Q4 2023 Aemetis Inc. Earnings Call

Good day and welcome to the <unk> fourth quarter and year end 2023 earnings Review conference call.

Operator: Good day, and welcome to the Aemetis fourth quarter and year-end 2023 earnings review conference. This time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.

At this time all participants are in a listen only mode.

Operator: A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Mr. Todd Waltz, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aemetis.

A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation.

As a reminder, this conference is being recorded.

It is now my pleasure to introduce your host Mr. Todd Waltz.

<unk> <unk>, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of <unk> incorporated Mr. Waltz, you may begin.

Todd A. Waltz: Thank you, Ollie. Welcome to the Aemetis fourth quarter and year-end 2023 earnings review conference call. Joining us for the call today is Eric McAfee, founder, chairman, and CEO of Aemetis, and Andy Foster, president of Aemetis North America. We suggest visiting our website at ametis.com to review today's earnings press release, the Aemetis corporate and investor presentations, Aemetis' filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, recent press releases, and previous earnings conference calls. The presentation for today's call is available for review or download in the investor section of the Aemitis.com website. Before we begin our discussion today, I'd like to read the following disclaimer statement. During today's call, we'll be making forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements with respect to our future stock performance plans, opportunities, and expectations with respect to financing activities and the execution of our business plan. These statements should be considered in conjunction with the disclosures and cautionary warnings that appear in our SEC filings.

Thank you Ali welcome to the <unk> fourth quarter and year end 2023 earnings Review conference call.

Joining us for the call today is Eric Mcafee, founder Chairman and CEO of <unk> Medicine, and Andy Foster President of <unk> North America.

We suggest visiting our website at <unk> Com to review today's earnings press release, the aim it at corporate and Investor presentations filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission recent press releases and previous earnings Conference calls.

The presentation for today's call is available for review or download on the investors section of the <unk> Dot Com website.

Before we begin our discussion today I'd like to read the following disclaimer statement.

During today's call, we'll be making forward looking statements, including without limitation statements with respect to our future stock performance plans opportunities expectations with respect to financing activities and the execution of our business plan.

These statements must be considered in conjunction with the disclosures and cautionary warnings that appear in our SEC filings.

Todd A. Waltz: Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements made on this call involve risk and uncertainty and that future events may differ materially from the statements made. For additional information, please refer to the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are posted on our website and are available from the company without charge. Our discussion on this call will include a review of non-GAAP measures as a supplement to financial results based on GAAP because we believe these non-GAAP measures serve as a proxy for the company's source or use of cash during the period presented. Reconciliation of the non-gap measures to the most directly comparable gap measures is included in our earnings release for the three and year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on our website. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income or loss plus the extent deducted in calculating such net income.

Investors are cautioned that all forward looking statements made on this call involve risks and uncertainty and that future events may differ materially from the statements made for additional information. Please refer to the company's security and Exchange Commission filings, which are posted on our website for available from the company without charge.

Our discussion on this call will include a review of non-GAAP measures as a supplement to financial results based on GAAP, because we believe these non-GAAP measures serve as a proxy for the company source or use of cash during the period presented.

Reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in our earnings release.

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The three <unk> and year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on our website.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income or loss plus to the extent deducted in calculating such net income.

Todd A. Waltz: Interest expense, loss on extinguishment, loss on lease termination, USDA cash grants, income tax expense, intangible and other amortization expense, accretion expense, depreciation expense, gain on litigation, and share-based compensation expense, less income tax benefit. Let's review the financial results for the fourth quarter and year end of 2023. Results for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Revenues were $70.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase from $66.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The ethanol gallons sold increased from 13.4 million gallons during the fourth quarter of 2022 to 15 million gallons during the fourth quarter of 2023. Biodiesel sales of 18.3 metric tons were recorded during the fourth quarter of 2023 at $1,157 per metric ton.

Interest expense loss on extinguishment loss on lease termination USDA cash grant income tax expense in.

Intangible and other amortization expense accretion expense depreciation expense gain on litigation.

Share based compensation expense less income tax benefit.

Let's review the financial results for the fourth quarter and year end of 2023.

Yeah.

Results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 revenues were $78 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase from $66 7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, the ethanol gallons sold increased from $13 4 million gallons during the fourth quarter of 2022.

215 million gallons during the fourth quarter of 2023.

The diesel sales of $18 3000 metric tons were recorded during the fourth quarter of 2023 $1157 per metric ton or California ethanol segment accounted for $45 million of revenue and our India biodiesel segment accounted for 22 million.

