Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported a strong fourth quarter with net sales of $1.7 billion, an increase from $1.4 billion in the previous quarter, and a consolidated gross margin improvement to 25.1% from 23.5% year-over-year [1][4] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter reached $336 million, up from $289 million year-over-year and $245 million in the prior quarter, with core ingredients adjusted EBITDA at $278 million compared to $230 million a year earlier [2][7] - The food segment saw fourth-quarter sales rise to $429 million from $362 million, with gross margin improving to 27.2% from 25.7% [9] - In the feed ingredients segment, fourth-quarter EBITDA increased to $193 million from $150 million, with sales rising to $1.13 billion from $924 million [8] Operational Developments - The company improved its debt leverage, with net debt falling to approximately $3.8 billion and covenant leverage improving to 2.9x from 3.9x a year earlier [5][17] - Management is pursuing portfolio rationalization, including potential asset sales and a $120 million acquisition in Brazil [5][21] Market and Policy Context - Chairman and CEO highlighted uncertainties related to renewable fuels policy and trade volatility, but noted improvements in operational execution and debt management [3][4] - The performance of Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) was strong, with Q4 EBITDA of $57.9 million, but future results depend on U.S. policy regarding renewable volume obligations [6][11] Future Outlook - For the first quarter of 2026, the company expects DGD production of about 260 million gallons at improved margins and core ingredients adjusted EBITDA in the range of $240 million to $250 million [22] - Management anticipates continued progress in debt reduction, influenced by DGD's cash generation once policy clarity improves [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $336.1 million, an increase from $289 million in Q4 2024 and $245 million in Q3 2025 [12] - Total net sales for Q4 2025 reached $1.7 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in Q4 2024 [12] - Gross margins improved to 25.1% in Q4 2025 from 23.5% in Q4 2024 [13] - For the full year 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, up from $790 million in 2024 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core ingredients EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $278 million, compared to $230 million in Q4 2024 [12] - Feed segment EBITDA improved to $193 million in Q4 2025 from $150 million a year ago, with total sales of $1.13 billion versus $924 million [13] - Food segment total sales for Q4 2025 were $429 million, up from $362 million in Q4 2024 [14] - Fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), achieved $57.9 million in EBITDA for Q4 2025, marking its strongest quarter of the year [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for domestic fats in the U.S. remains robust, supported by favorable agricultural and energy policies [8] - Internationally, the global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil showed solid year-over-year growth [8] - DGD sold approximately 1 billion gallons in 2025, earning $103.7 million in EBITDA, or $0.21 per gallon [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the world's largest and most profitable processor of animal byproducts, focusing on operational excellence and core strengths [5] - Plans to sharpen the portfolio may lead to asset sales, while also exploring opportunities to strengthen and expand core business [10] - The company is optimistic about the policy backdrop for renewable fuels, which is expected to enhance DGD's earning potential [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertainties from evolving renewables public policy and global trade but emphasized a commitment to fundamentals [5] - The outlook for 2026 is encouraging, with positive global demand trends and expectations for improved margins in the fuel segment [8][20] - Management anticipates a modest pullback in Q1 2026 but expects core ingredients adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $240 million to $250 million [21] Other Important Information - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $11 million for Q4 2025, with an effective tax rate of -15.3% [18] - Restructuring and impairment charges of $58 million were recorded in the quarter [19] - The company ended 2025 with approximately $1.3 billion available on its revolving credit facility [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for DGD margins and potential inclusion in future guidance - Management indicated that guidance for DGD will depend on clarity regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) [27][28] Question: Sensitivity of the feed business to RVO changes - Management noted that the feed business is sensitive to U.S. and North American feedstock values, which are expected to be supportive [29] Question: Insights on biofuels production and feedstock demand - Management stated that there hasn't been a significant increase in biofuel production yet, and better margins are needed to incentivize more production [33] Question: Expectations for the food business and EBITDA - Management expressed optimism for the collagen and gelatin business, expecting