In Brief Microsoft announced Thursday it would buy 3.6 million carbon removal credits from a biofuels plant in Louisiana owned by C2X. The plant, which is slated to begin operating in 2029, will process forestry waste into methanol, which can be used to power ships and planes and as a raw material for chemical manufacturing. Altogether, the facility will produce more than 500,000 metric tons of methanol. About 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide will be captured and stored, likely underground.The purcha ...

Core Insights - Haffner Energy has secured a significant strategic partnership in Canada, marking a turnaround after a challenging year in 2025 [1][5] - The partnership will focus on establishing a complete advanced biofuels sector in Canada, starting with a 5 MW project in Quebec expected to generate €4.2 million in revenue [1][4] - The agreement includes the creation of a joint venture, with Haffner Energy holding 49% of the capital without cash contribution, leveraging its technology license [2][3] Partnership Details - The Canadian partner's identity will be revealed soon, and the initial project will utilize existing equipment, allowing for immediate revenue recognition [1][3] - A significant advance payment of €250,000 will be made to Haffner Energy, with the joint venture responsible for marketing the technology and manufacturing equipment [3][10] - The first project is a precursor to deploying multiple multi-energy hubs across Canada, utilizing SYNOCA® 20 MW thermolysis units for diverse fuel production [4][10] Technological Advancements - The new H6 generation technology significantly reduces the cost of hydrogen production to less than €2.50/kg, compared to nearly €10/kg for similar electrolyzers [7] - The capital expenditure (CAPEX) per kilowatt of thermal energy produced is reduced by a factor of three for the SYNOCA® H6 compared to previous generations, enhancing competitiveness [7] Market Context - Canada, with its vast biomass resources, presents a unique opportunity for biofuel production, producing 18 times more biomass than France [8] - The partnership aligns with the growing strategic relationship between Canada and Europe, focusing on decarbonized energy and sustainable resource use [9]

Core Insights - Comstock Inc.'s strategic investee, Bioleum Corporation, has acquired Hexas Biomass Inc. for approximately $6.5 million, which includes stock, cash payments, and convertible debt [1] - Hexas specializes in high-yield energy crops with annual yields exceeding 25 to 30 dry metric tons per acre, significantly outperforming traditional forestry species [2] - The combination of Bioleum's refining platform and Hexas' crops can produce over 100 barrels of biofuel per acre annually, compared to only 2 and 10 barrels from soy and corn respectively [3] Company Overview - Hexas Biomass Inc. focuses on producing low-cost, plant-based raw materials that replace wood and fossil fuels, promoting ecological sustainability [7] - Bioleum Corporation develops technologies to convert lignocellulosic biomass into low-carbon fuels and operates commercial facilities in Oklahoma and pilot assets in Wisconsin [8] - Comstock Inc. innovates technologies for clean energy systems by converting under-utilized natural resources into reusable metals [9] Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to accelerate the commercialization and global deployment of Hexas' technologies in biofuels and other biobased applications [4] - Bioleum aims to enhance its refining solutions by integrating Hexas' proprietary feedstock model, ensuring a reliable supply of biomass [4] - The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that converting underutilized land into biomass farms could significantly increase renewable fuel production while reducing variability and risk [3]

Indonesia will start road safety tests for its planned B50 biofuel program early next month, according to an official from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry https://t.co/GKylrNZkPt ...

Core Insights - Aemetis reported a quarterly loss of $0.37 per share, which was worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.25, marking an earnings surprise of -48.00% [1] - The company generated revenues of $59.19 million for the quarter ended September 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 35.56% and down from $81.44 million a year ago [2] - Aemetis shares have declined approximately 23.4% year-to-date, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 15.6% [3] Earnings Outlook - The future performance of Aemetis stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the company's earnings outlook [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.25 on revenues of $103.1 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$1.36 on revenues of $300.3 million [7] Industry Context - The Biofuels industry, to which Aemetis belongs, is currently ranked in the top 2% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for stocks within this sector [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked using tools like the Zacks Rank [5][6]

