Core Insights - The European Union (EU) has committed to investing at least €3.3 billion over the next two years to support the decarbonization of the aviation and shipping industries, focusing on the development of renewable and low-carbon fuel production systems [1][3] - The demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is primarily driven by policy, with a target of 2% SAF blending by 2025 and a long-term goal of 70% by 2050 [1][2] - The price of high-end SAF in China has increased by 47.22% from $1,800/ton at the beginning of the year to $2,650/ton as of November 10 [1][7] Industry Demand and Policy - The EU has established comprehensive SAF application targets and carbon reduction goals, with the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation mandating a 2% SAF blending requirement starting in 2025 [2] - IATA projects that SAF demand will rise significantly from approximately 1 million tons in 2024 to 18 million tons by 2030, reaching 350 million tons by 2050 [2] - By 2035, the EU will require about 20 million tons of sustainable alternative fuels, necessitating an investment of approximately €100 billion to meet this demand [2] Investment and Market Confidence - The EU's Sustainable Transport Investment Plan aims to reduce carbon emissions from transportation by 90% by 2050, requiring an investment of around €100 billion, with 60% allocated to aviation fuels [3][4] - The plan includes various funding initiatives, such as €2 billion for developing sustainable alternative fuels and €300 million from the European Hydrogen Bank to support sustainable aviation and shipping fuels [3][4] Market Dynamics and Price Trends - The high cost of SAF compared to traditional jet fuel has led to a general reluctance among airlines to adopt SAF, with major airlines requesting more time to comply with SAF blending mandates [5][6] - As of November 10, the average price of used cooking oil (UCO) in China was 6,448 yuan/ton, reflecting a 17.24% increase from the beginning of the year, driven by the scarcity of SAF raw materials [7] - Neste, a leading renewable fuel company, reported a significant increase in its third-quarter revenue and production, with total renewable fuel production reaching 113.3 million tons and EBITDA growing over 150% year-on-year [8] Investment Recommendations - Companies such as Jiaao Environmental Protection and Zhuoyue New Energy are highlighted as key players in the SAF market, with Jiaao Environmental Protection being a leading domestic SAF producer with a capacity of 500,000 tons [9]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, indicating expected performance above the market average [2][29]. Core Insights - The European Union (EU) has launched a €3.3 billion investment plan to support the decarbonization of the aviation and shipping sectors, focusing on the development of renewable and low-carbon fuel production systems [3][10]. - The demand for SAF is primarily driven by policy initiatives, with the EU aiming for a 2% blending target by 2025 and a long-term goal of 70% by 2050. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects SAF demand to reach 358 million tons by 2050, indicating significant growth potential [4][6]. - The EU's ambitious decarbonization goals require an estimated €100 billion investment by 2035 to meet future SAF demand, with the recent investment plan signaling a commitment to stabilize investor confidence and expand the renewable fuel production and usage [4][10][14]. Summary by Sections Investment Plan and Policy Framework - The EU's Sustainable Transport Investment Plan outlines a roadmap for promoting the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels, aiming for a 90% reduction in transport-related carbon emissions by 2050. The plan includes a target of 20% SAF blending by 2035 and requires approximately €100 billion in investments, with 60% allocated to aviation fuels [10][14]. - The plan also establishes a mechanism to stabilize returns for producers and reduce investment risks, enhancing international cooperation to boost global renewable fuel production [16] Market Dynamics and Pricing - SAF prices have surged due to high production costs compared to traditional jet fuel, with the price of high-end SAF in China reaching $2,650 per ton as of November 10, 2023, a 47.22% increase from the beginning of the year [4][18]. - The scarcity of SAF raw materials, such as used cooking oil (UCO), is expected to sustain high market demand and pricing, as the EU's mandatory blending targets remain unchanged [4][18]. Company Recommendations - The report recommends investing in 嘉澳环保 (Jiaao Environmental Protection) and 卓越新能 (Zhuoyue New Energy). Jiaao Environmental Protection is a leading domestic SAF producer with a capacity of 500,000 tons and has received export approval. Zhuoyue New Energy is a major biodiesel producer with plans to expand its SAF production capacity [5][23]. Financial Performance - Companies in the renewable fuel sector, such as Neste, have reported significant growth in their operations, with a notable increase in production and sales volumes, reflecting the rising demand and prices for renewable fuels [20].