Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported a strong fourth quarter with net sales of $1.7 billion, an increase from $1.4 billion in the previous quarter, and a consolidated gross margin improvement to 25.1% from 23.5% year-over-year [1][4] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter reached $336 million, up from $289 million year-over-year and $245 million in the prior quarter, with core ingredients adjusted EBITDA at $278 million compared to $230 million a year earlier [2][7] - The food segment saw fourth-quarter sales rise to $429 million from $362 million, with gross margin improving to 27.2% from 25.7% [9] - In the feed ingredients segment, fourth-quarter EBITDA increased to $193 million from $150 million, with sales rising to $1.13 billion from $924 million [8] Operational Developments - The company improved its debt leverage, with net debt falling to approximately $3.8 billion and covenant leverage improving to 2.9x from 3.9x a year earlier [5][17] - Management is pursuing portfolio rationalization, including potential asset sales and a $120 million acquisition in Brazil [5][21] Market and Policy Context - Chairman and CEO highlighted uncertainties related to renewable fuels policy and trade volatility, but noted improvements in operational execution and debt management [3][4] - The performance of Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) was strong, with Q4 EBITDA of $57.9 million, but future results depend on U.S. policy regarding renewable volume obligations [6][11] Future Outlook - For the first quarter of 2026, the company expects DGD production of about 260 million gallons at improved margins and core ingredients adjusted EBITDA in the range of $240 million to $250 million [22] - Management anticipates continued progress in debt reduction, influenced by DGD's cash generation once policy clarity improves [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, combined adjusted EBITDA was $336.1 million, up from $289 million in Q4 2024 and $245 million in the previous quarter [11] - Total net sales for Q4 2025 reached $1.7 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in Q4 2024 [11] - Gross margins improved to 25.1% in Q4 2025 from 23.5% in Q4 2024 [12] - For the full year 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, an increase from $790 million in 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the feed ingredients segment, Q4 EBITDA improved to $193 million from $150 million a year ago, with total sales of $1.13 billion compared to $924 million [12] - The food segment saw total sales for Q4 2025 at $429 million, up from $362 million in Q4 2024, with EBITDA increasing to $82 million from $64 million [13][14] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), delivered $57.9 million of EBITDA in Q4 2025, marking its strongest quarter of the year [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., demand for domestic fats remains robust, supported by favorable agricultural and energy policies [8] - Internationally, the global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil showed solid year-over-year growth [8] - DGD sold approximately 1 billion gallons in 2025, earning $103.7 million of EBITDA, reinforcing its position as the lowest cost operator [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the world's largest and most profitable processor of animal byproducts, focusing on core strengths and operational excellence [5] - Strategic acquisitions are being pursued, including a stalking horse bid for three rendering facilities in Brazil, which are expected to enhance operational capabilities [10] - The company is open to opportunities that strengthen its core business, potentially leading to asset sales in the near future [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing positive global demand trends and a favorable policy backdrop for renewable fuels [8][20] - The company anticipates a modest pullback in Q1 2026 but expects core ingredients adjusted EBITDA to range between $240 million and $250 million [22] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for future growth [90] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion at year-end 2025, down from $4 billion at the end of 2024 [17] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $11 million for Q4 2025, with an effective tax rate of -15.3% [18] - Restructuring and impairment charges amounted to $58 million in Q4 2025 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on DGD margins and potential RVO impact - Management indicated that guidance on DGD will depend on clarity regarding the RVO, with strong results expected to carry into Q1 [29] Question: Sensitivity of feed business to RVO changes - Management noted that the feed business is sensitive to policy changes, with supportive policies likely benefiting rendering businesses in the U.S. and Canada [30] Question: Insights on biofuels production and feedstock demand - Management stated that there hasn't been a significant increase in biofuel production yet, and better margins are needed to incentivize more production [34] Question: Expectations for food business EBITDA - Management expressed confidence in the collagen and gelatin business, expecting a strong year ahead due to rebounding demand [36] Question: RVO expectations and LCFS market dynamics - Management supports an RVO for advanced biofuels translating to 5.25 billion gallons, which would be constructive for margins [41] Question: Potential for asset sales - Management indicated that asset sales would be opportunistic, focusing on areas where the company has core capabilities [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, combined adjusted EBITDA was $336.1 million, up from $289 million in Q4 2024 and $245 million in Q3 2025 [11][12] - Total net sales for Q4 2025 were $1.7 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in Q4 2024 [12] - Gross margins improved to 25.1% in Q4 2025 from 23.5% in Q4 2024 [12] - For the full year 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, up from $790 million in 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the feed segment, Q4 2025 EBITDA improved to $193 million from $150 million a year ago, with total sales of $1.13 billion compared to $924 million [12] - The food segment saw total sales for Q4 2025 reach $429 million, up from $362 million in Q4 2024, with EBITDA increasing to $82 million from $64 million [13] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), delivered $57.9 million of EBITDA in Q4 2025, marking its strongest quarter of the year [6][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., demand for domestic fats remains robust, supported by favorable agricultural and energy policies [6] - Internationally, the global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil showed solid year-over-year growth [6] - DGD sold approximately 1 billion gallons in 2025, earning $103.7 million of EBITDA, reinforcing its position as the lowest cost operator [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the world's largest and most profitable processor of animal byproducts, focusing on core strengths and operational excellence [4] - The company is open to opportunities that strengthen its core business, including potential asset sales and acquisitions, such as the stalking horse bid for rendering facilities in Brazil [9][71] - The company is optimistic about the policy backdrop for renewable fuels, which is expected to enhance DGD's earning potential [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertainties from evolving renewables public policy and trade-related challenges but emphasized a commitment to operational fundamentals [4] - The company is optimistic about 2026, expecting positive global demand trends and improved margins in the fuel segment [6][20] - Management anticipates that DGD will produce about 260 million gallons in Q1 2026 at improved