Alto Ingredients (NasdaqCM:ALTO) Conference Transcript

Summary of Alto Ingredients Conference Call - October 21, 2025 Company Overview - Company: Alto Ingredients (NasdaqCM:ALTO) - Industry: Renewable fuels, ethanol production, and related products Key Points and Arguments Company Evolution and Strategy - Alto Ingredients began as a small ethanol brokering firm 25 years ago and evolved into a renewable fuel ethanol producer with multiple plants on the West Coast [5][6] - The company faced challenges due to increased corn costs, leading to the sale of two California facilities and idling the Burley, Idaho plant [6][8] - A shift towards high protein and corn oil expansion technology was initiated, but market conditions led to idling the facility [7][9] - The acquisition of a liquid CO2 processing facility has stabilized earnings and contributed positively to the portfolio [10][12] Diversification and Product Portfolio - Alto Ingredients diversified its operations by acquiring plants in the Midwest, allowing entry into various markets such as industrial, pharmaceutical, and beverage [11][12] - The PEAKIN campus includes facilities capable of producing renewable fuels, high-quality alcohols, and various protein products, enhancing product mix and market flexibility [12][13] - The company rebranded in 2021 to reflect its broader product offerings beyond ethanol [13] Financial Performance and Cost Management - The company has focused on improving profitability by reducing expenses, including an $8 million annual reduction through staffing adjustments [14] - Integration of Eagle Alcohol's distribution center with Kennergy marketing segment has eliminated redundancies and improved customer service [15] Growth Opportunities - CO2 utilization is a significant growth opportunity, with the Columbia facility capable of processing 170,000 tons of CO2 annually [16][17] - Regulatory changes, such as the 45Z tax credits, are expected to enhance profitability, with potential earnings of $4 million to $8 million from the Columbia facility starting in 2025 [22][23] - The shift to E15 blends could increase demand for ethanol by 50%, providing a substantial market opportunity [25][26] Regulatory Environment - Positive regulatory changes, including support for E15 and 45Z credits, are seen as tailwinds for the industry [21][25] - The company is assessing the impact of recent regulations on carbon capture projects, particularly in Illinois [20][30] Market Dynamics - The demand for CO2 is increasing, particularly in the beverage sector, with limited competition in the West Coast market [31] - The company is exploring opportunities to maximize the value of its CO2 production through investments in capture and compression equipment [18][19] Additional Important Information - The company has shifted production focus from renewable fuels to high-quality alcohols, which currently yield higher margins [29] - Alto Ingredients is dedicated to operational excellence and strategic diversification to capture market opportunities [29] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, growth opportunities, and the regulatory landscape affecting its operations.