Q4 2025 Darling Ingredients Inc Earnings Call

February 12, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning, and welcome to the DARLING INGREDIENTS Inc. conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results. After the speakers prepared remarks, there will be a question-and-answer period and instructions to ask a question will be given at that time.

Operator: Good morning, and welcome to the Darling Ingredients Inc. conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results. After the speakers' prepared remarks, there will be a question-and-answer period, and instructions to ask a question will be given at that time. Today's call is being recorded, and I would now like to turn the call over to Ms. Suann Guthrie, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Today's call is being recorded and I would now like to turn the call over to Ms. Suann Guthrie, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Suann Guthrie: ... It's Q4 and fiscal year 2025 earnings call. Here with me today are Mr. Randall C. Stuewe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Bob Day, Chief Financial Officer. Our Q4 and fiscal year 2025 earnings news release and slide presentation are available on the investor page of our corporate website and will be joined by a transcript of this call once it is available. During this call, we will be making forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results can materially differ because of factors discussed in today's press release, the comments made during this conference call, and in the Risk Factors section of our Form 10-K, 10-Q, and other reported filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Speaker #2: Yes. Fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings call. Here with me today are Mr. Randall Stuewe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Bob Day, Chief Financial Officer.

Speaker #2: Our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings news release and slide presentation are available on the Investor page of our corporate website. And we'll be joined by a transcript of this call once it is available.

Speaker #2: During this call, we will be making forward-looking statements which are predictions/projections and other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Speaker #2: Actual results can materially differ because of factors discussed in today's press release and the comments made during this conference call and in the risk factors section of our Form 10-K, 10-Q, and other reported filings with the securities and exchange commission.

Speaker #2: We do not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statement. Now I will hand the call over to Randy.

Suann Guthrie: We do not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Now, I will hand the call over to Randy.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Suann. Good morning, everyone. As we close out 2025, I want to acknowledge our employees for continuing to execute on our vision of being the world's largest, most profitable, and most respected processor of animal byproducts.

Randall C. Stuewe: Thanks, Suann. Good morning, everyone. As we close out 2025, I want to acknowledge our employees for continuing to execute on our vision of being the world's largest, most profitable, and most respected processor of animal byproducts. For every end, we believe there is a new beginning, as 2025's performance clearly demonstrates. Our 2025 results reflected the uncertainties created by evolving renewables public policy, along with the turbulent globalization related to tariffs and trade. Yet, our team remained committed to the fundamentals that matter the most. We meaningfully improved our debt leverage, took steps to rationalize and improve our portfolio, and focused on our core strengths and advanced our operational excellence. These actions throughout the year strengthened our platform, assisted in generating concrete results, and position us for continued growth and profitability in the future.

Speaker #3: For every end, we believe there is a new beginning as 2025's performance clearly demonstrates. Our 2025 results reflected the uncertainties, created by evolving renewables, public policy, along with the turbulent globalization related to tariffs and trade.

Speaker #3: Yet our team remained committed to the fundamentals that matter the most. We meaningfully improved our debt leverage, took steps to rationalize and improve our portfolio, and focused on our core strengths and advanced our operational excellence.

Speaker #3: These actions throughout the year strengthened our platform, assisted in generating concrete results, and positioned us for continued growth and profitability in the future. In the fourth quarter, we delivered solid EBITDA growth and sequential gross margin improvement.

Randall C. Stuewe: In the Q4, we delivered solid EBITDA growth and sequential gross margin improvement. Despite a challenging year for Diamond Green Diesel, our best-in-class operations led the industry in results. Darling's combined adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $336.1 million, and our global ingredients business performed strong with $278.2 million of EBITDA. In our feed ingredients segment, exceptional operational execution drove meaningful margin expansion for the fourth quarter in a row, a clear sign of the momentum our operations team continues to build as they remain laser-focused on driving efficiency and delivering strong results each quarter. The additional week in our fiscal year, combined with a favorable lag in fat prices, supported higher volumes in sales in the Q4 for the year...

Speaker #3: Despite a challenging year for Diamond Green Diesel, our best-in-class operations led the industry in results. Darling's combined adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $336.1 million, and our global ingredients business performed strong with $278.2 million of EBITDA.

Speaker #3: In our feed ingredients segment, exceptional operational execution drove meaningful margin expansion for the fourth quarter in a row—a clear sign of the momentum our operations team continues to build as they remain laser-focused on driving efficiency and delivering strong results each quarter.

Speaker #3: The additional week in our fiscal year, combined with a favorable lag in fat prices, supported higher volumes in sales in the fourth quarter for the year.

Speaker #3: In the US, demand for domestic fats remains robust as we continue to operate within agricultural, energy policy direction that is increasingly favorable to Darling to American agriculture and to American energy independence.

Randall C. Stuewe: In the US, demand for domestic fats remains robust as we continue to operate within agricultural and energy policy direction that is increasingly favorable to Darling, to American agriculture, and to American energy independence. Internationally, our global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil delivered solid year-over-year growth. Turning to our food segment, global collagen and gelatin demand continues to rebound, and our previously announced joint venture with PB Leiner and Tessenderlo is advancing as planned, with regulatory reviews now underway. Across the business, we're seeing positive global demand trends that give us a very encouraging outlook for 2026. In our fuel segment, Diamond Green Diesel delivered its strongest quarter of the year with $57.9 million of EBITDA, or $0.41 per gallon.

Speaker #3: Internationally, our global rendering business in Europe, Canada, and Brazil delivered solid year-over-year growth. Turning to our food segment, global collagen and gelatin demand continues to rebound and our previously announced joint venture with PB Liner and Tessander Lowe is advancing as planned with regulatory reviews now underway.

Speaker #3: Across the business, we're seeing positive global demand trends that give us a very encouraging outlook for 2026. In our fuel segment, Diamond Green Diesel delivered its strongest quarter of the year with 57.9 million of EBITDA, or 41 cents per gallon.

Speaker #3: For the full year 2025, VGD earned $103.7 million of EBITDA, or 21 cents EBITDA per gallon, and sold approximately $1 billion gallons. This performance reinforces VGD's position as the lowest-cost operator with an unmatched supply chain and superior logistics.

Randall C. Stuewe: For the full year 2025, DGD earned $103.7 million of EBITDA, or $0.21 EBITDA per gallon, and sold approximately 1 billion gallons. This performance reinforces DGD's position as the lowest cost operator with an unmatched supply chain and superior logistics. Even in an uncertain time for the industry, DGD continued to generate positive EBITDA and consistent operations, highlighting the strength of our people and the deep expertise behind our operations. Now, looking ahead, we are increasingly optimistic. The policy backdrop is moving in a direction that we believe will soon enhance DGD's earning potential and create a more constructive environment for domestic renewable fuels. Now, as I mentioned earlier, we have taken steps to sharpen our portfolio and focus on our core strengths, which may result in some asset sales in the near future.

Speaker #3: Even in an uncertain time for the industry, VGD continued to generate positive EBITDA and consistent operations, highlighting the strength of our people and the deep expertise behind our operations.

Speaker #3: Now, looking ahead, we are increasingly optimistic. The policy backdrop is moving in a direction that we believe will soon enhance VGD's earning potential and create a more constructive environment for domestic renewable fuels.

Speaker #3: Now, as I mentioned earlier, we have taken steps to sharpen our portfolio and focus on our core strengths, which may result in some asset sales in the near future.

Speaker #3: At the same time, we are open to opportunities that strengthen and expand our core business where it makes sense. Darling was identified as a stocking horse bidder in the bankruptcy proceedings for three rendering facilities from the Potense Group in Brazil, the second-largest rendering company in Brazil.

Randall C. Stuewe: At the same time, we are open to opportunities that strengthen and expand our core business where it makes sense. Darling was identified as a stalking horse bidder in the bankruptcy proceedings for three rendering facilities from the Potencei Group in Brazil, the second-largest rendering company in Brazil. Bob will share more details on the financials and timing, but these are high-quality assets with strong operational capability and fits naturally alongside our existing footprint. This is an incredibly strategic acquisition of assets that offers important synergies with the rest of our network in Brazil. Now, with this, I'd like to hand over the call to Bob, take us through the financials, then I'll come back and discuss my thoughts for 2026. Bob?

Speaker #3: Bob will share more details on the financials and timing, but these are high-quality assets with strong operational capability and fit naturally alongside our existing footprint.

Speaker #3: This is an incredibly strategic acquisition of assets that offers important synergies with the rest of our network in Brazil. Now, with this, I'd like to hand over the call to Bob.

Speaker #3: Take us through the financials, then I'll come back and discuss my thoughts for 2026. Bob?

Speaker #4: Thank you, Randy. Good morning, everyone. As Randy mentioned, third quarter momentum continued nicely into the fourth quarter as combined adjusted EBITDA was $336 million versus $289 million in fourth quarter 2024 and $245 million last quarter.

Bob Day: Thank you, Randy. Good morning, everyone. As Randy mentioned, third quarter momentum continued nicely into the fourth quarter, as combined adjusted EBITDA was $336 million versus $289 million in fourth quarter 2024, and $245 million last quarter. Core ingredients improved both year-over-year and sequentially. For fourth quarter 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $278 million versus $230 million in fourth quarter of 2024, and $248 million last quarter. For all of 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million versus $790 million in 2024. While 2025 was a 53-week year for Darling, the added weeks impact added only around $20 million EBITDA, so by any measure, 2025 for the core business realized significant improvement over the previous year.

Speaker #4: Core Ingredients improved both year-over-year and sequentially. For fourth quarter 2025, Core Ingredients EBITDA was $278 million, versus $230 million in fourth quarter 2024 and $248 million last quarter.

Speaker #4: And for all of 2025, core ingredients EBITDA was $922 million, versus $790 million in 2024. While 2025 was a $53-week year for Darling, the added week's impact added only around $20 million EBITDA, so by any measure, 2025 for the core business realized significant improvement over the previous year.

Speaker #4: For the fourth quarter 2025, total net sales were $1.7 billion, versus $1.4 billion in 2024. Raw material volume was $4.1 million metric tons, versus $3.8 million tons from the fourth quarter a year ago.