margins [20] Other Important Information - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $11 million for Q4 2025, with an effective tax rate of -15.3% [18] - Total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion at year-end 2025, down from $4 billion at the end of 2024 [16] - Capital expenditures totaled $156 million in Q4 2025 and $380 million for the fiscal year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for DGD margins and potential inclusion in future guidance - Management indicated that future guidance for DGD will depend on clarity regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) [26][28] Question: Sensitivity of the feed business to RVO changes - Management noted that the feed business is sensitive to policy changes, particularly regarding tariffs and feedstock values [29] Question: Insights on biofuels production and feedstock demand - Management stated that there hasn't been a significant increase in biofuel production yet, and better margins are needed to incentivize more production [31][32] Question: Expectations for the food business and EBITDA - Management expressed optimism for the collagen and gelatin business, expecting a year similar to or better than the previous year [34] Question: RVO expectations and implications for Darling - Management supports an RVO for advanced biofuels translating to 5.25 billion gallons or more, which would be constructive for margins [40] Question: Potential for incremental asset sales - Management indicated that asset sales would be opportunistic and based on fair market value assessments [71]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported $1.71 billion in revenue for Q4 2025, a year-over-year increase of 20.6%, and an EPS of $0.64, slightly up from $0.63 a year ago, with revenue exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.44% [1] Financial Performance - Revenue from Feed Ingredients was $1.13 billion, surpassing the estimated $983.58 million, reflecting a 22.1% increase year-over-year [4] - Revenue from Fuel Ingredients was $152.57 million, slightly below the estimated $154.77 million, but still showing a 15.7% increase year-over-year [4] - Revenue from Food Ingredients reached $429.07 million, exceeding the average estimate of $384.12 million, marking an 18.6% year-over-year increase [4] EBITDA Analysis - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $82.41 million, above the average estimate of $72.22 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Feed Ingredients was $193.37 million, exceeding the average estimate of $164.92 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $27.17 million, surpassing the average estimate of $23.47 million [4] - Corporate Segment Adjusted EBITDA was reported at -$24.73 million, worse than the estimated -$19.11 million [4] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $85.08 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $62.1 million [4] Stock Performance - Darling's shares have returned +21.6% over the past month, contrasting with a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

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 $1.48 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 1.8% and aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a surprise of +0.32% [1] - The company's EPS for the same period was $0.09, a significant decrease from $0.49 a year ago, leading to an EPS surprise of -25% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.12 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Net Sales from Feed Ingredients were $936.53 million, below the four-analyst average estimate of $997.05 million, reflecting a year-over-year change of +0.3% [4] - Net Sales from Fuel Ingredients reached $158.84 million, exceeding the average estimate of $138.21 million, with a year-over-year increase of +11.6% [4] - Net Sales from Food Ingredients amounted to $386.14 million, surpassing the average estimate of $366.46 million, showing a year-over-year change of +1.9% [4] EBITDA Analysis - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $69.95 million, slightly above the average estimate of $68.51 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Feed Ingredients was $135.9 million, falling short of the average estimate of $161.84 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $18.64 million, compared to the average estimate of $19.79 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Corporate was reported at -$17.59 million, worse than the average estimate of -$10.3 million [4] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $61.29 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $31.85 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Darling have returned -1.2%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported $1.38 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, a year-over-year decline of 2.8% and an EPS of -$0.16 compared to $0.50 a year ago, indicating significant underperformance against expectations [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.36%, while the EPS surprise was -180.00% against the consensus estimate of $0.20 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Net Sales for Feed Ingredients were $896.28 million, below the average estimate of $976.29 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.7% [4] - Net Sales for Fuel Ingredients were $135.07 million, slightly below the average estimate of $137.58 million, showing a year-over-year decline of 2.9% [4] - Net Sales for Food Ingredients were $349.24 million, significantly below the average estimate of $376.23 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 10.7% [4] EBITDA Performance - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $70.93 million, exceeding the average estimate of $66.29 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Feed Ingredients was $110.58 million, falling short of the average estimate of $151.08 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $18.19 million, slightly below the average estimate of $19.87 million [4] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $24.23 million, significantly below the average estimate of $65.38 million [4] Stock Performance - Darling's shares returned -0.4% over the past month, compared to a -5.1% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting potential underperformance in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Darling Ingredients (DAR) will report quarterly earnings of $0.36 per share, reflecting a 28% decline year over year, while revenues are expected to reach $1.51 billion, marking a 6.1% increase from the same quarter last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted downward by 4.6%, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue and Sales Projections - The consensus estimate for 'Net Sales- Feed Ingredients' is $976.29 million, representing a 9.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Net Sales- Fuel Ingredients' is projected to reach $137.58 million, indicating a 1.1% decline from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Net Sales- Food Ingredients' is expected to be $376.23 million, reflecting a 3.9% decrease from the year-ago quarter [5]. EBITDA Estimates - 'Segment Adjusted EBITDA- Food Ingredients' is anticipated to be $66.29 million, up from $61.69 million in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Segment Adjusted EBITDA- Feed Ingredients' is projected at $151.08 million, compared to $106.81 million in the previous year [6]. - 'Segment Adjusted EBITDA- Fuel Ingredients' is expected to be $19.87 million, an increase from $18.08 million reported in the same quarter last year [7]. Stock Performance - Darling shares have increased by 3.3% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's decline of 5.6% [7]. - With a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), DAR is expected to underperform the overall market in the near term [7].