,973,043 |  |  | $ | 15,146,979 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |  |
Notes payable | $ | 1,361,615 |  |  | $ | 1,159,473 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 150,172 |  |  | 156,836 |
Current portion of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest | 150,654 |  |  | 65,981 |
Customer margin deposits and credit balances | 220,060 |  |  | 265,556 |
Customer advance payments | 1,197,480 |  |  | 602,374 |
Checks and drafts outstanding | 195,276 |  |  | 167,846 |
Accounts payable | 1,615,943 |  |  | 2,208,211 |
Derivative liabilities | 482,590 |  |  | 599,990 |
Accrued expenses | 483,411 |  |  | 547,781 |
Dividends and equities payable | 225,853 |  |  | 409,961 |
Total current liabilities | 6,083,054 |  |  | 6,184,009 |
Long-term debt | 1,168,236 |  |  | 1,299,664 |
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest | — |  |  | 148,756 |
Long-term deferred tax liabilities | 609,916 |  |  | 566,647 |
Other liabilities | 451,851 |  |  | 481,059 |
Commitments and contingencies |  |  |  |  |
Equities: |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock | 2,167,575 |  |  | 1,190,177 |
Equity certificates | 3,777,984 |  |  | 3,816,428 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (162,395 | ) |  | (156,757 | )
Capital reserves | 1,865,364 |  |  | 1,598,660 |
Total CHS Inc. equities | 7,648,528 |  |  | 6,448,508 |
Noncontrolling interests | 11,458 |  |  | 18,336 |
Total equities | 7,659,986 |  |  | 6,466,844 |
Total liabilities and equities | $ | 15,973,043 |  |  | $ | 15,146,979 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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CHS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

| For the Three Months Ended February 28, |  | For the Six Months Ended February 28,
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Revenues | $ | 8,355,728 |  |  | $ | 9,680,274 |  |  | $ | 17,855,196 |  |  | $ | 20,706,395 |
Cost of goods sold | 8,111,365 |  |  | 9,238,840 |  |  | 17,020,110 |  |  | 19,864,045 |
Gross profit | 244,363 |  |  | 441,434 |  |  | 835,086 |  |  | 842,350 |
Marketing, general and administrative | 170,775 |  |  | 155,771 |  |  | 332,743 |  |  | 288,912 |
Operating earnings | 73,588 |  |  | 285,663 |  |  | 502,343 |  |  | 553,438 |
(Gain) loss on investments | (2,199 | ) |  | (2,609 | ) |  | (5,074 | ) |  | (2,609 | )
Interest, net | 9,490 |  |  | 28,989 |  |  | 30,091 |  |  | 59,774 |
Equity (income) loss from investments | (24,169 | ) |  | (31,049 | ) |  | (48,798 | ) |  | (63,727 | )
Income before income taxes | 90,466 |  |  | 290,332 |  |  | 526,124 |  |  | 560,000 |
Income taxes | (2,431 | ) |  | 29,711 |  |  | 54,896 |  |  | 56,351 |
Net income | 92,897 |  |  | 260,621 |  |  | 471,228 |  |  | 503,649 |
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 83 |  |  | 552 |  |  | (289 | ) |  | 1,394 |
Net income attributable to CHS Inc. | $ | 92,814 |  |  | $ | 260,069 |  |  | $ | 471,517 |  |  | $ | 502,255 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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CHS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

| For the Three Months Ended February 28, |  | For the Six Months Ended February 28,
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Net income | $ | 92,897 |  |  | $ | 260,621 |  |  | $ | 471,228 |  |  | $ | 503,649 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit) of $2,042, $4,123, 4,366 and $4,375, respectively | 3,275 |  |  | 6,687 |  |  | 7,006 |  |  | 7,096 |
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $88, $(265), $476 and $917, respectively | 143 |  |  | (430 | ) |  | 773 |  |  | 1,488 |
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(1,336), $(7,110), $(1,485) and $(9,042), respectively | (2,167 | ) |  | (11,531 | ) |  | (2,409 | ) |  | (14,665 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(3,576), $(1,760), $(6,786) and $(1,531), respectively | (5,802 | ) |  | (2,856 | ) |  | (11,008 | ) |  | (2,484 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (4,551 | ) |  | (8,130 | ) |  | (5,638 | ) |  | (8,565 | )
Comprehensive income | 88,346 |  |  | 252,491 |  |  | 465,590 |  |  | 495,084 |
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 83 |  |  | 552 |  |  | (289 | ) |  | 1,394 |
Comprehensive income attributable to CHS Inc. | $ | 88,263 |  |  | $ | 251,939 |  |  | $ | 465,879 |  |  | $ | 493,690 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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CHS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

| For the Six Months Ended February 28,
| 2015 |  | 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |  |
Net income | $ | 471,228 |  |  | $ | 503,649 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 148,784 |  |  | 127,199 |
Amortization of deferred major repair costs | 20,442 |  |  | 25,033 |
(Income) loss from equity investments | (48,798 | ) |  | (63,727 | )
Distributions from equity investments | 34,761 |  |  | 48,357 |
Noncash patronage dividends received | (3,999 | ) |  | (4,779 | )
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment | (1,520 | ) |  | (1,520 | )
(Gain) loss on investments | (5,074 | ) |  | (2,609 | )
Unrealized (gain) loss on crack spread contingent liability | 6,153 |  |  | 6,497 |
Deferred taxes | 49,723 |  |  | 2,372 |
Other, net | 20,483 |  |  | 11,520 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |  |  |  |  |
Receivables | 438,607 |  |  | 460,197 |
Inventories | (913,037 | ) |  | (693,903 | )
Derivative assets | (1,479 | ) |  | (145,339 | )
Margin deposits | 11,565 |  |  | (32,527 | )
Supplier advance payments | (509,994 | ) |  | (637,003 | )
Other current assets and other assets | 33,814 |  |  | (40,070 | )
Customer margin deposits and credit balances | (74,746 | ) |  | (48,675 | )
Customer advance payments | 595,106 |  |  | 871,878 |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (666,428 | ) |  | (558,254 | )
Derivative liabilities | (121,696 | ) |  | 88,628 |
Other liabilities | (42,171 | ) |  | 51,862 |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | (558,276 | ) |  | (31,214 | )
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | (512,510 | ) |  | (389,537 | )
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment | 4,142 |  |  | 3,081 |
Expenditures for major repairs | (8,347 | ) |  | — |
Purchase of short-term investments | (315,000 | ) |  | — |
Investments in joint ventures and other | (57,418 | ) |  | (19,849 | )
Investments redeemed | 3,189 |  |  | 4,164 |
Proceeds from sale of investments | 8,284 |  |  | 2,725 |
Changes in notes receivable, net | 14,363 |  |  | (243,247 | )
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (2,371 | ) |  | (97,858 | )
Other investing activities, net | (4,554 | ) |  | (3,577 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (870,222 | ) |  | (744,098 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |
Changes in notes payable | 201,333 |  |  | 184,948 |
Long-term debt borrowings | 3,546 |  |  | 1,426 |
Principal payments on long-term debt | (150,354 | ) |  | (136,389 | )
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest payments | (65,981 | ) |  | (65,981 | )
Payments on crack spread contingent liability | — |  |  | (8,670 | )
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding | 28,715 |  |  | 16,253 |
Preferred stock issued | 1,010,000 |  |  | 282,979 |
Preferred stock issuance costs | (32,602 | ) |  | (9,655 | )
Preferred stock dividends paid | (54,759 | ) |  | (18,153 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (430 | ) |  | (575 | )
Retirements of equities | (108,723 | ) |  | (79,656 | )
Cash patronage dividends paid | (275,553 | ) |  | (287,736 | )
Other financing activities, net | (282 | ) |  | 1,172 |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 554,910 |  |  | (120,037 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2,741 |  |  | (4,014 | )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (870,847 | ) |  | (899,363 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 2,133,207 |  |  | 1,808,532 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 1,262,360 |  |  | $ | 909,169 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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CHS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 28, 2015, the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, reflect in the opinion of our management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations and cash flows for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full fiscal year because of, among other things, the seasonal nature of our businesses. Our Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of August 31, 2014, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
The notes to our consolidated financial statements make reference to our Energy and Ag reportable segments, as well as our Corporate and Other category, which represents an aggregation of individually immaterial operating segments. See Note 10, Segment Reporting for more information.
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and limited liability companies, including National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA) in our Energy segment. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2014, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a lesser degree, may include foreign currency and interest rate swap contracts. These contracts are economic hedges of price risk, but are not designated or accounted for as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, with the exception of certain interest rate swap contracts which are accounted for as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 12, Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
Even though we have netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, we report our derivatives on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our associated margin deposits are also reported on a gross basis.
Major Maintenance Activities
In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at our two refineries are accounted for under the deferral method. Turnarounds are the scheduled and required shutdowns of refinery processing units. The costs related to the significant overhaul and refurbishment activities include materials and direct labor costs. The costs of turnarounds are deferred when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next turnaround occurs, which is generally 2 to 4 years. The amortization expense related to turnaround costs is included in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The selection of the deferral method, as opposed to expensing the turnaround costs when incurred, results in deferring recognition of the turnaround expenditures. The deferral method also results in the classification of the related cash outflows as investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, whereas expensing these costs as incurred, would result in classifying the cash outflows as operating activities.
For the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, major repairs turnaround expenditures were $7.2 million and $8.3 million, respectively. There were no turnaround expenditures for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
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In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU No. 2015-02 amended the process that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2017.
In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity." The amendments in this ASU do not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of the host contract. The ASU applies to all entities that are issuers of, or investors in, hybrid financial instruments that are issued in the form of a share and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2016.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU No. 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information surrounding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts from customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2018.
Note 2 Receivables

| February 28, 2015 |  | August 31, 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Trade accounts receivable | $ | 1,659,243 |  |  | $ | 2,153,929 |
CHS Capital notes receivable | 645,195 |  |  | 633,475 |
Other | 313,288 |  |  | 304,798 |
| 2,617,726 |  |  | 3,092,202 |
Less allowances and reserves | 102,877 |  |  | 103,639 |
Total receivables | $ | 2,514,849 |  |  | $ | 2,988,563 |

Trade accounts receivable are initially recorded at a selling price, which approximates fair value, upon the sale of goods or services to customers. Subsequently, trade accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value, which includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts, and our relationships with, and the economics status of, our customers.
CHS Capital, LLC (CHS Capital), our wholly-owned subsidiary, has notes receivable from commercial borrowers and producer borrowings. The short-term notes receivable generally have terms of 12-14 months and are reported at their outstanding principle balances as CHS Capital has the ability and intent to hold these notes to maturity. The carrying value of CHS Capital notes receivable approximates fair value, given their short duration and the use of market pricing adjusted for risk. The notes receivable from commercial borrowers are collateralized by various combinations of mortgages, personal property, accounts and notes receivable, inventories and assignments of certain regional cooperatives' capital stock. These loans are primarily originated in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Michigan. CHS Capital also has loans receivable from producer borrowers which are collateralized by various combinations of growing crops, livestock, inventories, accounts receivable, personal property and supplemental mortgages. In addition to the short-term amounts included in the table above, CHS Capital had long-term notes receivable with durations of not more than 10 years of $148.3 million and $159.7 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. The long-term notes receivable are included in other assets on our
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Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 the commercial notes represented 51% and 46%, respectively, and the producer notes represented 49% and 54%, respectively, of the total CHS Capital notes receivable.
CHS Capital evaluates the collectability of both commercial and producer notes on a specific identification basis, based on the amount and quality of the collateral obtained, and records specific loan loss reserves when appropriate. A general reserve is also maintained based on historical loss experience and various qualitative factors. In total, our specific and general loan loss reserves related to CHS Capital are not material to our consolidated financial statements, nor are the historical write-offs. The accrual of interest income is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-collateralized and in process of collection. The amount of CHS Capital notes that were past due was not material at any reporting date presented.
CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. As of February 28, 2015, customers of CHS Capital have additional available credit of approximately $1.0 billion.
Note 3 Inventories

| February 28, 2015 |  | August 31, 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Grain and oilseed | $ | 1,444,271 |  |  | $ | 961,327 |
Energy | 831,639 |  |  | 875,719 |
Crop nutrients | 479,320 |  |  | 374,023 |
Feed and farm supplies | 869,425 |  |  | 448,454 |
Processed grain and oilseed | 68,437 |  |  | 84,498 |
Other | 4,432 |  |  | 16,232 |
Total inventories | $ | 3,697,524 |  |  | $ | 2,760,253 |

