The turnaround plans are starting to really take a whole take a hold right now and results really improved, rising, you know, 4% systemwide, same store sales, U.S. as well. China was up 7%. You know, here in the U.S., it's, you know, mainly about better operations.Right. They rolled out new operating standards late last year and that they seem to be really boosting the speed of service, which is creating happier customers that come back more frequently. Right.Some food innovation, including protein, cold fo ...

Core Insights - MGP Ingredients, Inc. announced the retirement of Karen Seaberg from its Board of Directors after over 15 years of service, effective December 14, 2025, and the appointment of Julie Francis as a new director, effective December 15, 2025 [1][2][3] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Karen Seaberg has served as a long-standing director and Chairman of the Board from 2014 to 2024, providing leadership during significant growth and transformation periods for the company [2] - Julie Francis, the current CEO, has been recognized for her strong leadership and strategic focus, which is expected to enhance the Board's effectiveness as the company continues to execute its long-term strategy [3] Group 2: Company Background - MGP Ingredients, Inc. has been operational since 1941, focusing on the alcoholic beverage and specialty ingredient industries through three segments: Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions, and Ingredient Solutions [4] - The company is a leading spirits distiller with a portfolio of premium brands, including Penelope, Rebel, Remus, and Yellowstone bourbons, as well as El Mayor tequila, and operates distilleries in Indiana and Kentucky [4]

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]