PEKIN, Ill., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO), a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients, announced that management plans to participate at the H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in New York City. Management will conduct one-on-one meetings, and management will present at 9:00 am ET. Presentation materials and webcast for the presentation can be accessed at w ...

Regulatory Environment - The Trump administration is expected to make a crucial decision regarding biofuel-blending waivers [1] - This decision has the potential to significantly impact the renewable fuels market [1]

Core Insights - Comstock Inc. raised $30 million in gross proceeds from an oversubscribed offering to fund its solar panel recycling facilities and eliminate debt obligations [6][10][16] - The company has achieved significant milestones in its renewable metals and fuels segments, including certifications and strategic partnerships [4][8][12] Financial Performance - Recorded billings of $2.31 million in the first half of 2025, compared to nil in the same period of 2024 [7] - Proforma combined cash balance exceeded $45 million following recent capital raises [6] - The company plans to achieve billable revenues of over $3.5 million in 2025, which is expected to be eight times greater than in 2024 [20] Business Developments - Comstock Metals became the first company in North America to earn the R2v3 and RIOS certifications for zero-waste solar panel recycling [8] - The company has entered into a Master Services Agreement with RWE Clean Energy for end-of-life recycling services [7] - Comstock has commenced operations with a dedicated team of 20 full-time employees and expanded its operational capacity [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to build up to seven industry-scale solar panel recycling facilities in the U.S. [17] - Comstock has eliminated all liabilities associated with previous acquisitions, positioning itself for future growth [6] - Bioleum Corporation, a newly formed entity, is focused on producing sustainable fuels and has secured significant investments [15][24] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a strong demand for silver and gold, driven by geopolitical concerns and economic factors [10] - Comstock aims to monetize legacy real estate and non-strategic investments for over $50 million [18] - The commercialization of Bioleum's biorefining technologies is expected to generate future revenue sources [23][26]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 - Sales and Merchandising Revenues reached $3,136 million, compared to $2,795 million in Q2 2024[17] - Gross Profit was $158 million, down from $175 million in Q2 2024[17] - Pretax Income Attributable to ANDE was $16 million, significantly lower than $41 million in Q2 2024[17] - Adjusted EPS was $024, compared to $115 in Q2 2024[17] Strategic Acquisition - Acquired the remaining 499% ownership interest in TAMH for $425 million, with a net purchase price of $385 million after accounting for $40 million of working capital[16] - The acquisition implies an incremental 250 million gallons of ethanol capacity acquired at a net purchase price of $154/gallon[16] Segment Highlights - Agribusiness revenues increased to $2,415 million in Q2 2025 from $2,109 million in Q2 2024[28] - Renewables revenues increased to $721 million in Q2 2025 from $686 million in Q2 2024[34] - Agribusiness pretax income attributable to ANDE decreased to $18 million in Q2 2025 from $29 million in Q2 2024[28] - Renewables pretax income attributable to ANDE decreased to $10 million in Q2 2025 from $23 million in Q2 2024[34]

