Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for Q4 reached $103 million, with a total of $444 million for 2024, marking an 8% year-over-year increase [4][9] - Gross sales totaled $368 million in Q4, with annual revenues reaching almost $1.5 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year [9] - Net cash from operations for 2024 was $161 million, allowing for a minimum distribution of $64 million in 2025 [7][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record results were achieved in the Rice and Dairy segments, while the Sugar, Ethanol, and Energy business saw operational records despite challenges [4][10] - Total crushing volume in the Sugar, Ethanol, and Energy business reached 12.8 million tonnes in 2024, a new record, although down 12% year-over-year for the quarter [11][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Farming business totaled $4 million in Q4 and $103 million for the year, consistent with the previous year [21][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average selling price for sugar was $0.226 per pound, down from $0.232 per pound in 2023, reflecting lower global sugar prices [13] - Ethanol prices have been recovering due to strong domestic consumption, although still below the previous year due to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real [14][56] - Carbon credits generated over 600,000 SEVAILOS at an average price of $14 per SEVAILO, totaling $9 million in net sales [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on maximizing sugar production due to its attractive premium over ethanol, with a strategy to gradually increase hedges if prices rise above $0.19 per pound [33] - Investments are being made in expanding sugarcane plantations and developing biomethane production in Brazil, alongside enhancing rice and dairy operations in Argentina and Uruguay [7][26] - The company is also committed to ESG initiatives, including training programs for women in agribusiness and leadership development for employees [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the sugar market is expected to see price increases due to disappointing crops in the Northern Hemisphere and a smaller Brazilian crop anticipated for the upcoming season [32][33] - The company expects a slight increase in annual crushing figures for 2025, assuming normal weather conditions, while acknowledging the challenges posed by dry weather in 2024 [18][19] - Management emphasized the importance of weather conditions for crop yields and the potential benefits from ongoing trade dynamics affecting South American agriculture [35] Other Important Information - The company distributed $102 million in 2024, exceeding its distribution policy by $32 million, with a 9.4% distribution yield [24] - The unsolicited proposal from TETA Investments to acquire a majority stake in the company is under evaluation, with discussions ongoing but no assurance of a definitive agreement [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main triggers for positive price action on sugar? - Management highlighted disappointing crops in the Northern Hemisphere and a smaller Brazilian crop as key factors influencing sugar prices [32][33] Question: How will import tariffs affect the company's operations? - Management noted potential benefits for South American soy and corn production due to tariffs, while also seeing opportunities in rice and dairy markets [35] Question: What is the outlook for sugarcane crushing and potential constraints? - Management indicated that weather conditions are a significant factor, with expectations for improved crushing in the second half of the year [45][46] Question: Can you elaborate on the dynamics of ethanol prices and expected parity? - Management expects ethanol prices to recover due to high demand and limited supply, with a potential increase in the blend ratio soon [56][60] Question: What are the expectations for production costs in 2025? - Management anticipates production costs to remain similar in real terms, with a slight decrease in dollar terms due to various cost components [64][66] Question: How are expansion costs impacting the company's outlook? - Management noted that strategic leasing of high-quality farms is expected to lower planting costs in the future [78]

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]