Darling Ingredients (NYSE:DAR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBetty Zhang - Associate Director of Equity ResearchBob Day - CFOConnor Fitzpatrick - VPDerrick Whitfield - Managing DirectorDushyant Ajit Ailani - SVPHeather Jones - FounderJason Gabelman - Managing DirectorManav Gupta - Executive DirectorMatthew Blair - Managing DirectorRandall Stuewe - Chairman and CEOSuann Guthrie - SVP of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsAndrew Strelzik - Equity Research A ...

Darling Ingredients (NYSE:DAR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBetty Zhang - Associate Director of Equity ResearchBob Day - CFOConnor Fitzpatrick - VPDerrick Whitfield - Managing DirectorDushyant Ajit Ailani - SVPHeather Jones - FounderJason Gabelman - Managing DirectorManav Gupta - Executive DirectorMatthew Blair - Managing DirectorRandall Stuewe - Chairman and CEOSuann Guthrie - SVP of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsAndrew Strelzik - Equity Research A ...

Darling Ingredients (NYSE:DAR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 09:00 AM ET Speaker9Good morning, and welcome to the Darling Ingredients Incorporated conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results. After the speakers' prepared remarks, there will be a question and answer period, and instructions to ask the question will be given at that time. Today's call is being recorded, and I would now like to turn the call over to Ms. Suann Guthrie, Senior Vice Pre ...

Darling Ingredients Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 ResultsFeb 11, 2026 4:45 PM Eastern Standard Time# Darling Ingredients Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 ResultsShare---Fourth Quarter Highlights- Combined Adjusted EBITDA was $336.1 million, compared to $289.5 million for fourth quarter 2024- Total net sales were $1.7 billion, compared to $1.42 billion for fourth quarter 2024- Net income of $56.9 million, or $0.35 per GAAP diluted share, compared to $101.9 million for fourt ...

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 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]

Group 1: Trade Tensions - The recent market drop was triggered by renewed trade tensions between the US and China, raising concerns of a potential trade war [1] - China announced plans to impose export controls on rare earth elements, which are critical for various industries, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and military systems [2] - China currently dominates approximately 70% of the global supply of rare earths, providing it with significant leverage in this sector [2] Group 2: Market Reactions - In response to China's actions, President Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese imports, with some tariffs reaching up to 100%, causing a significant market decline [3] - The S&P 500 fell by 2.71%, and the Nasdaq dropped by 3.56% following the announcement of tariffs [3] - Trump's subsequent comments suggesting that "it will all be fine" helped to calm investors, leading to a recovery in U.S. stocks [3] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Despite market volatility, analysts suggest that pullbacks can create attractive entry points for quality stocks [4] - Bank of America analysts have identified two stocks that they believe present solid investment opportunities [4] Group 4: Darling Ingredients Overview - Darling Ingredients operates in recycling, food technology, and agribusiness, focusing on converting waste materials into valuable products [5] - The company produces animal feeds, human food products, and renewable biofuels, making it the largest rendering company in the global feed market [6] - Darling is recognized as a global leader in gelatin and collagen solutions, with 16 factories worldwide and sales in over 80 countries [7] Group 5: Joint Venture and Revenue Projections - Darling Ingredients has formed a joint venture with Tessenderlo Group called Nextida, which will focus on their collagen and gelatin segments [7] - The joint venture is projected to generate $1.5 billion in revenue and will be 85% owned by Darling [7]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported a significant decline in GAAP EPS to $0.08, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24, primarily due to weak profitability in its Diamond Green Diesel joint venture [1][5] - Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $1.5 billion, slightly above expectations, but profitability metrics indicated ongoing challenges [1][5] - The company lowered its full-year Combined Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $1.05–$1.10 billion, down from previous estimates of $1.25 to $1.3 billion, reflecting persistent headwinds in the renewable fuels market [1][11] Financial Performance - Q2 2025 EPS was $0.08, down 83.7% year-over-year from $0.49 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue increased by 2.7% year-over-year, from $1.46 billion in Q2 2024 to $1.5 billion in Q2 2025 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $249.5 million, an 8.8% decrease from $273.6 million in Q2 2024 [2][5] Business Overview and Strategy - Darling Ingredients specializes in converting animal by-products, used cooking oils, and food waste into value-added ingredients for various markets, operating over 260 facilities globally [3][4] - The company's strategy focuses on product diversification to reduce dependence on any single market, addressing sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy [3][4] Segment Performance - The Feed Ingredients segment generated net sales of $936.5 million, contributing significantly to overall revenue, supported by strong fat prices [6][8] - The Food Ingredients segment reported net sales of $386.1 million, with a 1.9% increase year-over-year, and includes the launch of the Nextida joint venture targeting health and wellness markets [6][9] - The Fuel Ingredients segment, heavily impacted by the Diamond Green Diesel joint venture, recorded revenue of $158.8 million, with a significant decline in profitability due to regulatory uncertainties and market dislocations [6][10] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued improvement in its core ingredients business, particularly in the Feed Ingredients segment, driven by strengthening fat prices [6][11] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining balance sheet health and focusing on high-margin product categories, especially in food ingredients and collagen innovation [11][12] - Investors are expected to monitor operational metrics across segments, particularly for signs of margin improvement and the performance of the Nextida joint venture [12]

Financial Performance Overview - Total net sales for Q1 2025 were $1,380.6 million, a decrease of 2.8% compared to $1,420.3 million in Q1 2024[5] - The company reported a net loss of $(26.2) million in Q1 2025, a significant decrease compared to a net income of $81.2 million in Q1 2024[4, 5] - EPS Diluted was $(0.16) in Q1 2025, compared to $0.50 in Q1 2024, representing a decrease of 132.0%[4, 5] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA was $195.8 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of 30.1% compared to $280.1 million in Q1 2024[4, 5] Segment Performance - Feed Ingredients Segment reported income of $23.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $110.6 million in Q1 2025[4] - Food Ingredients Segment reported income of $41.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $70.9 million in Q1 2025[4] - Fuel Ingredients Segment reported a loss of $(20.9) million and Adjusted EBITDA of $24.2 million in Q1 2025[4] Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) - Darling Ingredients received $129.5 million in dividends from Diamond Green Diesel (DGD)[4] - DGD Adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) was $6.0 million in Q1 2025, significantly lower than $115.1 million in Q1 2024[18, 22] - Total gallons produced by DGD were 216.1 million in Q1 2025, compared to 335.4 million in Q1 2024[22] - EBITDA per gallon sold/shipped by DGD was $0.06 in Q1 2025, compared to $0.69 in Q1 2024[22] Balance Sheet - Total debt was $3,921 million as of March 29, 2025, compared to $4,042 million as of December 28, 2024[6]