Core Viewpoint - CVR Energy reported mixed financial results for Q2 2025, with revenue exceeding analyst expectations but adjusted EPS falling short, indicating operational challenges and regulatory impacts [1][2]. Financial Performance - GAAP revenue for Q2 2025 was $1,761 million, surpassing the analyst consensus of $1,688.8 million, but down 10.5% from $1,967 million in Q2 2024 [2]. - Adjusted EPS was $(0.23), missing the expected $(0.13) and reflecting a 355.6% decline from $0.09 in Q2 2024 [2]. - The company reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $(114) million, a significant drop from a net income of $21 million in the same quarter last year, marking a 642.9% decline [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $99 million, a 13.8% rise from $87 million in Q2 2024 [2]. Business Segments Overview - CVR Energy operates in three segments: petroleum refining, renewable fuels, and nitrogen fertilizers, with a focus on high-value transportation fuels and renewable diesel production [3][4]. - The petroleum segment faced challenges due to a planned refinery turnaround, reducing throughput and significantly impacting refining margins [5]. - The renewables segment continued to operate below breakeven, with throughput increasing but facing losses due to regulatory uncertainties [6]. - The nitrogen fertilizer segment showed stronger results, with net income rising to $39 million driven by higher prices for ammonia and UAN products [7][8]. Operational Challenges and Developments - The petroleum segment's refining margin dropped to $2.21 per barrel from $10.94 last year, impacted by a pre-tax $89 million loss related to Renewable Fuel Standard obligations [5][9]. - The renewables segment's adjusted EBITDA loss was $4 million, with throughput improving but still heavily reliant on government policies [6]. - Regulatory and compliance costs significantly affected profitability, with ongoing capital investments for environmental upgrades [9]. Leadership Changes - Dave Lamp announced his retirement as CEO, with Mark Pytosh set to take over in January 2026, and Brett Icahn appointed to the board, increasing Icahn Enterprises' influence [10]. Future Guidance - Management expects petroleum segment throughput of 200,000 to 215,000 barrels per day and ammonia utilization rates of 93% to 97% in the fertilizer segment [11]. - Cash flow concerns persist, with free cash flow turning negative by $12 million and a decline in cash position from $987 million at the end of 2024 to $596 million by June 30, 2025 [12].

Core Points - CVR Energy reported a net loss of $114 million for Q2 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $21 million in Q2 2024, resulting in a loss per diluted share of $1.14 compared to earnings of $0.21 per share in the previous year [1][8] - The company's adjusted loss for Q2 2025 was 23 cents per diluted share, contrasting with adjusted earnings of 9 cents per diluted share in Q2 2024 [1][8] - EBITDA loss for Q2 2025 was $24 million, down from an EBITDA of $103 million in Q2 2024, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $99 million from $87 million year-over-year [1][8] Financial Performance - The Petroleum Segment experienced a net loss of $137 million and an EBITDA loss of $84 million in Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $18 million and EBITDA of $56 million in Q2 2024 [6][8] - Total throughput for Q2 2025 was approximately 172,000 barrels per day, down from 186,000 barrels per day in Q2 2024, primarily due to processing intermediate inventories [7][8] - Refining margin for Q2 2025 was $35 million, or $2.21 per total throughput barrel, a sharp decline from $185 million, or $10.94 per barrel, in the same period of 2024 [9][50] Segment Performance - The Renewables Segment reported a net loss of $11 million and an EBITDA loss of $5 million for Q2 2025, consistent with the previous year's performance [11][13] - The Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment achieved net income of $39 million and EBITDA of $67 million on net sales of $169 million for Q2 2025, compared to net income of $26 million and EBITDA of $54 million on net sales of $133 million in Q2 2024 [14][15] Leadership Changes - Mark A. Pytosh is set to assume the role of President and CEO of CVR Energy on January 1, 2026, following Dave Lamp's retirement [3][5] - Brett Icahn was appointed as a director effective August 1, 2025, increasing the Board size to nine members [5][8] Cash and Debt Management - Consolidated cash and cash equivalents decreased to $596 million as of June 30, 2025, down from $987 million at the end of 2024 [18][43] - Total debt and finance lease obligations were reported at $1.9 billion as of June 30, 2025, including $570 million held by the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment [18][43] - The company prepaid $70 million and $20 million in principal of the Term Loan in June and July 2025, respectively, recognizing a $1 million loss on extinguishment of debt [19][20]

Company Overview - Alto Ingredients, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels, and essential ingredients [3] - The company serves a diverse range of markets including Health, Home & Beauty; Food & Beverage; Industry & Agriculture; Essential Ingredients; and Renewable Fuels [3] Upcoming Financial Results - Alto Ingredients will release its second quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on August 6, 2025 [1] - A conference call will be hosted by management at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1] Webcast and Replay Information - The webcast will be archived for replay on the Alto Ingredients website for one year [2] - A telephonic replay will be available from 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 6, 2025, through 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 13, 2025 [2]

