Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $76.5 million for Q2 2025, with $8.3 million generated from Montana Renewables, indicating strong performance despite a full month turnaround at the Shreveport facility [5][10][28] - Operating costs were reduced by $42 million in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, despite a $7 million increase in natural gas and electricity costs [8][24] - Specialty product margins increased to over $66 per barrel, reflecting improved operational efficiency [24][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Specialty Products and Solutions segment generated $66.8 million of adjusted EBITDA, with sales volume exceeding 20,000 barrels per day for the third consecutive quarter [24][26] - The Performance Brands segment reported $13.5 million in adjusted EBITDA, driven by strong volume growth, particularly in the TruFuel brand [27] - Montana Renewables segment adjusted EBITDA with tax attributes was $16.3 million, up from $8.7 million in the prior year, showcasing resilience in a challenging market [28][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The renewable diesel industry is currently facing low quarterly index margins, but Montana Renewables managed to generate positive adjusted EBITDA due to its competitive advantages [10][14] - The proposed Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for 2026 is expected to increase demand for biomass-based diesel, potentially leading to improved margins [19][20][76] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deleveraging and managing its debt, with a target of reaching $800 million in restricted group debt [22][40] - The MAX SAF 150 project is on track to start in 2026, aiming to produce 120 million to 150 million annual gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [12][31] - The company is actively pursuing monetization of production tax credits, with expectations of completing these transactions in the near future [66][91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the renewable diesel market, anticipating margin recovery as regulatory clarity improves [73][76] - The company is optimistic about the potential for increased production and improved margins in 2026, contingent on the finalization of the RVO [19][76] Other Important Information - The company has successfully reduced operational costs and improved efficiency, with a focus on water treatment and operational learning [46][48] - The company does not expect tariffs to significantly impact its specialties business due to its U.S.-based manufacturing and supply chain [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the updated thoughts on mid-cycle earnings for renewable diesel? - Management indicated that mid-cycle earnings could return to historical levels of $1.50 to $2.00 per gallon index margin, with potential adjusted EBITDA of $140 million to $150 million at $1.50 margins [35][36] Question: Can you discuss the path to further debt pay down and potential future divestitures? - Management highlighted that they have made significant progress on debt reduction and are considering strategic asset sales as part of their deleveraging strategy [39][40] Question: What types of improvements have driven cost reductions in operations? - Management noted that significant improvements in water treatment and operational efficiency have contributed to reduced costs [46][48] Question: How does the company view the attractiveness of different regions for SAF? - Management emphasized the flexibility to serve various markets, including the Midwest and California, and highlighted the potential for partnerships in Canada [50][54] Question: What is the status of PTC monetization? - Management confirmed that they are in the process of finalizing term sheets for PTCs and expect to complete these transactions soon [66][91]

1. Report Industry Investment Ratings No investment ratings are provided in the reports. 2. Core Views of the Reports 2.1 Oils and Fats - Palm oil: With the release of MPOA production data and potential inventory decline at the end of the month, crude palm oil futures may break through previous highs. However, due to the expected seasonal increase in July production, beware of the risk of price pull - back around the MPOB report. The domestic Dalian palm oil futures market may continue to rise in the short - term [1]. - Soybean oil: The US Senate passed a fiscal spending bill including 45Z tax credits, which is expected to boost soybean oil consumption if passed by the House and signed by the President. Domestically, high factory operating rates have increased inventory, but the selling pressure on oil mills is not large, and the decline is expected to be limited [1]. 