Bob Day: For Q4 2025, total net sales were $1.7 billion versus $1.4 billion in 2024. Raw material volume was 4.1 million metric tons versus 3.8 million tons from Q4 a year ago. For the full year, raw material volume was 15.4 million metric tons versus 15.2 million tons in 2024. Meanwhile, gross margins for the quarter improved to 25.1%, compared to 23.5% in Q4 of last year.

Speaker #4: And for the full year, raw material volume was $15.4 million metric tons, versus $15.2 million tons in 2024. Meanwhile, gross margins for the quarter improved to 25.1% compared to 23.5% in fourth quarter of last year.

Speaker #4: Looking at the feed segment for the quarter, EBITDA improved to $193 million from $150 million a year ago, while total sales were $1.13 billion, versus $924 million and raw material volume was approximately $3.4 million tons compared to $3.1 million tons.

Bob Day: Looking at the feed segment for the quarter, EBITDA improved to $193 million from $150 million a year ago, while total sales were $1.13 billion versus $924 million, and raw material volume was approximately 3.4 million tons compared to 3.1 million tons. Gross margins relative to sales improved nicely to 24.6% in the quarter versus 22.6% in the fourth quarter from 2024. As Randy mentioned earlier, we successfully participated in an auction to acquire three assets formerly owned by the Potencei Group in Brazil. We are currently working through terms in the purchase agreement and expect to close later this quarter.

Speaker #4: Gross margins relative to sales improved nicely to 24.6% in the quarter, versus 22.6% in the fourth quarter from 2024. As Randy mentioned earlier, we successfully participated in an auction to acquire three assets formerly owned by the Potense Group in Brazil.

Speaker #4: We are currently working through terms in the purchase agreement and expect to close later this quarter. The cost of acquiring those assets translates to around $120 million, and we expect to fund that with cash flows generated in first quarter of this year.

Bob Day: The cost of acquiring those assets translates to around $120 million, and we expect to fund that with cash flows generated in Q1 of this year. In the food segment, total sales for the quarter were $429 million, a significant increase over Q4 2024 at $362 million. Gross margins for the segment were 27.2% of sales, compared to 25.7% a year ago, and raw material volumes increased to 350,000 metric tons versus 320,000 tons. EBITDA for Q4 2025 was up significantly compared to the Q4 of 2024, at $82 million versus $64 million.

Speaker #4: In the food segment, total sales for the quarter were $429 million, a significant increase over fourth quarter 2024 at $362 million. Gross margins for the segment were $27.2% of sales, compared to 25.7% a year ago, and raw material volumes increased to $350,000 metric tons, versus $320,000 tons.

Speaker #4: EBITDA for fourth quarter 2025 was up significantly compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 at $82 million, versus $64 million. Moving to the fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel, Darling's share of DGD EBITDA for the quarter was $58 million, which includes an unfavorable LCM inventory valuation adjustment of $24 million at the DGD entity level.

Bob Day: Moving to the fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel, Darling's share of DGD EBITDA for the quarter was $58 million, which includes an unfavorable LCM inventory valuation adjustment of $24 million at the DGD entity level. This was the best quarter of the year for DGD, as confidence in policy and more disciplined market behavior led to an improved margin environment. For fiscal year 2025, Darling's share of DGD EBITDA was approximately $104 million, which included a favorable LCM inventory valuation adjustment of $140 million at the entity level. Darling contributed approximately $328 million to DGD in 2025. These contributions were offset by $368 million in dividends received.

Speaker #4: This was the best quarter of the year for DGD, as confidence in policy and more disciplined market behavior led to an improved margin environment.

Speaker #4: For fiscal year 2025, Darling's share of DGD EBITDA was approximately $104 million, which included a favorable LCM inventory valuation adjustment of $140 million at the entity level.

Speaker #4: Darling contributed approximately $328 million to DGD in 2025. These contributions were offset by $368 million in dividends received, a significant amount of which came from $285 million in production tax credit sales; $255 million of which were paid during 2025 in the balance will be paid in 2026.

Bob Day: A significant amount of which came from $285 million in production tax credit sales, $255 million of which were paid during 2025, and the balance will be paid in 2026. Other fuel segment sales, not including DGD, were $153 million for the quarter versus $132 million in 2024, on relatively flat volumes of around 390,000 metric tons. Combined adjusted EBITDA for the full fuel segment, including DGD, was $85 million for the quarter versus $84 million in Q4 2024. For fiscal year 2025, combined adjusted EBITDA was $192 million versus $374 million a year ago. As of 3 January 2026, total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion versus $4 billion, ending 28 December 2024.

Speaker #4: Other fuel segment sales not including DGD were $153 million for the quarter, versus $132 million in 2024. On relatively flat volumes of around $390,000 metric tons.

Speaker #4: Combined adjusted EBITDA for the full fuel segment, including DGD, was $85 million for the quarter, versus $84 million in the fourth quarter 2024. For fiscal year 2025, combined adjusted EBITDA was $192 million, versus $374 million a year ago.

Speaker #4: As of January 3, 2026, total debt net of cash was approximately $3.8 billion, versus $4 billion ending December 28, 2024. Capital expenditures totaled $156 million in the fourth quarter 2025 and $380 million for the fiscal year.

Bob Day: Capital expenditures totaled $156 million in Q4 2025 and $380 million for the fiscal year. Our bank covenant preliminary leverage ratio at year-end was 2.9 times versus 3.9 times at year-end 2024. In addition, we ended the year with approximately $1.3 billion available on our revolving credit facility. For the three months ended 3 January 2026, we recorded an income tax benefit of $11 million, primarily due to the net impact of production tax credits, and we paid $6.9 million of income taxes during the quarter. For the twelve months ended 3 January 2026, the company recorded an income tax benefit of $9.4 million.

Speaker #4: Our bank covenant preliminary leverage ratio at year-end was 2.9 times versus 3.9 times at year-end 2024. In addition, we ended the year with approximately 1.3 billion available on our revolving credit facility.

Speaker #4: For the three months ended January 3, 2026, we recorded an income tax benefit of $11,00,000 primarily due to the net impact of production tax credits and we paid $6.9 million of income taxes during the quarter.

Speaker #4: For the 12 months ended January 3, 2026, the company recorded an income tax benefit of 9.4 million similar to last year. The company's effective tax rate when including production tax credit sales was negative 15.3%, and we paid a total of $58.4 million of income taxes in 2025.

Bob Day: Similar to last year, the company's effective tax rate, when including production tax credit sales, was -15.3%, and we paid a total of $58.4 million of income taxes in 2025. Overall, net income was $57 million for the quarter, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $102 million or $0.63 per diluted share for Q4 2024. As we continue to evaluate each business and position the company to maximize value, we restructured and impaired some of the portfolio in the quarter, resulting in charges of $58 million.

Speaker #4: Overall net income was $57 million for the quarter, or 35 cents per diluted share compared to net income of $102 million, or 63 cents per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024.

Speaker #4: As we continue to evaluate each business and position the company to maximize value, we restructured and impaired some of the portfolio in the quarter, resulting in charges of $58 million.

Speaker #4: Adjusting for the restructuring and impairment charges and to provide some perspective regarding earnings per share in the fourth quarters from 2025 and 2024, and adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share would have been $67 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $66 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Bob Day: Adjusting for the restructuring and impairment charges and to provide some perspective regarding earnings per share in Q4 2025 and Q4 2024, an adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share would have been $0.67 per diluted share in Q4 2025 and $0.66 per diluted share in Q4 2024. With that, I will turn the call back over to Randy.

Speaker #4: With that, I will turn the call back over to Randy.

Speaker #3: Great. Thanks, Bob. In 2025, we focused on executing for today so we can build for tomorrow. That discipline has put us in a strong position as we move into a period of meaningful opportunity.

Randall C. Stuewe: Hey, thanks, Bob. In 2025, we focused on executing for today so we can build for tomorrow. That discipline has put us in a strong position as we move into a period of meaningful opportunity. We're beginning to see tailwinds forming across our markets, and public policy is on the cusp of becoming tangible and beneficial for our businesses. We believe we are at an inflection point, one where the foundation we have built, and the momentum we have created will move us forward. We're excited about 2026 and believe we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. Now, looking forward to Q1. We estimate that DGD will produce about 260 million gallons at improved margins. For the core business, when you adjust for our Q4 performance for the 13-week period and exclude some minor year-end cleanup, the quarter was solid.

Speaker #3: We're beginning to see tailwinds forming across our markets and public policy is on the cusp of becoming tangible and beneficial for our businesses. We believe we are at an inflection point, one where the foundation we have built and the momentum we have created will move us forward.

Speaker #3: We're excited about 2026 and believe we are well positioned to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. Now, looking forward to first quarter, we estimate the DGD will produce about $260 million gallons at improved margins.

Speaker #3: For the core business, when you adjust for our fourth quarter performance for the 13-week period and exclude some minor year-end cleanup, the quarter was solid.

Speaker #3: In January, severe weather in the southeast and eastern shore created some moderate operational challenges. Even with that, when considering fat prices and volumes, we only expect a modest pullback relative to Q4.

Randall C. Stuewe: In January, severe weather in the Southeast and Eastern Shore created some moderate operational challenges. Even with that, when considering fat prices and volumes, we only expect a modest pullback relative to Q4. As a result, I'm estimating our core ingredients adjusted EBITDA to fall in the range of around $240 to 250 million for Q1. Now, with that, let's go ahead and open it up to questions.

Speaker #3: As a result, I'm estimating our core ingredients adjusted EBITDA to fall in the range of around $240 to $250 million for first quarter. Now, with that, let's go ahead and open it up to questions.

Operator: Certainly. Ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press star followed by one on your telephone keypad. To remove that question, please press star followed by two. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up the handset before using the keypad. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star followed by one. The first question comes from the line of Derek Whitfield with Texas Capital. You may proceed.

Speaker #1: Certainly. Ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, followed by 1 on your telephone keypad. To remove that question, please press star, followed by 2.

Speaker #1: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up the handset before using the keypad. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, followed by 1.

Speaker #1: The first question comes from Derek Whitfield with Texas Capital. You may proceed.

Derrick Whitfield: Hey, good morning, all, and congrats on a strong close to the year.

Speaker #4: Hey, good morning, all, and congrats on a strong close, to the year.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Derek.

