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]

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 Q3 2025 [11][12] - Total net sales for Q4 2025 were $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 [12] - For the full year 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, up from $790 million in 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the feed segment, Q4 2025 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 reach $429 million, up from $362 million in Q4 2024, with EBITDA increasing to $82 million from $64 million [13] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), delivered $57.9 million of EBITDA in Q4 2025, marking its strongest quarter of the year [6][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., demand for domestic fats remains robust, supported by favorable agricultural and energy policies [6] - Internationally, the global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil showed solid year-over-year growth [6] - DGD sold approximately 1 billion gallons in 2025, earning $103.7 million of EBITDA, reinforcing its position as the lowest cost operator [7] 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 [4] - The company is open to opportunities that strengthen its core business, including potential asset sales and acquisitions, such as the stalking horse bid for rendering facilities in Brazil [9][71] - The company is optimistic about the policy backdrop for renewable fuels, which is expected to enhance DGD's earning potential [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertainties from evolving renewables public policy and trade-related challenges but emphasized a commitment to operational fundamentals [4] - The company is optimistic about 2026, expecting positive global demand trends and improved margins in the fuel segment [6][20] - Management anticipates that DGD will produce about 260 million gallons in Q1 2026 at improved margins [20] 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] - Total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion at year-end 2025, down from $4 billion at the end of 2024 [16] - Capital expenditures totaled $156 million in Q4 2025 and $380 million for the fiscal year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for DGD margins and potential inclusion in future guidance - Management indicated that future guidance for DGD will depend on clarity regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) [26][28] Question: Sensitivity of the feed business to RVO changes - Management noted that the feed business is sensitive to policy changes, particularly regarding tariffs and feedstock values [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 [31][32] 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 [34] Question: RVO expectations and implications for Darling - Management supports an RVO for advanced biofuels translating to 5.25 billion gallons or more, which would be constructive for margins [40] Question: Potential for incremental asset sales - Management indicated that asset sales would be opportunistic and based on fair market value assessments [71]

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 Q3 2025 was $245 million, compared to $237 million in Q3 2024 and $250 million in the previous quarter [12] - Total net sales for the quarter were $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion year-over-year [12] - Gross margins improved to 24.7% for the quarter, compared to 22.1% a year ago [12] 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 [12] - 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% [13] - The Fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported a negative EBITDA of $3 million, down from a positive $39 million in Q3 2024 [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 [8] - Export protein demand is showing signs of recovery, although tariff implications have impacted value-added poultry protein products [9] - The renewables market faced headwinds due to higher feedstock costs and lower RINs and LCFS pricing [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its integrated model, which is seen as a competitive advantage in the industry [6] - Management is optimistic about the rollout of public policy aimed at enhancing American agriculture and energy leadership, which is expected to boost DGD's earnings potential [11] - The company plans to provide financial guidance exclusively for its core ingredients business, expecting EBITDA in the range of $875 million to $900 million for the full year 2025 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged short-term uncertainty in the renewables market due to delays in the renewable volume obligation (RVO) ruling [7] - The company remains confident that pressures in the renewables segment are temporary and anticipates a positive shift in the market [10] - Management expressed optimism about the core ingredients business, expecting continued strong performance despite challenges in the renewables segment [20] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion as of September 27, 2025, compared to $3.97 billion at the end of 2024 [18] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, resulting in an effective tax rate of -6.3% [19] - The company expects to generate around $300 million in production tax credits (PTCs) in 2025, with significant cash inflows anticipated in the fourth quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on regulatory items - Management expects clarity on RVO and exemptions by December, despite the