Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year of 2025, the company reported record sales of $1.037 billion, an increase of 8.8% compared to the prior year, marking the first time sales surpassed $1 billion [5] - Record earnings from operations reached $209 million, up 14.4%, and record Adjusted EBITDA was $275 million, an increase of 9.8% from the previous year [5] - Q4 consolidated revenues were $264 million, a 9.8% increase year-over-year, with GAAP earnings from operations of $52 million, up 10.2% [12][13] - Q4 Adjusted EBITDA was $68 million, an increase of 8.1%, with a net income of $39 million, reflecting a 16.8% increase [13][18] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Human Nutrition and Health segment generated sales of $166 million, a 12.7% increase from the prior year, with earnings from operations of $37 million, up 8.9% [19][20] - The Animal Nutrition and Health segment reported sales of $61 million, a 4.9% increase, with earnings from operations of $6 million, up 8.6% [20][21] - The Specialty Products segment delivered sales of $35 million, a 6% increase, with earnings from operations of $11 million, up 5.5% [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - More than half of the sales growth in 2025 came from markets outside the United States, indicating a strong international demand [8] - The dairy market remains healthy, particularly for dairy protein, while the European market for feed-grade choline has shown modest improvement following anti-dumping duties [14][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in strategic growth priorities, including expanding sales and marketing reach both domestically and internationally [8] - Significant investments were made in plant and equipment to support growth, including a new microencapsulation manufacturing facility [10] - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage by 25% by 2030, having already surpassed its 2030 goal for emissions reduction [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and maintain growth momentum [24] - The company is well-positioned to deliver continued top and bottom-line growth in 2026, supported by strong competitive positions and a differentiated product portfolio [24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 685,000 shares at an average cost of $158 per share, marking a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [11] - The annual dividend was increased from $0.87 to $0.96 per share, representing a 10% year-over-year increase [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on the partnership with the New York Jets - Management highlighted the successful partnership, which has helped change the dialogue around the importance of choline for adult health, leading to increased adoption in various products [29][30] Question: Planned sales and promotional activities for 2026 - The company plans to continue its partnerships with the Jets and Bayern Munich, while also increasing social media and digital marketing efforts [45][51] Question: Impact of the Supreme Court decision on tariffs - Management expressed confidence in managing potential disruptions, noting that the theoretical impact of tariffs was manageable and that they have strategies in place to mitigate risks [46][48] Question: Update on international growth and pricing dynamics in Europe - Management confirmed improvements in Europe following the final ruling on anti-dumping duties, with increased volumes and firming prices expected [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record quarterly consolidated revenue of $268 million, an increase of 11.5% year-over-year [10][11] - GAAP earnings from operations reached a record $55 million, up 13.7% compared to the prior year [11][14] - Consolidated net income was $40 million, reflecting a 19.1% increase from the previous year, translating to diluted net earnings per share of $1.24, up 20.4% [11][15] - Adjusted EBITDA was a record $71 million, an increase of 11% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin rate of 26.7% [11][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Human Nutrition and Health segment generated record sales of $174 million, up 14.3% from the prior year, with earnings from operations of $41 million, an increase of 14.8% [17][18] - The Animal Nutrition and Health segment reported quarterly sales of $56 million, a 6.6% increase, with earnings from operations of $4 million, up 5.2% [18][19] - The Specialty Products segment achieved quarterly sales of $36 million, a 7.5% increase, with earnings from operations of $12 million, up 9.7% [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to see healthy demand across most end markets, particularly in the human nutrition and health segment, driven by trends towards nutrient-dense foods [3][4] - The animal nutrition market remains stable, with improved conditions noted in the European monogastric market [5][19] - The Specialty Products segment is benefiting from geographic expansion, particularly in Latin America and Asia Pacific [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its marketing efforts and scientific research to bolster its Human Nutrition and Health segment [6][9] - There is an emphasis on leveraging better-for-you trends in the market to drive growth in food ingredients and solutions [29][30] - The company is actively pursuing strategic M&A opportunities while managing debt repayment and share repurchases [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth outlook for the company, citing the ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and tariff-related impacts [22] - The company anticipates continued growth driven by better-for-you trends in health and nutrition markets [22][30] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investments in scientific research to support product awareness and market penetration [6][7] Other Important Information - The company has successfully offset the impact of tariffs through alternate supply chain options and pricing actions [5][6] - A new microencapsulation manufacturing facility is expected to be completed by early 2027, which will double the capacity of the old plant [42][44] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you discuss the changes in food solutions and the outlook for each subsegment in 2026? - Management noted that the Human Nutrition and Health segment saw a 14% increase in sales, with the nutrient portfolio growing about 30% and food ingredient business up nearly 7% [28][29] Question: What is the opportunity for product penetration and awareness of your minerals and nutrients? - Management indicated that there is significant room for growth, estimating the market opportunities to be 3 to 4 times the current size, particularly for chelated minerals [33][34] Question: Can you provide an overview of the status of the European anti-dumping campaigns related to choline? - Management explained that the European Union has preliminarily imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese choline chloride, which could create a favorable environment for the company [39][40] Question: When is the Orange County microencapsulation manufacturing facility expected to be completed? - The facility is expected to be completed by early 2027, allowing for continued growth in the encapsulate business [44][45] Question: What is the expected pace of debt repayment moving forward? - Management stated that the pace of debt repayment will depend on the timing of M&A opportunities, but they will continue to reduce debt as excess cash is generated [48]