2.2 Corn - The current corn price is stable but lacks upward momentum due to continuous import auctions. In the medium - term, supply is tight, imports are low, and consumption is increasing, which may support price increases. Short - term operations are recommended, paying attention to policy auctions [3][5]. 2.3 Meal - US soybeans have strengthened technical support and rebounded. Brazilian soybean prices are rising. Currently, domestic soybean and soybean meal inventories are rising, but there is no significant inventory pressure on soybean meal. The supply is expected to be high, and attention should be paid to demand [6]. 2.4 Pork - The spot price of live pigs is oscillating strongly. The market is expected to be strong in the short - term, but the pressure on the 09 contract is increasing, and attention should be paid to the pressure above 14,500 [9]. 2.5 Sugar - The increase in the ethanol blending ratio in Brazilian gasoline has supported the rebound of raw sugar prices, but the global supply is loose, and the rebound is limited. Domestically, the market sentiment is positive, but considering future imports, the market may turn bearish after the rebound [12]. 2.6 Cotton - The short - term supply of old - crop cotton is tight, but the long - term supply is sufficient. The downstream industry is weakening, and the demand is weak. Cotton prices are expected to fluctuate within a range [14]. 2.7 Eggs - The supply of eggs is sufficient, demand is average, and downstream procurement is cautious. Egg prices are expected to be stable first, decline slightly in the short - term, and then stabilize [15]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Oils and Fats - **Prices**: On July 3, the spot price of Jiangsu first - grade soybean oil was 8,290 yuan/ton, up 0.36% from the previous day; the futures price of Y2509 was 7,994 yuan/ton, down 0.30%. The spot price of Guangdong 24 - degree palm oil was 8,560 yuan/ton, up 1.18%; the futures price of P2509 was 8,478 yuan/ton, up 0.45%. The spot price of Jiangsu fourth - grade rapeseed oil was 9,830 yuan/ton, up 1.03%; the futures price of O1509 was 9,618 yuan/ton, unchanged [1]. - **Spreads**: The soybean oil 09 - 01 spread was 20 yuan/ton, down 54.55%; the palm oil 09 - 01 spread was 0 yuan/ton, up 100.00%; the rapeseed oil 09 - 01 spread was 65 yuan/ton, up 6.15% [1]. 3.2 Corn - **Prices**: On July 3, the futures price of corn 2509 was 2,363 yuan/ton, unchanged; the futures price of corn starch 2509 was 2,731 yuan/ton, unchanged [3]. - **Market situation**: In the Northeast, the remaining grain is scarce, and prices are firm; in North China, the shipment volume has increased slightly, and deep - processing prices are stable with partial declines. The overall demand is resilient, but wheat substitution limits price increases [3]. 3.3 Meal - **Prices**: On July 3, the spot price of Jiangsu soybean meal was 2,840 yuan/ton, unchanged; the futures price of M2509 was 2,958 yuan/ton, up 0.48%. The spot price of Jiangsu rapeseed meal was 2,500 yuan/ton, up 1.21%; the futures price of RM2509 was 2,601 yuan/ton, up 0.89% [6]. - **Market situation**: US soybean prices have rebounded, and Brazilian soybean prices are rising. Domestic soybean and soybean meal inventories are rising, and the supply is expected to be high [6]. 3.4 Pork - **Prices**: On July 3, the futures price of the main live - pig contract was 830 yuan/ton, up 9.21%. The spot price in Henan was 15,200 yuan/ton, up 100 yuan/ton [9]. - **Market situation**: The inventory of secondary - fattened pigs is increasing, the slaughter procurement is more difficult, and the spot price is rising. The market sentiment is positive in the short - term, but the pressure on the 09 contract is increasing [9]. 3.5 Sugar - **Prices**: On July 3, the futures price of sugar 2601 was 5,576 yuan/ton, down 0.07%; the futures price of sugar 2509 was 5,767 yuan/ton, up 0.02%. The ICE raw sugar main contract was 16.37 cents/pound, up 5.21% [12]. - **Industry situation**: The national sugar production and sales have increased year - on - year, and the inventory has decreased [12]. 3.6 Cotton - **Prices**: On July 3, the futures price of cotton 2509 was 13,785 yuan/ton, down 0.14%; the futures price of cotton 2601 was 13,785 yuan/ton, down 0.25%. The ICE US cotton main contract was 68.43 cents/pound, down 0.31% [14]. - **Industry situation**: The inventory in the north is decreasing, the industrial inventory is slightly down, and the import volume has decreased. The downstream inventory is increasing, and the processing profit is decreasing [14]. 3.7 Eggs - **Prices**: On July 3, the futures price of the egg 09 contract was 3,690 yuan/500KG, up 0.33%; the futures price of the egg 08 contract was 3,565 yuan/500KG, up 0.59%. The egg - producing area price was 2.60 yuan/jin, unchanged [15]. - **Market situation**: The supply of eggs is sufficient, demand is average, and prices are expected to be stable with a slight decline in the short - term [15].

