Green Plains(US:GPRE)2025-05-08 14:02Financial 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] - 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 [26] - SG&A totaled $42.9 million, an increase of $11.1 million from the prior year due to restructuring and severance charges [27] 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 consolidated SG&A run rate is expected to decline from $118 million in 2024 to approximately $93 million by year-end 2025 [8][27] - The company has achieved $30 million in annualized cost savings and expects to reach a total of $50 million in cost reductions [6][7] 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 [18] - Ethanol market fundamentals showed typical seasonal weakness in Q1, but margins have strengthened heading into Q2 and Q3 [17] - Current ethanol inventory levels are at 25 million barrels, with expectations to drop towards 23 million as the driving season begins [81] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to sustained profitability and has executed a zero-based approach to its cost structure [5][6] - A strategic marketing partnership with EcoEnergy has been established to enhance scale and optimize transportation and marketing economics [19] - The company is pausing its clean sugar technology initiative to maximize ethanol production and improve operational efficiency [15][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive EBITDA for the remainder of the year based on current market conditions and actions taken [34] - The carbon strategy remains on track, with construction of carbon compression infrastructure advancing as planned [30] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the protein business but remains committed to executing the strategy [91] Other Important Information - The company has strengthened its liquidity position, with $126.6 million in cash equivalents and restricted cash at quarter-end [28] - Capital expenditures in Q1 were $16.7 million, with expectations for the remainder of 2025 to be around $20 million [29] - The company is actively engaged in a strategic review, considering various paths including a company sale or asset divestitures [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight into the hedging framework and its reestablishment? - Management emphasized that hedging is a good practice for managing risk and that they are locking in margins when market opportunities arise [39][41] Question: What is the status of the CEO search? - The process is ongoing, nearing final stages, with a focus on candidates who can bring relevant industry experience [44] Question: Can you provide updates on carbon capture construction timelines? - Construction is on track for early Q4 startup, with no major delays anticipated [48] Question: What are the potential impacts of tariffs on product exports? - Currently, there has been no adverse impact from tariffs, but the situation remains unpredictable [49][52] Question: How is the company addressing the protein market dynamics? - The domestic protein market is expected to be flat, but the company is focusing on higher-margin segments like pet food and aquaculture [62]