Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $92.5 million of adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025, marking the strongest quarter in several years [21] - Operating costs were reduced by $24 million compared to the same quarter last year, with a year-to-date reduction of $60 million [5][21] - The company reduced its restricted group debt by over $40 million during the quarter [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The specialty products and solutions segment generated $80.2 million of adjusted EBITDA, with production volume gains of 8% compared to the prior year [23] - The Montana Renewables segment generated adjusted EBITDA with tax attributes of $17.1 million, an increase from $14.6 million in the prior year [26] - The performance brand segment remained flat year-over-year despite the divestment of the Royal Purple Industrial Business [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industry saw weakness in renewable diesel margins, with realized margins lower than the normal index margin formula [9] - Biomass-based diesel production remains cut back at roughly 60% utilization, with industry production volumes stabilizing just above 350 million gallons a month [10] - European SAF prices increased approximately 60% over the past six months, indicating a tightening market [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track for its max SAF expansion in the first half of 2026, with approximately 75% of the expanded volume either contracted or in the final review process [12][14] - The focus remains on driving operational improvements and reducing costs per barrel, with a strategic priority on deleveraging [21][24] - The company aims to leverage its integrated model to optimize crude slate and product deals, capturing market opportunities [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in the renewable diesel market, anticipating improved margins once the RVO is finalized [38] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate feedstock volatility and expects to benefit from a strong operational environment in 2026 [41] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and the potential for increased demand in the SAF market [28][19] Other Important Information - The company successfully monetized $25 million of PTCs during the quarter, with expectations for further monetization at improving price levels [22][27] - An error in the reported Q1 and Q2 2025 cash flow statements will result in an approximate $80 million increase to cash flows from operations for the first quarter [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the gating items for the max SAF expansion? - Management indicated that there are very few gating items, with some tactical constraint removals planned during the scheduled turnaround [31] Question: Can you discuss the off-take agreements for SAF? - Management stated that they are well above halfway through signing customers for the increased SAF production, with a mix of executed and in-service contracts [32][33] Question: What is the primary feedstock being used for Montana Renewables? - Management explained that they utilize a dynamic approach to feedstock, broadly using one-third vegetable oil, one-third corn oil, and one-third tallow and cooking oils [36] Question: How does the small refinery exemption impact financials? - Management noted that they have reduced their outstanding RIN obligation by over $320 million due to favorable rulings on small refinery exemptions [40] Question: What are the expectations for monetizing PTCs? - Management expects to monetize PTCs closer to 95% over time, with initial monetizations around 90% [46]