As of February 28, 2015, we valued approximately 14% of inventories, primarily related to Energy, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market (16% as of August 31, 2014). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $147.6 million and $538.7 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs, and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.
Note 4 Investments
As of August 31, 2014, we owned 84.0% of NCRA and with the closings in September 2014, our ownership increased to 88.9%. In fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining shares of NCRA from Growmark Inc. and MFA Oil Company in separate closings to be held annually through fiscal 2016. Pursuant to this agreement, we made payments during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 of $66.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively. The present value of the remaining payments is included as mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition to these payments, we paid $16.5 million during the six months ended February 28, 2014 related to the associated crack spread contingent liability. The fair value of the remaining contingent liability was $121.1 million as of February 28, 2015.
Equity Method Investments
Joint ventures and other investments, in which we have significant ownership and influence, but not control, are accounted for in our consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Our significant equity method investments are summarized below.
We have a 50% interest in Ventura Foods, LLC (Ventura Foods), a joint venture which produces and distributes primarily vegetable oil-based products, and is included in Corporate and Other. We account for Ventura Foods as an equity method investment, and as of February 28, 2015, our carrying value of Ventura Foods exceeded our share of their equity by $12.9 million, which represents equity method goodwill. As of February 28, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in Ventura Foods was $331.6 million.
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In fiscal 2014, we formed Ardent Mills, LLC (Ardent Mills), a joint venture with Cargill Incorporated (Cargill) and ConAgra Foods, Inc., which combines the North American flour milling operations of the three parent companies, giving CHS a 12% interest in Ardent Mills. Prior to closing, we contributed $32.8 million to Horizon Milling, LLC to pay off existing debt as a pre-condition to close. Upon closing, Ardent Mills was financed with funds from third-party borrowings, which did not require credit support from the owners. We received $121.2 million of cash proceeds distributed to us in proportion to our ownership interest, adjusted for deviations in specified working capital target amounts, and recognized a gain of $109.2 million associated with this transaction. In connection with the closing, the parties also entered into various ancillary and non-compete agreements including, among other things, an agreement for us to supply Ardent Mills with certain wheat products. As we hold one of the five board seats, we account for Ardent Mills as an equity method investment included in Corporate and Other. As of February 28, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in Ardent Mills was $204.4 million.
TEMCO, LLC (TEMCO) is owned and governed by Cargill (50%) and CHS (50%). Both owners have committed to sell all of their feedgrains, wheat, oilseeds and by-product origination that are tributary to the Pacific Northwest, United States (Pacific Northwest) to TEMCO and to use TEMCO as their exclusive export-marketing vehicle for such grains exported through the Pacific Northwest through January 2037. We account for TEMCO as an equity method investment included in our Ag segment. As of February 28, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in TEMCO was $63.5 million.
Other Short-Term Investments
As of February 28, 2015, we have invested $315.0 million of the proceeds from the September 2014 Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock issuance (see Note 8, Equities for additional information) in time deposits with original maturities of six and nine months with select highly-rated financial institution counterparties. These short-term investments are included in other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Note 5 Property, Plant and Equipment
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, total property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, was $4.4 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2015 is driven by an increase in construction in progress of $358.7 million related primarily to capital projects at our refineries and the fertilizer plant project discussed below.
In September 2014, our Board of Directors approved plans to construct a nitrogen fertilizer plant located in Spiritwood, North Dakota. We currently estimate the construction costs to be more than $3.0 billion, with the plant anticipated to be operational during calendar year 2018. As of February 28, 2015, we have capitalized approximately $68.4 million related to this project. As required by GAAP, we review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances, including significant changes in actual or expected operating results, indicate that the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable.
Depreciation expense during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was $72.7 million and $143.2 million, respectively. Depreciation expense during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 was $60.7 million and $120.1 million, respectively.
Note 6 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill of $154.9 million and $158.7 million on February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively, is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended February 28, 2015, by segment, are as follows:

| Energy |  | Ag |  | Corporate and Other |  | Total
| (Dollars in thousands)
Balances, August 31, 2014 | $ | 552 |  |  | $ | 151,246 |  |  | $ | 6,898 |  |  | $ | 158,696 |
Goodwill acquired during the period | — |  |  | 388 |  |  | — |  |  | 388 |
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments | — |  |  | (4,217 | ) |  | — |  |  | (4,217 | )
Balances, February 28, 2015 | $ | 552 |  |  | $ | 147,417 |  |  | $ | 6,898 |  |  | $ | 154,867 |

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Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include customer lists, trademarks and agreements not to compete, and are amortized over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). Information regarding intangible assets included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:

| February 28, 2015 |  | August 31, 2014
| Carrying Amount |  | Accumulated Amortization |  | Net |  | Carrying Amount |  | Accumulated Amortization |  | Net
| (Dollars in thousands)
Customer lists | $ | 70,375 |  |  | $ | (28,472 | ) |  | $ | 41,903 |  |  | $ | 69,862 |  |  | $ | (26,114 | ) |  | $ | 43,748 |
Trademarks and other intangible assets | 42,402 |  |  | (30,853 | ) |  | 11,549 |  |  | 41,293 |  |  | (29,587 | ) |  | 11,706 |
Total intangible assets | $ | 112,777 |  |  | $ | (59,325 | ) |  | $ | 53,452 |  |  | $ | 111,155 |  |  | $ | (55,701 | ) |  | $ | 55,454 |

Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was $1.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 was $2.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the next five years is as follows:

| (Dollars in thousands)
Year 1 | $ | 7,089 |
Year 2 | 6,409 |
Year 3 | 4,802 |
Year 4 | 3,609 |
Year 5 | 3,489 |

Note 7 Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
Our notes payable and long-term debt are subject to various restrictive requirements for maintenance of minimum consolidated net worth and other financial ratios. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of February 28, 2015.

| February 28, 2015 |  | August 31, 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Notes payable | $ | 1,015,783 |  |  | $ | 840,699 |
CHS Capital notes payable | 345,832 |  |  | 318,774 |
Total notes payable | $ | 1,361,615 |  |  | $ | 1,159,473 |

On February 28, 2015, our primary line of credit was a five-year revolving facility with a committed amount of $2.5 billion. We had no amounts outstanding as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014.
Interest, net for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended February 28, |  | For the Six Months Ended February 28,
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
| (Dollars in thousands)
Interest expense | $ | 19,574 |  |  | $ | 11,836 |  |  | $ | 40,610 |  |  | $ | 34,426 |
Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests | 4,860 |  |  | 21,273 |  |  | 18,928 |  |  | 32,397 |
Capitalized interest | (12,706 | ) |  | (2,526 | ) |  | (24,611 | ) |  | (3,862 | )
Interest income | (2,238 | ) |  | (1,594 | ) |  | (4,836 | ) |  | (3,187 | )
Interest, net | $ | 9,490 |  |  | $ | 28,989 |  |  | $ | 30,091 |  |  | $ | 59,774 |

We terminated interest rate swaps and recorded a resulting $13.5 million gain as a reduction to interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.
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Note 8 Equities
Preferred Stock
In June 2014, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under the shelf registration, which has been declared effective by the SEC, we may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $2.0 billion of our Class B cumulative redeemable preferred stock over a three-year period.
In September 2014, we issued 19,700,000 shares of Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 3 (Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock) with a total redemption value of $492.5 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $476.7 million. The Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol CHSCM and accumulates dividends at a rate of 6.75% per year to, but excluding, September 30, 2024, and at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.155%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum thereafter, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning September 30, 2024.
In January 2015, we issued 20,700,000 shares of Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 4 (Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock) with a total redemption value of $517.5 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $501.1 million. The Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol CHSCL and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.50% per year, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning January 21, 2025.
Changes in Equities
Changes in equities for the six months ended February 28, 2015 are as follows:

| Equity Certificates |  |  |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |  |  |  |  |  |
| Capital Equity Certificates |  | Nonpatronage Equity Certificates |  | Nonqualified Equity Certificates |  | Preferred Stock |  |  | Capital Reserves |  | Noncontrolling Interests |  | Total Equities
| (Dollars in thousands)
Balances, August 31, 2014 | $ | 3,508,473 |  |  | $ | 23,256 |  |  | $ | 284,699 |  |  | $ | 1,190,177 |  |  | $ | (156,757 | ) |  | $ | 1,598,660 |  |  | $ | 18,336 |  |  | $ | 6,466,844 |
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates | (282,290 | ) |  | — |  |  | (148,579 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 810,641 |  |  | — |  |  | 379,772 |
Distribution of 2014 patronage refunds | 395,287 |  |  | — |  |  | 147,379 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (818,219 | ) |  | — |  |  | (275,553 | )
Redemptions of equities | (108,442 | ) |  | (79 | ) |  | (221 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 19 |  |  | — |  |  | (108,723 | )
Equities issued | 12,365 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 977,398 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 989,763 |
Preferred stock dividends | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (64,723 | ) |  | — |  |  | (64,723 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (430 | ) |  | (430 | )
Other, net | (258 | ) |  | — |  |  | (606 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 169 |  |  | (6,159 | ) |  | (6,854 | )
Net income | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 471,517 |  |  | (289 | ) |  | 471,228 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,638 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,638 | )
Estimated 2015 cash patronage refunds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (132,700 | ) |  | — |  |  | (132,700 | )
Estimated 2015 equity redemptions | (53,000 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (53,000 | )
Balances, February 28, 2015 | $ | 3,472,135 |  |  | $ | 23,177 |  |  | $ | 282,672 |  |  | $ | 2,167,575 |  |  | $ | (162,395 | ) |  | $ | 1,865,364 |  |  | $ | 11,458 |  |  | $ | 7,659,986 |

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, were as follows for the six months ended February 28, 2015:

| Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits |  | Unrealized Net Gain on Available for Sale Investments |  | Cash Flow Hedges |  | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment |  | Total
| (Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of August 31, 2014 | $ | (151,852 | ) |  | $ | 4,398 |  |  | $ | (2,722 | ) |  | $ | (6,581 | ) |  | $ | (156,757 | )
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 236 |  |  | 773 |  |  | (2,658 | ) |  | (11,008 | ) |  | (12,657 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 6,770 |  |  | — |  |  | 249 |  |  | — |  |  | 7,019 |
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 7,006 |  |  | 773 |  |  | (2,409 | ) |  | (11,008 | ) |  | (5,638 | )
Balance as of February 28, 2015 | $ | (144,846 | ) |  | $ | 5,171 |  |  | $ | (5,131 | ) |  | $ | (17,589 | ) |  | $ | (162,395 | )

