Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for Q4 2025 were $21 million, a $63 million improvement compared to Q4 2024. For the full year 2025, earnings were $12 million, a $72 million improvement [7][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $28 million, a $36 million positive swing from last year. For 2025, adjusted EBITDA grew to $45 million, a $53 million improvement compared to 2024 [7][16] - Net sales for Q4 2025 were $232 million, $4 million lower than the prior year, reflecting a reduction in volume sold of 10.6 million gallons [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Western production segment benefited from the Carbonic acquisition, contributing $1.4 million during Q4 2025 [12] - The average sales price per gallon increased to $2.10 from $1.88 per gallon, partially offsetting the reduction in volume sold [10] - Gross profit for Q4 2025 was $15.2 million, a significant increase of $16.6 million compared to Q4 2024's gross loss of $1.4 million [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to qualify approximately 90 million gallons of combined production on an annual basis for 45Z credits at its Columbia and Pekin dry mill facilities [8] - Renewable fuel export sales at premiums to domestic sales contributed $5 million on a higher volume and higher average sales price per gallon [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on opportunities within its control to maximize earnings, including adjusting staffing and investing in plant efficiency [5][6] - Plans for 2026 include elevating capital expenditures to roughly $25 million while maintaining strong cost discipline and prioritizing high ROI projects [17][18] - The company is exploring large-scale CO2 utilization and sequestration opportunities at its Pekin campus [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in entering 2026 with a leaner cost structure and a higher mix of premium exports and carbon advantage volumes [19] - The first quarter is expected to be seasonally challenging due to extreme cold weather disrupting logistics and production [20] - Management believes the trajectory for E15 remains positive, supporting incremental ethanol demand over time [22] Other Important Information - The company recorded $7.5 million in 45Z credit earnings for the full year, contributing directly to the bottom line in Q4 2025 [14] - The company ended the year with a cash balance of $23 million and generated $10 million in cash flow from operations during Q4 2025 [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What steps are being taken to increase 45Z tax credits? - Management is focused on lowering carbon intensity scores and increasing production capacity at the Pekin dry mill to capitalize on 45Z tax credits [26][27] Question: Are there expectations for revenue pickup in the Western asset in 2026? - Management intends to increase production capacity and overall utilization in the Western segment [30] Question: Can you quantify the ethanol exports locked in for the first half of 2026? - Management did not provide specific details but emphasized optimizing the value of products for export markets [39][40] Question: How has the company raised the floor for business performance? - Management highlighted improvements in operational efficiency, cost management, and diversification of revenue sources as key factors [46][48]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government plans to finalize the 2026 biofuel blending mandate in early March, maintaining previous target levels while eliminating punitive measures on imported renewable fuels and their feedstocks [2] Group 1: Biofuel Industry - The proposed plan aims to create a compromise between biofuel producers and the oil industry by retaining the option to increase biofuel blending ratios in response to demands from the agriculture and biofuel sectors [2] - The elimination of restrictions on imported fuels is intended to prevent market disruptions and rising energy costs [2] Group 2: Regulatory Process - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently in the public comment phase regarding the new rules, with the goal of finalizing them by the first quarter of 2026 [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross profit increased by $18 million, net income improved by $17 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew by $9 million compared to Q3 2024 [5][17] - Net sales were $241 million, which is $11 million lower than the prior year, reflecting fewer gallons sold (89 million in Q3 2025 compared to 97 million in Q3 2024) [13][17] - Consolidated net income was $13.9 million or $0.19 per share for Q3 2025, improving by $16.6 million compared to Q3 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the marketing and distribution segment, gross profit was $23.5 million, an increase of $17.5 million compared to the prior year [13] - Essential ingredients return improved to 53% from 43%, reflecting a strong rebound in corn oil pricing and a shift in production mix [14] - Alto Carbonic contributed nearly $2 million this quarter, bringing the Western production segment's gross profit to $1.5 million, up $3.8 million over Q3 2024 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fuel ethanol export market and related pricing were stronger than the domestic market, leading to