MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) has been formulating excellence since 1941 by bringing product ideas to life across the alcoholic beverage and specialty ingredient industries through three segments: Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions, and Ingredient Solutions. MGP is one of the leading spirits distillers with an award- winning portfolio of premium brands including Penelope, Rebel, Remus, and Yellowstone bourbons and El Mayor tequila, under the Luxco umbrella. With distilleries in Indiana and Kentuck ...

Core Insights - The company reported a year-to-date non-COVID organic growth of 16% in Q3, indicating strong performance and satisfaction with results [1] - The diverse and innovative product portfolio is highlighted, with analytics and protein franchises exceeding expectations in Q3 [1] - The company aims to grow more than 5% above market growth, with projections indicating significant outperformance this year [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $72.9 million or a loss of $1.14 per share for Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $51.4 million or $0.81 per share in Q1 2024 [23][24] - Revenue for the quarter was $601.5 million, up 0.7% year over year [24] - Adjusted EBITDA excluding restructuring charges was a loss of $24.2 million, compared to a negative $21.5 million in Q1 last year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record 100% utilization rate across its nine operating plants, demonstrating strong asset performance [25] - The anticipated decline in SG&A run rate is from $118 million in 2024 to an estimated $93 million annualized by year-end [7][26] - The company achieved $30 million in annualized cost savings and an additional $15 million from a new ethanol marketing partnership [6][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. ethanol exports are expected to surpass last year's record of nearly 2 billion gallons in 2025 [17] - Ethanol margins have strengthened heading into Q2 and Q3, supported by firmer corn oil fundamentals and anticipated increases in renewable volume obligations [17][19] - Current ethanol inventory levels are at 25 million barrels, with expectations to drop towards 23 million as the driving season begins [82] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to sustained profitability through disciplined execution and operational excellence [4][5] - A strategic marketing partnership with EcoEnergy aims to enhance scale and optimize transportation and marketing economics [19][69] - The company is pausing its clean sugar technology initiative to maximize profitability from existing operations while addressing wastewater management challenges [15][108] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive EBITDA for the remainder of the year, driven by cost reductions and improved market conditions [34][78] - The carbon strategy remains on track, with construction of carbon compression infrastructure advancing as planned [30][31] - The company is actively engaged in monetizing its carbon credits and expects to provide updates in future calls [31][34] Other Important Information - The company has executed a $30 million line of credit to enhance liquidity and support ongoing operations [28][72] - Capital expenditures in Q1 were $16.7 million, with expectations for the remainder of 2025 to be around $20 million [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on hedging practices and risk management - Management confirmed the reestablishment of hedging practices to manage risk effectively, utilizing analytics and market opportunities [39][41] Question: Status of CEO search - The CEO search is ongoing, with a focus on candidates who can align with the company's strategic direction [44] Question: Impact of carbon capture construction timeline - Construction is on track for early Q4 startup, with no anticipated delays [48] Question: Tariff impacts on product exports - Currently, there have been no adverse impacts from tariffs, and the company is optimistic about potential new market opportunities [49][50] Question: Profit contribution from corn oil and protein platforms - Corn oil prices have improved, and the company expects continued support for margins from this segment [86][89] Question: Details on non-core asset sales - The company is focused on exiting non-core assets to streamline operations and improve focus on core business [77][78]