CUPERTINO, Calif., March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a diversified renewable natural gas and biofuels company, announced that its CEO, Eric McAfee, was awarded the 2026 William C. Holmberg Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Bioeconomy. McAfee received the award and delivered the Holmberg Memorial Address acceptance speech during a ceremony on March 19, 2026, at the annual Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., hosted by Biofuels Digest, the mos ...

The combined technology and expertise of Verity and CIBO are expected to connect farm-level data to fuel production, enabling auditable carbon intensity calculations and streamlined compliance with emerging clean fuel programs.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and MINNEAPOLIS, March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verity Holdings, LLC (“Verity”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), and CIBO Technologies, Inc. (“CIBO”), a leading data and analytics platform for agriculture, today announced a strategic partne ...

Core Insights - Aemetis, Inc. is a significant player in the biofuels industry, focusing on renewable fuels and chemicals [1] Financial Performance - Aemetis reported a quarterly loss of $0.24 per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a $0.27 loss, indicating an improvement from the previous year's loss of $0.36 per share, resulting in a positive surprise of 11.11% [2][6] - The company reported revenues of $43.31 million for the quarter ending December 2025, which was 37.6% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a decline from $47 million reported in the previous year, highlighting ongoing challenges in meeting revenue expectations [3] Stock Performance - The stock price of AMTX increased by 21.10%, rising to $1.87, with fluctuations between a low of $1.49 and a high of $1.88 during the day [4][6] - Over the past year, AMTX has experienced a high of $3.66 and a low of $1.22, indicating significant market volatility [4] - Aemetis has a market capitalization of approximately $123.5 million and a trading volume of 2,084,075 shares, reflecting its notable presence in the biofuels sector [5]

Core Insights - Aemetis reported a quarterly loss of $0.24 per share, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.27, and an improvement from a loss of $0.36 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +11.11% [1] - The company posted revenues of $43.31 million for the quarter ended December 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 37.6% and down from $47 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Aemetis shares have increased by approximately 10.8% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 1% decline in the S&P 500 [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.20 on revenues of $95.45 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.54 on revenues of $456.85 million [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Aemetis was mixed prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Biofuels industry, to which Aemetis belongs, is currently ranked in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting that companies in the top half of the Zacks-ranked industries tend to outperform those in the bottom half by more than 2 to 1 [8]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, combined adjusted EBITDA was $336.1 million, up from $289 million in Q4 2024 and $245 million in the previous quarter [11] - Total net sales for Q4 2025 reached $1.7 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in Q4 2024 [11] - Gross margins improved to 25.1% in Q4 2025 from 23.5% in Q4 2024 [12] - For the full year 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, an increase from $790 million in 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the feed ingredients segment, Q4 EBITDA improved to $193 million from $150 million a year ago, with total sales of $1.13 billion compared to $924 million [12] - The food segment saw total sales for Q4 2025 at $429 million, up from $362 million in Q4 2024, with EBITDA increasing to $82 million from $64 million [13][14] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), delivered $57.9 million of EBITDA in Q4 2025, marking its strongest quarter of the year [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., demand for domestic fats 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 of EBITDA, reinforcing its position as the lowest cost operator [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the world's largest and most profitable processor of animal byproducts, focusing on core strengths and operational excellence [5] - Strategic acquisitions are being pursued, including a stalking horse bid for three rendering facilities in Brazil, which are expected to enhance operational capabilities [10] - The company is open to opportunities that strengthen its core business, potentially leading to asset sales in the near future [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing positive global demand trends and a favorable policy backdrop for renewable fuels [8][20] - The company anticipates a modest pullback in Q1 2026 but expects core ingredients adjusted EBITDA to range between $240 million and $250 million [22] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for future growth [90] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion at year-end 2025, down from $4 billion at the end of 2024 [17] - 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 amounted to $58 million in Q4 2025 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on DGD margins and potential RVO impact - Management indicated that guidance on DGD will depend on clarity regarding the RVO, with strong results expected to carry into Q1 [29] Question: Sensitivity of feed business to RVO changes - Management noted that the feed business is sensitive to policy changes, with supportive policies likely benefiting rendering businesses in the U.S. and Canada [30] 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 [34] Question: Expectations for food business EBITDA - Management expressed confidence in the collagen and gelatin business, expecting a strong year ahead due to rebounding demand [36] Question: RVO expectations and LCFS market dynamics - Management supports an RVO for advanced biofuels translating to 5.25 billion gallons, which would be constructive for margins [41] Question: Potential for asset sales - Management indicated that asset sales would be opportunistic, focusing on areas where the company has core capabilities [71]

