Rio Grande LNG Facility & Construction Progress - Rio Grande LNG Phase 1 (Trains 1-3) achieved FID in July 2023 and is under construction, progressing on schedule and on budget[30, 63, 67] - As of June 2024, Trains 1 and 2 are 24.1% complete (Engineering 66.4%, Procurement 45.4%, Construction 3.5%), and Train 3 is 7.8% complete (Engineering 8.4%, Procurement 18.4%, Construction 0.1%)[33] - Rio Grande LNG, LLC refinanced over $1.85 billion of the original $11.1 billion term loan facilities since FID of Phase 1 in July 2023[36] Train 4 Development & Commercial Agreements - EPC contract for Train 4 was finalized in August 2024, with a price of approximately $4.3 billion and validity through December 31, 2024[39] - A 20-year SPA with ADNOC for 1.9 MTPA of LNG has been secured for Train 4, and a Heads of Agreement with Aramco for 1.2 MTPA is in progress[23, 40] - TotalEnergies holds an LNG purchase option for 1.5 MTPA from Train 4, which NextDecade expects to be exercised, potentially providing sufficient commercial support for FID[23, 40] LNG Market Fundamentals & Demand - Estimated global LNG demand is projected to grow by approximately 350 MTPA by 2040[45] - Existing operational regas capacity is expected to accommodate up to approximately 1,150 MTPA of LNG by 2040, with over 325 MTPA in development[53] - Phase 1 is supported by fixed-fee long-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) with high caliber offtakers, SPA volumes total over 90% of Phase 1 liquefaction capacity[71, 100] Sustainability & Carbon Capture - The Rio Grande LNG Facility is designed to produce less-carbon-intensive LNG through project design, responsibly sourced gas, a pledge to use net-zero electricity, and a proposed CCS project[27, 61] - Next Carbon Solutions is developing end-to-end carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions, including a proposed project at the Rio Grande LNG Facility with a target of capturing up to 5 million metric tonnes per annum of CO2[13, 122, 130]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company reported a consolidated net loss of $41.7 million, which included $30.5 million in asset impairments and acquisition-related expenses, compared to a net loss of $18.9 million in Q4 2023 [39] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was negative $7.7 million, a decline from positive $3.5 million in Q4 2023 [39] - The company sold 95.1 million gallons in Q4 2024, an increase from 92.5 million gallons in Q4 2023, but the average sales price per gallon dropped to $1.88 from $2.24 year-over-year [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company cold idled the Magic Valley facility, leading to a significant impairment charge of $21.4 million for this plant in Q4 2024 [38] - The Eagle Alcohol operations were rationalized, resulting in a reduction of headcount and a focus on turning remaining operations into a profitable service center [16][31] - The Pekin campus production volume increased by 3.8 million gallons over the prior year, demonstrating the effectiveness of maintenance programs [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market crush margins declined nearly $0.18, resulting in an $8.7 million adverse impact to gross profit [35] - Low carbon fuel credit prices were down compared to the previous year but showed improvement from Q3 2024 [35] - The company began exporting certified renewable fuel to European markets in Q4 2024, anticipating further expansion in 2025 [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is considering a range of strategic options, including asset sales and mergers, to maximize shareholder value [12][57] - The acquisition of Kodiak Carbonic for over $7 million is expected to bolster economics and increase asset valuation at the Columbia facility [19] - The company aims to balance production levels between specialty alcohol and ISCC products to maximize margins [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenging market conditions in Q4 2024, with crush margins down compared to the prior quarter and year [12] - The company is optimistic about 2025, citing improved performance at the Pekin wet mill and the synergistic acquisition of the CO2 processing facility [42] - Management emphasized the importance of exceeding customer expectations and maximizing the value of specialty alcohol and essential ingredients [43] Other Important Information - The company expects to save approximately $8 million annually from cost-cutting initiatives, which will improve the bottom-line run rate and manage liquidity [18] - The company recorded $34.6 million in repairs and maintenance expenses in line with its 2024 estimate [41] - The company has a cash balance of $35 million and total loan borrowing availability of $88 million as of December 31, 2024 [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company planning to balance carbon sequestration versus high-premium carbon dioxide for the beverage industry? - Management indicated that while there are opportunities for carbon sequestration, the unique market conditions in the Pacific Northwest make the carbonic structure beneficial for long-term contracts [48] Question: Is the site certified for the 45Q incentives? - Management stated that the facility is very close to qualifying for the 45Q incentives, with ongoing work needed [50] Question: What is the expected ratio of specialty alcohol sent to the EU versus domestic markets? - Management explained that the pricing varies by country in the EU, and the goal is to continue achieving high volumes while optimizing profitability [52][54] Question: How far along are discussions regarding asset sales or mergers? - Management confirmed that all options are being considered to maximize shareholder value, but specific details on M&A activities were not disclosed [56] Question: What is the timeline for the CCUS project and its potential contributions? - Management indicated that the EPA permit process could take two years, followed by an additional one to two years for construction, potentially leading to contributions by 2029 or 2030 [66]