a year similar to or better than the previous year [35] Question: RVO expectations and potential impact on Darling's feed business - Management supports an RVO for advanced biofuels translating to 5.25 billion to 5.61 billion gallons, which would be constructive for margins [40] Question: Rationale for the Potencei Group acquisition - Management highlighted the strategic fit of the Potencei facilities within their existing footprint and the potential for margin enhancement [68] Question: Capital allocation priorities post-leverage targets - Management emphasized that capital allocation will focus on paying down debt, with reassessment following clarity on cash flow from DGD [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, combined adjusted EBITDA was $336.1 million, up from $289 million in Q4 2024 and $245 million in the previous quarter [11] - Total net sales for Q4 2025 reached $1.7 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in Q4 2024 [11] - Gross margins improved to 25.1% in Q4 2025 from 23.5% in Q4 2024 [12] - For the full year 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, an increase from $790 million in 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the feed ingredients segment, Q4 EBITDA improved to $193 million from $150 million a year ago, with total sales of $1.13 billion compared to $924 million [12] - The food segment saw total sales for Q4 2025 at $429 million, up from $362 million in Q4 2024, with EBITDA increasing to $82 million from $64 million [13][14] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), delivered $57.9 million of EBITDA in Q4 2025, marking its strongest quarter of the year [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., demand for domestic fats remains robust, supported by favorable agricultural and energy policies [8] - Internationally, the global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil showed solid year-over-year growth [8] - DGD sold approximately 1 billion gallons in 2025, earning $103.7 million of EBITDA, reinforcing its position as the lowest cost operator [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the world's largest and most profitable processor of animal byproducts, focusing on core strengths and operational excellence [5] - Strategic acquisitions are being pursued, including a stalking horse bid for three rendering facilities in Brazil, which are expected to enhance operational capabilities [10] - The company is open to opportunities that strengthen its core business, potentially leading to asset sales in the near future [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing positive global demand trends and a favorable policy backdrop for renewable fuels [8][20] - The company anticipates a modest pullback in Q1 2026 but expects core ingredients adjusted EBITDA to range between $240 million and $250 million [22] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for future growth [90] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion at year-end 2025, down from $4 billion at the end of 2024 [17] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $11 million for Q4 2025, with an effective tax rate of -15.3% [18] - Restructuring and impairment charges amounted to $58 million in Q4 2025 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on DGD margins and potential RVO impact - Management indicated that guidance on DGD will depend on clarity regarding the RVO, with strong results expected to carry into Q1 [29] Question: Sensitivity of feed business to RVO changes - Management noted that the feed business is sensitive to policy changes, with supportive policies likely benefiting rendering businesses in the U.S. and Canada [30] Question: Insights on biofuels production and feedstock demand - Management stated that there hasn't been a significant increase in biofuel production yet, and better margins are needed to incentivize more production [34] Question: Expectations for food business EBITDA - Management expressed confidence in the collagen and gelatin business, expecting a strong year ahead due to rebounding demand [36] Question: RVO expectations and LCFS market dynamics - Management supports an RVO for advanced biofuels translating to 5.25 billion gallons, which would be constructive for margins [41] Question: Potential for asset sales - Management indicated that asset sales would be opportunistic, focusing on areas where the company has core capabilities [71]

Core Insights - The U.S. biofuel production capacity is expected to grow slowly, with only a 3% increase from early 2024 to early 2025, primarily due to a significant decline in the capacity growth of renewable diesel and other biofuels [1] - The annual production capacity of renewable diesel and other biofuels in the U.S. will only increase by 391 million gallons in 2024, which is less than one-third of the increases seen in 2022 and 2023 [1] - The expansion of the Rodeo refinery by Phillips 66 and the new facility by Renewable Fuels LLC in Bakersfield are the only two new capacity additions, with the Rodeo facility becoming the second-largest renewable diesel plant in the U.S. after its upgrade [1] Group 1 - The capacity growth from the Rodeo and Bakersfield facilities is offset by the closure of four other plants, which reflects the changing profitability dynamics