government shutdown [24][25] Question: Feed outlook for Q4 - Management indicated that while waste fat prices have dipped, strong performance is expected in the food segment, with a narrow EBITDA range anticipated [26][28] Question: RIN policy protectionism benefits - Management noted that the treatment of foreign feedstocks is still unclear, and the need for imports may depend on domestic supply and demand dynamics [32][34] Question: DGD margins and drivers - Management clarified that DGD results were not as strong as hoped, and the capture rate was affected by LCM accounting practices [38][40] Question: Feed segment margin improvement - Management highlighted that improved protein prices and strong demand from aquaculture markets contributed to better margins in the feed segment [46][48] Question: RIN pricing scenarios - Management indicated that RIN prices may need to rise by approximately $0.40 to incentivize production to meet the 2026 mandate [57] Question: Debt repayment plans - Management confirmed that they are committed to paying down debt and expect to maintain a debt coverage ratio around three times [58][61] Question: DGD restart conditions - Management stated that DGD1 will only restart when soybean oil margins are profitable enough to justify the operational costs [95]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $249.5 million, down from $273.6 million in Q2 2024, while year-to-date combined adjusted EBITDA totaled $445.3 million compared to $553.7 million for the same period in 2024 [13][14] - Total net sales in Q2 2025 were $1.48 billion, slightly up from $1.46 billion in Q2 2024, with raw material volume remaining nearly unchanged at approximately 3.74 million metric tons [14] - Gross margins improved to 23.3% in Q2 2025 from 22.5% in Q2 2024, with year-to-date gross margins at 23% compared to 21.9% in the first half of 2024 [14][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Feed Ingredients segment, total net sales increased to $936.5 million in Q2 2025 from $934.1 million in Q2 2024, with gross margins improving to 22.9% from 21% [15][16] - The Food segment saw total sales rise to $386.1 million in Q2 2025 from $378.8 million in Q2 2024, with gross margins unchanged at 26.9% [17] - The Fuel segment's sales for Q2 2025 were $158.8 million, up from $142.3 million in Q2 2024, but the share of DGD EBITDA dropped to $42.6 million from $76.6 million year-over-year [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulatory environment has shown signs of improvement, particularly in the Feed segment, which is expected to enhance performance into 2026 [6] - Tariff volatility and increased domestic oilseed crush have pressured protein prices, especially in Asia, but rising fat prices are expected to support the Feed segment [7][11] - The renewable fuel environment remains challenging, with DGD facing near-term pressure but expected to benefit from policy support in the long term [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the formation of NexTata, a joint venture focused on health and wellness, aligning with its strategy to diversify into high-margin markets [6] - The company is focused on operational discipline and strategic timing to position itself for improved margins in the future [12] - The outlook for the core ingredients platform remains strong, with expectations for sequential improvement driven by rising fat prices [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core ingredients business, anticipating a more constructive market environment ahead [24][25] - The company expects full-year combined adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.1 billion, reflecting optimism about market recovery [26] - Management acknowledged challenges in the renewable fuel sector but highlighted the potential for margin recovery as policy rules clarify [12][24] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced its Eurobond and replaced its revolving credit facility, enhancing financial flexibility [21][22] - Total debt net of cash decreased to $3.89 billion as of June 28, 2025, from $3.97 billion at the end of 2024, lowering the leverage ratio to 3.34 times [22] - The effective tax rate for Q2 2025 was 22.2%, slightly above the federal statutory rate, with expectations for a full-year effective tax rate around 15% [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on policy benefits for domestic renewable diesel - Management noted that evolving domestic markets are expected to reduce reliance on imported raw materials, benefiting U.S. fat pricing and production [28][30] Question: Outlook for LCFS prices - Management indicated that carbon prices are moving positively, with expectations for further increases in the coming years [34] Question: Impact of lower UCO pricing - Management explained that pricing dynamics in a rising market can lead to temporary impacts on margins, but they expect improvements as prices stabilize [37][41] Question: Opportunities for DGD outside California - Management confirmed that while California is a significant market, they also export renewable diesel to Europe and other states, with demand growing globally [48][50] Question: Expectations for SREs - Management expressed uncertainty regarding the timing and impact of SREs but indicated that they expect an announcement soon [51][55] Question: CapEx plans and capital allocation - Management emphasized a commitment to maintaining capital discipline, with plans to keep CapEx below $400 million for the year while focusing on debt reduction [102][104]