Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported a net loss of $72.2 million or $1.09 per share, compared to a loss of $24.4 million or $0.38 per share in Q2 2024, reflecting a significant increase in losses [16][19] - Revenue for the quarter was $552.8 million, down 10.7% year-over-year, primarily due to exiting ethanol marketing and placing the Fairmont ethanol asset on care and maintenance [18][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $16.4 million, compared to $5 million in Q2 2024, indicating improved operational performance despite the overall revenue decline [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has focused on core operations and has executed several non-core asset sales, including the GP Ferrelson joint venture, which has improved liquidity and operational focus [12][13] - The operational execution has led to 99% capacity utilization across the fleet of operating assets, with the highest ethanol yields in company history [24][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market has seen improvements due to strong ethanol exports and supportive policies regarding renewable volume obligations, which have expanded ethanol crush margins [29][30] - The company is currently 65% crushed for Q3, indicating strong operational performance and market conditions [29][100] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is narrowing its focus to core operations and enhancing profitability through a carbon strategy, with significant progress in constructing CCS infrastructure [9][10] - The recent legislation, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, has extended the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit through 2029, positively impacting the company's strategic investments [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to improve profitability and cash flows, particularly with the anticipated startup of carbon monetization in Q4 2025 [33][39] - The company expects to achieve an annualized EBITDA contribution of over $150 million from its decarbonization strategy by 2026 [12][49] Other Important Information - The company has successfully extended the maturity of its junior mezzanine notes and is evaluating various financing solutions to support long-term growth [14][15] - Continuous improvement initiatives have led to a $50 million cost reduction target being met, with further efficiencies being identified [12][34] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you help frame the EBITDA potential in the back half of the year and into 2026? - Management indicated a stronger EBITDA margin outlook supported by rising corn oil prices and strong ethanol exports, with carbon monetization expected to contribute $20-25 million in Q4 [39] Question: What was the thought process behind the sale of the stake in the Darrelson JV? - The asset was deemed non-core, and data-driven decisions indicated it was sensible to exit at this time [41][42] Question: Can you clarify cash flows and the impact of RIN sales? - The $22.6 million from RIN sales was included in operating cash, and the proceeds from the Darrelson sale were collected in July, contributing positively to Q3 cash flow [46][47] Question: What is the expected impact of the 45Z credits? - The carbon opportunity has increased to $150 million for 2026 due to favorable policy changes, with all plants expected to qualify for the 45Z tax credits [49][51] Question: How should investors think about the capital structure and cash flows from carbon monetization? - Significant cash flows from carbon monetization are expected to accrue directly to the company, providing free cash flows for capital allocation [55][58] Question: What is the current state of the export market? - The export market is strong, with projections to reach 2.1 billion gallons, supported by increased demand from Canada, India, and the EU [108][110]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA improved by nearly $6,000,000 compared to the previous year, reflecting successful productivity initiatives [6] - Consolidated net loss was $11,300,000 for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $3,400,000 in Q2 2024, primarily due to higher unrealized non-cash derivative losses and lower crush margins [21] - Net sales were $218,000,000, which is $18,000,000 lower than the prior year due to fewer gallons sold and lower average prices [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sold 86,700,000 gallons compared to 95,100,000 gallons in the same quarter last year, reflecting a rationalization of unprofitable business [17] - Gross profit improved by $5,600,000 at Western facilities, with the addition of the Alto Carbonic Liquid CO2 Processing Facility contributing to a $3,000,000 improvement at the Columbia plant [21] - The Marketing and Distribution segment improved due to the integration of bulk volume customers and transitioning away from low-return businesses [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The annual uptick in demand from the summer driving season helped lift ethanol prices and improved crush spreads, with market crush averaging $0.30 per gallon for July [14][18] - The 45Z credit extensions through 2029 and new eligibility restrictions are expected to benefit domestic renewable fuel production [11] - Current carbon intensity scores indicate that Columbia will qualify for 10¢ per gallon for 2025 and up to 20¢ for 2026, equating to approximately $4,000,000 in 2025 and $8,000,000 in 2026 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on short-term projects with immediate returns while laying groundwork for longer-term capital-intensive projects [7] - Evaluating projects to lower carbon intensity and capture benefits from 45Z regulations, as well as improving efficiency and productivity [7][24] - The regulatory environment is seen as positive, creating opportunities for the company to capitalize on [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operational improvements and the potential for positive margins for the remainder of the summer [14] - The company is working on alternatives for CO2 sequestration following regulatory changes and is focused on optimizing the value of CO2 production [7][11] - Management highlighted the importance of repairing the dock to restore operational efficiency and capitalize on European sales opportunities [29] Other Important Information - The company has rightsized corporate overhead to align with its current footprint, aiming for annual savings of approximately $8,000,000 [9] - The annual meeting of stockholders resulted in the election of two new board members and the appointment of a new Chairman and Vice Chair [16] - The company is actively working with Guggenheim on Western asset optimization and monetization plans [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for operational benefits from the Carbonic acquisition - Management indicated that there is still substantial capacity for growth at the Carbonic facility, with room to increase production [27][28] Question: Impact of dock damage on export strategy to Europe - Management confirmed that while dock damage has created challenges, they have developed workarounds and are exceeding initial sales projections for Europe [29][30] Question: Clarification on the Eagle Alcohol improvement - Management clarified that the $1,100,000 improvement was a one-time event related to deferred acquisition costs [34] Question: Further reductions in SG&A - Management noted ongoing efforts to scrutinize spending and negotiate better terms with suppliers, which collectively will have a meaningful impact [36] Question: Details on the Western asset monetization process - Management stated that they are in discussions with prospective buyers and evaluating opportunities, with the process taking time due to the unique nature of the assets [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, net sales were $227 million, a decrease of $14 million compared to Q1 2024, attributed to various factors including operational decisions [18] - The average sales price per gallon increased to $1.93 in Q1 2025 from $1.86 in Q1 2024, reflecting improved domestic market prices for ethanol [18] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to negative $4.4 million from negative $7.1 million in Q1 2024, indicating operational improvements [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold 89.6 million gallons in Q1 2025, down from 99 million gallons in Q1 2024, due to idling the Magic Valley facility [18] - ISCC certified renewable fuel sales increased, providing a $1.4 million benefit from premium pricing compared to domestic renewable fuel sales [19] - The Columbia facility's performance improved by $2.9 million compared to Q1 2024, benefiting from the integration of Alto Carbonic [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Seasonal market patterns in 2025 showed improved crush margins each month during Q1, although high inventory levels limited margin expansion [12] - The company noted that without a significant reduction in ethanol supply, substantial improvements in crush spreads may be constrained [13] - The recent E15 fuel waiver by the EPA is expected to positively impact ethanol demand, particularly in California [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying revenue streams and mitigating commodity volatility through initiatives in beverage-grade CO2 and ISCC renewable fuel [23][24] - Regulatory developments, such as the potential national adoption of year-round E15, are seen as opportunities for industry growth [25] - The company is actively evaluating alternatives for revenue streams and optimizing its operations to drive long-term shareholder value [25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about margin improvements with increased demand expected from the summer driving season, despite concerns over tariffs and export uncertainties [13] - The company is assessing the long-term impact of Illinois legislation on CO2 sequestration and is working with state leaders to address potential legal challenges [17] - Management highlighted the importance of optimizing feedstock sourcing to improve the viability of the Magic Valley facility in the future [46] Other Important Information - The company expects to save approximately $8 million annually from workforce reductions, with benefits starting in Q2 2025 [8][29] - A temporary load dock was damaged due to rising river levels, impacting production and logistics, with ongoing assessments for long-term remediation [11][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Was the acquisition of the liquid CO2 facility accretive during the first quarter? - Yes, the integration of the Columbia facility and Carbonic has already shown significant positive benefits, improving operations by $2.9 million compared to Q1 2024 [27][28] Question: Will the $8 million in annual savings come from operating expenses or cost of goods sold? - The savings will come from a 13% reduction in both cost of goods sold and SG&A expenses, expected to be realized in Q2 2025 [29] Question: What impact might the Illinois bill have on CO2 sequestration plans? - The bill could require relocating drilling sites, which would necessitate amending existing permits [30][32] Question: What was the estimated cost of the temporary solution for the damaged load dock? - The company is currently assessing long-term remediation options and working with insurance to mitigate financial impacts [35] Question: What conditions would justify a restart at the Magic Valley facility? - Significant changes in corn prices and feedstock sourcing would need to occur for a restart to be considered viable [46]

Core Viewpoint - The stock market is experiencing volatility due to U.S. tariffs and global trade tensions, with the S&P 500 down over 8% for the year [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - U.S. tariffs on imports from major partners like China have reached as high as 145%, while China has imposed 84% duties on U.S. products [1] - Ongoing inflation pressures and concerns about a potential recession or stagflation are contributing to market uncertainty [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on relative price strength, identifying stocks that outperform their peers even in volatile conditions [2] - Stocks that have shown better performance than the S&P 500 over the last 1 to 3 months, combined with solid fundamentals, indicate potential for growth [6] Group 3: Recommended Stocks - IHS Holding Limited (IHS) is highlighted for its strong growth potential, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating 114.7% growth for 2025 earnings and a market cap of $1.6 billion [10][11] - Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (ATLC) is noted for a 29.4% growth estimate for 2025 earnings and a significant share price increase of 110.5% over the past year [12][13] - REX American Resources Corporation (REX) has a market cap of $676.4 million and a 15.7% upward revision in earnings estimates for fiscal 2026, despite a 31.3% decline in share price over the past year [14][15] - Fresenius Medical Care AG (FMS) is recognized for a 27.1% growth estimate for 2025 earnings and a share price increase of 31.8% in the last year [16][17] Group 4: Screening Parameters - Stocks are screened based on relative price changes over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, as well as positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks are considered, which have historically outperformed the S&P 500 [9]