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]