Bob Day: Thanks, Derek.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Randall C. Stuewe: Thanks.

Derrick Whitfield: So maybe just starting out with guidance. So while I understand why you're not guiding DGD for Q1, it seems like to us that the margins are materially stronger than where you were in Q4, given the strength of recent credit prices and the softness of fats and UCO relative to FPO. So that's kind of part one, and then part two is, as you guys look forward and let's assume we get a constructive RVO, would you likely then put DGD back in guidance at that point? Would love your thoughts on those two.

Speaker #4: so maybe just start now with guidance. So while I understand why you're not guiding DGD for, for one Q, it, it seems like to us that the, the margins are materially stronger than where you were in four Q.

Speaker #4: Given the strength of recent credit prices and the softness of stats and UCO relative to SBO—so that's kind of part one. And then part two is, as you guys look forward, and let's assume we get a constructive RVO, would you likely then put DGD back in guidance at that point?

Speaker #4: Would love your thoughts on those two.

Speaker #7: Yeah. Hey, Derek. This is Bob. I, I, I guess to answer the first, the, the, the last question directly, it's, it's gonna depend. I mean, you know, I think that there's you know, it's 's just gonna depend on the kind of clarity and certainty we have.

Bob Day: Yeah. Hey, Derek, this is Bob. I guess to answer the last question directly, it's gonna depend. I mean, you know, I think that there's, you know, just gonna depend on the kind of clarity and certainty we have. But as we look at Q1, you know, we, first of all, we saw strong results in Q2 or Q4 of 2025, much better, and we, you know, we continue to see that momentum carry forward into Q1. But yeah, we aren't providing guidance, and we'll reconsider that, you know, after we get a final ruling on the RVO.

Speaker #7: But as, as we look at the first quarter, you know, we first of all, we saw a strong results in the second quarter or fourth quarter of 2025, much better.

Speaker #7: And we, you know, we continue to see, that momentum carry forward into the first quarter. but yeah, we, we aren't providing guidance, and we'll reconsider that, you know, after, after we get a final ruling on the RVO.

Speaker #4: Terrific. And then maybe just one follow-up, perhaps for you, Bob. When we think about the feed business, it, it, it is clearly sensitive to the final absolute RVO.

Derrick Whitfield: Terrific. And then maybe just one follow-up, perhaps for you, Bob. When we think about the seed business, it is clearly sensitive to the final absolute RVO.

Manav Gupta: ... But how would you characterize your business's potential sensitivity to the half RIN concept for imported products and feedstocks?

Derrick Whitfield: ... But how would you characterize your business's potential sensitivity to the half RIN concept for imported products and feedstocks?

Speaker #4: But how would you characterize your business's potential sensitivity to the half-ren concept for imported product and feed stocks?

Speaker #7: Yeah, I think, you know, it's hard to answer as it relates specifically to the half-ren concept because there are so many other factors.

Bob Day: Yeah, I think, you know, it's hard to answer as it relates specifically to the half RIN concept because there's so many other factors. We've got origin tariffs on feedstocks that are already having a big impact. I mean, I think the bottom line is, if policy is supportive to US or even just broader North American feedstock values, that's certainly constructive to our rendering businesses in the United States and Canada. And, you know, based on what we've heard, we're likely to see it manifest in some way that's supportive like that.

Speaker #7: We've got origin tariffs on feedstocks that are already having a big impact. I mean, I think the bottom line is, if policy is supportive to US, or even just broader North American, feedstock values, that's certainly constructive to our rendering businesses in the United States and Canada.

Speaker #7: And, you know, based on what we've heard, we're likely to see it manifest in some way that's supportive like that.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from Thomas Palmer with J.P. Morgan. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Thomas Palmer with JP Morgan. You may proceed.

Speaker #8: Good morning. And, and thanks for the question. given where you sit in the biofuels supply chain, I, I wondered if you might have some insight i-into what's happening, so far, in 2026 versus maybe you know, how it might evolve here.

Thomas Palmer: Good morning, and thanks for the question. Given where you sit in the biofuels supply chain, I wondered if you might have some insight into what's happening so far in 2026 versus maybe, you know, how it might evolve here, as we get clarity on the RVO. And specifically, to what extent maybe we're starting to see more production from biofuels operators that maybe had pulled back, and to what extent you're starting to see increased pull-in in terms of feedstocks from the biofuels industry? Thank you.

Speaker #8: as we get clarity on the RVO and specifically, to what extent maybe we're, we're starting to see more production from, from biofuels operators that, that maybe had pulled back.

Speaker #8: And, to, to what extent you're starting to see increased pull in, in terms of feedstocks, from the biofuels industry. Thank you.

Speaker #7: So if I didn't understand the correct question correctly, Tom, let me know. This is this is Bob again. I, I think, you know, we, we haven't seen a significant increase in biofuel production yet in, in the United States.

Bob Day: So if I didn't understand the correct question correctly, Tom, let me know. This is Bob again. I think, you know, we haven't seen a significant increase in biofuel production yet in the United States. And, you know, despite better margins, which suggests to us that margins need to get better in order to incentivize more. And so if we have an RVO, ultimately, that is, you know, results in an increase in demand, we're going to need to see, you know, better margins in order for that to happen. But yeah, let me know if I didn't answer your question.

Speaker #7: and, you know, despite, despite better margins, which suggests to us that margins need to get better, in order to incentivize more. And, and so if we if we have an RVO, ultimately, that, that, that is, you know, results in an increase in demand, we're gonna need to see, you know, better margins, in order for that to happen.

Speaker #7: but if I yeah, it let me know if I didn't answer your question.

Speaker #9: No, no. That you, you understood it right. I was really just trying to understand if we're seeing anything kind of happening in the background versus, you know, what, what we're seeing with, with, with pricing so far.

Thomas Palmer: No, no, you understood it right. I was really just trying to understand if we're seeing anything kind of happening in the background versus, you know, what we're seeing with pricing so far. Second, I did just want to touch on the food business. There was some constructive commentary in the prepared remarks. This is maybe less tethered to the RVO, so I wondered if you would be comfortable maybe talking at a high level about expectations for EBITDA as we think about the coming year. Thanks.

Speaker #9: second, I, I did just wanna touch on the food business. There was some constructive commentary in the prepared remarks. this is maybe less tethered to, to the RVO, so I wondered if you, you would be comfortable maybe talking at a high level about, expectations for, for EBITDA as we think about the coming year.

Speaker #9: Thanks.

Speaker #7: Yeah. Tom, this is Randy. I mean, the, the collagen and gelatin business globally, is performing very nicely. It had a really nice, fourth quarter.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, Tom, this is Randy. I mean, the collagen and gelatin business globally is performing very nicely. It had a really nice Q4, carries that momentum into Q1 right now. You know, as we look around the world, the demand, you know, a year ago today, we were talking of destocking, of, you know, people that have built too much inventory. The industry had added quite a bit of capacity through new players, and the only thing the new players knew how to do was to reduce price to try to move the product, and it built inventory. So those have been worked through pretty much around the world. And so ultimately, we look for a year similar to this year, if not better.

Speaker #7: Carries that momentum into Q1 right now. you know, the a-as we look around the world, demand you know, a year ago today, we were talking of destocking of, of, you know, people that have built too much inventory.

Speaker #7: The industry had added quite a bit of capacity through new players, and the only thing the new players knew how to do was to, was to reduce price to try to move the product.

Speaker #7: And it built inventories. Those have been worked through pretty much around the world. And so, ultimately, we look for a year similar to this year, if not better.

Randall C. Stuewe: It'll depend on really, you know, how it really comes down to trade flows again, you know. Keep in mind, there's still lots of tariff issues around the world, and we're a heavy Brazilian producer. And at the end of the day, you know, we were able to navigate that with our customers and suppliers. And I think we'll be in better shape as we come on into the year 2026 here. Also, our Nextide product line has been launched. The GLP-1 alternative glucose moderation product is getting a lot of repeat orders now, building momentum. And then this spring, we are hoping summer to bring on our brain health Nextide products.

Speaker #7: it'll, it'll depend on really, you know, how it, it, it really comes down to trade flows again. You know, keep in mind, there's, there's still there's still lots of tariff issues around the world, and we're, we're a heavy Brazilian producer.

Speaker #7: And, and at the end of the day, you know, we were able to navigate that with our customers and suppliers. And I think we'll be we'll be in better shape as we come on into, into the, the year 2026 here.

Speaker #7: Also, our next title product line, it has been launched. the, the GLP-1 alternative, glucose moderation product, is getting a lot of repeat orders now, building momentum.

Speaker #7: And then this spring, we, we are hoping summer to bring on our, our brain health, next title product. So we're getting momentum with the higher value products here.

Randall C. Stuewe: So we're getting momentum with the higher value products here, and then the commodity gelatin part has, what I'd say, leveled off and improved from where it was a year ago.

Speaker #7: And then the commodity gelatin part has, has what I'd say leveled off and improved from where it was a year ago.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes line up Manav Gupta with UBS eBay. Proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Manav Gupta with EBS. You may proceed.

Manav Gupta: Good morning, guys. My first question is going to go a little bit on the policy side first. As this RVO comes out, net of SREs, what would be looked as a constructive number from the perspective of Darling? Like, is there an absolute number, five plus or whatever, which if it's the net number, you would say, "Okay, that is constructive." And then on the LCFS part, finally, things are moving in absolutely the right direction. And I'm just trying to understand, based on the revised, you know, the, the mandate going in, do you actually see that carbon bank deplete, which will be a major positive for you?

Speaker #10: good morning, guys. My first question is gonna go a little bit on the policy side first. As this RVO comes out, net of SREs, what would be looked as a constructive number from the perspective of Darling?

Speaker #10: Like, is there an absolute number, five-plus or whatever, which if it's the net number, you would say, "Okay. That is constructive." And then, on the LCFS part, finally, things are moving in absolutely the right direction.

Speaker #10: And I'm just trying to understand, based on the revised, you know, the, the mandate going in, where you actually see that carbon bank deplete, which would be a major positive for you.

Speaker #7: Thanks, Manav. This is Bob. So I'll, I'll go on record saying we support, an RVO for advanced biofuels, that, that translates to 5.25 billion gallons or 5.61 billion gallons.