Todd A. Waltz: Our California ethanol segment accounted for $45 million of revenue, and our India biodiesel segment accounted for $22 million of revenue during the period. Cost of goods sold increased from $67.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2022 to $69.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 due to an 18% increase in feedstock costs from the incremental sales in our Indian biodiesel segment, coupled with an increase in corn ground from 4.3 million bushels during the fourth quarter of 2022 to 5.2 million bushels during the fourth quarter of 2023. Although offset by a 33% decrease in the average delivered cost of corn, gross profit, selling general administrative expense, and operating operating loss were consistent between the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2023. The net loss was $25.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a net loss of $22.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Of revenue during the period.

Cost of goods sold increased from $67 $9 million during the fourth quarter of 2022 to $69 $9 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 due to an 18% increase in feedstock costs from the incremental sales in our India biodiesel segment, coupled with an increase.

In corn ground from $4 3 million bushels during the fourth quarter of 2022% to $5 2 million bushels. During the fourth quarter of 2023 offset by a 33% decrease in the average delivered cost of course.

Gross profit selling general administrative expense and operating operating loss.

Consistent between the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2023.

Net loss was $25 $4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to a net loss of $22 $4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Todd A. Waltz: Cash at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.7 million compared to $4.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022. The financial results for the 12 months ended December 31, 2020.

Cash at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2 7 million compared to $4 $3 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022.

The financial results for the 12 months ended December 31 20.

23.

Todd A. Waltz: Revenues were $187 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 23 compared to $257 million for 2022, and during 2023, $77.2 million. Revenues were generated by the India biodiesel segment. $55.5 million of revenue was generated by the California renewable natural gas segment and $104.3 million of revenue was generated by the California ethanol segment. We idled the plant during the first five months of 2023 due to historic and unexpected high energy costs and took advantage of this period to complete a variety of maintenance and plant efficiency projects. Gross project gross profit for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023 was $2 million compared to a gross loss of $5.5 million during the same period in 2022.

Revenues were $187 million for the 12 months ended December $31 23, compared to $257 million for 2022.

During 2023 $77 $2 million.

Our revenues were generated by the India biodiesel segment.

$55 $5 million of revenue were generated by the California renewable natural gas segment and $104 $3 million of revenue were generated by the California ethanol segment.

We idled the plant during the first five months of 2023 to historic and unexpected high energy costs and took advantage of this period to lead a variety of maintenance and plant efficiency projects.

Gross profit gross profit for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023 was $2 million compared to a gross loss of $5 5 million. During the same period in 2022, our India biodiesel segment accounted for.

Todd A. Waltz: Our India biodiesel segment accounted for $9 million of gross profit from sales of biodiesel for the year ended December 31, 2023. Selling general and administrative expenses increased to $39.3 million during the 12 months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $28.7 million during the same period of 2022, attributable in part to the reclassification of expenses from cost of goods sold during the extended five-month maintenance and upgrade cycle for the Keys plan in early 2023. The net loss was $46.4 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023 compared to a net loss of $107.8 million during the same period in 2022.

$9 million of gross profit from sales of biodiesel for the year ended December 31 23.

Selling general and administrative expenses increased to $39 $3 million. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $28 $7 million. During the same period of 2022 attributable in part to the reclassification of expenses from cost of goods sold during the extended five months.

Maintenance and upgrade cycle for the Keyes plant in early 2023.

Net loss was $46 $4 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $107 8 million.

During the same period in 2022.

Eric A. McAfee: Investments in our low carbon initiatives increased property plant equipment by $33 million, while debt repayment of $51.3 million was made to our senior lender during the 12 months ended December 31, 2023. Now I'd like to introduce the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Aemetis, Eric McAfee, for a business update.

Investments in our low carbon initiatives increased property plant and equipment by $33 million.

While debt repayment of $51 $3 million were made to our senior lender. During the 12 months ended December 31 2023.

Now I'd like to introduce the founder Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Survey of <unk>, Eric Mcafee for a business update.

Eric Thanks, Todd we released the updated <unk> five year plan about two weeks ago, and we encourage investors to closely review the extensive information provided in the presentation, which is available on the homepage of the most website before discussing the many milestones that we achieved in 2023, let's talk about financing.

Eric A. McAfee: Thanks, Todd. We released the updated Ametis five-year plan about two weeks ago, and we encourage investors to closely review the extensive information provided in the presentation, which is available on the homepage of the Ametis website. Before discussing the many milestones that we achieved in 2023, let's talk about financing, since an understanding of how Aemetis plans to continue to grow rapidly in the current market environment is a key part of our five-year plan. The first important point regarding the Ametis funding plan is that the financing of our projects is being completed on a project finance basis for each subsidiary, so the debt position of the Ametis parent company does not impair our funding I make this point to clarify any suggestion that our well-established financing relationship with Erdi Capital is somehow constraining our project financing or the growth of our company. In fact, the opposite is true.

Since the understanding of how <unk> plans to continue to grow rapidly in the current market environment is a key part of our five year plan.