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were primarily related to pension and other postretirement benefits and were recorded to net income. Pension and other postretirement reclassifications include amortization of net actuarial loss, prior service credit and transition amounts as disclosed in Note 9, Benefit Plans.
Note 9 Benefit Plans
We have various pension and other defined benefit and defined contribution plans, in which substantially all employees may participate. We also have non-qualified supplemental executive and Board retirement plans.
Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

| Qualified Pension Benefits |  | Non-Qualified Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended February 28 are as follows: | (Dollars in thousands)
Service cost | $ | 9,058 |  |  | $ | 7,802 |  |  | $ | 225 |  |  | $ | 248 |  |  | $ | 474 |  |  | $ | 476 |
Interest cost | 7,002 |  |  | 8,240 |  |  | 352 |  |  | 486 |  |  | 415 |  |  | 502 |
Expected return on assets | (12,436 | ) |  | (11,082 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Prior service cost (credit) amortization | 409 |  |  | 398 |  |  | 57 |  |  | 57 |  |  | (30 | ) |  | (30 | )
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization | 4,907 |  |  | 4,445 |  |  | 261 |  |  | 241 |  |  | (106 | ) |  | (311 | )
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 8,940 |  |  | $ | 9,803 |  |  | $ | 895 |  |  | $ | 1,032 |  |  | $ | 753 |  |  | $ | 637 |
Components of net periodic benefit costs for the six months ended February 28 are as follows: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost | $ | 18,116 |  |  | $ | 15,269 |  |  | $ | 450 |  |  | $ | 427 |  |  | $ | 946 |  |  | $ | 958 |
Interest cost | 14,016 |  |  | 14,938 |  |  | 704 |  |  | 822 |  |  | 830 |  |  | 1,021 |
Expected return on assets | (24,874 | ) |  | (23,816 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Prior service cost (credit) amortization | 816 |  |  | 797 |  |  | 114 |  |  | 114 |  |  | (60 | ) |  | (60 | )
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization | 9,808 |  |  | 9,089 |  |  | 522 |  |  | 468 |  |  | (211 | ) |  | (187 | )
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 17,882 |  |  | $ | 16,277 |  |  | $ | 1,790 |  |  | $ | 1,831 |  |  | $ | 1,505 |  |  | $ | 1,732 |

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Employer Contributions
Total contributions to be made during fiscal 2015, including the NCRA plan, will depend primarily on market returns on the pension plan assets and minimum funding level requirements. During the six months ended February 28, 2015, CHS and NCRA made no contributions to the pension plans. At this time, we do not anticipate having to make a required contribution for our benefit plans in fiscal 2015, but we may make a voluntary contribution during our fourth quarter.
Note 10 Segment Reporting
We have aligned our segments based on an assessment of how our businesses are operated and the products and services they sell.
Our Energy segment produces and provides primarily for the wholesale distribution of petroleum products and transportation of those products. Our Ag segment purchases and further processes or resells grains and oilseeds originated by our country operations business, by our member cooperatives and by third parties, and also serves as a wholesaler and retailer of crop inputs. Corporate and Other primarily represents our non-consolidated wheat milling and packaged food joint ventures, as well as our business solutions operations, which consist of commodities hedging, insurance and financial services related to crop production.
Corporate administrative expenses are allocated to each business segment, and Corporate and Other, based on direct usage for services that can be tracked, such as information technology and legal, and other factors or considerations relevant to the costs incurred.
Prior to fiscal 2015, our renewable fuels marketing business was included in our Energy segment and our renewable fuels production business was included in our Ag segment. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we reorganized certain parts of our business to better align our ethanol supply chain. As a result, our renewable fuels marketing business is now managed together with our renewable fuels production business within our Ag segment. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 280, Segment Reporting, we have identified our operating segments to reflect the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and manages the business, and we have aggregated those operating segments into our reportable Energy and Ag segments. Prior period segment information below has been revised to reflect this change to ensure comparability.
Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and operating results will vary throughout the year. Historically, our income is generally lowest during the second fiscal quarter and highest during the third fiscal quarter. For example, in our Ag segment, agronomy and country operations businesses experience higher volumes and income during the spring planting season and in the fall, which corresponds to harvest. Also in our Ag segment, our grain marketing operations are subject to fluctuations in volumes and earnings based on producer harvests, world grain prices and demand. Our Energy segment generally experiences higher volumes and profitability in certain operating areas, such as refined products, in the summer and early fall when gasoline and diesel fuel usage is highest and is subject to global supply and demand forces. Other energy products, such as propane, may experience higher volumes and profitability during the winter heating and crop drying seasons.
Our revenues, assets and cash flows can be significantly affected by global market prices for commodities such as petroleum products, natural gas, grains, oilseeds, crop nutrients and flour. Changes in market prices for commodities that we purchase without a corresponding change in the selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings. Commodity prices are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including the weather, crop damage due to disease or insects, the availability and adequacy of supply, government regulations and policies, world events, and general political and economic conditions.
While our revenues and operating results are derived from businesses and operations which are wholly-owned and majority-owned, a portion of our business operations are conducted through companies in which we hold ownership interests of 50% or less and do not control the operations. We account for these investments primarily using the equity method of accounting, wherein we record our proportionate share of income or loss reported by the entity as equity income from investments, without consolidating the revenues and expenses of the entity in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In our Ag segment, this principally includes our 50% ownership in TEMCO. In Corporate and Other, these investments principally include our 50% ownership in Ventura Foods and our 12% ownership in Ardent Mills.
Reconciling Amounts represent the elimination of revenues between segments. Such transactions are executed at market prices to more accurately evaluate the profitability of the individual business segments.
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Segment information for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

| Energy |  | Ag |  | Corporate and Other |  | Reconciling Amounts |  | Total
For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2015: | (Dollars in thousands)
Revenues | $ | 1,947,297 |  |  | $ | 6,501,280 |  |  | $ | 16,803 |  |  | $ | (109,652 | ) |  | $ | 8,355,728 |
Cost of goods sold | 1,894,418 |  |  | 6,326,607 |  |  | (8 | ) |  | (109,652 | ) |  | 8,111,365 |
Gross profit | 52,879 |  |  | 174,673 |  |  | 16,811 |  |  | — |  |  | 244,363 |
Marketing, general and administrative | 46,758 |  |  | 106,671 |  |  | 17,346 |  |  | — |  |  | 170,775 |
Operating earnings (losses) | 6,121 |  |  | 68,002 |  |  | (535 | ) |  | — |  |  | 73,588 |
(Gain) loss on investments | — |  |  | — |  |  | (2,199 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,199 | )
Interest, net | (7,264 | ) |  | 14,399 |  |  | 2,355 |  |  | — |  |  | 9,490 |
Equity (income) loss from investments | (736 | ) |  | (4,442 | ) |  | (18,991 | ) |  | — |  |  | (24,169 | )
Income before income taxes | $ | 14,121 |  |  | $ | 58,045 |  |  | $ | 18,300 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 90,466 |
Intersegment revenues | $ | (105,567 | ) |  | $ | (4,085 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 109,652 |  |  | $ | — |
| Energy |  | Ag |  | Corporate and Other |  | Reconciling Amounts |  | Total
For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2014: |
Revenues | $ | 2,961,193 |  |  | $ | 6,833,365 |  |  | $ | 17,445 |  |  | $ | (131,729 | ) |  | $ | 9,680,274 |
Cost of goods sold | 2,676,335 |  |  | 6,694,245 |  |  | (11 | ) |  | (131,729 | ) |  | 9,238,840 |
Gross profit | 284,858 |  |  | 139,120 |  |  | 17,456 |  |  | — |  |  | 441,434 |
Marketing, general and administrative | 38,042 |  |  | 99,985 |  |  | 17,744 |  |  | — |  |  | 155,771 |
Operating earnings (losses) | 246,816 |  |  | 39,135 |  |  | (288 | ) |  | — |  |  | 285,663 |
(Gain) loss on investments | — |  |  | 116 |  |  | (2,725 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,609 | )
Interest, net | 18,578 |  |  | 9,190 |  |  | 1,221 |  |  | — |  |  | 28,989 |
Equity (income) loss from investments | (849 | ) |  | (8,213 | ) |  | (21,987 | ) |  | — |  |  | (31,049 | )
Income before income taxes | $ | 229,087 |  |  | $ | 38,042 |  |  | $ | 23,203 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 290,332 |
Intersegment revenues | $ | (131,729 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 131,729 |  |  | $ | — |
| Energy |  | Ag |  | Corporate and Other |  | Reconciling Amounts |  | Total
For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2015: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | $ | 4,965,750 |  |  | $ | 13,143,319 |  |  | $ | 35,796 |  |  | $ | (289,669 | ) |  | $ | 17,855,196 |
Cost of goods sold | 4,598,852 |  |  | 12,710,939 |  |  | (12 | ) |  | (289,669 | ) |  | 17,020,110 |
Gross profit | 366,898 |  |  | 432,380 |  |  | 35,808 |  |  | — |  |  | 835,086 |
Marketing, general and administrative | 80,126 |  |  | 210,548 |  |  | 42,069 |  |  | — |  |  | 332,743 |
Operating earnings (losses) | 286,772 |  |  | 221,832 |  |  | (6,261 | ) |  | — |  |  | 502,343 |
(Gain) loss on investments | — |  |  | (2,875 | ) |  | (2,199 | ) |  | — |  |  | (5,074 | )
Interest, net | (3,443 | ) |  | 28,806 |  |  | 4,728 |  |  | — |  |  | 30,091 |
Equity (income) loss from investments | (1,076 | ) |  | (4,463 | ) |  | (43,259 | ) |  | — |  |  | (48,798 | )
Income before income taxes | $ | 291,291 |  |  | $ | 200,364 |  |  | $ | 34,469 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 526,124 |
Intersegment revenues | $ | (280,520 | ) |  | $ | (9,149 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 289,669 |  |  | $ | — |
Capital expenditures | $ | 273,989 |  |  | $ | 212,140 |  |  | $ | 26,381 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 512,510 |
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 69,118 |  |  | $ | 73,408 |  |  | $ | 6,258 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 148,784 |
Total assets at February 28, 2015 | $ | 4,322,316 |  |  | $ | 8,237,930 |  |  | $ | 3,412,797 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 15,973,043 |

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| Energy |  | Ag |  | Corporate and Other |  | Reconciling Amounts |  | Total
For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2014: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | $ | 6,202,509 |  |  | $ | 14,764,699 |  |  | $ | 34,208 |  |  | $ | (295,021 | ) |  | $ | 20,706,395 |
Cost of goods sold | 5,748,029 |  |  | 14,411,048 |  |  | (11 | ) |  | (295,021 | ) |  | 19,864,045 |
Gross profit | 454,480 |  |  | 353,651 |  |  | 34,219 |  |  | — |  |  | 842,350 |
Marketing, general and administrative | 70,097 |  |  | 186,768 |  |  | 32,047 |  |  | — |  |  | 288,912 |
Operating earnings (losses) | 384,383 |  |  | 166,883 |  |  | 2,172 |  |  | — |  |  | 553,438 |
(Gain) loss on investments | — |  |  | 116 |  |  | (2,725 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,609 | )
Interest, net | 31,022 |  |  | 24,287 |  |  | 4,465 |  |  | — |  |  | 59,774 |
Equity (income) loss from investments | (2,157 | ) |  | (14,690 | ) |  | (46,880 | ) |  | — |  |  | (63,727 | )
Income before income taxes | $ | 355,518 |  |  | $ | 157,170 |  |  | $ | 47,312 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 560,000 |
Intersegment revenues | $ | (295,021 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 295,021 |  |  | $ | — |
Capital expenditures | $ | 221,742 |  |  | $ | 159,810 |  |  | $ | 7,985 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 389,537 |
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 66,174 |  |  | $ | 55,603 |  |  | $ | 5,422 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 127,199 |
Total assets at February 28, 2014 | $ | 4,091,794 |  |  | $ | 7,678,688 |  |  | $ | 2,533,775 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 14,304,257 |