Bob Day: Thanks, Manav. This is Bob. So I'll go on record saying we support an RVO for advanced biofuels that translates to 5.25 billion gallons or 5.61 billion gallons. Those are kind of the numbers that have been thrown out there. You know, we'll go on record continuing to support those numbers. I think what we would add to that is just anything that resembles anything close to that is extremely supportive and, you know, we believe results in higher margins than what we see in the market today. Well, I guess I'll leave it at that. On the LCFS question, it's an interesting situation because, you know, we have the greenhouse gas emission requirements that are, you know, more stringent than they were.

Speaker #7: Those are kind of the numbers that have been thrown out there. You know, we'll, we'll go on record s continuing to support those numbers.

Speaker #7: I think what, what we would add to that is just anything that resembles anything close to that is extremely supportive and, you know, we believe results in higher margins than what we see in the market today.

Speaker #7: so I, I guess I'll leave it at that. On the on the LCFS question, it's an interesting situation because you know, we, we have the greenhouse gas emission requirements that are, you know, more stringent than they were.

Speaker #7: We're seeing the bank, come down considerably. And, and we expect that we'll continue to see that happen. one interesting aspect about that market is over the last several quarters, we've actually seen less renewable diesel going into California despite better margins.

Bob Day: We're seeing the bank come down considerably, and we expect that we'll continue to see that happen. One interesting aspect about that market is over the last several quarters, we've actually seen less renewable diesel going into California despite better margins. And so that tells us that in order for California to satisfy its mandates, either LCFS credit prices have to go up or RIN prices have to go up, but it's got to incentivize more domestic production to eventually go into California. So the rate at which we're drawing that bank down starts to slow down. We haven't talked about it in those terms for a long time, but it's absolutely constructive what we're seeing there.

Speaker #7: And, and so that tells us that in order for California to, satisfy its mandates, either LCFS credit prices have to go up or rent prices have to go up.

Speaker #7: But it's gotta incentivize more domestic production to eventually go into California so the rate at which we're drawing that bank down starts to slow down.

Speaker #7: we haven't we haven't talked about it in those terms for a long time, but so it's absolute it's absolutely constructive what we're seeing there.

Speaker #10: Perfect, Bob. I'm just gonna quickly ask a question on the food JV side. Obviously, you've highlighted multiple benefits of that JV, but you've also in the past said, "Look, once the JV really takes off, there could be a rerating for the stock," right?

Manav Gupta: Perfect, Bob. I'm just gonna quickly ask a question on the food JV side. Obviously, you've highlighted multiple benefits of that JV, but you've also in the past said, "Look, once the JV really takes off, there could be a re-rating for the stock, right?" Keith, can you talk about the multiple expansions that can happen as the JV comes to fruition and some of those benefits, which will lead to a higher re-rating for Darling Ingredients?

Speaker #10: Can you can you talk about the multiple expansions that can happen as the JV comes to fruitation and some of those benefits which will lead to a higher, rerating for Darling Ingredients?

Speaker #7: Yes. Thanks, Manav. So I think, first of all, you know, we're, we're in a process there. we've signed definitive agreements. We've, you know, done our regulatory filings.

Bob Day: Yes. Thanks, Manoj. So I think, first of all, you know, we're, we're in a process there. We've signed definitive agreements. We've, you know, done our regulatory filings, and we can't predict exactly when this joint venture will, will close. But it's sometime we expect in the next 12 months or so. Once that happens, you know, we will focus on integrating plants, maximizing, you know, synergies and opportunities. And then, as Randy talked about, throughout all of this, we are, we are very focused on increasing the sales volume of the Nextide portfolio of products, which really move that business into the health and nutrition and wellness segment of the market that trades at significantly higher multiples. You know, we believe this is a business that can move into a space that's trading 12 to 16 times EBITDA.

Speaker #7: And we can't predict exactly when will this joint venture will, will close. but it sometime we expect in the next 12 months or so.

Speaker #7: Once that happens, you know, we will focus on integrating plants, maximizing, you know, synergies and opportunities. And then as Randy talked about, w throughout all of this, we are we are very focused on increasing the sales volume of the next title portfolio of products, which really move that business into the health and nutrition and wellness segment of the market that trades at significantly higher multiples.

Speaker #7: you know, we believe this is a business that can move into a space that's trading 12 to 16 times EBITDA. And, and, and, and if we accomplish that and when we accomplish that, we'll have to evaluate what's the best way for us to monetize that if, if we're not being recognized for that kind of a multiple for that business.

Bob Day: And if we accomplish that, and when we accomplish that, we'll have to evaluate what's the best way for us to monetize that, if we're not being recognized for that kind of a multiple for that business.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from Heather Jones with Heather Jones Research. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Heather Jones with Heather Jones Research. You may proceed.

Speaker #11: Good morning. Thanks for the question. So just thinking about the RVO and the probable impact on DAR's fees business, which is just to say, in setting up the expectations for ’26, have there been any changes in how you price the lags, etc., that we should be aware of as we're thinking about the potential impact later in the year?

Heather Jones: Good morning. Thanks for the question. So just thinking about the RVO and the probable impact on DAR's feed business, but just to setting up the expectations for 2026, have there been any changes in how you price the lags, et cetera, that we should be aware of as we're thinking about the potential impact later in the year?

Manav Gupta: So, Heather, just to clarify the question, so how we price the, did you say the lags or the legs?

Speaker #7: so Heather, just to clarify the question. So how we price the, the, the did you say the lags or the legs?

Bob Day: So, Heather, just to clarify the question, so how we price the, did you say the lags or the legs?

Heather Jones: The lags. So, like in the past, it's been like a sixty-

Speaker #11: The, the lags. So like in the past, it's been like a 60 to 90-day lag. Between what we sa yeah. Have there been any changes in that or how you pay your suppliers as far as like your formulas?

Heather Jones: The lags. So, like in the past, it's been like a sixty-

Bob Day: Oh, yeah

Heather Jones: ... to 90-day lag between what we see.

Bob Day: Yeah.

Heather Jones: Yeah. Have there been any changes in that or how you pay your suppliers as far as, like, your formulas? Not to give us specifics, but just things like that, that we should be aware of as we're trying to figure out the impacts for Darling.

Speaker #11: Not, not to give specifics, but just things like that we should be aware of as we're trying to figure out the impacts for Darling.

Speaker #7: No, not at all, Heather. I mean, what, what we saw in fourth quarter was, is the, the team executed well. They had some forward sales on.

Bob Day: No, not at all, Heather. I mean, what we saw in Q4 was, is the team executed well. They had some forward sales on, prices came down here, and, you know, we benefited it. As the, you know, we were kind of lagging all the way up all year in 2025 here, and so got a little bit of a downturn. That was kind of the reason for the guidance for Q1 here at $240 to 250. Fat prices are lower, it's wintertime, but they're gonna come back sharply here as the industry powers back up.

Speaker #7: prices came down here and, and, you know, we, we benefited it. as the, you know, we were kinda lagging all the way up all year.

Speaker #7: In '25 here. And so got a little bit of a downturn. That's, that was kind of the reason for the guidance in, in, for Q1 here at 240 to 250.

Speaker #7: Fat prices are lower. It's wintertime. but they're gonna come back sharply here as, the, the industry powers back up. Bean oil's back, showing near 58 cents on the board today.

Bob Day: Bean oil is back, showing near $0.58 on the board today, and I'm starting to see, you know, sales now back of, of fats, FOB the plants, with, in a $0.50-plus range now. So, you know, it's coming back for us right now, but there's no change in how we do business there.

Speaker #7: And, I'm starting to see, you know, sales now back of, of fats, FOB, the plants, with a in a 50-plus range now. So, you know, it-it's coming back for us right now.

Speaker #7: But there's, there's no change in how we do business there.

Speaker #11: Okay. Awesome. And then I was wondering, just given the recent propo to, 45Z proposals from the treasury, and then just, I guess, a more liquid market as far as monetizing those credits, is there any change any update that, you would give as far as what we should be assuming for the average credit value for, for Diamond Green?

Heather Jones: Okay, awesome. And then I was wondering, just given the recent proposals from the Treasury, and then just, I guess, a more liquid market as far as monetizing those credits, is there any change, any update that you would give as far as what we should be assuming for the average credit value for Diamond Green?

Bob Day: Yeah, this is Bob. I would say, you know, we've seen, we've seen a maturation somewhat of that market where, there's recognition of the validity of the credit. It's making it easier to have discussions and make sales. There is some more supply on the market, so that maybe counters that a little bit. All in all, we don't expect any significant change to the value of the credits that we're able to sell, you know, in 2026 versus what it looked like in 2025.

Speaker #7: yeah. This is Bob. I, I would say, you know, we've seen w-w-we've seen a maturation somewhat of that market where, there's, there's recognition of the validity of the credit.

Speaker #7: It's making it easier to have discussions and make sales. There, there are some—there is some more supply on the market, so that—that maybe counters that a little bit.

Speaker #7: All in all, we don't expect any significant change, to the value of the credits that we're able to sell, you know, in 2026 versus what it looked like in '25.

Speaker #11: Okay. Thanks so much. Appreciate it.

Heather Jones: Okay, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Pooran Sharma with Stephens, Inc. You may proceed.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes line up Huron Sharma with Stevens Inc. You may proceed.

Pooran Sharma: Good morning, and thanks for the question, and congrats on posting some strong results here. I wanted to maybe start off and get a sense as to Q1 fuel production. I think in the deck, you have it at 260 million gallons. It seems kind of low, just given your capacity utilization, and I thought you, you're gonna have DGD one back online. So I was hoping to maybe get some color on the volume expectations for fuel.

Speaker #7: good morning and, and, thanks for the question and, and, congrats on, on, posting some strong results here. I, wanted to maybe start off and, get a sense as to, Q1, fuel production.

Speaker #7: I think in the deck, you have it at 260 million gallons. It seems kinda low just given your capacity utilization. And I thought you, you, you're gonna have DGD1 back online.

Speaker #7: So I was hoping to maybe get some collar on, on the volume expectations for, for fuel.

Speaker #12: Yeah. Thanks, Puran. you know, I guess we're, we are, you know, we've, we've been opportunistic at, in terms of the way we've managed capacity at Diamond Green Diesel, over the last several quarters.