The first important point regarding the amount is funding plan is the financing of our projects is being completed on a project finance basis for each subsidiary.

So the debt position of the <unk> parent company does not impair our funding of new projects.

I make this point to clarify any suggestion that are well established financing relationship with third eye capital somehow constraining, our project financing or the growth of our company.

In fact, the opposite is true third eye capital has been integral to our success in providing project development funding and then obtaining long term project financing from our other lenders, enabling in the medicine to receive $50 million of 20 year financing in just the past year, we expect more than $100 million.

Eric A. McAfee: Third Eye Capital has been integral to our success in providing project development funding and then obtaining long-term project financing from our other lenders, enabling Ametis to receive $50 million of 20-year financing in just the past year. We expect more than $100 million of 20-year financing for Ametis biogas capital expenditures to close in the current year, in addition to other significant project financings that are in process now. Third Eye Capital is a primary beneficiary of the long-term, lower interest rate project financings provided by other lenders, as the excess cash flow from these new projects is expected to continue to reduce the amounts outstanding to Third Eye Capital.

20 year financing for Meadows biogas capital expenditures to close in the current year. In addition to other significant project financings that are in process now.

Third eye capital is a primary beneficiary of the long term lower interest rate project financings provided by other lenders as the excess cash flow from these new projects are expected to continue to reduce the amounts outstanding to third eye capital.

Eric A. McAfee: Rather than being a hindrance to the growth of Aemetis, for the past 15 years, Third Eye Capital has been funding the growth of our initiatives and continues to support Aemetis in attracting 20-year financing from other lenders for new projects that create new revenues, new cash flow, and new debt repayment capabilities. The second important point about financing Aemetis is our long relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is a major provider of loan guarantees that enable 20-year financing for projects. Over nearly two decades, Aemetis has built strong and productive relationships with a number of top leaders at the USDA as we share similar goals of strengthening the agricultural sector by creating new energy markets for ag and ag waste products. Our board member for the past 15 years, Jack Block, a former secretary of the USDA, has been extremely helpful in this shared vision and collaboration. Our positive relationships at the USDA are key to our confidence in USDA programs, such as the Renewable Energy for America program, known as REAP, that supports renewable fuels projects.

Rather than being a hindrance to the growth of it and that is for the past 15 years third eye capital has been funding the growth of our initiatives and continues to support a medicine, attracting 20 year financing from other lenders for new projects that create new revenues, new cash flow and new debt repayment capabilities.

The second important point about financing Annabel. This is our long relationship with the U S Department of Agriculture, which is a major provider of loan guarantees that enable 20 year financing for projects.

Over nearly two decades <unk> has been has built strong and productive relationships with a number of top leaders at the USDA as we share similar goals of strengthening in the agricultural sector by creating new energy markets for AG and AG waste products.

And our board member for the past 15 years Jack walk.

A former secretary of the USDA has been extremely helpful. In this shared vision and collaboration.

Our positive relationships with the USDA are key to our confidence in USDA programs, such as the renewable energy for America program known as reap that support renewable fuels projects.

Eric A. McAfee: These USGA programs have already guaranteed funding of 20-year financing for the Ametis Renewable Natural Gas Program, but they can also provide government guarantees and 20-year financing for sustainable aviation fuel, the conversion of our ethanol plant to use electricity instead of patrolling natural gas for power, and our carbon sequestration project. A third important point about financing Aemetis is that we have already fully repaid our long-term debt at our India plant and have been generating strong positive cash flow from India biodiesel production operations over the past two years under cost-plus pricing with oil refineries owned by the Indian government. This strong financial position has allowed the India business to internally fund expansion to 60 million gallons per year from ongoing positive operating cash flow and now has positioned our Indian subsidiary for a planned initial public offering on the Indian Stock Exchange. Our India business is highly attractive as an IPO company on the fast-growing Indian stock exchanges since we are one of the largest biodiesel suppliers in the booming Indian economy. We have no long-term debt.

These USDA programs have already guaranteed funding of 20 year financing for the <unk> renewable natural gas business, but also can provide government guarantees and 20 year financing for sustainable aviation fuel.

The conversion of our ethanol plant to use electricity instead of petroleum natural gas for power.

And our carbon sequestration projects.

It's sort of an important point about financing it matters.

Because we have already fully repaid our long term debt at our India plant and have been generating strong positive cash flow from India biodiesel production operations over the past two years under a cost plus pricing with oil refineries owned by the India government.

This strong financial position has allowed the India business to internally fund expansion 60 million gallons per year.

Some ongoing positive operating cash flow and now has positioned our India subsidiary for a planned initial public offering onto the India stock exchanges.

Our India business as highly attractive as an IPO company onto the fast growing India stock exchanges. Since we are one of the largest biodiesel suppliers in the booming India economy.

We have no long term debt.