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a minor degree, may include foreign currency and interest rate swap contracts. These contracts are economic hedges of price risk, but are not designated or accounted for as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, with the exception of certain interest rate swap contracts which are accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as discussed in Note 12, Fair Value Measurements.
The following tables present the gross fair values of derivative assets, derivative liabilities, and margin deposits (cash collateral) recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets along with the related amounts permitted to be offset in accordance with GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under FASB ASC Topic 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting; or when the instruments are subject to master netting arrangements under ASC Topic 815-10-45, Derivatives and Hedging - Overall.

| February 28, 2015
|  |  | Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting |  |
| Gross Amounts Recognized |  | Cash Collateral |  | Derivative Instruments |  | Net Amounts
| (Dollars in thousands)
Derivative Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity and freight derivatives | $ | 595,994 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 131,627 |  |  | $ | 464,367 |
Foreign exchange derivatives | 5,620 |  |  | — |  |  | 787 |  |  | 4,833 |
Interest rate derivatives - hedge | 12,390 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 12,390 |
Total | $ | 614,004 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 132,414 |  |  | $ | 481,590 |
Derivative Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity and freight derivatives | $ | 464,985 |  |  | $ | 1,279 |  |  | $ | 131,627 |  |  | $ | 332,079 |
Foreign exchange derivatives | 13,215 |  |  | — |  |  | 787 |  |  | 12,428 |
Interest rate derivatives - hedge | 4,296 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 4,296 |
Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge | 94 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 94 |
Total | $ | 482,590 |  |  | $ | 1,279 |  |  | $ | 132,414 |  |  | $ | 348,897 |

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| August 31, 2014
|  |  | Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting |  |
| Gross Amounts Recognized |  | Cash Collateral |  | Derivative Instruments |  | Net Amounts
| (Dollars in thousands)
Derivative Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity and freight derivatives | $ | 597,210 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 42,229 |  |  | $ | 554,981 |
Foreign exchange derivatives | 2,523 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,174 |  |  | 1,349 |
Interest rate derivatives - hedge | 4,200 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 4,200 |
Total | $ | 603,933 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 43,403 |  |  | $ | 560,530 |
Derivative Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity and freight derivatives | $ | 597,612 |  |  | $ | 2,504 |  |  | $ | 42,229 |  |  | $ | 552,879 |
Foreign exchange derivatives | 2,248 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,174 |  |  | 1,074 |
Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge | 130 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 130 |
Total | $ | 599,990 |  |  | $ | 2,504 |  |  | $ | 43,403 |  |  | $ | 554,083 |

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The majority of our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.

|  |  | For the Three Months Ended February 28, |  | For the Six Months Ended February 28,
| Location of Gain (Loss) |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
|  |  | (Dollars in thousands)
Commodity and freight derivatives | Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 208,794 |  |  | $ | 81,210 |  |  | $ | 212,793 |  |  | $ | 61,421 |
Foreign exchange derivatives | Cost of goods sold |  | (12,525 | ) |  | (1,581 | ) |  | (10,114 | ) |  | (2,003 | )
Interest rate derivatives | Interest, net |  | 45 |  |  | 52 |  |  | 74 |  |  | 51 |
Total |  | $ | 196,314 |  |  | $ | 79,681 |  |  | $ | 202,753 |  |  | $ | 59,469 |

Commodity and Freight Contracts:
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we had the following outstanding purchase and sales contracts:

| February 28, 2015 |  | August 31, 2014
| Purchase Contracts |  | Sales Contracts |  | Purchase Contracts |  | Sales Contracts
| (Units in thousands)
Grain and oilseed - bushels | 716,952 |  |  | 1,380,157 |  | 665,690 |  |  | 938,140
Energy products - barrels | 57,686 |  |  | 55,030 |  | 27,754 |  |  | 50,450
Soy products - tons | 4,192 |  |  | 3,660 |  | 37 |  |  | 1,212
Crop nutrients - tons | 134 |  |  | 3,091 |  | 1,613 |  |  | 1,607
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons | 5,006 |  |  | 3,308 |  | 5,423 |  |  | 4,005
Rail freight - rail cars | 202 |  |  | 117 |  | 321 |  |  | 186
Livestock - pounds | 21,320 |  |  | 200 |  | — |  |  | 46,280

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Foreign Exchange Contracts:
We conduct a substantial portion of our business in U.S. dollars, except for some grain marketing transactions primarily in South America and Europe, and purchases of products from Canada. We have minimal risk relating to foreign currency fluctuations, as substantially all international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency futures contracts to mitigate currency fluctuations. Although our overall risk relating to foreign currency fluctuations is minimal, these fluctuations do, however, impact the ability of foreign buyers to purchase U.S. agricultural products and the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products compared to the same products offered by alternative sources of world supply. As of February 28, 2015, we had $5.6 million included in derivative assets and $13.2 million included in derivative liabilities associated with foreign currency contracts.
Interest Rate Contracts:
CHS Capital, our wholly-owned finance subsidiary, has interest rate swaps that lock the interest rates of underlying loans with a combined notional amount of $3.9 million expiring at various times through fiscal 2018, with $0.1 million of the notional amount expiring during fiscal 2015. None of CHS Capital’s interest rate swaps qualify for hedge accounting and as a result, changes in fair value are recorded in earnings within interest, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we have certain derivatives designated as cash flow and fair value hedges.
Interest Rate Contracts:
We have outstanding interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $420.0 million designated as fair value hedges of portions of our fixed-rate debt. Our objective in entering into these transactions is to offset changes in the fair value of the debt associated with the risk of variability in the 3-month U.S. dollar LIBOR interest rate, in essence converting the fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt. Offsetting changes in the fair values of both the swap instruments and the hedged debt are recorded contemporaneously each period and only create an impact to earnings to the extent that the hedge is ineffective. During the six months ended February 28, 2015, we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $8.2 million, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.
During the six months ended February 28, 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $300.0 million designated as cash flow hedges of the expected variability of future interest payments on our anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt. The swaps expire in fiscal 2016 with no amounts expected to be included in earnings during the next 12 months.
In fiscal 2013, we entered into interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges of the expected variability of future interest payments on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt. Gains and losses related to these swaps were initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In February 2014, the swaps were terminated as the issuance of the underlying debt was no longer probable and, as a result, a $13.5 million pre-tax gain was reclassified into net income in that period.
The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income relating to cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.

|  | For the Three Months Ended February 28, |  | For the Six Months Ended February 28,
|  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
|  | (Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate derivatives |  | $ | (3,702 | ) |  | $ | (5,299 | ) |  | $ | (4,296 | ) |  | $ | (10,580 | )

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The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) relating to cash flow hedges that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.

|  |  | For the Three Months Ended February 28, |  | For the Six Months Ended February 28,
| Location of Gain (Loss) |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
|  |  | (Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate derivatives | Interest income (expense) |  | $ | (199 | ) |  | $ | 13,360 |  |  | $ | (402 | ) |  | $ | 13,143 |

Note 12 Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present assets and liabilities, included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicate the fair value hierarchy utilized to determine such fair values. Assets and liabilities are classified, in their entirety, based on the lowest level of input that is a significant component of the fair value measurement. The lowest level of input is considered Level 3. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels.
Recurring fair value measurements at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 are as follows:

| February 28, 2015
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  | Total
| (Dollars in thousands)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Readily marketable inventories | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,246,484 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,246,484 |
Commodity and freight derivatives | 126,415 |  |  | 469,579 |  |  | — |  |  | 595,994 |
Foreign currency derivatives | 5,620 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5,620 |
Interest rate swap derivatives | — |  |  | 12,390 |  |  | — |  |  | 12,390 |
Deferred compensation assets | 84,479 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 84,479 |
Other assets | 11,013 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 11,013 |
Total | $ | 227,527 |  |  | $ | 1,728,453 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,955,980 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity and freight derivatives | $ | 157,780 |  |  | $ | 307,205 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 464,985 |
Interest rate swap derivatives | — |  |  | 4,390 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,390 |
Foreign currency derivatives | 13,215 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 13,215 |
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests | — |  |  | — |  |  | 121,070 |  |  | 121,070 |
Total | $ | 170,995 |  |  | $ | 311,595 |  |  | $ | 121,070 |  |  | $ | 603,660 |

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| August 31, 2014
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  | Total
| (Dollars in thousands)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Readily marketable inventories | $ | — |  |  | $ | 921,554 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 921,554 |
Commodity and freight derivatives | 78,590 |  |  | 518,620 |  |  | — |  |  | 597,210 |
Interest rate swap derivatives | — |  |  | 4,200 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,200 |
Foreign currency derivatives | 2,523 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,523 |
Deferred compensation assets | 83,217 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 83,217 |
Other assets | 8,778 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 8,778 |
Total | $ | 173,108 |  |  | $ | 1,444,374 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,617,482 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity and freight derivatives | $ | 117,690 |  |  | $ | 479,922 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 597,612 |
Interest rate swap derivatives | — |  |  | 130 |  |  | — |  |  | 130 |
Foreign currency derivatives | 2,248 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,248 |
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests | — |  |  | — |  |  | 114,917 |  |  | 114,917 |
Total | $ | 119,938 |  |  | $ | 480,052 |  |  | $ | 114,917 |  |  | $ | 714,907 |

Readily marketable inventories — Our readily marketable inventories primarily include grain, oilseed, and minimally processed soy-based inventories that are stated at fair values. These commodities are readily marketable, have quoted market prices and may be sold without significant additional processing. We estimate the fair market values of these inventories included in Level 2 primarily based on exchange quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets. Changes in the fair market values of these inventories are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of cost of goods sold.
Commodity, freight and foreign currency derivatives — Exchange traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. Our forward commodity purchase and sales contracts, flat price or basis fixed derivative contracts, ocean freight contracts and other OTC derivatives are determined using inputs that are generally based on exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and offers, adjusted for location specific inputs, and are classified within Level 2. The location specific inputs are generally broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets. Changes in the fair values of these contracts are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of cost of goods sold.
Interest rate swap derivatives — Fair values of our interest rate swap liabilities are determined utilizing valuation models that are widely accepted in the market to value such OTC derivative contracts. The specific terms of the contracts, as well as market observable inputs, such as interest rates and credit risk assumptions, are factored into the models. As all significant inputs are market observable, all interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2. Changes in the fair values of contracts not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of interest, net. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information about interest rate swaps designated as fair value and cash flow hedges.
Deferred compensation and other assets — Our deferred compensation investments, Rabbi Trust assets and available-for-sale investments in common stock of other companies are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices on active exchanges and are classified within Level 1. Changes in the fair values of these other assets are primarily recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of marketing, general and administrative expenses.
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payment related to purchase of noncontrolling interests — The fair value of the accrued contingent consideration liability was calculated utilizing an average price option model, an adjusted Black-Scholes pricing model commonly used in the energy industry to value options. The model uses market observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Due to significant unobservable inputs used in the pricing model, the liability is classified within Level 3.
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Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
|  | Fair Value |  |  |  |  |  | Range
Item |  | February 28, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) |  | Valuation Technique |  | Unobservable Input |  | (Weighted Average)
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests |  | $121,070 |  | Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model |  | Forward crack spread margin on February 28, 2015 (a) |  | $20.78-$21.79 ($21.55)
| Contractual target crack spread margin (b) |  | $17.50
| Expected volatility (c) |  | 165.25%
| Risk-free interest rate (d) |  | 0.09%-0.94% (0.53%)
| Expected life - years (e) |  | 0.50-2.50 (1.57)