Bob Day: Yeah, thanks, Pooran. You know, I guess we are, you know, we've been opportunistic in terms of the way we've managed capacity at Diamond Green Diesel over the last several quarters. In certain cases, we've been able to run at less than full capacity and increased our distillate yields. There, you know, we've seen wider spreads in some cases, and so a benefit to doing that. I think that, you know, as we look at Q1 and, you know, what we're really doing is anticipating ultimately a final ruling on the RVO, which would impact the market's Q2 and beyond. So we just really want to position the business to maximize production as we get into Q2, and through the end of the year.

Speaker #12: in certain cases, we've, we've been run able to run at less than full capacity and increased our distal yields. there, you know, we've seen wider spreads in some cases.

Speaker #12: t and, and, and so a benefit to doing that. I think that, you know, as, as we look at the first quarter and, you know, we're what we're really doing is anticipating ultimately a final ruling on the RVO, which, which would impact the market second quarter and beyond.

Speaker #12: So, we just really want to position the business to maximize production as we get into the second quarter, and through the end of the year.

Speaker #7: Okay. Makes sense. Thanks for the collar there. And, in the past, I, I think you've given, percentage split on the on the core business guide.

Pooran Sharma: Okay, makes sense. Thanks for the color there. And in the past, I think you've given a percentage split on the core business guide. Of that $245 million at the midpoint, are you able to give us a rough sense on the split between feed, food, and fuel for the core business?

Speaker #7: of that 245 mil at the midpoint, are you are you able to give us a, a rough sense on, on, on the split between feed, food and fuel?

Speaker #7: For the core business?

Speaker #12: So this, this is Randy. so le-let's, you know, let's do Randy math here. You know, i-if you were 278 in, in Q4, remember there was an extra week in there.

Randall C. Stuewe: So this is Randy. So let's, you know, let's do Randy math here. You know, if you were $278 in Q4, remember there was an extra week in there, so you got to divide by 14 and times 13. So you come up with 250 something there, 258, 259. We had a few balance sheet cleanup items that you always do at year-end. So that's where we kinda came in at the 250 mark for the quarter, 240, 250. Remember, that does not include DGD. DGD margins are improving from Q4. Volumes are pretty steady, down a little bit here as we get ready to run harder for the balance of the year. So that's really... But trying to split it between food and feed, kind of impossible at this time.

Speaker #12: So you gotta divide by 14 and times 13. So you come up with 250-something there, 258, 259. We had a few balance sheet cleanup items that you always do at year-end.

Speaker #12: So that's where we kinda came in at the at the 250 mark for the quarter. 240, 250. Remember, that does not include DGD. DGD margins are, are improving from Q4.

Speaker #12: Volumes are pretty steady, down a little bit here as we get ready to, to run harder for the balance of the year. So that-that's really but trying to split it between food and feed, kind of i-i-impossible at this time.

Speaker #12: I-i you know, foo you know, food for the most part is very, very consistent. So you can kinda back into it yourself.

Randall C. Stuewe: You know, food, you know, food for the most part, is very, very consistent, so you can kind of back into it yourself.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from Connor Fitzpatrick with Bank of America. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from line of Conor Fitzpatrick with Bank of America. You may proceed.

Speaker #13: Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. in fourth quarter, feed ingredients processing volume set a record, and feed revenue per ton and gross margin percentage were the best prints since 2023.

Conor Fitzpatrick: Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. In Q4, feed ingredients processing volumes set a record, and feed revenue per ton and gross margin percentage were the best prints since 2023. Could you maybe break down what has been driving this momentum in the feed ingredient segment and help us understand which drivers are more ratable?

Speaker #13: could you maybe break down what has been driving this momentum in the feed ingredients segment and help us understand which drivers are, more ratable?

Speaker #7: Yeah. Connor, this is Randy. And Bob can help me out here if I lose something out. I mean, clearly, tonnage around the world, raw material tonnage i-is very strong.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, Conor, this is Randy, and Bob can help me out here if I leave something out. I mean, clearly, tonnage around the world, raw material tonnage is very strong. If we look at it, you know, there's no surprise. Beef tonnage in the US is at a relatively low point in my career right now, but it feels like it's rebuilding. But offsetting that is very, very strong poultry tonnage in the East and Southeast. Now, you go south to Brazil, beef tonnage is large, very large now. We're extremely full at all plants down there. Europe is very consistent as we look around the horn. So tonnage is really kind of as expected and doing very, very well.

Speaker #7: if we look at it, the you know, there's no surprise. Beef tonnage in the US is, is at a, a relatively low point in, in my career right now.

Speaker #7: But it feels like it's rebuilding. But offsetting that is very, very strong poultry tonnage in the east and southeast. Now you go south to Brazil, beef tonnage is, is, is large, very large now.

Speaker #7: We're, we're extremely full at all plants down there. Europe is c very consistent as, as we look around the horn. So tonnage is, is, is really kind of as expected.

Speaker #7: And, doing very, very well. you know, margin management is what we pride ourselves on in the business. And really spread management to, you know, try to deliver returns that reflect what it costs to both operate and replace these plants.

Randall C. Stuewe: You know, margin management is what we pride ourselves on in the business and really spread management to, you know, try to deliver returns that reflect what it costs to both operate and replace these plants. And so, you know, it was a 25, you know, kind of focus for us, and it was one that it's kind of hard to talk about to get out there because there's no specific thing. It's each customer, whether it's freight, whether it's, you know, the products we're making at plants, the markets that we're selling. The 2025 year was very challenging because especially on the protein side, you didn't know, was China open? Was China closed? You know, and so it becomes very difficult for some of the high-end proteins, the fats.

Speaker #7: And so you know, it was a 25, you know, kind of focus for us. And it was one that it's kinda hard to talk about to get out there 'cause there's no specific thing.

Speaker #7: It's each customer, whether it's freight, whether it's, you know, the products we're making at plants, the markets that we're selling, the, the 25-year was, was very challenging because especially on the protein side, you didn't know was China open, was China closed?

Speaker #7: you know, and so it becomes very difficult for some of the high-end proteins. The fats, remember, a lot of fat was moving up out of Brazil.

Randall C. Stuewe: Remember, a lot of fat was moving up out of Brazil to Diamond Green Diesel, and with the Trump tariffs, that makes it pretty much impossible now at this time. So we've had to move spreads and raw material cost around there. So it's a whole bunch of little things that are out there that the team really executed well on.

Speaker #7: to Diamond Green Diesel. And with the Trump tariffs, that makes it pretty much impossible now at this time. So we've had to move spreads and, and, and raw material costs around there.

Speaker #7: So it's a whole bunch of, of little things, that are that are out there that, the team really executed well on.

Speaker #13: Okay. Thanks. And, going back to the LCFS, you talked about credit prices needing to rise in order to redirect, renewable diesel and biodiesel supply back into California.

Conor Fitzpatrick: Okay, thanks. And, going back to the LCFS, you talked about credit prices needing to rise in order to redirect, renewable diesel and biodiesel supply back into California. But maybe could you help us understand what credit price would be required for DGD specifically to redirect product toward California and away from other current end markets?

Speaker #13: But maybe could you help us understand what credit price would be required for DGD specifically to redirect product toward California and away from other current end markets?

Speaker #7: Yeah. Hey, Connor. This is Bob. it's, it's hard to answer that because all these markets around the world that we're selling into are consistently changing.

Bob Day: Yeah. Hey, Conor, this is Bob. It's hard to answer that because all these markets around the world that we're selling into are consistently changing. And so it's really a relative question. You know, what I would say is in a static environment, you know, how much would the credit price have to increase into California for us to sell into California? I'm not really sure exactly. You know, I think that it--but it would have to be. Yeah, I can't-- It's hard to answer that exactly, just because the markets are so dynamic, and they're moving around so much. But, you know, what it has demonstrated is that, it just, it's gonna have to be higher than where we are in order for it to happen.

Speaker #7: And, and so it's really a relative question. you know, what I would say is in, in a s I guess in a static environment, you know, how much would the credit price have to increase into California for us to sell into California?

Speaker #7: I'm not really sure exactly. you know, I, I think that it, it, it but it would have to be yeah. I, I can't it's hard to answer that exactly just because the markets are so dynamic and they're moving around so much.

Speaker #7: But, you know, what, what it has demonstrated is that, it just it's gonna have to be higher than where we are in order for it to happen.

Speaker #7: You know, there are better alternatives today, you know, for Diamond Green Diesel at least, you know, in order to sell into California.

Bob Day: You know, there are better alternatives today, you know, for Diamond Green Diesel, at least, you know, in order to sell into California.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes line up Dushant. Alieni. With Jefferies, you may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Dushyant Ailani with Jefferies. You may proceed.

Speaker #14: Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. My first one is, I just wanted to touch on the Brazil rendering facility, the stocking hospital. Can you talk about the rationale for that some more?

Dushyant Ailani: Good morning, guys. Thanks for taking my question. My first one is, just wanted to touch on the Brazil rendering facility, the stalking horse bid. Could you talk about the rationale for that some more? And then maybe how do you think of deals like these going forward? Is it gonna be a one-time thing that you saw an opportunity, or could we see more of these? And then also just one last piece on that is also how much do you think that could add to the capacity and the margin profile for the feed segment changing going forward?

Speaker #14: And then maybe, how do you think of, deals like these going forward? Is it gonna be a one-time thing that you saw an opportunity?

Speaker #14: Or, could we see more of these? and then also just one last piece on that is also, how much do you think that could add to the capacity and the margin profile, for the, the, the feed segment change going forward?

Speaker #7: Yeah. Dushant, this is Randy. the, the potensei, group, the Goncalves family has, we've worked closely with over the years. they founded the we, we thought we had them acquired years ago and it, it fell apart.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, Dushyant, this is Randy. The Potencei Group, the Gonçalves family, we've worked closely with over the years. They founded the-- we had them acquired years ago, and it fell apart. It's somebody we've always had our eyes on. These are really first-rate, world-class facilities that, long story short, he spent too much money and was unable to maintain his balance sheet, which is the most important thing in this business, through the volatility that happened and happens in Brazil. So these three-- you know, we're doing a combination of things in Brazil. As I said, the tonnage is very large. We're doing a lot of organic expansion and debottlenecking at our current facilities.