Eric A. McAfee: We sell biodiesel on the cost plus pricing formula, the government-owned oil marketing company. And we are in a rapidly growing market that is experiencing more than $5 billion of growth per year to meet the biodiesel blending targets set forth in the 2022 India National Biofuels Policy. It only took 15 years for Aemetis to become an overnight success in India by building and operating a production plant, paying off all of our long-term debt, and then expanding production capacity.

We sell biodiesel on the cost plus pricing formula to government owned oil marketing companies.

And we are in a rapidly growing market that is more than $5 billion per year of growth to meet the biodiesel blending target set forth in the 2022, India National Biofuels policy.

It only took 15 years for medicine to become an overnight success in India.

By building and operating a production plant paying off all of our long term debt and then expanding production capacity or.

Eric A. McAfee: Our strong financial foundation in India and $150 million of current biodiesel supply contract allocations is only the beginning of our planned growth. We plan to expand our biodiesel production capacity in India using cash flow from operations, but a primary use of funds from a potential IPO onto the Indian stock markets would include the production of sustainable aviation fuel to meet growing global airline demand for SAF. The India plant can be expanded to supply SAF for airlines in India, as well as international markets, such as the existing 10 airlines that have signed $3.8 billion in agreements with Aemetis for delivery of SAF in California. The fourth important point about finance and growth at Aemetis is the attractiveness of our projects to lenders and preferred investors. The sophisticated investors and lenders in our projects understand that our risks are mitigated by using bonded contractors, technology guarantees, and even cost plus pricing to provide confidence that debt obligations will be paid.

Our strong financial foundation in India, and $150 million of current biodiesel supply contract allocations is only the beginning of our planned growth.

We plan to expand our biodiesel production capacity in India, using cash flow from operations, but a primary use of funds from a potential IPO onto the India stock markets would include the production of sustainable aviation fuel to meet growing global airline demand for S. A F.

The India plant can be expanded to supply Scf for airlines in India as well as international markets such as the existing 10 airlines that have signed $3.8 billion of agreements with a medicine for delivery of Scf in California.

The fourth important point about financing growth at about this.

Is the attractiveness of their projects to lenders and preferred investors.

The sophisticated investors and lenders and our projects understand that our risks are mitigated by using bonded contractors technology guarantees and even cost plus pricing.

To provide confidence that debt obligations will be paid.

Eric A. McAfee: The markets for our new projects in dairy, renewable natural gas, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon sequestration are rapidly growing, supported by regulatory policy, and uniquely positioned to generate positive margins. The final point I'd like to make about financing related to the Ametis project is the design of our business model in which our existing cash flow from operations supports future capital expenditures to reduce the need for debt as we grow. In 2023, we generated positive cash of $32.7 million from adjusted EBITDA plus tax credit sales. This positive cash generation from operating the business is expected to continue to expand, allowing us to fund future interest and principal reductions on debt, as well as fund a meaningful amount of our capital expenditures from our growing operational positive cash flow. Let's review our five businesses.

The markets for our new projects and dairy renewable natural gas sustainable aviation fuel and carbon sequestration, a rapidly growing supported by regulatory policy and uniquely positioned <unk> to generate positive margins.

The final point I'd like to make about financing related to med as projects.

Is the design of our business model in which our existing cash flow from operations supports future capital expenditures to reduce the need for that as we grow.

In 2023, we generated positive cash of $32 $7 million from adjusted EBITDA plus tax credit sales.

This positive cash generation from operating the business is expected to continue to expand allowing us to fund future interest and principal reductions on debt as well as fund a meaningful amount of our capital expenditures from our growing operational positive cash flow.

Let's review our five businesses.

Eric A. McAfee: In the India biofuels business, in late 2023, we announced a $150 million one-year allocation for biodiesel from the three oil marketing companies under a cost plus contract structure. We started deliveries under this contract in October 2023 and have achieved excellent production performance during the four months of winter fuel specifications that require higher cost feedstock. Beginning this month, the summer fuel specification allows lower cost feedstock to be used. The positive impact of cost plus pricing that is now being used by Indian oil marketing companies to purchase biodiesel is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The India business is debt-free and now funds its own operations without outside long-term financing.

And the India biodiesel fuels business in late 2023, we announced a $150 million one year allocation for biodiesel from the three oil marketing companies under a cost plus contract structure. We started deliveries under this contract in October 2023, and have achieved excellent production performance during the four months of <unk>.

Winter fuel specifications that require higher cost feedstocks beginning this month the summer fuel specification allows lower cost feedstocks to be used.

The positive impact of cost plus pricing that is now being used by the India oil marketing companies to purchase biodiesel is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

India business is debt free.

And now funds its own operations without outside long term financings.