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, indicating expected performance above the market average [2][29]. Core Insights - The European Union (EU) has launched a €3.3 billion investment plan to support the decarbonization of the aviation and shipping sectors, focusing on the development of renewable and low-carbon fuel production systems [3][10]. - The demand for SAF is primarily driven by policy initiatives, with the EU aiming for a 2% blending target by 2025 and a long-term goal of 70% by 2050. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects SAF demand to reach 358 million tons by 2050, indicating significant growth potential [4][6]. - The EU's ambitious decarbonization goals necessitate an estimated €100 billion investment by 2035 to meet future SAF demand, with the recent investment plan signaling a commitment to stabilize investor confidence [4][10]. Summary by Sections Investment Plan and Policy Framework - The EU's Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) outlines a roadmap for promoting the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels, aiming for a 90% reduction in transport-related carbon emissions by 2050 [10][14]. - The plan includes specific investment allocations, such as €2 billion for developing sustainable alternative fuels and €1.53 billion for synthetic aviation fuels [14][16]. Market Dynamics and Pricing - SAF prices have surged due to high production costs compared to traditional jet fuel, with the price of high-end SAF in China reaching $2,650 per ton as of November 10, 2023, a 47.22% increase from the beginning of the year [4][18]. - The scarcity of SAF raw materials, such as used cooking oil (UCO), is expected to sustain high market demand and pricing [4][18]. Company Recommendations - The report recommends investing in companies like Jiaao Environmental and Excellent New Energy, which are positioned as leaders in the SAF market with significant production capacities [5][23]. - Jiaao Environmental has a SAF production capacity of 500,000 tons and has received export licenses, while Excellent New Energy is expanding its biodiesel and SAF production capabilities [5][23].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross profit increased by $18 million, net income improved by $17 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew by $9 million compared to Q3 2024 [5][17] - Net sales were $241 million, which is $11 million lower than the prior year, reflecting fewer gallons sold (89 million in Q3 2025 compared to 97 million in Q3 2024) [13][17] - Consolidated net income was $13.9 million or $0.19 per share for Q3 2025, improving by $16.6 million compared to Q3 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the marketing and distribution segment, gross profit was $23.5 million, an increase of $17.5 million compared to the prior year [13] - Essential ingredients return improved to 53% from 43%, reflecting a strong rebound in corn oil pricing and a shift in production mix [14] - Alto Carbonic contributed nearly $2 million this quarter, bringing the Western production segment's gross profit to $1.5 million, up $3.8 million over Q3 2024 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fuel ethanol export market and related pricing were stronger than the domestic market, leading to increased production and sales in the export market [10] - The newly signed California Assembly Bill 30 authorizing E15 fuel sales year-round in California is expected to unlock significant demand for domestically produced ethanol, potentially adding over 600 million additional gallons per year [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lower its carbon intensity score to capture more benefits from Section 45Z tax regulations and increase CO2 utilization at its facilities [6][20] - The strategy includes prioritizing shorter-term projects based on cost, timing, and projected ROI to pave the way for incremental profitability [5][19] - The company is considering options for other liquid CO2 facilities due to rising demand, particularly in Oregon and neighboring states [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to generate Section 45Z tax credits on ethanol production and highlighted the improved intrinsic value of facilities due to recent updates [8][20] - The company remains focused on improving operational efficiency and throughput while targeting growth in high-return market segments [19][20] - Management noted that the fundamentals around the Magic Valley facility have changed positively, allowing for a potential reassessment of its operations [33] Other Important Information - SG&A expenses improved by $1 million to $6.5 million due to right-sizing staffing levels and reduced costs related to the Eagle Alcohol acquisition [17] - The company generated $22.8 million in cash flow from operations during Q3 2025 [18] - The dock outage resulted in $800,000 in business interruption and additional logistical costs, with plans to build a second alcohol loadout dock to mitigate future interruptions [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Initiatives to increase 45Z capture - Management is assessing low-investment options to improve 45Z capture but is reluctant to share specific details until more certainty is achieved [25][26] Question: Potential for Magic Valley to restart operations - Management is evaluating the highest and best use for the Magic Valley asset, considering the improved demand for CO2 and the potential