Speaker #7: it's somebody we've always had our eyes on. These are really first-rate world-class facilities that, long story short is, he spent too much money and, and was unable to maintain his balance sheet, which is the most important thing in this business through the volatility that happened, and happens in Brazil.

Speaker #7: So these three you know, we're doing a combination of things in Brazil. As I said, the tonnage is very large. We're doing a lot of organic expansion and debottlenecking at our, our current facilities.

Speaker #7: And these facilities were just perfect within our footprint to bolt on and give us some arbitrage and margin enhancement opportunities. So we were excited to get these, and we're excited to get them closed and integrated.

Randall C. Stuewe: These facilities were just perfect within our footprint to bolt on and give us some arbitrage and margin enhancement opportunities. So we were excited to get these, and we're excited to get them closed and integrated.

Speaker #13: Awesome. Thank you. And then just a quick follow-up. I think in your prepared remarks, you talked about, potential for, for incremental asset sales. could you maybe talk a little bit about the magnitude of those asset sales and then from which segment we could see that?

Dushyant Ailani: Awesome. Thank you. And then just a quick follow-up. I think in your prepared remarks, you talked about potential for incremental asset sales. Could you maybe talk a little bit about the magnitude of those asset sales, and then from which segment we could see that?

Speaker #7: Yeah. Thanks, Dushant. This is Bob. I, I, we're intentionally vague about that as we negotiate, different options. I think that, you know, what, what we've said previously is that, when we look back at, you know, where we've been most successful, it's clearly in areas that, you know, where we've got core capabilities and our core business.

Bob Day: Yeah. Thanks, Dushyant. This is Bob. We're intentionally vague about that as we negotiate different options. I think that, you know, what we've said previously is that, when we look back at, you know, where we've been most successful, it's clearly in areas that, you know, where we've got core capabilities in our core business and some of the peripheral areas where we're operating. You know, we can look at it a bit more opportunistically. With some of the impairment that we did, it just it repositions our balance sheet so that we're really valuing things based on, based on fair market value, and that allows us to, to be more agile if we choose to, to do so.

Speaker #7: And some of the peripheral areas where we're operating, you know, we can look at it a bit more opportunistically. with some of the impairment, that we did, it just it repositions our balance sheet so that we're really valuing things based on based on fair market value.

Speaker #7: And, and that allows us to, to be more agile if we choose to, to do so. but we're not forced to do anything in, in any case.

Bob Day: But we're not forced to do anything in any case, and I think that's an important position that we need to have as we look at different opportunities.

Speaker #7: And I think that's an important position that we, that we need to have as we, as we look at different opportunities.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Andrew Streslik with BMO. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from line of Andrew Strelzik with BMO. You may proceed.

Andrew Strelzik: Hey, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. My first one, Randy, I appreciate, you know, you're not giving me annual guidance and certainly understand that, but, so I'm not looking for numbers. But I guess I'm just wondering, you know, when you think about kind of a post-RVO environment, is there anything, any analogous year that that setup kind of feels like? Is there anything from your career in the past, from a supply-demand perspective, that maybe kind of feels like the setup we could get into in, you know, kind of a post-RVO environment?

Speaker #15: Hey, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. my first one Randy, I, I appreciate, you know, you're not giving the annual guidance and certainly understand that.

Speaker #15: But, so I'm not looking for numbers. But I guess I'm just wondering, you know, when you think about kind of a post-RVO environment, is there anything any analogous year that that setup kind of feels like?

Speaker #15: Is there anything from your career in the past from a supply-demand perspective that maybe kind of feels like the setup we could get into in a, you know, kind of a post-RVO environment?

Speaker #7: Yeah, if you, you know, we look historically at DGD as, you know, having a first-mover capability and the success that it had.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, it, you know, we look historically at DGD as, you know, having a first-mover capability and the success that it had. I mean, I think everybody knows that the machine is capable of making 1.3 billion gallons plus out there. You know, as I look back at 2025, as Bob and I sat here and tried to give and what we thought the business would do, you know, we looked at it and said: Well, we don't think 2025 can be any worse than 2024. And we were very, very wrong with that belief and assumption. We didn't get an RVO soon enough. We didn't get an LCFS increase guidance soon enough.

Speaker #7: I mean, I think everybody knows that the, the machine is capable of making 1.3 billion gallons plus out there. you know, you know, as I look back at '25 as, as Bob and I sat here and tried to give an what we thought the business would do, you know, we, we looked at it and said, "Well, we don't think '25 can be any worse than '24." And, and we were very, very wrong with that belief and assumption.

Speaker #7: We didn’t get an RVO soon enough. We didn’t get an LCFS increase guidance soon enough. You know, if we think of this time last year, to kind of give the courage in the industry.

Randall C. Stuewe: You know, if we think of this time last year, to kind of give the gauge in the industry, and then we had some competitors, oil company competitors out there, some are shut down now, that decided to, as I call it, run for fun. And so pretty interesting environment that we were in last year. Clearly, people are tempering their kind of behavior now, which you would expect. I mean, in all business school things, when you get below variable cost, it just takes longer for rationalization and improved behavior. You know, as we look at 2026 here, you know, I clearly can make you a case for an easy $0.50 a gallon. We can make you a case for a $1 a gallon at that.

Speaker #7: And then, then we had, some competitors oil company competitors out there. Some have shut down now that, that decided to as I call it, run for fun.

Speaker #7: And, and so pretty, pretty interesting environment that, that we were in last year. Clearly, people are tempering their, their kind of behavior now, which you would expect.

Speaker #7: I mean, in, in all business school things, when you get below bi-variable cost, it just takes longer for rationalization and, and improved behavior. You know, as we look at, at, at '26 here, you know, I, I clearly we can make you a case for an, an easy 50 cents a gallon.

Speaker #7: We can make you a case for a dollar a gallon at, at, at that. But it all hinges on, like we said, on the RVO, which we as Bob said, you know, 5.2 to 5.6.

Randall C. Stuewe: But it all hinges on, like we said, on the RVO, which we, as Bob said, you know, 5.2 to 5.6, so we think anything with a five is very, very positive and constructive.

Speaker #7: So, we think anything with a five is very, very positive, constructive. And ultimately, you know, you've got the drawdown and the LCFS coming back, and you've got robust world demand for RD right now.

Bob Day: ... And, and ultimately, you know, you got the drawdown and the LCFS coming back, and you've got robust world demand for, for RD right now. So, you know, it, it's a, it's a hard thing to sit here and say, you can, you can say $0.50 a gallon or $1 a gallon. You know, we ran $0.41 in Q4. We, we said we think Q1 is, is better. And, and so, you know, that's the 50. And then to, to go on up to a dollar, we'll, we'll see what happens. It's gonna take, you know, behavior in the industry, and it's also gonna take a very robust RVO around the world.

Speaker #7: So you know, i-it's a it's a hard thing to sit here and say you can you can say 50 cents a gallon or a dollar a gallon.

Speaker #7: You know, we ran 41 in Q4. We, we said we think Q1 is, is better. And, and so, you know, that's the 50. And then to, to go on up to a dollar, we'll, we'll see what happens.

Speaker #7: It's gonna take, you know, behavior in the industry and it's also gonna take, a very robust RVO around the world.

Speaker #15: Okay. That's, that's helpful perspective. And then I just wanted to ask, capital allocation question. You've done a nice job from a leverage perspective. This past year, not too far off from, from some of the targets.

Andrew Strelzik: Okay. That's helpful perspective. And then I just wanted to ask a capital allocation question. You've done a nice job from a leverage perspective this past year, not too far off from some of the targets. I guess, how are you thinking about the timeline to achieving the leverage targets, and then kind of capital allocation priorities once you get there? Thanks.

Speaker #15: I guess, how are you thinking about the timeline to achieving the, the leverage targets and then kind of capital allocation priorities once you get there?

Speaker #15: Thanks.

Speaker #7: Thanks, Andrew. Let me say first, I think capital allocation priority continues to be paying down debt. You know, how quickly we sort of achieve our goals is going to depend in large part on how much cash DGD generates.

Bob Day: Thanks, Andrew. Let me say first, I think capital allocation priority continues to be paying down debt. You know, how quickly we sort of achieve our goals is gonna depend in large part on how much cash DGD generates. And so, you know, we'll see what that picture looks like once we finally get a final ruling on the RVO. And once that happens, I think we can be a bit more specific about what our plans are. But as we sit here today, you know, we like the trend and the direction we're headed. We're gonna continue to pay down debt. We'll reassess as we have a little bit more clarity on what the cash flow situation looks like going forward.

Speaker #7: And so, you know, we'll, we'll see what that picture looks like once we final get fi get a final ruling on the RVO. and, and once that happens, I think we can be a bit more specific about what our what our plans are.

Speaker #7: But as we sit here today, you know, we like the trend and the direction we're headed. We're going to continue to pay down debt.

Speaker #7: we'll reassess, as we have a little bit more clarity on what the cash flow situation looks like going forward.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from line of Matthew Blair with TPH. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Matthew Blair with TPH. You may proceed.

Matthew Blair: Thanks, and good morning. Hopefully, you can hear me okay. I had a question on the SAF market. So, you know, one of your major European competitors talks about how European SAF prices are actually below European RD prices, and they're kind of pulling back on their SAF production. You know, what's the picture like on SAF for DGD? Do you have term contracts to, I guess, essentially, like, stabilize that SAF contribution? You know, what are you seeing on US SAF prices versus US RD prices? Thank you.

Speaker #7: thanks and good morning. Hopefully, you can hear me okay. I had a question on the SAF market. So, you know, one of your major European competitors talks about how European SAF prices are actually below European RD prices.

Speaker #7: And, and they're kind of pulling back on, on their SAF production. you know, what, what's the picture like on SAF for DGD? Do you have term contracts to, to I, I guess essentially like stabilize that SAF contribution?

Speaker #7: You know, what are you seeing on, on US SAF prices versus US RD prices? Thank you.

Speaker #16: Yeah. Matthew, this is Bob. I think, you know, to answer the first part of your question, first, in, in Europe, we've seen SAF, trade at a premium.