(a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
(b) Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
(c) Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data
(d) Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
(e) Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment
Valuation processes for Level 3 measurements — Management is responsible for determining the fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments. Option pricing methods are utilized, as indicated above. Inputs used in the option pricing models are based on quotes obtained from third party vendors as well as management estimates for periods in which quotes cannot be obtained. Each reporting period, management reviews the unobservable inputs provided by third-party vendors for reasonableness utilizing relevant information available to us. Management also takes into consideration current and expected market trends and compares the liability’s fair value to hypothetical payments using known historical market data to assess reasonableness of the resulting fair value.
Sensitivity analysis of Level 3 measurements — The significant unobservable inputs that are susceptible to periodic fluctuations used in the fair value measurement of the accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to the purchase of noncontrolling interests are the adjusted forward crack spread margin and the expected volatility. Significant increases (decreases) in either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Although changes in the expected volatility are driven by fluctuations in the underlying crack spread margin, changes in expected volatility are not necessarily accompanied by a directionally similar change in the forward crack spread margin. Directional changes in the expected volatility can be affected by a multitude of factors including the magnitude of daily fluctuations in the underlying market data, market trends, timing of fluctuations, and other factors.
The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

|  | Level 3 Liabilities
|  | Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
|  | 2015 |  | 2014
|  | (Dollars in thousands)
Balances, November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively |  | $ | 86,520 |  |  | $ | 150,991 |
Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold |  | 34,550 |  |  | (10,360 | )
Balances, February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively |  | $ | 121,070 |  |  | $ | 140,631 |

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The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

|  | Level 3 Liabilities
|  | Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
|  | 2015 |  | 2014
|  | (Dollars in thousands)
Balances, August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively |  | $ | 114,917 |  |  | $ | 134,134 |
Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold |  | 6,153 |  |  | 6,497 |
Balances, February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively |  | $ | 121,070 |  |  | $ | 140,631 |

There were no material transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities.
Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies
Unconditional Purchase Obligations
Unconditional purchase obligations are commitments to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Our long-term unconditional purchase obligations primarily relate to pipeline and grain handling take-or-pay and through-put agreements, and are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Minimum future payments required under long-term unconditional purchase obligations as of February 28, 2015 are as follows:

| Payments Due by Period
| Total |  | Less than 1 Year |  | 1 - 3 Years |  | 3 - 5 Years |  | More than 5 Years
| (Dollars in thousands)
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations | $ | 1,051,453 |  |  | $ | 61,285 |  |  | $ | 170,393 |  |  | $ | 152,840 |  |  | $ | 666,935 |