Core Insights - Alto Ingredients Inc. reported a significant turnaround in profitability for Q3 2025, with a net income of $13.9 million compared to a loss of $2.8 million in Q3 2024 [2] - The company's stock surged 38% in after-hours trading following the earnings release, reflecting positive market sentiment [1] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 metrics include: - Net Income: $13.9 million vs. -$2.8 million in Q3 2024 - Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.19 vs. -$0.04 - Gross Profit: $23.5 million vs. $6.0 million - Adjusted EBITDA: $21.4 million vs. $12.2 million [2] - Cost of goods sold decreased from $245.9 million to $217.5 million, while net sales fell from $251.8 million to $241.0 million [3] Business Strategy - The CEO highlighted robust improvements across all business segments, driven by increased renewable fuel export sales and greater demand for liquid CO2, alongside successful cost reduction efforts [4] - The company is optimistic about generating Section 45Z tax credits on domestic renewable fuel sales and is exploring ways to reduce carbon intensity to enhance the value of these credits [4] Cash Position - As of September 30, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $32.5 million, with borrowing availability of $85 million [5] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, the stock is down 31.36% but has gained 36.47% over the past six months, with a 52-week range of $0.76 to $2.00 and a market capitalization of $89.78 million [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.92 and total segment operating profit of $845 million for the third quarter [4] - The trailing four-quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 6.7% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $2.1 billion year to date [4] - Adjusted earnings per share expectations for the full year 2025 have been revised down to a range of $3.25-$3.50, down from approximately $4 per share [12][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Services & Oilseeds (AS&O) segment operating profit was $379 million, down 21% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the deferral of U.S. biofuel policy [14] - Ag Services subsegment operating profit increased by 78% to $190 million, driven by higher export activity in North America [14] - Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $336 million, down 26% year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in global demand for sweeteners and starches [16] - Nutrition segment revenues were $1.9 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with operating profit increasing by 24% to $130 million [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved the best total export volume for September since 2016, which helped offset some weakness in the cash business [7] - Global soybean and canola crush execution margins were significantly lower than the prior year quarter, particularly in North America [15] - Ethanol EBITDA margins per gallon for the quarter were approximately double compared to the prior year quarter, with volumes roughly flat [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational excellence, portfolio optimization, and cost savings through a self-help agenda, targeting $200 million-$300 million in cost savings for 2025 [9][21] - A joint venture with Alltech in Animal Nutrition aims to transition the business into higher-margin specialty ingredients, expected to commence operations in 2026 [9][40] - The company is investing in innovation, particularly in flavor systems for energy drinks and natural colors, as well as postbiotics [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a challenging industry-wide operating environment but remains flexible and focused on long-term growth [4] - The deferral in U.S. biofuel policy has led to lowered expectations for full-year 2025, but management remains optimistic about 2026 due to potential improvements in market conditions [11][13] - The company is prepared for gradual improvements in margins as clarity on biofuel policies is expected [76] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation, allowing for continued investments and shareholder returns [6] - The company has reduced inventory by $3.2 billion year to date, improving working capital efficiency [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the sequential decline in the third quarter for crush? - Management explained that soybean crush rallied sharply post-RVO announcements but then moved lower due to various factors, including a decrease in U.S. acres and uncertainty about biofuels policy [30] Question: Can you clarify the insurance gains? - Management confirmed that insurance proceeds in the fourth quarter are expected to be funded half by captive insurance and half by third parties, with total proceeds lower than the previous year [35] Question: What are the benefits of the JV with Alltech? - The JV aims to pivot towards more specialty products in Animal Nutrition, combining the strengths of both companies to enhance operational improvements and synergies [40] Question: How does the company view the clarity on biofuel policy? - Management expressed optimism about the eventual clarity on biofuel policies, which is expected to positively impact margins and demand for domestic feedstocks [76] Question: What is the outlook for Ag Services? - Management noted that while Q3 was strong, the outlook for Q4 may be softer due to ongoing uncertainties regarding trade deals and farmer selling behavior [68]