between biofuels and petroleum refining since 2020 [2] - The closures include Monroe Energy's facility in Pennsylvania, Chevron's in California, and Vertex Energy and Jaxon Energy's plants in Alabama and Mississippi, respectively [2] - The decline in biofuel profitability and the rise in petroleum refining margins have led to a slowdown in renewable diesel capacity investments in the coming years [2] Group 2 - There is an increasing focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in 2024, which is categorized under "other biofuels" and serves as a substitute for petroleum aviation fuel [3] - The Rodeo facility can convert approximately 150 million gallons per year of renewable diesel capacity to SAF, while the Diamond Green Diesel facility can convert about 235 million gallons per year [3] - Despite the decline in biodiesel capacity due to low profitability, ethanol production capacity is rising, currently accounting for 73% of total U.S. biofuel capacity, mainly driven by stable domestic consumption and increased exports [3]

Core Insights - The U.S. biofuel production capacity is expected to grow slowly, with only a 3% increase from early 2024 to early 2025, primarily due to a significant decline in the capacity growth of renewable diesel and other biofuels [1] - The annual production capacity of renewable diesel and other biofuels will only increase by 391 million gallons in 2024, which is less than one-third of the increases seen in 2022 and 2023 [1] - The expansion of the Phillips 66 Rodeo refinery and the new Renewable Fuels LLC plant in Bakersfield are the only two new capacity additions, with the Rodeo facility becoming the second-largest renewable diesel plant in the U.S. after its upgrade [1] Group 1 - The capacity growth from the Rodeo expansion and the Bakersfield plant is offset by the closure of four facilities, which reflects changes in biofuel and oil refining profit margins since 2020 [2] - The closures include Monroe Energy's facility in Pennsylvania, Chevron's in California, and Vertex Energy and Jaxon Energy's plants in Alabama and Mississippi, respectively [2] - The decline in biofuel profitability and the rise in oil refining profits have led to a slowdown in renewable diesel capacity investments in the coming years [2] Group 2 - There is an increased focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in 2024, which is categorized under "other biofuels" and serves as a substitute for petroleum aviation fuel [3] - The Phillips 66 Rodeo plant can convert approximately 150 million gallons per year of renewable diesel capacity to SAF, while the Diamond Green Diesel plant can convert about 235 million gallons per year [3] - Despite a slight decline in biodiesel capacity due to low profitability, ethanol production capacity is on the rise, currently accounting for 73% of total U.S. biofuel capacity, primarily driven by stable domestic consumption and increased exports [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $245 million, compared to $237 million in Q3 2024 and $250 million in the previous quarter [12] - Total net sales for the quarter were $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion year-over-year [12] - Gross margins improved to 24.7% for the quarter, compared to 22.1% a year ago [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Feed segment, EBITDA improved to $174 million from $132 million a year ago, with total sales reaching $1 billion compared to $928 million [12] - The Food segment saw total sales of $381 million, up from $357 million in Q3 2024, with gross margins increasing to 27.5% from 23.9% [13] - The Fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported a negative EBITDA of $3 million, down from a positive $39 million in Q3 2024 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global rendering volumes and margins in the Feed segment were up both sequentially and year-over-year, driven by strong demand for fats and proteins [8] - Export protein demand is showing signs of recovery, although tariff implications have impacted value-added poultry protein products [9] - The renewables market faced headwinds due to higher feedstock costs and lower RINs and LCFS pricing [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its integrated model, which is seen as a competitive advantage in the industry [6] - Management is optimistic about the rollout of public policy aimed at enhancing American agriculture and energy leadership, which is expected to boost DGD's earnings potential [11] - The company plans to provide financial guidance exclusively for its core ingredients business, expecting EBITDA in the range of $875 million to $900 million for the full year 2025 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged short-term uncertainty in the renewables market due to delays in the renewable volume obligation (RVO) ruling [7] - The company remains confident that pressures in the renewables segment are temporary and anticipates a positive shift in the market [10] - Management expressed optimism about the core ingredients business, expecting continued strong performance despite challenges in the renewables segment [20] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion as of September 27, 2025, compared to $3.97 billion at the end of 2024 [18] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, resulting