The discounted, aggregate amount of the minimum required payments under long-term unconditional purchase obligations, based on current exchange rates at February 28, 2015 is $838.1 million.
Guarantees
We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related companies. As of February 28, 2015, our bank covenants allowed maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion, of which $117.6 million was outstanding. We have collateral for a portion of these contingent obligations. We have not recorded a liability related to the contingent obligations as we do not expect to pay out any cash related to them, and the fair values are considered immaterial. The underlying loans to the counterparties for which we provide guarantees are current as of February 28, 2015.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The following discussions of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim financial statements and notes to such statements and the cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements found at the beginning of Part I, Item 1, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2014, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections of management. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, as more fully described in the cautionary statement and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
CHS Inc. (CHS, we or us) is a diversified company, which provides grain, foods and energy resources to businesses and consumers on a global basis. As a cooperative, we are owned by farmers, ranchers and their member cooperatives across the United States. We also have preferred stockholders that own shares of our 8% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (8% Preferred Stock), our Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 1 (Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock), our Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 2 (Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock), our Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 3 (Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock) and our Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 4 (Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock) listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ) under the symbols CHSCP, CHSCO, CHSCN, CHSCM and CHSCL, respectively.
We provide a full range of production agricultural inputs such as refined fuels, propane, farm supplies, animal nutrition and agronomy products, as well as services, which include hedging, financing and insurance services. We own and operate petroleum refineries and pipelines and market and distribute refined fuels and other energy products under the Cenex® brand through a network of member cooperatives and independents. We purchase grains and oilseeds directly and indirectly from agricultural producers primarily in the midwestern and western United States. These grains and oilseeds are either sold to domestic and international customers or further processed into a variety of grain-based food and other products.
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and limited liability companies, including National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA) in our Energy segment. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Prior to fiscal 2015, our renewable fuels marketing business was included in our Energy segment and our renewable fuels production business was included in our Ag segment. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we reconfigured certain parts of our business to better align our ethanol supply chain. As a result, our renewable fuels marketing business is now managed together with our renewable fuels production business within our Ag segment. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 280, Segment Reporting, we have identified our operating segments to reflect the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and manages the business, and we have aggregated those operating segments into our reportable Energy and Ag segments. Prior period segment information has been revised to reflect this change to ensure comparability.
Our Energy segment produces and provides primarily for the wholesale distribution of petroleum products and transportation of those products. Our Ag segment purchases and further processes or resells grains and oilseeds originated by our country operations business, by our member cooperatives and by third parties, and also serves as wholesaler and retailer of crop inputs. Corporate and Other primarily represents our non-consolidated wheat milling and packaged food joint ventures, as well as our business solutions operations, which consist of commodities hedging, insurance and financial services related to crop production.
Corporate administrative expenses are allocated to each business segment, and Corporate and Other, based on direct usage for services that can be tracked, such as information technology and legal, and other factors or considerations relevant to the costs incurred.
Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and operating results vary throughout the year. Our income is generally lowest during the second fiscal quarter and highest during the third fiscal quarter. For example, in our Ag segment, our crop nutrients and country operations businesses generally experience higher volumes and income during the spring planting season and in the fall, which corresponds to harvest. Our grain marketing operations are also subject to fluctuations in volume and earnings based on producer harvests, world grain prices and demand. Our Energy segment generally experiences
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higher volumes and profitability in certain operating areas, such as refined products, in the summer and early fall when gasoline and diesel fuel usage is highest and is subject to global supply and demand forces. Other energy products, such as propane, may experience higher volumes and profitability during the winter heating and crop drying seasons.
Our revenues, assets and cash flows can be significantly affected by global market prices for commodities such as petroleum products, natural gas, grains, oilseeds, crop nutrients and flour. Changes in market prices for commodities that we purchase without a corresponding change in the selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings. Commodity prices are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including the weather, crop damage due to disease or insects, drought, the availability and adequacy of supply, government regulations and policies, world events, and general political and economic conditions.
While our revenues and operating results are derived from businesses and operations which are wholly-owned and majority-owned, a portion of our business operations are conducted through companies in which we hold ownership interests of 50% or less and do not control the operations. We account for these investments primarily using the equity method of accounting, wherein we record our proportionate share of income or loss reported by the entity as equity income from investments, without consolidating the revenues and expenses of the entity in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In our Ag segment, this principally includes our 50% ownership in TEMCO, LLC. In Corporate and Other, these investments principally include our 50% ownership in Ventura Foods, LLC (Ventura Foods) and our 12% ownership in Ardent Mills, LLC.
Recent Events
In January 2015, we issued 20,700,000 shares of Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock, which are listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCL. The approximately $501.1 million of net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses payable by CHS, are intended to be used to partially fund the construction of the Spiritwood, North Dakota nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant discussed below.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the three months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014
General. We recorded income before income taxes of $90.5 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $290.3 million during the three months ended February 28, 2014, a decrease of $199.8 million. Operating results reflected decreased pretax earnings in our Energy segment and Corporate and Other, partially offset by increased pretax earnings in our Ag segment.
Our Energy segment generated income before income taxes of $14.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $229.1 million in the three months ended February 28, 2014, representing a decrease of $215.0 million (94%). The majority of our decreased earnings for the three months ended February 28, 2015 was driven by our refined fuels business due primarily to significantly lower refining margins. We are subject to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) which requires refiners to blend renewable fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) into their finished transportation fuels or purchase renewable energy credits, identified as RINs, in lieu of blending. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) generally establishes new annual renewable fuels percentage standards for each compliance year in the preceding year. We generate RINs in our renewable fuels operations under the RFS, however it is not enough to meet the needs of our refining capacity and RINs must be purchased on the open market. In calendar year 2013, the price of RINs was extremely volatile as refiners awaited a potential EPA adjustment to the mandate. In November 2014, the EPA announced that it was deferring the 2014 percentage standards under the renewable fuels standard program. As a result, we are not required to comply with the associated standards until the EPA takes final action, at which time the EPA will adjust the reporting requirements to enable retroactive compliance. A significant increase in the price of RINs could have a material impact on our results.
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Our Ag segment generated income before income taxes of $58.0 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $38.0 million in the three months ended February 28, 2014, an increase in earnings of $20.0 million (53%). Earnings from our wholesale crop nutrients business increased $19.7 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the three months ended February 28, 2014, primarily due to increased margins. Our processing and food ingredients businesses experienced increased earnings of $23.7 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period of the previous year, primarily related to improved margins in our soybean crushing business and a reduction in natural gas prices at our plants. Our country operations earnings decreased $11.0 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015, compared to the same three-month period of the previous year, due primarily to decreased service margins and increased employee expenses compared to the prior year. Our grain marketing earnings decreased by $13.4 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the three months ended February 28, 2014, primarily as a result of decreased earnings associated with our logistical performance, which returned to normal levels this year. Earnings from our renewable fuels marketing and production operations decreased by $4.3 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the three months ended February 28, 2014, due primarily to lower market prices on ethanol sales, and to a lesser extent, decreased volumes which offset the impact of an earnings increase associated with the acquisition of our ethanol plant in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The remainder of the increase in Ag earnings is due to expenditures associated with a feasibility study for constructing the fertilizer plant in Spiritwood, North Dakota that were incurred in fiscal 2014, that didn't reoccur in fiscal 2015.
Corporate and Other generated income before income taxes of $18.3 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $23.2 million during the three months ended February 28, 2014, a decrease in earnings of $4.9 million.
Net Income attributable to CHS Inc. Consolidated net income attributable to CHS Inc. for the three months ended February 28, 2015 was $92.8 million compared to $260.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2014, which represents a $167.3 million (64%) decrease.
Revenues. Consolidated revenues were $8.4 billion for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $9.7 billion for the three months ended February 28, 2014, representing a 13% decrease.
Our Energy segment revenues, after elimination of intersegment revenues, of $1.8 billion decreased by $987.7 million (35%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. During the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, our Energy segment recorded revenues from sales to our Ag segment of $105.6 million and $131.7 million, respectively, which are eliminated as part of the consolidation process. Refined fuels revenues decreased $737.4 million (35%), of which $824.4 million was related to lower prices which was partially offset by higher volumes of $87.0 million when compared to the same period of the previous year. The sales price of refined fuels decreased $1.13 per gallon (38%) and volumes increased approximately 4%. Propane revenue decreased $258.9 million (40%), which included $100.7 million related to lower net average selling prices and $158.2 million from a 25% decrease in volumes when compared to the same period in 2014 which included significantly high volumes due to extremely cold weather. The average selling price of propane decreased $0.34 per gallon (21%) when compared to the same period of the prior year.
Our Ag segment revenues, after elimination of intersegment revenues, of $6.5 billion decreased $336.2 million (5%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014.
Grain revenues in our Ag segment were $4.7 billion and $4.8 billion for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in grain revenues was primarily the result of lower average sales prices of $384.8 million which was partially offset by higher net volumes of $244.4 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period of the prior year. The average sales price of all grain and oilseed commodities sold reflected a decrease of $0.63 per bushel (8%) when compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. Wheat and soybean volumes increased by approximately 5% compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014.
Our processing and food ingredients revenues in our Ag segment of $414.4 million decreased $35.5 million (8%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. For the three months ended February 28, 2015, the net decrease in revenues is comprised of a $90.7 million decrease in volumes of our oilseed products partially offset by an increase in the average selling price of $55.2 million compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014.
Wholesale crop nutrient revenues in our Ag segment totaled $458.1 million and $472.0 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The wholesale crop nutrient revenues decrease of $13.9 million (3%) consisted of $44.8 million related to lower volumes which was partially offset by $30.8 million associated with higher prices during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period of the previous year. The average sales price of
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all fertilizers sold increased $22.94 (7%) per ton compared to the same period of the previous year. Our wholesale crop nutrient volumes decreased 10% during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the three months ended February 28, 2014.
Our renewable fuels revenue from our marketing and production operations decreased by $99.6 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 when compared with the same period from the previous year. Our lower renewable fuels revenues were driven by a decrease of $78.1 million due to lower average selling prices and $21.5 million due to lower sales volumes during the three months ended February 28, 2015. The lower prices and volumes of our renewable fuels were driven by lower prices of traditional fuels which was partially offset by the acquisition of our ethanol plant in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
Our Ag segment other product revenues, primarily feed and farm supplies, of $422.8 million decreased by $33.3 million (7%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014, primarily the result of a decrease in our country operations energy product sales price and feed sales.
Total revenues also include other revenues generated primarily within our Ag segment and Corporate and Other. Our Ag segment’s country operations elevators and agri-service centers derive other revenues from activities related to production agriculture, which include grain storage, grain cleaning, fertilizer spreading, crop protection spraying and other services of this nature, and our grain marketing operations receive other revenues at our export terminals from activities related to loading vessels. Corporate and Other derives revenues primarily from our financing, hedging and insurance operations.
Cost of Goods Sold. Consolidated cost of goods sold was $8.1 billion for the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $9.2 billion for the three months ended February 28, 2014, representing a 12% decrease.
Our Energy segment cost of goods sold, after elimination of intersegment costs, of $1.8 billion decreased by $755.8 million (30%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. For the three months ended February 28, 2015, refined fuels costs decreased $489.0 million, which was primarily driven by a decrease in the average cost of $0.90 per gallon (34%) when compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. Cost of goods sold for propane decreased $249.8 million (40%), which reflects a 24% decrease in volumes and an average cost decrease of $0.32 per gallon (20%), when compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014.
Our Ag segment cost of goods sold, after elimination of intersegment costs, of $6.3 billion decreased $371.7 million (6%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. Grain cost of goods sold in our Ag segment totaled $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion during the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The cost of grains and oilseed procured through our Ag segment decreased $156.2 million (3%) compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. This is primarily the result of a $0.64 (8%) decrease in the average cost per bushel which was partially offset by a slight increase in the bushels sold, as compared to the same period of the previous year. The average month-end market price per bushel of corn, soybeans and spring wheat have all decreased compared to the same period of the previous year.
Our processing and food ingredients cost of goods sold in our Ag segment of $387.5 million decreased $58.2 million (13%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014, which was primarily due to the lower cost of soybeans purchased.
Wholesale crop nutrients cost of goods sold in our Ag segment totaled $423.5 million and $461.9 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net decrease of $38.4 million (8%) is comprised of a net 10% decrease in the tons sold partially offset by an increase in the average cost of fertilizer of $4.09 per ton (1%), when compared to the same period of the previous year.
Renewable fuels cost of goods sold from our marketing and production operations decreased $115.7 million during the three months ended February 28, 2015, due to a combination of a decrease in the average cost per gallon and a decrease in volumes sold, when compared with the same period of the previous year. The decrease in volumes in our marketing business was partially offset by the acquisition of our ethanol plant in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
Our Ag segment other product cost of goods sold, primarily feed and farm supplies, decreased $20.4 million (6%) during the three months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014, primarily the result of a decrease in energy products and feed, partially offset by increased crop nutrients and crop protection products.
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Marketing, General and Administrative. Marketing, general and administrative expenses of $170.8 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 increased by $15.0 million (10%) compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014, primarily due to additional head count to support our operations and expansion as well as increased marketing and information technology maintenance costs.
Gain/Loss on Investments. Gain on investments for the three months ended February 28, 2015 was $2.2 million compared to $2.6 million during the three months ended February 28, 2014.
Interest, net. Net interest of $9.5 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 decreased $19.5 million compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. The majority of the decrease was primarily due to a $16.4 million decrease in patronage earned by the noncontrolling interests of NCRA, which is recorded as interest expense as a result of our agreement to purchase the remaining NCRA noncontrolling interest, as well as the impact of capitalized interest of $10.2 million associated with our ongoing capital projects. These reductions to interest expense were partially offset by the impact of a gain on interest rate swaps of $13.5 million that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 that didn't reoccur in fiscal 2015.
Equity Income from Investments. Equity income from investments of $24.2 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 decreased $6.9 million compared to the three months ended February 28, 2014. We record equity income or loss primarily from the investments in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less and have significant influence, but not control, for our proportionate share of income or loss reported by the entity, without consolidating the revenues and expenses of the entity in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes. We recorded an income tax benefit of $2.4 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015, compared to a tax expense of $29.7 million for the three months ended February 28, 2014, with respective effective tax rates of (2.7%) and 10.2%. The tax benefit for the three months ended February 28, 2015 is due to a reduction in the fiscal 2015 projected effective tax rate and the recognition of fiscal 2014 tax credits from the enactment of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 during the quarter. The federal and state statutory rate applied to nonpatronage business activity was 38.1% for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014. The income taxes and effective tax rate vary each year based upon profitability and nonpatronage business activity during each of the comparable years.
Comparison of the six months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014
General. We recorded income before income taxes of $526.1 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $560.0 million during the six months ended February 28, 2014, a decrease of $33.9 million (6%). Operating results reflected decreased pretax earnings in our Energy segment and Corporate and Other, partially offset by increased pretax earnings in our Ag segment.
Our Energy segment generated income before income taxes of $291.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $355.5 million in the six months ended February 28, 2014, representing a decrease of $64.2 million (18%), primarily due to significantly reduced refining margins in our second quarter of fiscal 2015 and, to a lesser extent, due to lower earnings in our propane business. We are subject to the RFS which requires refiners to blend renewable fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) into their finished transportation fuels or purchase renewable energy credits, identified as RINs, in lieu of blending. The EPA generally establishes new annual renewable fuels percentage standards for each compliance year in the preceding year. We generate RINs in our renewable fuels operations under the RFS, however it is not enough to meet the needs of our refining capacity and RINs must be purchased on the open market. In calendar year 2013, the price of RINs was extremely volatile as refiners awaited a potential EPA adjustment to the mandate. In November 2014, the EPA announced that it is deferring the 2014 percentage standards under the renewable fuels standard program. As a result, we are not required to comply with the associated standards until the EPA takes final action, at which time the EPA will adjust the reporting requirements to enable retroactive compliance. A significant increase in the price of RINs could have a material impact on our results.
Our Ag segment generated income before income taxes of $200.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $157.2 million in the six months ended February 28, 2014, an increase in earnings of $43.2 million (27%). Earnings from our wholesale crop nutrients business increased $27.6 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015, compared with the same period in fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased margins. Earnings from our renewable fuels marketing and production operations were flat for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the six months ended February 28, 2014, primarily due to earnings from the acquisition of our ethanol plant in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, offset by lower market prices for ethanol. Our processing and food ingredients businesses experienced an increase in earnings of $6.6 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period of the previous year,
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primarily due to a decrease in natural gas prices at our plants. Our country operations earnings increased $4.7 million due to increased grain volumes and margins partially offset by increased employee related expenses during the six months ended February 28, 2015. Our grain marketing earnings decreased $10.2 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of decreased logistical performance and foreign currency exchange losses, partially offset by improved margins due to a robust export program.
Corporate and Other generated income before income taxes of $34.5 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $47.3 million during the same period of the previous year, a decrease in earnings of $12.8 million (27%). The decrease is primarily related to lower earnings, net of allocated expenses, associated with our equity investments.
Net Income attributable to CHS Inc. Consolidated net income attributable to CHS Inc. for the six months ended February 28, 2015 was $471.5 million compared to $502.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014, which represents a $30.8 million decrease (6%).
Revenues. Consolidated revenues were $17.9 billion for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $20.7 billion for the six months ended February 28, 2014, which represents a $2.8 billion decrease (14%).
Our Energy segment revenues of $4.7 billion, after elimination of intersegment revenues, decreased by $1.2 billion (21%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014. During the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, our Energy segment recorded revenues from sales to our Ag segment of $280.5 million and $295.0 million, respectively. Refined fuels revenues decreased $956.3 million (21%), of which approximately $1.0 billion related to a decrease in the net average selling price, which was partially offset by an increase in sales volumes of $63.6 million, compared to the same period in the previous year. The sales price of refined fuels products decreased $0.64 per gallon (22%), and sales volumes increased by 1%, when compared to the same six-month period of the previous year. Propane revenues decreased $270.9 million (27%), of which $130.7 million was related to a decrease in the net average selling price and $140.1 million was attributable to a decrease in volumes. The average sales price for our propane products decreased in the first six months of fiscal 2015 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2014, due to an extremely cold winter as well as a condensed crop drying season in the first six months of fiscal 2014 that didn't reoccur in the current year. Propane sales volume decreased 14%, and the average selling price of propane decreased $0.22 per gallon (15%) in comparison to the same period of the previous year.
Our Ag segment revenues of $13.1 billion, after elimination of intersegment revenues, decreased $1.6 billion (11%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014.
Grain revenues in our Ag segment totaled $9.1 billion and $10.4 billion during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of the grain revenues decrease of $1.3 billion (13%), approximately $1.3 billion is due to decreased average grain selling prices, partially offset by $42.2 million due to a net increase in volume during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. The average sales price of all grain and oilseed commodities sold reflected a decrease of $1.12 per bushel (13%) over the same six-month period in the previous year.
Our processing and food ingredients revenues in our Ag segment of $843.6 million decreased $84.9 million (9%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014. The net decrease in revenues is comprised of $80.2 million from a decrease in volumes and $4.7 million from a decrease in the average selling price of our oilseed products compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014. Typically, changes in average selling prices of oilseed products are primarily driven by the average market prices of soybeans.
Wholesale crop nutrient revenues in our Ag segment totaled $966.8 million and $1.1 billion during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of the wholesale crop nutrient revenues decrease of $94.6 million (9%), $91.3 million was related to a decrease in volumes and $3.3 million was related to a decrease in average fertilizer selling prices, during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. Our wholesale crop nutrient volumes decreased 9% during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared with the same period in the previous year. The average sales price of all fertilizers sold reflected a decrease of $1.18 per ton (less than 1%) compared with the same period of the previous year.
Our renewable fuels revenue from our marketing and production operations decreased $71.0 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015 when compared with the same period from the previous year. A decrease of $160.3 million was driven by lower average selling prices, partially offset by higher sales volumes impact of $89.3 million. The lower average sales price of our ethanol was impacted by the decline in the price of traditional fuels. The increase in volumes sold is mostly due to the acquisition of our ethanol plant in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