increased production and sales in the export market [10] - The newly signed California Assembly Bill 30 authorizing E15 fuel sales year-round in California is expected to unlock significant demand for domestically produced ethanol, potentially adding over 600 million additional gallons per year [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lower its carbon intensity score to capture more benefits from Section 45Z tax regulations and increase CO2 utilization at its facilities [6][20] - The strategy includes prioritizing shorter-term projects based on cost, timing, and projected ROI to pave the way for incremental profitability [5][19] - The company is considering options for other liquid CO2 facilities due to rising demand, particularly in Oregon and neighboring states [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to generate Section 45Z tax credits on ethanol production and highlighted the improved intrinsic value of facilities due to recent updates [8][20] - The company remains focused on improving operational efficiency and throughput while targeting growth in high-return market segments [19][20] - Management noted that the fundamentals around the Magic Valley facility have changed positively, allowing for a potential reassessment of its operations [33] Other Important Information - SG&A expenses improved by $1 million to $6.5 million due to right-sizing staffing levels and reduced costs related to the Eagle Alcohol acquisition [17] - The company generated $22.8 million in cash flow from operations during Q3 2025 [18] - The dock outage resulted in $800,000 in business interruption and additional logistical costs, with plans to build a second alcohol loadout dock to mitigate future interruptions [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Initiatives to increase 45Z capture - Management is assessing low-investment options to improve 45Z capture but is reluctant to share specific details until more certainty is achieved [25][26] Question: Potential for Magic Valley to restart operations - Management is evaluating the highest and best use for the Magic Valley asset, considering the improved demand for CO2 and the potential for it to produce more than the Columbia plant [33][35] Question: Details on locked-in export sales - Management confirmed that they have locked in export volumes, which provides stability during seasonal lows in demand [38][41] Question: European exports and production limitations - The company is selling a combination of high-quality products and essential ingredients to Europe, with potential to pivot to selling more renewable fuel into that market [49][50] Question: Dock repair costs and insurance coverage - Management is working with their insurance carrier to determine coverage for the new dock and repairs to the original dock, with a focus on mitigating business interruption [58] Question: Future SG&A expectations - Management expects the benefits from cost-saving initiatives to continue, indicating that current SG&A levels are sustainable [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter adjusted EBITDA was $138 million, and adjusted net income was $1.54 per share, reflecting strong operations and improving market conditions [4][20] - Total liquidity increased by 23% during the second quarter to $647 million, supported by strong operating cash flows [20] - Year-to-date share count reduced by nearly 8% due to stock repurchases totaling $28 million [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Refining segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $108 million in the second quarter, compared to a loss of $14 million in the first quarter [13] - Retail segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $23 million from $19 million in the first quarter, driven by higher fuel margins and same-store sales growth [17] - Logistics segment adjusted EBITDA remained consistent at $30 million, aligning with mid-cycle run rate guidance [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii throughput reached a record 88,000 barrels per day, with production costs at $4.18 per barrel [10] - Montana throughput was 44,000 barrels per day, reflecting lower throughput due to a successful turnaround [11] - Washington index averaged $15.37 per barrel, an improvement of approximately $11 from the prior quarter [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on low capital, high return projects to improve profitability following the Montana turnaround [6] - A joint venture with Mitsubishi and INEOS was announced, with a $100 million investment to strengthen renewable fuels capabilities [7] - The company aims to achieve annual cost reductions of $30 million to $40 million relative to the previous year [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a constructive outlook despite policy uncertainty, citing flexibility and structural cost advantages [8] - The Asian market outlook remains favorable, with expectations of strong cash generation driven by market conditions and reduced capital spending [9] - Management anticipates financial contributions from the joint venture starting in 2026, following the commissioning of the pretreatment unit [29] Other Important Information - Cash from operations during the second quarter totaled $83 million, excluding working capital inflows [18] - The company repurchased $28 