Eric A. McAfee: Our India plant expanded to 60 million gallons per year of capacity during the third quarter, entirely funded by the positive cash flow from operations. We continue to expand the production capacity of biodiesel using an enzymatic process, a technology developed by Aemetis at our India plant that allows lower cost, lower grade feedstock to be used to produce high quality biodiesel. Aemetis believes that its India biodiesel plant is the largest capacity producer in the world, using Novozymes enzymes to convert low-cost feedstocks into biodiesel. To meet rapidly expanding demand for biodiesel by government-owned oil marketing companies, we are continuing to expand production capacity in India with a plan for 100 million gallons per year of capacity in 2025. The India market is about 25 billion gallons of petroleum diesel, and the government has set a goal of a five percent blend of biodiesel.

Our India plant expanded to 60 million gallons per year of capacity during the third quarter entirely funded by the positive cash flow from operations we.

We continue to expand the production capacity of biodiesel using an enzymatic process a technology developed by a met us at our India plant.

It allows lower costs lower grade feedstocks, we used to produce high quality biodiesel in.

<unk> believes that our India biodiesel plant is the largest capacity producer in the world.

Using <unk> enzymes to convert low cost feedstocks into biodiesel.

To meet rapidly expanding demand for biodiesel by the government owned oil marketing companies. We are continuing to expand production capacity in India with a plan of 100 million gallons per year of capacity in 2025.

The India market is about 25 billion gallons of petroleum diesel and the government has set a goal of a 5% blend of biodiesel, we expect the cost plus contracts from India government oil refineries will support. The addition of a significant amount of no new biodiesel production capacity in India over the next five years with embed is continuing to expand the capacity.

Andrew B. Foster: We expect the costless contracts from Indian government oil refineries will support the addition of a significant amount of new biodiesel production capacity in India over the next five years, with Aemetis continuing to expand the capacity beyond 100 million gallons to supply the increasing demand for renewable fuels. The planned export of refined tallow from the India facility to renewable diesel producers in the U.S. is making steady progress, with feedstock sales to several biorefinery customers in active discussion. Andy Foster, president of Ametis North America, will now review the Ametis biogas and ethanol businesses. Andy

Beyond the hundred million gallons to supply the increasing demand for renewable fuels.

The planned export of refined tell from the India facility to renewable diesel producers in the U S is making steady progress with feedstock sales to several by refinery customers inactive discussions.

Andy Foster President of the Meadows, North America will now review, the meadows biogas and ethanol businesses Andy.

Andrew B. Foster: Thanks, Eric. In the Aemetis biogas business this summer, we closed the second $25 million USDA guaranteed loan to build dairy facilities using biogas digesters for an additional eight dairies. This closing brought our total to $50 million of committed USDA REAP-based project financing to build digesters receiving waste from 15 dairies that are designed to produce a combined 400,000 MMBT of renewable natural gas each year. This month, we will have nine fully operating dairy digesters supplied with waste from 10 dairies.

Thanks, Eric in the Meadows biogas business. This summer we closed the second $25 million USDA guaranteed loan to build dairy biogas digesters for an additional eight dairies. This closing brought our total to $50 million of committed USDA reap based project financing to build digesters risk.

<unk> waste from 15th areas that are designed to produce a combined 400000 M M b to use of renewable natural gas each year.

This month, we will have nine fully operating dairy digesters supplied with waste from send areas. We plan to accelerate the rate of biogas Digesters development in 2024, as we closed USDA guaranteed financing for the next projects for $75 million of new financing as well as other financing to.

Andrew B. Foster: We plan to accelerate the rate of biogas digester development in 2024 as we close USDA guaranteed financing for the next projects for $75 million of new financing, as well as other financing to accelerate project construction. We are very pleased to have passed the operational startup phase and are now experiencing positive cashflow from operations at Aemetis Biogas. Aemetis and other RNG producers have experienced significant delays in the CARB pathway approval process for LCFS credits, with some at 24 months and counting.

Accelerate project construction.

We are very pleased to have passed the operational startup phase and are now positive cash flow from operations at Meredith, Hey, Matt as biogas.

A medicine other RMG producers are have experienced significant delays in the carb pathway approval process for <unk> credits with some.

24 months and counting we recently met with top staff at Carb and they expect to address this issue in the rulemaking process in the upcoming reauthorization of the L. CFS programming this year.

Andrew B. Foster: We recently met with top staff at CARB, and they expect to address this issue in the rulemaking process in the upcoming reauthorization of the LCFS program this year. We generated revenue from the sale of LCFS credits from our Aemetis biogas operations for the first time in Q1 of 2024. In addition to the sale of renewable natural gas as a fuel and the sale of federal D3 RINs, this new LCFS credit revenue stream will only increase as we build new digesters and as CARB approves the lower carbon intensity values that we have already demonstrated in actual operation. In October 2023, we repaid $30 million of the original Aemetis biogas startup funding, and the balance of that financing was recently extended at an effective interest rate of less The California Air Resources Board has stated that renewable natural gas is an important source of renewable hydrogen for the future of truck engines, allowing the trucks to be zero emission using a carbon negative fuel.