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]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported Q2 2025 revenue of $1.5 billion, slightly above analyst forecasts, but earnings per share fell sharply to $0.08, missing the consensus of $0.24, primarily due to weaker performance in its renewable fuels joint venture, Diamond Green Diesel [1][5][10] Financial Performance - Q2 2025 EPS (GAAP) was $0.08, down 83.7% year-over-year from $0.49 in Q2 2024 [2][5] - Revenue remained flat year-over-year, with a slight increase of 1.8% compared to Q2 2024 [5] - Combined adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) decreased by 8.8% to $249.5 million, driven by declining margins in renewable fuels [2][5] Business Overview - Darling Ingredients specializes in repurposing animal by-products and used cooking oil, producing essential ingredients for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and renewable fuels [3] - The company operates 83 production facilities across five continents, serving a diverse customer base [3] Strategic Developments - Recent acquisitions, including Valley Proteins, Gelnex, and FASA Group, have aimed to enhance the company's portfolio in growth areas like specialty collagen peptides and renewable fuels [4] - A new joint venture, Nextida, was announced to develop the global collagen and gelatin business targeting the health and wellness market [9] Challenges and Guidance - The company revised its full-year FY2025 combined adjusted EBITDA guidance down to $1.05 to $1.10 billion from the previous forecast of $1.25 to $1.30 billion, reflecting uncertainties in U.S. renewable fuel policy and the need for improvement at DGD [10][11] - Key areas for investors to monitor include policy clarity, margin recovery at DGD, and the ramp-up of specialty collagen initiatives through the Nextida venture [12]

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][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes Feed Ingredients Segment - Total net sales for Q2 2025 were $936.5 million, up from $934.1 million in Q2 2024, with gross margins improving to 22.9% from 21% [15][16] - Raw material volumes remained approximately 3.1 million metric tons for both quarters, with year-to-date volumes at roughly 6.2 million metric tons [16] Food Segment - Total sales for Q2 2025 were $386.1 million, compared to $378.8 million in Q2 2024, with gross margins unchanged at 26.9% [18] - Year-to-date gross margins improved to 28.1% from 25.3% in the same period a year ago [18] Fuel Segment - Darling's share of DGD EBITDA was approximately $42.6 million in Q2 2025, down from $76.6 million in Q2 2024, with year-to-date EBITDA at $48.7 million compared to $191.7 million in 2024 [19][20] - Overall fuel segment sales for Q2 2025 were $158.8 million, up from $142.3 million in Q2 2024 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The renewable fuel environment remains challenging, with small refinery exemptions and delayed compliance enforcement impacting margins [11][12] - Tariff volatility and increased domestic oilseed crush have pressured protein prices, particularly in Asia, but rising fat prices are expected to support the Feed segment [8][10] 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][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core ingredients platform, anticipating sequential improvement driven by rising fat prices [24] - The company expects full-year combined adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.1 billion, reflecting optimism about market conditions [25] 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] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on policy benefits for domestic renewable diesel - Management highlighted the evolving domestic market and the expected drop in imported raw materials, benefiting U.S. fat pricing [28][30] Question: Outlook for LCFS prices - Management indicated a positive trend in carbon prices and anticipated potential increases, although exact estimates were challenging [34][35] Question: Impact of lower UCO pricing - Management explained the fluid dynamics of the UCO market and the lag effect in pricing, which impacted margins [39][41] Question: Opportunities for DGD outside California - Management confirmed significant exports to Europe and the UK, with growing demand for renewable diesel globally [50][51] Question: Expectations for SREs - Management expressed uncertainty regarding the timing and impact of SRE announcements, emphasizing the need for clarity in the market [53][56] Question: CapEx plans and capital discipline - Management committed to maintaining CapEx at $400 million or lower for the year, focusing on debt reduction [101]