Core Insights - Mercuria Energy Group is in advanced negotiations to acquire a refinery and hundreds of fuel retail stations in Argentina from Raízen, a Brazilian biofuels producer facing financial difficulties [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The deal value is expected to exceed $1 billion, although no binding agreement has been signed yet [2] - Negotiations have progressed significantly, with a potential finalization of the transaction soon, but risks remain that it could still fall through [2][3] Group 2: Raízen's Financial Situation - Raízen has been under financial pressure, posting heavy quarterly losses and accumulating high debt levels, leading to a selloff in its bonds and multiple credit downgrades [4][5] - Fitch Ratings downgraded Raízen's rating to "B" and then to "CCC," while S&P Global Ratings rated it "CCC+" due to concerns over liquidity and refinancing risks [5] Group 3: Industry Context - The acquisition would enhance Mercuria's downstream presence in South America, as trading houses are increasingly seeking control over refining and retail assets to secure margins amid volatile energy markets [6]

Core Insights - The company has achieved significant operational improvements, resulting in a Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $49.1 million, an increase of over $67 million compared to the previous year [1][11] - The company is benefiting from the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, generating $27.7 million in Q4, which is contributing to the overall financial performance [1][11] - The company has increased production capacities across several facilities, with a new total capacity of 730 million gallons per year, reflecting a 10% increase [2][3] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $11.9 million, compared to a net loss of $54.9 million in Q4 2024 [10] - Revenue for Q4 was $428.8 million, down 26.6% year-over-year, primarily due to the sale of the Obion plant and idling of the Fairmont facility [12] - SG&A expenses totaled $22.9 million, a decrease of $2.8 million from the previous year, indicating effective cost management [12] Production and Capacity - The company has increased production capacities at several facilities, with Central City and Wood River now at 120 million gallons per year each, and other plants adjusted accordingly [2] - The start-up of CO2 compression equipment at Nebraska plants has made carbon capture fully operational, contributing to lower carbon intensity scores [2][3] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on five strategic priorities, including improving energy efficiency, evaluating carbon sequestration opportunities, and expanding grain storage capabilities [21][22] - The introduction of new leadership in finance and legal functions aims to enhance governance and strategic transactions [8] Market Outlook - The company anticipates that carbon-related opportunities could generate at least $188 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2026, subject to production volumes and carbon intensity factors [5][36] - Strong export demand for ethanol and a record corn crop are expected to support the company's market position [6][17] Regulatory Environment - The release of proposed 45C clean fuel production credit regulations is seen as a positive development for the industry, providing clarity and supporting decarbonization efforts [7] - The company is actively marketing its 2026 tax credits and expects to announce agreements soon, reflecting strong interest from counterparties [5][25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $11.9 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $54.9 million, or -$0.86 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $49.1 million, an improvement of over $67 million compared to Q4 2024's adjusted EBITDA of -$18.2 million [7][13] - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $428.8 million, down 26.6% year-over-year, primarily due to the sale of the Obion plant and idling of the Fairmont facility [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The production capacity for plants, excluding Fairmont, was increased to 730 million gallons per year, a 10% increase from the previous capacity [5] - The startup of CO2 compression equipment at three Nebraska plants was highlighted, with carbon capture now fully operational [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ethanol margins remained resilient in Q4 2025, supported by strong domestic blending and export demand [20] - Ethanol exports set a record last year, and demand is expected to increase again in 2026 [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on five strategic priorities: improving energy efficiency, evaluating carbon sequestration opportunities, expanding facilities, increasing grain storage, and balancing capital structure [24] - The company aims to capitalize on carbon decarbonization programs and operational excellence