We generated revenue from the sale of L. CFS credits from our a medicine biogas operations for the first time in Q1 of 2024.

In addition to the sale of renewable natural gas as a fuel and the sale of federal D. Three rens. This new L. CFS credit revenue stream will only increase as we build new digesters and as carb approves the lower carbon intensity values that we have already demonstrated in actual operations.

In October 2023, we repaid $30 million of the original <unk> biogas startup funding and the balance of that financing was recently extended at an effective interest rate of less than eight 5%.

The California Air Resources Board has stated that renewable natural gas is an important source of renewable hydrogen for the future of truck engines, allowing the trucks to be zero emission using a carbon negative fuel.

Andrew B. Foster: We believe that Aemetis is very well positioned to supply RNG, hydrogen, and below zero carbon intensity electricity to future trucks and cars in California, enabling the transition to zero emission and below zero CI heavy and light duty vehicles. For the Aemetis ethanol business, during Q1 and most of Q2 of 2023, we experienced extraordinarily high natural gas prices in California, which made ongoing operations economically unviable during that time period. As a result, we chose to idle the Keys ethanol plant and took advantage of this time to complete an extended maintenance cycle and to begin the implementation of energy efficiency projects.

We believe that a medicine is very well positioned to supply our N G hydrogen and below zero carbon electric carbon intensity electricity to future trucks and cars in California, enabling the transition to zero emission and below zero Ci heavy and light duty vehicles.

For the medicine ethanol business during Q1, and most of Q2 of 2023, we experienced extraordinarily high natural gas prices in California, which made ongoing operations economically unviable during that time period. As a result, we chose to idle the Keyes ethanol plant and took advantage of this time to complete.

An extended maintenance cycle and to begin the implementation of energy efficiency projects.

Andrew B. Foster: This pause in production helped us avoid future plant shutdowns that would have been required to install key components of our energy efficiency upgrades. The result was an acceleration of our planned projects to reduce our biofuel's carbon intensity through a number of plant efficiency and electrification projects. We also accelerated the installation of an entirely new Allen-Bradley distributed control system with artificial intelligence capabilities, along with several other important progress project upgrades. We restarted the Keys ethanol plant in late May and ramped up production during June and July. The goal of our Keyes ethanol plant upgrades is to significantly reduce the use of fossil-based natural gas at the plant.

This pause in production helped us avoid future plant shutdowns that would have been required to install key components of our energy efficiency upgrades.

The result was an acceleration of our planned projects to reduce our biofuels carbon intensity through a number of plant efficiency and electrification projects.

We also accelerated the installation of an entirely new Allen Bradley just distributed control system with artificial intelligence capabilities, along with several other important progress up project.

<unk>.

We restarted the Keyes ethanol plant in late May and ramped up production during June and July.

The goal of our Keyes ethanol plant upgrades is to significantly reduce the use of fossil based natural gas at the plant. When these projects are completed next year, we expect that natural gas usage at the Keyes ethanol production facility will be reduced by more than 80%.

Andrew B. Foster: When these projects are completed next year, we expect that natural gas usage at the Keyes ethanol production facility will be reduced by more than 80%. This transformation from fossil natural gas to renewable electricity will put Aemetis at the forefront of decarbonized manufacturing facilities in the state of California and is expected to reduce the carbon intensity of our fuel ethanol produced at the Keyes plant by double digits, which will increase the value of our ethanol while reducing energy costs. In fact, this transition has already begun. By the end of this month, we will have tested, commissioned, and brought into service a 1.9 megawatt solar microgrid system that will generate zero carbon intensity electricity for plant operations and load shedding during peak hours in order to save on energy costs.

This transformation from fossil natural gas to renewable electricity, we will put a medicine at the forefront of Decarbonize manufacturing facilities in the state of California and is expected to reduce the carbon intensity of our fuel ethanol produced at the Keyes plant by double digits, which will increase the value of our ethanol while recovery.

Energy cost.

In fact, this transition has already begun by the end of this month, we will have tested commissioned and brought into service a $1 nine megawatts solar micro grid system that will generate zero carbon intensity electricity for plant operations and load shedding during peak hours in order to save on energy costs. This low carbon electricity from solar.

Eric A. McAfee: This low-carbon electricity from solar energy reduces the carbon intensity of our ethanol, thereby increasing revenues by generating more LCFS credits. In summary, despite facing some temporary and highly unusual external headwinds in the first and second quarters of this year in our ethanol business, operational performance and project milestones for the Ametis biogas and Ametis ethanol plant businesses continue to be on track with the company plan. Eric.