for it to produce more than the Columbia plant [33][35] Question: Details on locked-in export sales - Management confirmed that they have locked in export volumes, which provides stability during seasonal lows in demand [38][41] Question: European exports and production limitations - The company is selling a combination of high-quality products and essential ingredients to Europe, with potential to pivot to selling more renewable fuel into that market [49][50] Question: Dock repair costs and insurance coverage - Management is working with their insurance carrier to determine coverage for the new dock and repairs to the original dock, with a focus on mitigating business interruption [58] Question: Future SG&A expectations - Management expects the benefits from cost-saving initiatives to continue, indicating that current SG&A levels are sustainable [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $20 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $29 million, or $0.84 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to adjusted net income of $25 million, or $0.72 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [8] - Revenues increased slightly due to the addition of Skyland, despite lower overall commodity prices [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $78 million, down from $97 million in 2024 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness segment reported adjusted pre-tax income of $2 million, down from $19 million in Q3 2024, with adjusted EBITDA of $29 million compared to $45 million in 2024 [11][12] - Renewables segment generated adjusted pre-tax income of $46 million, up from $26 million in Q3 2024, with adjusted EBITDA of $67 million compared to $63 million last year [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The egg cycle remains in a trough due to abundant domestic supply and trade policy uncertainty, impacting export trade flows for some commodities [6] - Fertilizer business saw improved margins and volume in a typically quiet quarter, indicating potential for better results in the next planting season [12][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth in renewable fuels and agribusiness, with investments in facility expansions and improvements [4][5] - Plans include two significant long-term construction projects expected to be operational in 2026, including soybean meal export capacity and a mineral processing plant [5] - The company is evaluating additional capital investments and M&A opportunities due to current economic pressures [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects a reduction in corn prices as harvest progresses and anticipates record production across the grain belt despite lower yield expectations [15][17] - Clarity on trade policy is expected to improve merchandising and sales opportunities, with a focus on integrating agribusiness segments and optimizing the portfolio [18] - The company aims to reach a run rate EPS of $4.30 by 2026, driven by improved agribusiness results and increased ethanol plant ownership [19] Other Important Information - The company generated cash flow from operations of $68 million in Q3 2025, down from $86 million in Q3 2024, with a cash balance of $82 million at the end of the quarter [9][10] - Capital spending for Q3 was $67 million, with expectations of approximately $200 million for the year, primarily for growth projects [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 45Z tax credits and future expectations - Management expects a $10-$15 million EBITDA benefit from 45Z tax credits for Q4 2025, with further guidance on 2026 to be provided at the investor day [22][23] Question: Impact of trade policy clarity on agribusiness - Management indicated that clarity on trade policy could lead to immediate benefits, particularly in sorghum exports, but guidance on earnings normalization cannot be provided until purchases are confirmed [24][26] Question: Ethanol demand and margin outlook - Management noted that while board crush margins have decreased, the overall ethanol margins may not necessarily be down due to regional variations and reduced corn basis levels [30][33] Question: Future M&A opportunities - Management emphasized a disciplined approach to capital allocation and indicated that expected cash flows from tax credits may allow for larger M&A projects in the future [34][35] Question: Fertilizer business outlook - Management reported improved volumes and margins in the fertilizer business, with cautious optimism from farmers regarding input spending for the next marketing year [43][44]