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Our Ag segment other product revenues, primarily feed and farm supplies, of $1.1 billion decreased by $51.2 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014. The decrease was primarily the result of decreased country operations retail sales of feed and the sales price of energy related products.
Total revenues include other revenues generated primarily within our Ag segment and Corporate and Other. Our Ag segment's country operations elevators and agri-service centers derive other revenues from activities related to production agriculture, which include grain storage, grain cleaning, fertilizer spreading, crop protection spraying and other services of this nature, and our grain marketing operations receive other revenues at our export terminals from activities related to loading vessels. Corporate and Other derives revenues primarily from our financing, hedging and insurance operations.
Cost of Goods Sold. Consolidated cost of goods sold was $17.0 billion for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to $19.9 billion for the six months ended February 28, 2014, which represents a $2.9 billion (15%) decrease.
Our Energy segment cost of goods sold, after elimination of intersegment costs, of $4.3 billion decreased by $1.1 billion (21%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease in cost of goods sold is primarily due to a decrease in the cost of goods sold for refined fuels and propane. Specifically, refined fuels cost of goods sold decreased $870.5 million (20%) which reflects a $0.58 per gallon (22%) decrease in the average cost of refined fuels when compared to the same period of the previous year. The cost of goods sold of propane decreased $245.3 million (25%), primarily from an average cost decrease of $0.19 per gallon (13%) and a 14% decrease in volumes which resulted from higher volumes and prices during the six months ended February 28, 2014 due to extremely cold temperatures and a condensed crop drying season.
Our Ag segment cost of goods sold, after elimination of intersegment costs, of $12.7 billion, decreased $1.8 billion (13%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the same period of the prior year. Grain cost of goods sold in our Ag segment totaled $8.8 billion and $10.2 billion during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The cost of grains and oilseed procured through our Ag segment decreased $1.4 billion (14%) compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014. This is the result of a $1.17 (14%) decrease in the average cost per bushel, with bushel volumes remaining flat, for the six months ended February 28, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average month-end market price per bushel of soybeans, corn and spring wheat decreased compared to the same period of the previous year.
Our processing and food ingredients cost of goods sold in our Ag segment of $804.3 million decreased $89.8 million (10%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014, which was primarily due to decreases in the cost of soybeans purchased.
Wholesale crop nutrients cost of goods sold in our Ag segment totaled $910.9 million and $1.0 billion during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net decrease of $127.8 million (12%) is comprised of a decrease in the average cost per ton of fertilizer of $13.66 (4%), and a decrease in the tons sold of 9%, when compared to the same six-month period in the prior year.
Renewable fuels cost of goods sold associated with our marketing and production operations decreased $112.4 million, during the six months ended February 28, 2015, primarily from a decrease in the average cost per gallon which was partially offset by an increase in volumes, when compared with the same period of the previous year. The increase in volumes was due to the ethanol sales from the ethanol plant we acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
Our Ag segment other product cost of goods sold, primarily feed and farm supplies, decreased $46.3 million (5%) during the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014, primarily the result of decreased country operations retail sales of feed and the purchase price of energy related products.
Marketing, General and Administrative. Marketing, general and administrative expenses of $332.7 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 increased by $43.8 million (15%) compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014, primarily due to additional head count to support our operations and expansion, increased bad debt provision related to an international customer and increased information technology maintenance and marketing costs.
Interest, net. Net interest of $30.1 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 decreased $29.7 million compared to the same period of the previous year. Approximately $20.8 million of the decrease was related to capitalized interest associated with our ongoing capital projects and $13.5 million was associated with a decrease in patronage earned by the noncontrolling interests of NCRA. These were partially offset by a gain on interest rate swaps in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 that didn't reoccur in fiscal 2015.
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Equity Income from Investments. Equity income from investments of $48.8 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 decreased $14.9 million (23%) compared to the six months ended February 28, 2014. We record equity income or loss from the investments in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less and have significant influence, but not control, for our proportionate share of income or loss reported by the entity, without consolidating the revenues and expenses of the entity in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense was $54.9 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared with $56.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014, resulting in effective tax rates of 10.4% and 10.1%, respectively. The federal and state statutory rate applied to nonpatronage business activity was 38.1% for the six-month periods ended February 28, 2015 and 2014. The income taxes and effective tax rate vary each year based upon profitability and nonpatronage business activity during each of the comparable years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In assessing our financial condition, we consider factors such as working capital and internal benchmarking related to our applicable financial bank covenants. We fund our operations through a combination of cash flows from operations and our revolving credit facility. We fund our capital expenditures and growth primarily through a combination of operating cash flows, long-term debt and preferred stock.
We announced in September 2014 that our Board of Directors approved plans to begin construction of a fertilizer manufacturing plant in Spiritwood, North Dakota, anticipated to cost more than $3.0 billion. We expect to finance the project through a combination of issuance of preferred stock and long-term debt. In September 2014, we took an initial step in financing this project by issuing 19,700,000 shares of Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock, which yielded approximately $476.7 million in cash after underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In January 2015, we issued 20,700,000 shares of Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock, which yielded approximately $501.1 million after underwriting discounts and offering expenses, to partially finance this project. See "Cash Flows from Financing Activities - Other Financing" below for additional information about the preferred stock issued.
On February 28, 2015, we had working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, of $3.7 billion and a current ratio, defined as current assets divided by current liabilities, of 1.6 compared to working capital of $3.2 billion and a current ratio of 1.5 on August 31, 2014. On February 28, 2014, we had working capital of $3.1 billion and a current ratio of 1.5 compared to working capital of $3.1 billion and a current ratio of 1.5 on August 31, 2013.
On February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 we had a five-year revolving credit facility with a syndication of domestic and international banks which expires in June 2018, with a committed amount of $2.5 billion and no amounts outstanding as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014. The major financial covenants for the revolving facility require us to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, adjusted as defined in the credit agreements, of $2.5 billion and a consolidated funded debt to consolidated cash flow ratio of no greater than 3.00 to 1.00. The term consolidated cash flow is principally our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) with adjustments as defined in the credit agreements. A third financial ratio does not allow our adjusted consolidated funded debt to adjusted consolidated equity to exceed 0.80 to 1.00 at any time. As of February 28, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants. With our current cash balances and our available capacity on our committed lines of credit, we believe that we have adequate liquidity to cover any increase in net operating assets and liabilities and expected maintenance capital expenditures.
In addition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, CHS Capital, LLC (CHS Capital), makes seasonal and term loans to member cooperatives, businesses and individual producers of agricultural products included in our cash flows from investing activities, and has its own financing explained in further detail below under “Cash Flows from Financing Activities.”
Cash Flows from Operations
Cash flows from operations are generally affected by commodity prices and the seasonality of our businesses. These commodity prices are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including weather, crop conditions, drought, the availability and the adequacy of supply and transportation, government regulations and policies, world events, and general political and economic conditions. These factors are described in the Cautionary Statements section and may affect net operating assets and liabilities and liquidity.
Cash flows used in operating activities were $558.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $31.2 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The fluctuation in cash
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flows when comparing the two periods is primarily due to increased cash outflows in fiscal 2015 for increased working capital needs.
Our operating activities used net cash of $558.3 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015. The cash used in operating activities resulted from a decrease in cash flows due to changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $1.3 billion, partially offset by net income of $471.2 million and net non-cash expenses and cash distributions from equity investments of $221.0 million. The primary components of net non-cash expenses and cash distributions from equity investments included depreciation and amortization, including amortization of major repair costs, of $169.2 million and deferred taxes of $49.7 million. The decrease in cash flows from changes in net operating assets and liabilities was caused primarily by decreases in customer margin deposits and credit balances and increases in grain and oilseed inventory (50% increase related to an above average fall harvest) and feed and farm supplies inventory (94% increase related to the buildup of feed and farm supplies for the spring agronomy season) compared to the prior year. Increases in inventory quantities were partially offset by decreases in certain commodity prices from February 28, 2015 to August 31, 2014. The per bushel market prices of wheat and soybeans decreased by $0.59 (10%) and $0.59 (5%), respectively, while the per bushel market price of corn increased $0.26 (7%) from August 31, 2014 to February 28, 2015. During the same period, fertilizer commodity prices affecting our wholesale crop nutrients and country operations retail businesses generally decreased or increased slightly depending upon the product, with the exception of urea, which decreased approximately 17%. Additionally, crude oil market prices decreased by $46.20 per barrel (48%) from August 31, 2014 to February 28, 2015.
Our operating activities used net cash of $31.2 million during the six months ended February 28, 2014. The cash used in operating activities resulted from an increase in net operating assets and liabilities of $683.2 million, partially offset by net income including noncontrolling interests of $503.6 million and net non-cash expenses and cash distributions from equity investments of $148.3 million. The primary components of net non-cash expenses and cash distributions from equity investments included depreciation and amortization, including amortization of major repair costs, of $152.2 million and the loss on the crack spread contingent liability of $6.5 million, partially offset by income from equity investments, net of distributions from those investments of $15.4 million. The increase in net operating assets and liabilities was caused primarily by an increase in fertilizer commodity prices, and an increase in inventory quantities on February 28, 2014, when compared to August 31, 2013. On February 28, 2014, fertilizer commodity prices affecting our wholesale crop nutrients and country operations retail businesses primarily reflected increases between 15% and 33%, depending on the specific products, compared to prices on August 31, 2013. On February 28, 2014, the per bushel market prices of our primary grain commodities, corn and spring wheat, decreased by $0.25 (5%) and $0.60 (8%), respectively, while the soybeans per bushel market price increased $0.57 (4%) when compared to the spot prices on August 31, 2013. In general, crude oil market prices decreased $5 per barrel (5%) on February 28, 2014 when compared to August 31, 2013. An increase in feed and farm supplies and grain inventories in our Ag segment also contributed to the increases in net operating assets and liabilities when comparing inventories at February 28, 2014 to August 31, 2013.
Our cash usage is usually greatest during the second quarter of our fiscal year as we build inventories at our wholesale crop nutrients and retail operations in our Ag segment and make payments on deferred payment contracts which have accumulated over the course of the prior calendar year. Our net income has historically been the lowest during our second fiscal quarter and highest during our third fiscal quarter, although we cannot ensure this historical trend will continue. We believe that we have adequate capacity through our committed credit facilities to meet any likely increase in net operating assets and liabilities.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
For the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, the net cash used in our investing activities totaled $870.2 million and $744.1 million, respectively.
We acquired property, plant and equipment totaling $512.5 million and $389.5 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition, we invested $315.0 million of the proceeds from the September 2014 Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock issuance in high-quality, short-term deposit instruments until those funds are needed for capital expenditures.
For the six months ended February 28, 2015, major repairs turnaround expenditures were $8.3 million. There were no turnaround expenditures for the six months ended February 28, 2014. Refineries have planned major maintenance to overhaul, repair, inspect and replace process materials and equipment which typically occur for a five-to-six week period every 2-4 years. Both our Laurel, Montana and NCRA refineries have planned maintenance scheduled for fiscal 2015, with our NCRA refinery currently undergoing a major maintenance turnaround.
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For the year ending August 31, 2015, we expect total expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment and major repairs at our refineries to be approximately $690.0 million. Included in our expected capital expenditures for fiscal 2015, is $200.0 million for a project to replace a coker at NCRA's McPherson, Kansas refinery with an expected total cost of approximately $555.0 million and expected completion in calendar year 2015. We incurred $186.8 million of costs related to the coker project during fiscal 2014 and $78.4 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015. We also began an approximately $330.0 million expansion in fiscal 2013, which is anticipated to be completed in fiscal 2016, at NCRA's McPherson, Kansas refinery. We incurred $128.3 million of costs related to the NCRA expansion during fiscal 2014 and $58.8 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015.
Cash acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, totaled $2.4 million and $97.9 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and were related to our Ag segment.
Investments in joint ventures and other entities during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, totaled $57.4 million and $19.8 million, respectively.
Changes in notes receivable during the six months ended February 28, 2015 resulted in a net increase in cash flows of $14.4 million and a net decrease of $243.2 million during the six months ended February 28, 2014. The primary cause of the changes in cash flows during both periods relates to changes in CHS Capital notes receivable.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
For the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, our financing activities provided net cash of $554.9 million and used net cash of $120.0 million, respectively.
Working Capital Financing:
We finance our working capital needs through lines of credit with domestic and international banks. On February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we had a five-year revolving credit facility, expiring in June 2018, with a committed amount of $2.5 billion, which had no amounts outstanding. In addition to our primary revolving line of credit, we have a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio), a wholly-owned subsidiary, to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products which expires in October 2016. The outstanding balance on this facility is $232.8 million as of February 28, 2015.
At February 28, 2015, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, had uncommitted lines of credit with $288.1 million outstanding. In addition, our other international subsidiaries had lines of credit with a total of $475.2 million outstanding at February 28, 2015, of which $297.4 million was collateralized. On February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 we had total short-term indebtedness outstanding on these various facilities and other miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaling $1,015.8 million and $840.7 million, respectively.
We have two commercial paper programs with an aggregate capacity of $125.0 million, with two banks participating in our revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we had no commercial paper outstanding.
CHS Capital Financing:
Cofina Funding, LLC (Cofina Funding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHS Capital, has commitments totaling $350.0 million as of February 28, 2015, under note purchase agreements with various purchasers, through the issuance of short-term notes payable. CHS Capital sells eligible commercial loans receivable it has originated to Cofina Funding, which are then pledged as collateral under the note purchase agreements. The notes payable issued by Cofina Funding bear interest at variable rates based on commercial paper with a weighted average rate of 1.06% as of February 28, 2015. Borrowings by Cofina Funding utilizing the issuance of commercial paper under the note purchase agreements totaled $42.0 million as of February 28, 2015.
CHS Capital has available credit under master participation agreements with numerous counterparties. Borrowings under these agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.85% to 2.67% as of February 28, 2015. As of February 28, 2015, the total funding commitment under these agreements was $160.7 million, of which $30.7 million was borrowed.
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CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to ProPartners Financial (ProPartners) on a recourse basis. The total capacity for commitments under the ProPartners program is $300.0 million. The total outstanding commitments under the program totaled $90.9 million as of February 28, 2015, of which $59.3 million was borrowed with an interest rate of 1.59%.
CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings under this program are unsecured and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.90% as of February 28, 2015, and are due upon demand. Borrowings under these notes totaled $213.8 million as of February 28, 2015.
Long-term Debt Financing:
We use long-term debt agreements with various insurance companies and banks to finance certain of our long-term capital needs, primarily those related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment.
On February 28, 2015, we had total long-term debt outstanding of $1.3 billion, of which $1.2 billion was private placement debt, $90.0 million was bank financing and $38.3 million was other notes and contracts payable. On August 31, 2014, we had total long-term debt outstanding of $1.5 billion. Our long-term debt is unsecured except for other notes and contracts in the amount of $0.7 million; however, restrictive covenants under various agreements have requirements for maintenance of minimum consolidated net worth and other financial ratios. We were in compliance with all debt covenants and restrictions as of February 28, 2015.
We did not have any significant new long-term borrowings during the six months ended February 28, 2015 or 2014. During the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, we repaid long-term debt of $150.4 million and $136.4 million, respectively.
Other Financing:
During the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, pursuant to our agreement to acquire the remaining shares of NCRA, we made payments of $66.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively; increasing our ownership to 88.9%.
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding resulted in increases in cash flows of $28.7 million and $16.3 million during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
In accordance with the bylaws and by action of the Board of Directors, annual net earnings from patronage sources are distributed to consenting patrons following the close of each fiscal year. Patronage refunds are calculated based on amounts using financial statement earnings. The cash portion of the patronage distribution is determined annually by the Board of Directors, with the balance issued in the form of qualified and non-qualified capital equity certificates. Consenting patrons have agreed to take both the cash and qualified capital equity certificate portion allocated to them from our previous fiscal year’s income into their taxable income; and as a result, we are allowed a deduction from our taxable income for both the cash distribution and the allocated qualified capital equity certificates, as long as the cash distribution is at least 20% of the total qualified patronage distribution. Patronage earnings from the year ended August 31, 2014 were distributed during the six months ended February 28, 2015. The cash portion of this distribution, deemed by the Board of Directors to be 40% for both individual members and non-individual members, was $275.6 million. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, we distributed cash patronage of $287.7 million.
Redemptions of capital equity certificates approved by the Board of Directors are divided into two pools, one for non-individuals (primarily member cooperatives) who may participate in an annual retirement program for qualified equities held by them and another for individuals who are eligible for equity redemptions at age 70 or upon death. In accordance with authorization from the Board of Directors, we expect total redemptions related to the year ended August 31, 2014, that will be paid in fiscal 2015, to be approximately $130.1 million, of which $108.7 million was redeemed in cash during the six months ended February 28, 2015, compared to $79.7 million redeemed in cash during the six months ended February 28, 2014.
Our 8% Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCP. On February 28, 2015, we had 12,272,003 shares of 8% Preferred Stock outstanding with a total redemption value of approximately $306.8 million, excluding accumulated dividends. The 8% Preferred Stock accumulates dividends at a rate of 8% per year, which are payable quarterly. Our 8% Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning July 18, 2023.
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In September 2013, we issued 11,319,175 shares of Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock, with a total redemption value of $283.0 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were $273.3 million. We issued an additional 6,752,188 shares of Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock in August 2014, to redeem approximately $200.0 million of qualified equity certificates to eligible owners at a market price of $29.62 per share. Our Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCO and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.875% per year, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning September 26, 2023.
In March 2014, we issued 16,800,000 shares of Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock with a total redemption value of $420.0 million excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were $406.2 million. The Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCN and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.10% per year to, but excluding, March 31, 2024, and at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.298%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum, thereafter, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning March 31, 2024.
In June 2014, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under the shelf registration, which was declared effective by the SEC, we may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $2.0 billion of our Class B cumulative redeemable preferred stock over a three-year period.
In September 2014, we issued 19,700,000 shares of Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock, pursuant to our shelf registration statement, with a total redemption value of $492.5 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $476.7 million. The Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCM and accumulates dividends at a rate of 6.75% per year to, but excluding, September 30, 2024, and at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.155%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum, thereafter, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning September 30, 2024.
In January 2015, we issued 20,700,000 shares of Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock, pursuant to our shelf registration statement, with a total redemption value of $517.5 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $501.1 million. The Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCL and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.50% per year, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning January 21, 2025.
Dividends paid on our preferred stock during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, were $54.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively.
Off Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
Operating Leases
Our minimum future lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014 have not materially changed during the six months ended February 28, 2015.
Guarantees
We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related companies. As of February 28, 2015, our bank covenants allowed maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion, of which $117.6 million was outstanding. We have collateral for a portion of these contingent obligations. We have not recorded a liability related to the contingent obligations as we do not expect to pay out any cash related to them, and the fair values are considered immaterial. The underlying loans to the counterparties for which we provide guarantees are current as of February 28, 2015.
Debt
There is no material off balance sheet debt.
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Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, have not materially changed during the six months ended February 28, 2015.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our critical accounting policies presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, have not materially changed during the six months ended February 28, 2015.
Effect of Inflation and Foreign Currency Transactions
We believe that inflation and foreign currency fluctuations have not had a material effect on our operations since we conduct an insignificant portion of our business in foreign currencies.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU No. 2015-02 amended the process that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2017.
In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity." The amendments in this ASU do not change the current criteria in U.S. GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of the host contract. The ASU applies to all entities that are issuers of, or investors in, hybrid financial instruments that are issued in the form of a share and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2016.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU No. 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information surrounding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts from customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2018.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
Any statements contained in this report regarding the outlook for our businesses and their respective markets, such as projections of future performance, statements of our plans and objectives, forecasts of market trends and other matters, are forward-looking statements based on our assumptions and beliefs. Such statements may be identified by such words or phrases as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “outlook,” “will benefit,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “management believes” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such statements and no assurance can be given that the results in any forward-looking statement will be achieved. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we disclaim any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
Certain factors could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements contained in this report. These factors include the factors discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 under the caption “Risk Factors,” the factors discussed below and any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or referred to in connection with any such forward-looking statements. Since it is not possible to foresee all such factors, these factors should not be considered as complete or exhaustive.