<unk> energy reduces the carbon intensity of our ethanol, thereby increasing revenues by generating more L. CFS credits.

In summary, despite facing some temporary and highly unusual external headwinds in the first and second quarters of this year in our ethanol business operational performance and project milestones for the <unk> biogas and they met US ethanol plant businesses continue to be on track with the company plan Eric Thanks, Andy.

Eric A. McAfee: Thanks, Andy, and the Ametis Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Renewable Diesel business. Earlier this week, we announced that we received the authority to construct air permits for the construction of the 90 million gallon per year SAF and RD plant at the Riverbank site. Last September, the use permit and California Environmental Quality Act approval allowing the use of this 24 acre site for a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel plant were approved. We have signed $3.8 billion of final binding supply agreements with 10 airlines and a $3.2 billion renewable diesel supply contract with the National Travel Stop Company. These agreements are final contracts, not letters of intent or memorandums of understanding.

And the medicine sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel business.

Earlier this week, we announced that we received the authority to construct air permits for the construction of the 90 million gallon per year, Scf and R&D plant at the riverbank site.

Last September the use permit in California, Environmental quality Act approval, allowing the use of this 24 acre site for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel plant was were approved.

We have signed at $3 $8 billion of final binding supply agreements with 10 Airlines and a $3 2 billion dollar renewable diesel supply contract with a national travel stopped company.

These agreements are final contracts not letters of intent or memorandums of understanding. So we expect to update these agreements to reflect project timing as well as pricing terms to reflect current market conditions.

Eric A. McAfee: So we expect to update these agreements to reflect project timing, as well as pricing terms to reflect current market conditions. Currently, the hydrotreated esters and fatty acids known as the HEFA process for SAF production is significantly less expensive than the ethanol-to-jet process to produce SAF. Aemetis is deploying the TOPSO HydroFLEX HEPA process that enables the production of SCF and renewable diesel at any output ratio, thereby allowing the maximization of pricing by the production sale of the higher value fuel. When operating at a 50-50 production allocation of SCF and RD, the plant is designed to produce 90 million gallons per year, comprised of 45 million gallons of SCF and 45 million gallons of The plant is designed to produce 78 million gallons of SAF per year.

Currently.

The hydro treated esters and fatty acids known as hepa process for Saf production is significantly less expensive than the ethanol to get process to produce ICF.

Yeah medicines deploying the top so hydro flex tap up process that enables the production of scf in renewable diesel at any output ratio, thereby allowing the maximization of pricing by the production and sale of the higher value of fuel.

What operating at a 50 50 production allocation of Scf in our D. The plan is designed to produce 90 million gallons per year comprised of 45 million gallons of Scf and 45 million gallons of renewable diesel.

At a 100% allocation of production to the Scf and no R&D production. The plan is designed to produce 78 million gallons per year of S. A F.

Eric A. McAfee: The need for sustainable aviation fuel continues to increase, but the overall market supply of SAF continues to be delayed, resulting in significant supply shortages that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future as the 90 billion gallon per year aviation fuel industry seeks to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions using renewable fuels to replace petroleum jet fuel. As one of the very few companies fully permitted to construct a large-scale SAF production facility in the United States, Aemetis has a meaningful position as a leading supplier to the airline market, but they cannot currently meet their goal of transitioning to lower carbon fuels. In the Ametis carbon capture and sequestration business, we were issued the first CO2 sequestration characterization well permit by the state of California to a non-governmental project in 2023. The CO2 characterization well is designed to provide geologic data for the EPA Class VI injection well planned for the Riverbank site.

The need for sustainable aviation fuel continues to increase but the overall market supply.

SaaS continues to be delayed resulting in significant supply shortages that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future as the 90 billion gallon per year aviation fuel industry seeks to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions using renewable fuel to replace petroleum jet fuel.

As one of the very few company is fully permitted to construct a large scale saf production facility in the United States.

<unk> has a meaningful position as a leading supplier to the airline market that cannot currently meet their goal of transitioning to lower carbon fuel.

And the embedded carbon capture and sequestration business. We were issued the first C. O two sequestration characterization well permit by the state of California to a non governmental project in 2023. The C. O. Two characterization wells designed to provide a geologic data for the EPA classics injection well planned for the riverbank site.

In California, the passage of Senate Bill 905 last year established a public engagement process to resolve specific issues related to C. O two sequestration projects, including royalty rates in the unit position of poor space rights were supported by this legislative process in California that is implementing regulations for C O.

Eric A. McAfee: In California, the passage of Senate Bill 905 last year established a public engagement process to resolve specific issues related to CO2 sequestration projects, including royalty rates and the unitization of poor space rights. We are supported by this legislative process in California that is implementing regulations for CO2 capture to achieve the ambitious carbon emission reduction targets set by Governor Newsom. The California Air Resources Board has held several low carbon fuel standard public events where staff stated that CARB plans to significantly increase the number of credits required under the program by significantly expanding LCFS mandates. BARB's own model estimates that the increased mandates will raise the price of LCF credits to more than $220 per credit in the next two years.