Group 1 - The domestic futures market for oilseeds showed a positive trend, with soybean oil futures experiencing a significant increase, reaching a peak of 7998.00 yuan/ton, marking a rise of 2.57% [1] - The rise in soybean oil prices is attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led to a surge in international crude oil prices, alongside favorable U.S. biodiesel policies [1][2] - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed higher biodiesel blending requirements for 2026 and 2027, set at 24.02 billion gallons and 24.46 billion gallons respectively, exceeding industry expectations and supporting the bullish sentiment in the soybean oil market [1][2] Group 2 - Despite an increase in domestic soybean oil inventory by 70,000 tons, which may exert downward pressure on prices, current stock levels remain low compared to historical averages [2] - Market activity has been relatively subdued, with weaker food and downstream restaurant consumption observed in June, leading to cautious market sentiment regarding future supply [2]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints - The short - term prices of soybean meal, soybean oil, and palm oil futures are all expected to be oscillating on the strong side, but the medium - term trends are all oscillating. However, the continued rebound space for soybean meal futures prices is limited, and the long - term supply of soybean meal is expected to be loose, which still exerts pressure on long - term prices [5][6]. 3. Summary by Variety Soybean Meal (M) - **Viewpoints**: The short - term, medium - term, and intraday views are all oscillating on the strong side, with the reference view also being oscillating on the strong side [5][6]. - **Core Logic**: The extension of the US Clean Fuel Tax Credit 45Z to December 31, 2031, may maintain the demand for soybean oil as a raw material in the renewable diesel industry. After the price difference between domestic and foreign soybeans is repaired, a linkage market emerges. Although the domestic oil mill operating rate is gradually recovering, the pressure - vehicle phenomenon still exists, and the short - term spot supply recovery rhythm is slow, which still supports the spot market. The long - term supply is expected to be loose, which still pressures long - term prices. The short - term soybean meal futures price is oscillating on the strong side, but the continued rebound space is limited [5]. - **Influencing Factors**: Import arrival rhythm, customs clearance inspection, North American spring sowing weather, oil mill operation rhythm, and stocking demand [6]. Palm Oil (P) - **Viewpoints**: The short - term, medium - term, and intraday views are all oscillating on the strong side, with the reference view also being oscillating on the strong side [7]. - **Core Logic**: Indonesia will raise the special export tax on crude palm oil from 7.5% of the current reference price to 10% starting from May 17, which aims to raise more funds for the country's biodiesel blending and makes the implementation of B40 more likely. The Malaysian palm oil price has rebounded from the previous inventory pressure, boosting the domestic palm oil futures price. The short - term palm oil futures price is oscillating on the strong side [7]. - **Influencing Factors**: Malaysian palm oil production and exports, Indonesian exports, main producing countries' tariff policies, domestic arrivals and inventory, and substitution demand [6]. Soybean Oil - **Viewpoints**: The short - term, medium - term, and intraday views are all oscillating on the strong side, with the reference view also being oscillating on the strong side [6]. - **Influencing Factors**: US tariff policies, US soybean oil inventory, biodiesel demand, domestic oil mill inventory, and channel stocking demand [6].

Summary of The Andersons (ANDE) Conference Call Company Overview - The Andersons is a diversified agribusiness operating in grain trading, ethanol production, and plant nutrients, with a strong presence in the Eastern Corn Belt and recent expansion into the Western Corn Belt through the Skylin grain investment [2][6] Key Points and Arguments Leadership Transition - CEO Bill Krueger has been in the role since October, succeeding Pat Bo, and has been with the company since the Lansing acquisition [3] - The company has tripled in size since January 1, 2019, indicating significant growth and transformation [3] Business Segments and Strategy - The Andersons has combined its nutrient business with its trade group to enhance operational efficiency [5] - The company has adopted a more asset-light model since 2019, allowing for greater flexibility and nimbleness in operations [7][8] - The Skylin investment has filled gaps in the company's asset footprint, particularly in Southwest Kansas and the Texas Panhandle [6][21] Market Dynamics - The wheat market is currently balanced, with the U.S. showing a slight oversupply at a carryout of 1.6 million bushels [10][11] - Global corn demand is well-structured, but competition from Milo and wheat is affecting corn demand in the U.S. [11][12] - Fertilizer demand remains high despite a weaker financial position for some farmers, attributed to precision agriculture practices [14][15] Tariffs and Trade - Recent changes to tariffs and port fees have reduced risks for The Andersons, particularly regarding exports from the Great Lakes [18][20] - The company is well-positioned to navigate the current tariff environment, especially concerning fertilizer and wheat imports [18] Financial