Bob Day: Yeah, Matthew, this is Bob. I think, you know, to answer the first part of your question first, in, in Europe, we've seen SAF trade at a premium. We've seen it trade at a discount. It's kind of. It's, it's fluctuated. You know, as, as I think everyone knows, DGD has some countervailing duties in order to get into that market, so it isn't as, as readily accessible to us, although we do have sales into Europe, and we can be opportunistic when that market is good, and we've been able to take advantage of that. We still have sales on the books in 2026 that we had made previously. Our book is, is healthy. The, the market, you know, I think is starting to. Well, it is, starting to rebound a bit in the United States.

Speaker #16: We've seen it trade at a discount. It's kind of, it's fluctuated. You know, as I think everyone knows, DGD has some countervailing duties in order to get into that market.

Speaker #16: So it isn't as, as readily accessible to us, although we do have sales in the Europe and we can be opportunistic when that market is good.

Speaker #16: And we've been able to take advantage of that. we still have sales on the books in 2026 that we had made previously. our book is, is healthy.

Speaker #16: the, the market you know, I think is starting to well, it is starting to rebound a bit in the United States and the United States, it's primarily a voluntary credit market.

Bob Day: In the United States, it's primarily a voluntary credit market, and we've seen more and more interest materialize, and we think we're gonna continue to see that as just overall demand for energy continues to increase. So, you know, our book is solid today. There's room to make more sales. We're having really good constructive discussions about that. And, you know, I think SAF will. We'll be happy with SAF sales, you know, volumes and margins when, you know, as we look at 2026.

Speaker #16: And, and we've, we've seen more and more interest materialize. And we think we're gonna continue to see that as just overall demand for energy continues to increase.

Speaker #16: So, you know, our, our book is, is solid today. There's room to make more sales. We're having really good constructive discussions about that. And, you know, I, I, I don't think that I think SAF will we'll, we'll be happy with SAF, sales you know, volumes and margins when you know, as, as we look at '26.

Matthew Blair: Sounds good. And then regarding the contributions to DGD, I believe in 2025, Darling sent DGD $328 million, which of course, you know, was more than fully offset by the dividends received back. I think 2025 was a pretty heavy turnaround year for DGD. But do you have an estimate in 2026, how much Darling might be sending DGD? Would it be lower than the 325 number? Thanks.

Speaker #7: Sounds good. And then regarding the contributions to, to DGD, I believe in 2025, Darling sent DGD $328 million, which of course you know, w-was more than fully offset by the dividends received.

Speaker #7: Back, I think 2025 was a pretty heavy turnaround year for DGD. But do you have an estimate in 2026 how much Darling might be sending DGD?

Speaker #7: Would it be lower than the 320.5 number? Thanks.

Speaker #16: Yeah. It's a good question. we don't have a precise estimate. But I would say, you know, we expect it will be less. And you're right.

Bob Day: Yeah, it's a good question. We don't have a precise estimate, but I would say, you know, we expect it will be less. And you're right, we had three catalyst turnarounds in 2025. You know, we did some design work. There were some cost items that, you know, needed to be paid for. As we look at 2026, yeah, we anticipate that the contributions will be less. It's gonna depend a little bit on the market environment, but based on where we sit here today in Q1, we expect it would be considerably less than what it was in 2025.

Speaker #16: We had three catalyst turnarounds in 2025. you know, we did some design work. There were some things that some cost items that, you know, that, that needed to be, paid for.

Speaker #16: As we look at 2026, yeah, we anticipate that the contributions will be less. It's gonna depend a little bit on the market environment.

Speaker #16: But based on where we sit here today and the first quarter, we expect it would be considerably less than what it was in 2025.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from line of Ryan Todd with Piper Sandler. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Ryan Todd with Piper Sandler. You may proceed.

Speaker #7: It's a maybe just a couple of follow-ups. I don't hear their comments or questions. I mean, we're getting closer to some well, at least hopefully, we're getting closer to some regulatory clarity on, on some of the renewable fuels issues.

Ryan Todd: Okay, so maybe just a couple follow-ups on earlier comments or questions. I mean, we're getting closer to some. Well, at least hopefully, we're getting closer to some regulatory clarity on some of the renewable fuel issues. Randy, can you maybe talk about what. You know, are you hearing anything on timing of the RVO or any of the, you know, anything you might be hearing out of Washington on some of the gives and takes that may be going on in that discussion? And then maybe on the 45Z, the preliminary rules that we saw come out, can you. You know, it's generally positive but maybe mixed in some regards in terms of facts or the relative benefits of running advantage, low CIC.

Speaker #7: Randy, can you maybe talk about—y-you know, are you hearing anything on timing of the RVO, or any of the, you know, anything you might be hearing out of Washington, on some of the gives and takes that may be going on in that discussion?

Speaker #7: And then, and then maybe on the on the 45Z, the preliminary, rules that we saw come out. Can you you know, it's, it's generally positive and maybe mixed in some regards in terms of SAF or the relative benefits of running advantage, low CIC.

Speaker #7: Can you talk about kinda what you see as the pluses, the minuses for you of the proposal?

Ryan Todd: Can you talk about kind of what you see as the pluses and minuses for you of the proposal?

Speaker #17: Hey, Ryan, this is Bob. I think, you know, first question around timing. We've spent, you know, a lot of time in DC.

Bob Day: Hey, Ryan, this is Bob. I think, you know, first question around timing. You know, a lot of time in DC. I think that, you know, our perspective is that all key stakeholders had to get comfortable with what the plans and policies were, and in our view, that's happened. The EPA has a heavy administrative burden to get through, and as it pertains to responding to comment letters prior to them sending over a proposal, a final proposal to OMB. We believe that's likely to happen soon. And so, you know, hard to say exactly what that means, but probably, you know, it's got a February date to it, in our view.

Speaker #17: I think that, you know, our perspective is that, all, all, you know, key stakeholders had to get comfortable with what the plans and policies were and, and our view, that's happened.

Speaker #17: The EPA has a heavy administrative burden to get through. And as it pertains to responding to comment letters, prior to them sending over a proposal, a final proposal to OMB, we believe that's likely to happen soon.

Speaker #17: And, and so, you know, hard to say exactly what that means. But probably, you know, it’s got a—it’s got a February date to it, in our view.

Bob Day: As far as 45Z, and what we're seeing from that, there's really nothing that was unexpected. We expected some positive things, and we're seeing those positive things. So, you know, we've got to do our due diligence and get our legal opinions and make sure that everything is as it's perceived. But as far as it relates to Darling and Diamond Green Diesel, you know, we're seeing what we thought there, and that's positive. I think, you know, the biggest thing that could affect us is just what determines a qualified buyer.

Speaker #17: as far as 45Z, and, and what we're seeing from, from that, there's really nothing that was unexpected. we expected some positive things. And we're seeing those positive things.

Speaker #17: So, you know, th we've, we've got a do our due diligence and, and get our, our, our legal opinions and make sure that everything is as it's as it's perceived.

Speaker #17: But as far as it relates to Darling and, and Diamond Green Diesel, you know, we're, we're seeing what we thought there. And, and that's positive.

Speaker #17: I think, you know, the biggest thing, that, that could affect us is just what, what determines a qualified buyer, you know, DGD was the fastest in the market to, to, to convert to, producing our 100 so that it ensured that it was selling to qualified buyers.

Bob Day: You know, DGD was the fastest in the market to convert to producing R-100 so that it ensured that it was selling to qualified buyers, and that was one of the things that allowed us to sell the production tax credits faster than everyone else, and at a higher, you know, cents on the dollar. If we can go back to making R-99 and qualify, that just, you know, creates some flexibility that we appreciate, but we don't, we don't depend on. So all in all, you know, we see the changes as positive, but either way, not having a significantly, you know, it wouldn't have a negative impact on our business. Great. Thanks.

Speaker #17: And that was one of the things that allowed us to sell the production tax credits, faster than, than everyone else. And at, at a higher you know, cents on the dollar.

Speaker #17: if we can go back to making R99 and qualify, that just, you know, creates some flexibility that we appreciate. But we don't we don't depend on.

Speaker #17: So, all in all, you know, we see the changes as, as positive. But, but either way, not, not having a significantly, you know, wouldn't have a negative impact on our business.

Speaker #1: Great, thanks. The next question comes from the line of Ben Kello with Baird. You may proceed.

Operator: The next question comes from the line of Ben Callow with Baird. You may proceed.

Speaker #18: Hey, guys. thanks for taking my question. just to follow up on a couple of things. one, i-in the prepared remarks you talked about, maybe M&A opportunities out, outside of Brazil, could you just talk to us about, you know, kind of what your if you have a size limit, on them, and, a-and, you know, how you would see, you know, a limit to, you know, adding debt on the balance sheet, for that.

Ben Kallo: Hey, guys, thanks for taking my question. Just to follow up on a couple of things. One, in the prepared remarks, you talked about maybe M&A opportunities. Outside of Brazil, could you just talk to us about so kind of what your if you have a size limit on them, and you know, how you would see the limit to you know, adding debt on the balance sheet for that? And then, you talked about SAF a bit, but could you just talk about you know, any more you can on volumes that you're seeing there, and any kind of pricing trends there? Thank you.

Speaker #18: and then, I y-you talked about SAF, a, a bit. But, could you just talk about, you know, any, any more you can on, on volumes that you're seeing there, and, and any kind of pricing trends there?

Speaker #18: Thank you.

Speaker #7: Thanks, Ben. This is Randy. From an M&A perspective, I think I would still say we're on an M&A holiday. You know, we're working the world.

Randall C. Stuewe: Thanks, Ben. This is Randy. From an M&A perspective, I think we're on an M&A holiday. I would still say we're on an M&A holiday. You know, we're working the world. We see what's out there. Nothing that really turns us on at this time per se. The Potencei opportunity was one we were very, very familiar with, and given that it was a forced liquidation, it was something we couldn't turn down. I think more of our focus around the world is on organic expansion, whether it's in Brazil, Paraguay, China, and the US with the construction of the Mount Olive new rendering plant and then some additional expansion.

Speaker #7: We see what's out there. nothing that, really, turns us on at this time per se. the potential opportunity was one we were very, very familiar with.