in an effective tax rate of -6.3% [19] - The company expects to generate around $300 million in production tax credits (PTCs) in 2025, with significant cash inflows anticipated in the fourth quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on regulatory items - Management expects clarity on RVO and exemptions by December, despite the government shutdown [24][25] Question: Feed outlook for Q4 - Management indicated that while waste fat prices have dipped, strong performance is expected in the food segment, with a narrow EBITDA range anticipated [26][28] Question: RIN policy protectionism benefits - Management noted that the treatment of foreign feedstocks is still unclear, and the need for imports may depend on domestic supply and demand dynamics [32][34] Question: DGD margins and drivers - Management clarified that DGD results were not as strong as hoped, and the capture rate was affected by LCM accounting practices [38][40] Question: Feed segment margin improvement - Management highlighted that improved protein prices and strong demand from aquaculture markets contributed to better margins in the feed segment [46][48] Question: RIN pricing scenarios - Management indicated that RIN prices may need to rise by approximately $0.40 to incentivize production to meet the 2026 mandate [57] Question: Debt repayment plans - Management confirmed that they are committed to paying down debt and expect to maintain a debt coverage ratio around three times [58][61] Question: DGD restart conditions - Management stated that DGD1 will only restart when soybean oil margins are profitable enough to justify the operational costs [95]

Core Insights - The investigation reveals that Diamond Green Diesel, a significant player in the U.S. sustainable fuels market, is sourcing animal fat from cattle raised on illegally cleared lands in the Amazon rainforest, raising concerns about the environmental impact of its supply chain [7][5][3]. Company Overview - Diamond Green Diesel is a joint venture between Darling Ingredients and Valero Energy, with substantial investments in a Texas refinery that converts cattle fat into a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based fuels [6][5]. - The company has received over $3 billion in U.S. tax credits for biofuel production since 2022, indicating its financial backing and growth potential in the sustainable fuels market [5]. Supply Chain Concerns - Reports indicate that at least two Brazilian factories supplying Diamond Green Diesel have sourced cattle fat from slaughterhouses linked to illegally deforested ranches in the Amazon [5][11]. - The tallow trade from these ranches to Diamond Green Diesel has been tracked through various investigative methods, including interviews and government data [8][9]. Market Dynamics - The global market for sustainable jet fuel is projected to be approximately $2.9 billion by 2025, significantly smaller than the $239 billion market for conventional aviation fuel, but expected to grow due to government incentives [3]. - Airlines like JetBlue and Southwest Airlines are under pressure to purchase more green jet fuel to meet net-zero emissions targets by 2050, which may drive demand for tallow as a biofuel [19]. Regulatory and Certification Issues - The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) has certified Diamond's imports from Brazil as sustainable, but it did not investigate the supply chain, considering tallow a byproduct of the beef industry [20]. - Experts have raised concerns that the current sustainability standards may overlook the deforestation linked to the tallow supply chain, as the program assumes that demand for tallow will not incentivize ranchers to clear more land [21].

Financial Performance Overview - Total net sales for Q1 2025 were $1,380.6 million, a decrease of 2.8% compared to $1,420.3 million in Q1 2024[5] - The company reported a net loss of $(26.2) million in Q1 2025, a significant decrease compared to a net income of $81.2 million in Q1 2024[4, 5] - EPS Diluted was $(0.16) in Q1 2025, compared to $0.50 in Q1 2024, representing a decrease of 132.0%[4, 5] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA was $195.8 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of 30.1% compared to $280.1 million in Q1 2024[4, 5] Segment Performance - Feed Ingredients Segment reported income of $23.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $110.6 million in Q1 2025[4] - Food Ingredients Segment reported income of $41.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $70.9 million in Q1 2025[4] - Fuel Ingredients Segment reported a loss of $(20.9) million and Adjusted EBITDA of $24.2 million in Q1 2025[4] Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) - Darling Ingredients received $129.5 million in dividends from Diamond Green Diesel (DGD)[4] - DGD Adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) was $6.0 million in Q1 2025, significantly lower than $115.1 million in Q1 2024[18, 22] - Total gallons produced by DGD were 216.1 million in Q1 2025, compared to 335.4 million in Q1 2024[22] - EBITDA per gallon sold/shipped by DGD was $0.06 in Q1 2025, compared to $0.69 in Q1 2024[22] Balance Sheet - Total debt was $3,921 million as of March 29, 2025, compared to $4,042 million as of December 28, 2024[6]