Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to set the conventional ethanol blending volume for 2026 and 2027 at 15 billion gallons, while also proposing to reduce the value of renewable fuel credits generated from imported feedstocks [1] Group 1 - The proposed blending volume of 15 billion gallons for conventional ethanol indicates a stable regulatory environment for the biofuels industry [1] - The reduction in the value of renewable fuel credits for imported feedstocks may impact the competitiveness of imported renewable fuels compared to domestically produced alternatives [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company reported revenue of $143 million and adjusted EBITDA of $13.3 million, with fourth quarter revenue of $34 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 million [6][15] - Fourth quarter consolidated revenues decreased by 28% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to reduced activity in the wind and oil and gas markets [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 6.4% due to lower capacity utilization, partially offset by targeted cost reductions [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Heavy Fabrication segment reported fourth quarter orders of $22.4 million, with revenues of $20.4 million, down 31% year-over-year [17][13] - Gearing segment orders increased, with revenue of $7.6 million, a 31% reduction year-over-year, reflecting softness in oil and gas and steel markets [19][13] - Industrial Solutions segment recorded orders of $8 million in the fourth quarter, with full year orders totaling $27 million, both representing record levels for the segment [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Order rates increased by 85% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to $37 million, with broad-based growth across nearly all end markets [7] - Gearing orders nearly doubled year-over-year, driven by demand from industrial and steel markets [8] - Quoting activity remains elevated across all segments, particularly in heavy fabrications and industrial solutions [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reallocating production capacity towards stable, recurring project revenue streams across diverse end markets, with notable growth in mining and hydroelectric sectors [26] - Investments in quality certifications and equipment technology are aimed at improving process capabilities and profitability [11][12] - The company is focused on expanding its product mix into higher-margin adjacent markets [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects wind tower activity to remain muted through 2026, with potential improvement in 2027 [25][41] - The company is optimistic about order growth in non-wind markets, positioning itself for improved manufacturing optimization [35] - Management highlighted a 55% reduction in recordable incident rates, emphasizing a commitment to safety and productivity [34] Other Important Information - The company ended the fourth quarter with approximately $33 million in total cash and availability on its credit facility, reflecting a significant improvement due to reduced operating working capital [22] - Financial guidance for 2025 anticipates revenue in the range of $140 million to $160 million and adjusted EBITDA between $13 million and $15 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confirmation on wind market expectations - Management confirmed expectations of muted demand in the wind sector through 2026, with some improvement anticipated in 2027 [41][43] Question: Visibility on GE contract work - Management indicated firm visibility on tower production through 2025, with clear indications on orders [43] Question: Order activity and guidance for 2025 - Management noted that Q1 2025 is expected to be softer due to pull-ins from Q4 2024, with a ratable increase throughout the year [46][47] Question: Impact of tariffs on order activity - Management stated that order activity has not been significantly disrupted by tariff-related news, with increased inquiries for onshoring [70][72] Question: Hydro project offerings - Management explained that hydroelectric offerings are expected to provide a repeating revenue stream as infrastructure upgrades occur [78]