Performance and Outlook - The Skylin investment is expected to contribute $30 million to $40 million in EBITDA on a run-rate basis [25] - Ethanol margins are expected to improve through Q2 and Q3, driven by increased gasoline demand and potential E15 mandates [31][32] - The company anticipates a stable inventory level for ethanol, similar to the previous year, with a positive outlook on exports [36] Renewable Diesel and Feedstock Opportunities - The Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) is expected to drive demand for feedstocks, positively impacting The Andersons' renewable diesel feedstock business [40][41] - The company has a target to increase its renewable diesel feedstock trading from 1.5 billion pounds to 2 billion pounds [42] Capital Expenditure and Growth Strategy - The company plans to invest approximately $200 million in CapEx for 2025, focusing on efficiency improvements and potential acquisitions [52] - The current environment is seen as favorable for acquisitions, with a preference for larger deals (doubles and triples) rather than smaller ones [53][54] Key Milestones and Monitoring - Investors should monitor the growing season, proposed legislation, and the company's carbon sequestration permit filing in Indiana [63][64] - The company is focused on optimizing its portfolio and addressing underperforming profit centers [66][67] Additional Important Insights - The Andersons has a robust internal growth project pipeline, with significant investments planned for the Port of Houston and other projects [51] - The company is considering share repurchase options, balancing this with potential acquisition opportunities [59][60] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from The Andersons' conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, market dynamics, and financial outlook.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Green Plains reported a net loss of $54.9 million or $0.86 per share for Q4 2024, compared to a net income of $7.2 million or $0.12 per share in the same period of 2023 [8][17] - Consolidated revenues for Q4 were $584 million, approximately 18% lower than the same period a year ago, primarily due to lower market prices for ethanol, dry distillers grains, and renewable corn oil [16] - EBITDA for Q4 was negative $18.9 million, down from $44.7 million in the prior year period [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed $30 million of cost improvements, with a target of $50 million in annualized cost savings identified [5][6] - The Fairmont facility, with a capacity of 120 million gallons, was shut down due to market conditions and flooding issues, impacting overall production [7] - Operating rates at plants improved, achieving 92% in Q4, with expectations to continue operating in the mid-90s range [11][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong exports are anticipated, with a record of approximately 1.9 billion gallons expected for the year, and projections for 2025 to exceed that [9] - The U.S. corn market remains tight, with planting intentions closely monitored to avoid higher corn prices in the future [10] - The protein complex is under pressure from oversupply due to expanded domestic soy crushing capacity, but there are bright spots in aquaculture sales [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from innovation to commercialization, focusing on cost rationalization and margin expansion [5][6] - Carbon capture initiatives are on track, with expectations to begin capturing biogenic CO2 in the second half of the year [13][21] - The company believes the value of its Nebraska assets is not reflected in its current share price, with carbon earnings expected to transform its earnings power [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over negative EBITDA for Q4 but noted a positive EBITDA of $44.7 million for the full year [8][17] - The management is optimistic about the potential for improved margins and profitability as the market conditions evolve and carbon capture initiatives are implemented [21][24] - The company is focused on reducing SG&A costs and simplifying its structure to enhance operational efficiency [31] Other Important Information - The company reached a settlement with the IRS regarding R&D tax credits, impacting its tax position for the year [18] - Capital expenditures for Q4 were allocated across various initiatives, with a total of $95 million incurred year-to-date [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cost initiatives and profitability impact - Management indicated that the $50 million cost savings would enhance overall profitability, transitioning focus from innovation to commercialization [35][36] Question: Aquaculture market penetration - Management confirmed successful sales in aquaculture, with significant quantities sold and a focus on expanding market presence [38][39] Question: Carbon capture project timeline - Management expects the carbon capture project to be operational by late Q3 or early Q4, with construction underway [42][43] Question: Sugar market development - Management is optimistic about customer interest in sugar products, awaiting food safety certification to ramp up production [49][50] Question: Corn oil pricing expectations - Management anticipates corn oil to trade at a premium to soybean oil, reflecting market conditions [60][61] Question: 45Z tax credit monetization - Management expressed confidence in finding buyers for tax credits and offsets, with a robust market for these products [81][82]