Sales and production of biodiesel are up for Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group (REG), but revenues have taken quite a hit. The latest information from the biodiesel behemoth shows during the first quarter of 2014 sales were up 22 percent compared to a year earlier, along with a 5 percent increase in production. But REG also reports a revenue drop of 17 percent and an adjusted EBITDA down by 91 percent.

“This quarter was very challenging, coming off an outstanding year,” said Daniel J. Oh, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Despite the challenges, we were able to generate positive adjusted EBITDA, which is evidence of the durability of our business model. While some of the challenges that affected the first quarter remain, in the near-term we are focusing our efforts to respond when markets normalize, and on executing our longer-term strategies.”

Oh continued, “We recently achieved two very positive milestones in REG’s history, both of which are a tribute to the efforts of many people, partners and the strength of our business model. The Company reached cumulative sales of over 1 billion gallons in mid-April. And, in late March, we redeemed the last of the remaining preferred shares outstanding, eliminating the dividend obligation and resulting in a more simplified capital structure.”

The drop in revenues is being attributed to the retroactive reinstatement of the 2012 federal $1-a-gallon biodiesel blenders credit, which again expired at the end of 2013.

REG sold 47.3 million gallons of biodiesel during the first quarter of this year, while producing 41.8 million gallons of the green fuel.