Speaker #7: And, given that it was a forced liquidation, it was something we couldn't, we couldn't turn down. I think more of our focus i-i-around the world is on organic expansion, whether it's in Brazil, Paraguay, China, and, and the US with, construction of, the, the Mount Olive, new rendering plant and then some additional expansion.

Speaker #7: The, the poultry side continues to expand here. And we're gonna have to use our capital dollars to, debottleneck and expand some of our facilities here.

Randall C. Stuewe: The poultry side continues to expand here, and we're going to have to use our capital dollars to debottleneck and expand some of our facilities here. So not much there. Bob, you want to comment on the SAF?

Speaker #7: So, not much there. Bob, you wanna comment on the, SAF?

Speaker #19: Yeah. I think, you know, one interesting development in the SAF market in the United States is, at the end of the day, the buyers for SAF credits are large companies, often tech times tech companies, banks.

Bob Day: Yeah. I think, you know, one interesting development in the SAF market in the United States is, at the end of the day, the buyers for SAF credits are large companies, often tech, times tech companies, banks. The airlines act more as a broker, in that case. And so the discussions that we have are really about how a tech company obtains scope three credits through the acquisition of SAF that, you know, obviously goes through an airline. So, the discussions are more strategic in nature, long term, potentially higher volume. They take longer to put together. It's harder to predict exactly when they come together. But, as those discussions continue to advance, it's exciting because there's a potential for, you know, more of capacity to be dedicated towards future contracts.

Speaker #19: the, the airlines act on more as a broker, in that case. And so, the discussions that we have are we are having are really about how a tech company obtains scope three credits, through the acquisition of SAF, that, you know, obviously, goes, goes through an airline.

Speaker #19: So, the, the discussions are more strategic in nature, long-term, potentially higher volume. they take longer to put together. It's harder to predict exactly when, when they come together.

Speaker #19: But, as those discussions continue to advance, it's exciting because there's a potential for, you know, more of the capacity to be dedicated towards future contracts.

Speaker #19: And, it's hard to say more than that right now today, other than the discussions are constructive and, and we're encouraged by, you know, the, the direction they're going.

Bob Day: It's hard to say more than that right now today, other than the discussions are constructive, and we're encouraged by, you know, the direction they're going.

Speaker #18: Thank you, guys.

Ben Kallo: Thank you, guys.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from line of Betty Zhang with Scotiabank. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Betty Zhang with Scotiabank. You may proceed.

Speaker #20: Hi. Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. I wanted to ask about, expectations for core EBITDA for the rest of the year. First quarter is looking a little bit softer.

Betty Zhang: Hi, good morning. Thanks for taking my question. I wanted to ask about expectations for core EBITDA for the rest of the year. First quarter is looking a little bit softer, but then, it seems Q2 is set up to be better with fat prices recovering. What about in the second half? What could that look like?

Speaker #20: But then, it seems Q2 is set up to be, better with Fed prices recovering. What about in the second half? What could that look like?

Speaker #7: Yeah. Betty, this is Randy. So, you know, I, I did the math earlier. First quarter is not looking softer. Because of '13 weeks. wintertime rendering's always a, a challenge in, in, North America.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, Betty, this is Randy. So, you know, I did the math earlier. Q1 is not looking softer because of 13 weeks. Wintertime rendering is always a challenge in North America, and to a degree, Europe's had some challenges. South America is in the midst of a hot summer. So we're very solid for Q1. We're still trying - if you sit there, we think that the year will improve as we go forward. We're being a bit cautious because until we see that RVO... You know, it's hard to really put your finger on it, but at the end of the day, you're seeing the futures market for soybean oil really try to project a very strong, you know, RVO here.

Speaker #7: And to a degree, Europe's had some challenges. South America's in the midst of, of, of, of a hot summer. So, we're, we're very solid for, for Q1.

Speaker #7: we're, we're still trying. If, if you sit there, we, we think that the year will improve as we go forward. we're being a bit cautious because until we see that RVO, you know, it's, it's hard to really put, put your finger on it.

Speaker #7: But at the end of the day, you're, you're seeing the, the futures market for, for soybean oil really try to project a very strong, you know, RVO here.

Speaker #7: So, that, that will only provide us tailwinds as we go forward. So, you know, hopefully, the hopefully, Q1 is, we build momentum through the year.

Randall C. Stuewe: So that, that will only provide us tailwinds as we go forward. So, you know, hopefully, hopefully Q1 is, we build momentum through the year, and, and so hopefully we'll, we'll continue to build momentum and even have a better year than we had last year.

Speaker #7: And, and so, hopefully, we'll, we'll continue to build momentum and even have a better year than we had last year.

Speaker #20: Okay. Great. and then, if you could give us a bit more color on the restructuring and impairments, does that reflect a change in your strategy?

Betty Zhang: Okay, great. Then if you could give us a bit more color on the restructuring and impairments, does that reflect a change in your strategy? And, would you say there are other businesses that could also be reviewed?

Speaker #20: And, would you say there are other businesses that could also be reviewed?

Speaker #7: No. I, I wouldn't say a change in operating strategy. I would say that, you know, every, every so often, we look at our portfolio and say, "Can we deliver the returns that we want to in different businesses?" do we have the number one or two position in it?

Randall C. Stuewe: No, I wouldn't say a change in operating strategy. I would say that, you know, every so often, we look at our portfolio and say: Can we deliver the returns that we want to in different businesses? Do we have the number one or two position in it? And we have a couple businesses out there where we don't have that position, and we can't get to that position. And so the challenge in this business is always that we're the largest and biggest and best in the world, is finding then a fair price to let go of an asset we can't be the best at.

Speaker #7: And, and we have a, a couple of businesses out there where we don't have that position. And we can't get to that position. A-and so, the, the challenge in this business is, always that we're, we're the largest and biggest and best in the world i-is finding then a fair price to let go of an asset we can't be the best at.

Speaker #7: And so, that just takes time. And I think, you know, I'd just say stay tuned and be patient. And you'll see them materialize here over the, you know, hopefully here in the first quarter, if not very early second quarter.

Randall C. Stuewe: So that just takes time, and I think, you know, I just say, stay tuned and be patient, and you'll see them materialize here over the, you know, hopefully here in Q1, if not very early Q2.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from line of Jason Gableman with TD Securities. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Jason Gabelman with TD Securities. You may proceed.

Speaker #21: Yeah. Hey, morning. thanks for taking my questions. the first one, just, on, on CapEx, you know, 4Q was a step up from 3Q. Wondering what drove that.

Jason Gabelman: Yeah, hey, morning. Thanks for taking my questions. The first one, just on CapEx, you know, Q4 was a step up from Q3. Wondering what drove that, and then your expectations on spend for 2026.

Speaker #21: And then, your expectations on, on spend, for 2026.

Speaker #7: Yeah, thanks, Jason. This is Bob. It's not unusual to see a higher spend in the fourth quarter. Some of this is just the teams wanting to make sure that they get certain things done by the end of the year.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, thanks, Jason. This is Bob. It's not unusual to see a higher spend in the Q4. Some of this is just the teams wanting to make sure that they get certain things done by the end of the year and paying for the cost of doing that, you know, as bills come due. So that's really – it's really not more than that. As we look at next year, you know, we think it might be a slight increase in terms of total maintenance capital versus this year, but it would be consistent with the range of normal on that. So I'd call it in that ballpark of $400 million.

Speaker #7: And, and, and, paying for the cost of doing that, you know, as bills come due. So, that—that's really, it's really not more than that.

Speaker #7: as we look at next year, you know, we, we think it might be a slight increase in terms of total maintenance capital versus this year.

Speaker #7: But it would be consistent with sort of the range of normal on that. So, call it in that ballpark of $400 million.

Speaker #21: Got it. and then, my, my follow-up is just on, the international renewable diesel markets. And, you know, you mentioned there, there are other markets that are advantageous to sell into versus, California.

Jason Gabelman: Got it. And then my follow-up is just on the international renewable diesel markets. And, you know, you mentioned there are other markets that are advantageous to sell into versus California. So wondering what you're seeing out of places like Canada and Europe and other markets that are making them more attractive at the moment. Thanks.

Speaker #21: So, wondering what you're seeing out of places like Canada, and Europe, and, and other markets that are, that are making them more attractive at the moment.

Speaker #21: Thanks.

Speaker #7: Yeah, and I think that just generally speaking, we're seeing year-on-year increases in demand in those markets. We really haven't seen a lot of increase in supply and capabilities come online to compete for that.

Randall C. Stuewe: Yeah, and I think that just generally speaking, we're seeing year-on-year increases in demand in those markets. We really haven't seen a lot of increase in supply and capabilities come online to compete for that. So, it's just proven to be, you know, those proven to be good markets for DGD, and we think that we'll be able to continue to do that. We also think that we're gonna have a good market here in the United States, and we'd love to supply more into that market as well. So, it's hard to say more than that. The S&Ds are balanced and strong, and that's the case for a lot of these markets outside the United States.

Speaker #7: So, it's just proven to be, you know, those proven to be good markets for DGD. And, and we think that we'll be able to continue to do that.

Speaker #7: We also think that we're gonna have a good market here in the United States. And, we've, we'd love to supply more into that market as well.

Speaker #7: So, it's hard to say more than that. The S&Ds are balanced and strong, and that's the case for a lot of these markets outside the United States.

Speaker #1: Thank you. This now concludes the Q&A session. I would now like to pass the call back to Randy for any closing remarks.

Operator: Thank you. This now concludes the Q&A session. I would now like to pass the call back to Randy for any closing remarks.

Speaker #7: Thanks, John. Thanks to everybody for all your questions today. I think we feel very good about the how we finished the year. And we feel really good about the momentum we carry into 2026.

Randall C. Stuewe: Thanks, John. Thanks, everybody, for all your questions today. I think we feel very good about how we finished the year, and we feel really good about the momentum we carry into 2026. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to Suann. Stay safe, have a great day, and thanks again for joining us for the call.

Speaker #7: And if you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to Suann. Stay safe, have a great day, and thanks again for joining us for the call.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending today's conference call. This now concludes the conference. Please enjoy the rest of your day. You may now disconnect.

Q4 2025 Darling Ingredients Inc Earnings Call

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