• | Our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by changes in commodity prices, as well as global and domestic economic downturns and risks.

• | Our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected if our members were to do business with others rather than with us.

• | We participate in highly competitive business markets and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully, which would have a material adverse effect on us.

• | Changes in federal income tax laws or in our tax status could increase our tax liability and reduce our net income significantly.

• | We incur significant costs in complying with applicable laws and regulations. Any failure to make the capital investments necessary to comply with these laws and regulations could expose us to unanticipated expenditures and liabilities.

• | Changing environmental and energy laws and regulation, may result in increased operating costs and capital expenditures and may have a material and adverse effect on us.

• | Governmental policies and regulation affecting the agricultural sector and related industries could have a material adverse effect on us.

• | Environmental liabilities could have a material adverse effect on us.

• | Actual or perceived quality, safety or health risks associated with our products could subject us to significant liability and damage our business and reputation.

• | Our financial results are susceptible to seasonality.

• | Our operations are subject to business interruptions and casualty losses; we do not insure against all potential losses and could be seriously harmed by unanticipated liabilities.

• | Our cooperative structure limits our ability to access equity capital.

• | Consolidation among the producers of products we purchase and customers for products we sell could materially and adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.

• | If our customers choose alternatives to our refined petroleum products, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

• | Our agronomy business is volatile and dependent upon certain factors outside of our control.

• | Technological improvements in agriculture could decrease the demand for our agronomy and energy products.

• | We operate some of our business through joint ventures in which our rights to control business decisions are limited.

• | We face risk associated with our proposed new nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant, including access to sufficient capital, cost overruns, construction delays and operational issues.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We did not experience any material changes in market risk exposures for the period ended February 28, 2015, that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of February 28, 2015. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
During the quarter ended February 28, 2015, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved as a defendant in various lawsuits, claims and disputes, which are in the normal course of our business. The resolution of any such matters may affect consolidated net income for any fiscal period; however, our management believes any resulting liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during any fiscal year.
On August 30, 2012, we received from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a request for information pursuant to Section 114 of the Clean Air Act. The information requested relates to operational information and design data for flares at our Laurel, Montana refinery for the period from January 1, 2006 to present. The information request could potentially result in an enforcement action by the EPA with respect to flare efficiency or other issues. We provided the requested information in December 2012 and are awaiting the EPA’s response. As it is too early to determine the potential liability or extent of potential costs associated with any such action, we have not recorded a liability associated with this request. While the facts and circumstances of enforcement actions under the Clean Air Act relating to flares at refineries differ on a case-by-case basis, some refineries have incurred significant penalties and other costs in connection with such enforcement actions.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes to our risk factors during the period covered by this report. See the discussion of risk factors in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
We are investing in and implementing an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system on a worldwide basis, which is intended to replace non-integrated legacy systems used in our financial and related transaction processes. The gradual implementation is expected to occur in phases over several years beginning in fiscal 2016. The implementation of a worldwide ERP system will likely affect the processes that constitute our internal control over financial reporting and will require testing for effectiveness.
On April 6, 2015, we adopted the Supplemental Project Milestone Incentive Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”). Pursuant to the Supplemental Plan, Jay Debertin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Energy and Foods, will be eligible to receive up to $120,000 in cash for each of the years ending August 31, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, depending upon the achievement of certain milestones with respect to new projects. Specific milestones under the Supplemental Plan will be determined annually by the President and Chief Executive Officer, and awards under the Supplemental Plan will be distributed each November following the completion of the applicable annual measurement period. The foregoing description of the Supplemental Plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Supplemental Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit | Description
10.1 | Supplemental Project Milestone Incentive Plan (*)
31.1 | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (*)
31.2 | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (*)
32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (*)
32.2 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (*)
101 | The following financial information from CHS Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2015 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (*)

______________________________________
(*) Filed herewith
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CHS Inc.
(Registrant)

Date: | April 8, 2015 |  | /s/ Timothy Skidmore
|  |  | Timothy Skidmore
|  |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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