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 [10] - Gross margins improved to 24.7% for the quarter, compared to 22.1% last year [10][15] - Overall net income was $19.4 million for the quarter, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $16.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for 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 of $1 billion versus $928 million [10] - The food segment saw total sales of $381 million, higher than $357 million in Q3 2024, with gross margins at 27.5% compared to 23.9% a year ago [11] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported a negative EBITDA of $3 million for the quarter, down from positive $39 million in Q3 2024 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global rendering volumes and margins were up both sequentially and year-over-year, driven by strong demand for fats and proteins [6] - In the U.S., robust demand for domestic fats supported by strong agriculture and energy policy helped boost revenue and margins [8] - Export protein demand is showing signs of recovery, with slightly firmer pricing trends emerging [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 public policy that will strengthen American agriculture and energy leadership, which is expected to enhance DGD's earnings potential [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 [5] - There is optimism regarding the resolution of regulatory uncertainties, particularly around the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) [22] - The management highlighted that the current uncertainty around public policy impacts the fuel segment, leading to a cautious outlook [17][64] Other Important Information - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, yielding an effective tax rate of -6.3% [16] - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion, with expectations for a decrease by year-end as cash is generated from the core business [15] 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, potentially meeting guidance [24] Question: Benefits of REMS policy protectionism on feed side - 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] Question: Factors driving improvement in feed segment margins - Management highlighted improved feedstock prices and strong demand for protein products as key drivers for margin improvement [42] Question: RIN pricing scenarios and industry outlook - Management indicated that RIN prices may need to increase by approximately $0.40 to incentivize production to meet mandates for 2026 [50] Question: Restarting DGD1 - Management stated that DGD1 will only restart when soybean oil margins are profitable enough to justify the costs [79] Question: Outlook for food segment - Management expects a stronger Q4 for the food segment, driven by a rebound in hydrolyzed collagen business and new product launches [82]

Core Viewpoint - Gevo's stock price increased by 4.7% following the announcement of a $1.46 billion loan commitment extension from the U.S. Department of Energy for its sustainable aviation fuel project [1] Company Summary - Gevo is a renewable fuel technology development company focused on sustainable aviation fuel [1] - The loan extension allows Gevo to explore project adjustments, including the construction of low-cost aviation fuel production facilities to meet energy policy requirements [1]

Summary of Darling Ingredients Conference Call Company Overview - Darling Ingredients is a global leader in rendering biofuels and food ingredients, with significant transformations in its business model through strategic acquisitions, capacity expansions, and the Diamond Green Diesel joint venture [1] Industry Insights - The regulatory environment is currently in a transition phase, with potential changes in decarbonization policies and support for the agriculture community [2][3] - The Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) is expected to return, with projections around 5.25 billion gallons, which is constructive for both Darling and American agriculture [5][6] - The company processes approximately 15% to 18% of the world's slaughtered animal byproducts into fats and proteins, indicating a strong position in the market [9] Key Regulatory Developments - The 45Z tax credit is being extended, which is beneficial for producers and the agriculture sector [4] - The RVO is anticipated to increase significantly, which will require additional feedstock supply, potentially impacting prices positively [12][18] - Concerns about imports affecting domestic prices and the RINs market were raised, emphasizing the need for careful management of feedstock regulations [22][24] Financial Performance and Projections - The first quarter results were weaker than expected, but the company remains optimistic about future performance, particularly in the second half of the year [41][65] - The feed segment is expected to see improved margins as fat prices recover, with projections of $950 million in run rate without further price increases [41][66] - The company anticipates a core business EBITDA of approximately $1.8 to $2 billion, excluding future growth from new initiatives [73][74] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is expected to be a significant growth driver [30][38] - A joint venture in the food segment aims to enhance product offerings and market reach, with a focus on high-margin specialty ingredients [47][56] - The NexTata platform is being developed to capitalize on health and wellness trends, with a strong growth trajectory anticipated [60][62] Market Dynamics - The company is optimistic about the long-term demand for animal-based protein, particularly in emerging markets like South America [68] - M&A activity is viewed as opportunistic, with a focus on improving the balance sheet before pursuing acquisitions [70][71] Conclusion - Darling Ingredients is well-positioned to leverage regulatory changes and market dynamics to enhance its growth potential, particularly through its SAF initiatives and strategic partnerships in the food segment [1][30][56]