million worth of shares during the second quarter, with a total of 5.2 million shares repurchased year-to-date [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers behind strong capture rates in Hawaii - Management noted that elevated clean product freight rates and improved throughput rates contributed to capture rates exceeding guidance [22][23] Question: Update on SAF joint venture and startup timing - The joint venture discussions have been ongoing, with startup targeted for the second half of the year and expected EBITDA contributions beginning in 2026 [26][29] Question: Performance in The Rockies and excess inventory sales - Management indicated that excess inventory sales contributed to capture rates, with guidance for Q3 remaining at 90% to 100% [32][33] Question: Small refinery exemptions and cash flow implications - Management expects the EPA to follow the law regarding small refinery exemptions, with potential cash flow upside from retroactive receipts [43][46] Question: Sustainability of Singapore market margins - Management highlighted that the Chinese refining fleet's focus on internal demand and integration with petrochemical complexes is key to market dynamics [47][49] Question: Use of excess cash and M&A appetite - The company remains in an excess capital position, with a focus on opportunistic buybacks and internal growth opportunities rather than large-scale M&A [57][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consolidated net loss for Q4 2024 was $41.7 million, compared to a net loss of $18.9 million in Q4 2023, reflecting significant asset impairments and acquisition-related expenses [39] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was negative $7.7 million, a decline from positive $3.5 million in Q4 2023 [39] - The company sold 95.1 million gallons in Q4 2024, an increase from 92.5 million gallons in Q4 2023, but the average sales price per gallon dropped to $1.88 from $2.24 [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company cold idled the Magic Valley facility, leading to a significant impairment charge of $21.4 million related to this plant [38] - The Eagle Alcohol operations were rationalized, resulting in a 16% reduction in headcount and a focus on turning remaining operations into a profitable service center [16][31] - The Pekin campus production volume increased by 3.8 million gallons over the prior year, demonstrating the effectiveness of maintenance programs [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market crush margins declined nearly $0.18, adversely impacting gross profit by $8.7 million [35] - Low carbon fuel credit prices decreased compared to the previous year but showed improvement from Q3 2024 [35] - The company began exporting certified renewable fuel to European markets in Q4 2024, anticipating further expansion in 2025 [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Alto Carbonic is expected to bolster economics and increase asset valuation at the Columbia facility, providing a stronger financial foundation [19][43] - The company is considering a range of strategic options, including asset sales and mergers, to maximize shareholder value [12][57] - Ongoing efforts include optimizing CO2 production and pursuing carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, with a focus on securing financing and community support [22][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenging market conditions in Q4 2024, with a focus on cost-saving initiatives expected to save approximately $8 million annually [18][32] - The company is optimistic about 2025, citing improved performance at the Pekin wet mill and the synergistic acquisition of the CO2 processing facility [42] - Management emphasized the importance of exceeding customer expectations and maximizing the value of specialty alcohol and essential ingredients [43] Other Important Information - The company recorded $34.6 million in repairs and maintenance expenses in line with estimates for 2024 [41] - The cash balance as of December 31, 2024, was $35 million, with total loan borrowing availability of $88 million [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company planning to balance carbon sequestration versus high-premium CO2 for the beverage industry? - Management indicated that while there are opportunities for carbon sequestration, the unique market conditions in the Pacific Northwest present a significant advantage for CO2 production [48] Question: Is the site certified for 45Q incentives? - Management stated that the facility is close to qualifying for 45Q incentives, with ongoing efforts to meet requirements [50][51] Question: What is the expected ratio of specialty alcohol sent to the EU versus domestic markets? - Management explained that pricing varies by country in the EU, and the flexibility in production allows for optimization of profitability [52][54] Question: How far along are discussions regarding asset sales or mergers? - Management confirmed that all options are being considered to maximize shareholder value, but specific details on M&A activities were not disclosed [56][57] Question: What is the timeline for the CCS project and its potential contributions? - Management indicated that the EPA permit process could take two years, with construction timelines potentially extending to 2029 or 2030 [64][66]