while maintaining a disciplined hedging strategy [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational execution and the potential for carbon-related earnings, projecting at least $188 million of adjusted EBITDA from carbon initiatives in 2026 [8][9] - The company is optimistic about the ethanol market, citing strong bipartisan support for biofuels and favorable policy developments [9][10] Other Important Information - The company refinanced a majority of its 2027 convertible notes with a new $200 million convertible note due in 2030 [13] - The company has a federal net operating loss balance of $2,260.2 million, providing future tax efficiency [18] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Interest in 2026 45Z credits - Management is actively marketing the 2026 45Z credits and is confident in the platform's ability to deliver credits going forward [28] Question: Cash flow from operations vs. EBITDA - The lower cash flow from operations was due to not fully receiving cash from carbon earnings, with a portion expected in Q1 [34] Question: Q1 ethanol EBITDA outlook - The company expects a better position compared to the previous year, with operational efficiency and favorable market fundamentals [36] Question: Clarification on carbon efficiency projects - The $5-$10 million efficiency projects are separate from the $15-$25 million in capital expenditures for maintenance [46] Question: CI score and on-farm practices - The company is optimistic about capturing value from on-farm practices, which could positively impact the CI score [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $11.9 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $54.9 million, or -$0.86 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $49.1 million, an improvement of over $67 million compared to Q4 2024's adjusted EBITDA of -$18.2 million [6][13] - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $428.8 million, down 26.6% year-over-year due to the impact of the Obion plant sale and idling of the Fairmont facility [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company increased its maximum production capacity to 730 million gallons per year, a 10% increase from the previous capacity [5] - Four plants reached historical production volumes, and seven plants achieved record ethanol yields [4] - The startup of CO2 compression equipment at three Nebraska plants is now fully operational, contributing to cash flow and lowering carbon intensity (CI) scores [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ethanol margins remained resilient in Q4 2025 due to strong domestic blending and export demand, supported by a record corn crop [20] - Ethanol exports set a record last year, with expectations for increased demand in 2026 [21] - Corn oil markets remained steady, contributing positively to gross margins, while protein pricing faced pressure [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on five strategic priorities: improving energy efficiency, evaluating carbon sequestration opportunities, debottlenecking or expanding facilities, increasing on-site grain storage, and balancing capital structure [23][24] - The company aims to be a low-cost, low-carbon biofuels producer, with ongoing projects to reduce energy consumption and operational costs [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational execution and the potential for carbon monetization, with expectations of at least $188 million of adjusted EBITDA from carbon-related activities in 2026 [8][9] - The company is optimistic about the regulatory environment supporting biofuels and the potential for year-round E15 adoption [9][62] Other Important Information - The company refinanced a majority of its 2027 convertible notes through a new $200 million convertible note due in 2030 [13] - Consolidated liquidity at the end of the quarter included $230.1 million in cash equivalents and restricted cash, with $325 million in working capital revolver availability [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest in 2026 45Z credits - Management confirmed active marketing of 2026 45Z credits and expressed confidence in the platform's ability to deliver credits [28] Question: Upside potential for carbon opportunities - Management indicated numerous plant efficiency projects with fast returns and potential for additional investments to lower energy consumption [29][30] Question: Q4 cash flow from operations - Management explained that Q4 cash flow was lower than EBITDA due to timing of cash receipts from carbon earnings and accelerated receivables [33] Question: Q1 ethanol EBITDA outlook - Management noted that while Q1 is typically a low point, the company is in a better position compared to the previous year, with strong operational efficiency [35] Question: CI score and potential improvements - Management discussed the potential for further reductions in CI scores due to new guidance and ongoing projects [51][52]