Darling Ingredients(DAR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $245 million, compared to $237 million in Q3 2024 and $250 million in the previous quarter [12] - Total net sales for the quarter were $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion year-over-year [12] - Gross margins improved to 24.7% for the quarter, compared to 22.1% a year ago [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Feed segment, EBITDA improved to $174 million from $132 million a year ago, with total sales reaching $1 billion compared to $928 million [12] - The Food segment saw total sales of $381 million, up from $357 million in Q3 2024, with gross margins increasing to 27.5% from 23.9% [13] - The Fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported a negative EBITDA of $3 million, down from a positive $39 million in Q3 2024 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global rendering volumes and margins in the Feed segment were up both sequentially and year-over-year, driven by strong demand for fats and proteins [8] - Export protein demand is showing signs of recovery, although tariff implications have impacted value-added poultry protein products [9] - The renewables market faced headwinds due to higher feedstock costs and lower RINs and LCFS pricing [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its integrated model, which is seen as a competitive advantage in the industry [6] - Management is optimistic about the rollout of public policy aimed at enhancing American agriculture and energy leadership, which is expected to boost DGD's earnings potential [11] - The company plans to provide financial guidance exclusively for its core ingredients business, expecting EBITDA in the range of $875 million to $900 million for the full year 2025 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged short-term uncertainty in the renewables market due to delays in the renewable volume obligation (RVO) ruling [7] - The company remains confident that pressures in the renewables segment are temporary and anticipates a positive shift in the market [10] - Management expressed optimism about the core ingredients business, expecting continued strong performance despite challenges in the renewables segment [20] Other Important Information - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion as of September 27, 2025, compared to $3.97 billion at the end of 2024 [18] - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, resulting in an effective tax rate of -6.3% [19] - The company expects to generate around $300 million in production tax credits (PTCs) in 2025, with significant cash inflows anticipated in the fourth quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on regulatory items - Management expects clarity on RVO and exemptions by December, despite the government shutdown [24][25] Question: Feed outlook for Q4 - Management indicated that while waste fat prices have dipped, strong performance is expected in the food segment, with a narrow EBITDA range anticipated [26][28] Question: RIN policy protectionism benefits - Management noted that the treatment of foreign feedstocks is still unclear, and the need for imports may depend on domestic supply and demand dynamics [32][34] Question: DGD margins and drivers - Management clarified that DGD results were not as strong as hoped, and the capture rate was affected by LCM accounting practices [38][40] Question: Feed segment margin improvement - Management highlighted that improved protein prices and strong demand from aquaculture markets contributed to better margins in the feed segment [46][48] Question: RIN pricing scenarios - Management indicated that RIN prices may need to rise by approximately $0.40 to incentivize production to meet the 2026 mandate [57] Question: Debt repayment plans - Management confirmed that they are committed to paying down debt and expect to maintain a debt coverage ratio around three times [58][61] Question: DGD restart conditions - Management stated that DGD1 will only restart when soybean oil margins are profitable enough to justify the operational costs [95]