Darling Ingredients(US:DAR)2025-07-24 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $249.5 million, down from $273.6 million in Q2 2024, while year-to-date combined adjusted EBITDA totaled $445.3 million compared to $553.7 million for the same period in 2024 [13][14] - Total net sales in Q2 2025 were $1.48 billion, slightly up from $1.46 billion in Q2 2024, with raw material volume remaining nearly unchanged at approximately 3.74 million metric tons [14] - Gross margins improved to 23.3% in Q2 2025 from 22.5% in Q2 2024, with year-to-date gross margins at 23% compared to 21.9% in the first half of 2024 [14][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes Feed Ingredients Segment - Total net sales for Q2 2025 were $936.5 million, up from $934.1 million in Q2 2024, with gross margins improving to 22.9% from 21% [15][16] - Raw material volumes remained approximately 3.1 million metric tons for both quarters, with year-to-date volumes at roughly 6.2 million metric tons [16] Food Segment - Total sales for Q2 2025 were $386.1 million, compared to $378.8 million in Q2 2024, with gross margins unchanged at 26.9% [18] - Year-to-date gross margins improved to 28.1% from 25.3% in the same period a year ago [18] Fuel Segment - Darling's share of DGD EBITDA was approximately $42.6 million in Q2 2025, down from $76.6 million in Q2 2024, with year-to-date EBITDA at $48.7 million compared to $191.7 million in 2024 [19][20] - Overall fuel segment sales for Q2 2025 were $158.8 million, up from $142.3 million in Q2 2024 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The renewable fuel environment remains challenging, with small refinery exemptions and delayed compliance enforcement impacting margins [11][12] - Tariff volatility and increased domestic oilseed crush have pressured protein prices, particularly in Asia, but rising fat prices are expected to support the Feed segment [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the formation of NexTata, a joint venture focused on health and wellness, aligning with its strategy to diversify into high-margin markets [6] - The company is focused on operational discipline and strategic timing to position itself for improved margins in the future [12][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core ingredients platform, anticipating sequential improvement driven by rising fat prices [24] - The company expects full-year combined adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.1 billion, reflecting optimism about market conditions [25] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced its Eurobond and replaced its revolving credit facility, enhancing financial flexibility [21][22] - Total debt net of cash decreased to $3.89 billion as of June 28, 2025, from $3.97 billion at the end of 2024, lowering the leverage ratio to 3.34 times [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on policy benefits for domestic renewable diesel - Management highlighted the evolving domestic market and the expected drop in imported raw materials, benefiting U.S. fat pricing [28][30] Question: Outlook for LCFS prices - Management indicated a positive trend in carbon prices and anticipated potential increases, although exact estimates were challenging [34][35] Question: Impact of lower UCO pricing - Management explained the fluid dynamics of the UCO market and the lag effect in pricing, which impacted margins [39][41] Question: Opportunities for DGD outside California - Management confirmed significant exports to Europe and the UK, with growing demand for renewable diesel globally [50][51] Question: Expectations for SREs - Management expressed uncertainty regarding the timing and impact of SRE announcements, emphasizing the need for clarity in the market [53][56] Question: CapEx plans and capital discipline - Management committed to maintaining CapEx at $400 million or lower for the year, focusing on debt reduction [101]