Market Trends - Brazil's increased corn ethanol production is causing a decline in global sugar prices [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $245 million, compared to $237 million in Q3 2024 and $250 million in the previous quarter [10] - Total net sales for the quarter were $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion year-over-year, with gross margins improving to 24.7% from 22.1% [10][16] - Net income for the quarter was $19.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $16.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [16] 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 [10] - 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% [11] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported an EBITDA of -$3 million, down from +$39 million in Q3 2024, impacted by operational challenges and market dynamics [12][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 [7] - In the U.S., demand for domestic fats was robust, supported by strong agricultural and energy policies, boosting revenue and margins [8] - Export protein demand showed signs of recovery, with slightly firmer pricing trends emerging, although tariff implications affected value-added poultry protein products [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its core ingredients business, expecting EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of $875 to $900 million, excluding DGD [17] - The management believes that the integrated model of Darling Ingredients provides a competitive advantage that is unmatched in the industry [5] - The company anticipates a shift in the renewables market that will enhance DGD's earnings potential, contingent on favorable public policy [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core ingredients business despite short-term challenges in the renewables market due to policy uncertainties [5][9] - The management highlighted that the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) is expected to support American agriculture and energy leadership, which could be a catalyst for future growth [17] - There is optimism regarding the recovery of margins in the fourth quarter, although caution was advised due to ongoing regulatory uncertainties [64] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion, a slight increase from $3.97 billion at year-end 2024, with capital expenditures totaling $90 million in Q3 [15] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, yielding an effective tax rate of -6.3% [16] - The company expects to generate around $300 million in production tax credits (PTCs) in 2025, with significant sales anticipated in the fourth quarter [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on regulatory items like RVO - Management expects clarity on RVO and related regulatory items by December, despite the government shutdown [22] Question: Outlook for feed segment in Q4 - Management indicated that while waste fat prices have dipped, they expect the food segment to be stronger in Q4, with overall performance close to the previous quarter [24] Question: Benefits of REMS policy protectionism - Management noted that the treatment of foreign feedstocks is still unclear, and the overall supply and demand for fats and oils will influence the feed business [28][29] Question: Drivers of DGD margins - Management clarified that the DGD results were impacted by LCM and operational challenges, and they are optimistic about future margin improvements [34][39] Question: Plans for debt repayment and leverage ratios - Management confirmed they are committed to paying down debt and expect their debt coverage ratio to be around three by year-end [51][52] Question: RIN pricing scenarios and industry compliance - Management indicated that RIN prices may not see a significant lift until clarity on enforcement dates is provided, which is expected by the end of the year [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $245 million, compared to $237 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $250 million in the previous quarter [8][10] - Total net sales for the quarter were $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion year-over-year, while gross margins improved to 24.7% from 22.1% [8][10] - Overall net income was $19.4 million for the quarter, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $16.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for the same quarter last year [15] 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 [9][10] - The food segment saw total sales of $381 million, higher than $357 million in the third quarter of 2024, with gross margins increasing to 27.5% from 23.9% [9][10] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported a negative EBITDA of $3 million for the quarter, down from positive $39 million in the third quarter of 2024 [10][12] 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 [5][6] - Export protein demand is showing signs of recovery, with slightly firmer pricing trends emerging, although tariff implications have impacted value-added poultry protein products [6][9] - The renewables market continues to face headwinds, with higher feedstock costs and lower RINs and LCFS pricing impacting margins [7][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its core ingredients business, expecting EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of $875 to $900 million, excluding DGD [16] - Management believes that the integrated model of Darling Ingredients provides a competitive advantage that is unmatched in the industry [4] - The company is optimistic about the future, anticipating that public policy changes will strengthen American agriculture and energy leadership, which will enhance DGD's earnings potential [7][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core ingredients business despite short-term uncertainties in the renewables market [4][16] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming clarity on regulatory items, including the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) [20] - Management noted that the current uncertainty around public policy impacts the fuel segment, but they remain focused on what they can control [16] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion, with a minimal increase from $3.97 billion at the end of 2024 [14] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, yielding an effective tax rate of -6.3% [15] - The company expects to generate around $300 million in production tax credits in 2025, with significant sales anticipated in the fourth quarter [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on regulatory items - Management expects clarity on RVO and exemptions by December, amid ongoing government shutdown [20] Question: Feed outlook for the fourth quarter - Management indicated that while waste fat prices have dipped, they expect the food segment to be stronger in Q4, with a narrow range for the business [21][23] Question: Benefits of REMS policy protectionism - Management noted uncertainty around how the EPA will treat foreign feedstocks, which will depend on various factors [26][28] Question: Drivers of DGD margins - Management clarified that DGD results were not as good as hoped, and the capture rate was affected by LCM accounting practices [29][30] Question: Outlook for the feed segment going into 2026 - Management expects continued improvement in feed segment margins, driven by protein price recovery and strong demand [35][37] Question: RIN pricing scenarios - Management indicated that RIN prices need to increase by approximately $0.40 to incentivize production to meet the 2026 mandate [43][44] Question: Debt repayment plans - Management confirmed they are committed to paying down debt and expect their debt coverage ratio to be around three times by year-end [45][46] Question: DGD1 restart conditions - Management stated that DGD1 will only restart when soybean oil margins are profitable enough to justify the catalyst costs [70][72] Question: Food segment outlook - Management expects a stronger Q4 for the food segment, with a rebound in hydrolyzed collagen business and new product launches [73][75]