To capture to achieve the ambitious carbon emission reduction targets set by Governor Newsome.

The California Air Resources Board has held several low carbon fuel standard public events, where staff stated that carb plans to significantly increase the number of credits required under the program by significantly expanding Elsea best mandates.

Arms, one model estimates.

The estimates that the increased mandates will raise the price of Lcs credits credits do more than $220 per credit in the next two years.

Though the updated regulations strengthened the L. CFS had been delayed we expect that the recent increase in <unk> credit prices reflects the market expectation of strong L. CFS credit mandates will be adopted at a mid 2024 carbon board meeting.

Eric A. McAfee: Though the updated regulations strengthening the LCFS have been delayed, we expect that the recent increase in LCFS credit prices reflects the market expectation that strong LCFS credit mandates will be adopted at a mid-2024 CARB board meeting. LCFS credits generate revenues for Aemetis and all of our U.S. businesses and indirectly benefit our India businesses, which can produce feedstock for U.S. renewable diesel and sustainable evasion fuel by refinery In summary, all of the five Aemetis businesses are synergistic and create what we refer to as a circular bioeconomy within Aemetis.

They'll say forget El CFS credits generate revenues for our medicine, and all of our U S businesses and indirectly benefit our India business, which can produce feedstock for U S renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel by refineries.

In summary, all of the five <unk> businesses are synergistic and create what we refer to as a circular bio economy with any medicine.

We use the biofuels byproducts of waste products from our facilities in local areas as feedstock to produce low and negative carbon intensity renewable fuels to meet government mandates for air quality improvement and carbon emissions reductions there.

The strong demand for dairy renewable natural gas and the rapidly growing sustainable aviation fuel market are key areas of investment and project development at a met US are existing facilities are focused on projects that improve energy efficiency reduce carbon intensity to increase revenues at lower cost.

Eric A. McAfee: We use biofuels, byproducts, and waste products from our facilities and local areas as feedstock to produce low and negative carbon intensity renewable fuels to meet government mandates for air quality improvement and carbon emissions reduction. The strong demand for dairy renewable natural gas and the rapidly growing sustainable aviation fuel market are key areas of investment in project development at Ametis. Our existing facilities are focused on projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon intensity to increase revenues at lower cost, and technologies, enabling the use of lower cost feedstocks at our existing production facilities. Our company's values include a long-term commitment to building value for shareholders, the empowerment of and respect for our employees and business partners, and making significant and positive contributions to the communities we serve. Let's take a few questions from our call participants. Thank you, Mr. Mac.

And technologies, enabling the use of lower cost feedstocks at our existing production facilities.

Our company's values include a long term commitment to building value for shareholders. The empowerment of our respect for our employees and business partners and making significant and positive contributions to the communities we serve.

Now, let's take a few questions from our call participants.

Thank you Mr. Mcafee.

That'd be conducting our question and answer session.

If you have any questions.

Our comments please press star one on your phone at this time.

We ask that while posing your question. Please pickup your handset if listening on speaker phone to provide optimum sound policy.

Please hold while we poll for questions.

Thank you.

Our first question is coming from Manav Gupta with UBS.

May proceed.

Morning, Headache, and Andy So my first question relates to the Cod timing here that it wasn't meeting somewhere in March it looks like it's moved there are two schools of thought again, you know if they are having second you know considerations or the other school of thought as they looked at the program and thought it was not aggressive enough.

Operator: We will now be conducting our question and answer session. If you have any questions or comments, please press star one on your phone. We ask that while asking your question you please pick up your handset if listening on speakerphone to provide optimum sound quality.

Operator: Please hold while we pause for questions. Thank you. Our first question is coming from Manav Gupta with UBS. You may proceed. Good morning, Eric and Andy.

Still the rate at which the carbon credit Bank was building and then now looking at ways to bring it down at a faster pace you talked to those guys or those to those guys. What's the thought process over there.

Andrew B. Foster: So my first question relates to the CARB timing here. There was a meeting somewhere in March, but it looks like it's been moved. There are two schools of thought again, you know; they're having second thoughts or considerations, or the other school of thought is that they looked at the program and thought it was not aggressive enough to reduce the rate at which the carbon credit bank was building. And they're now looking at ways to bring it down at a faster pace. You talk to those guys; you're close to those guys. What's this thought process over there? Hey Manav, it's Andy.

And the aim of novel Sandy. So thanks for your question I think it's a combination of those things that you just mentioned I think.

There were.

Frankly, some incorrect estimates in terms of what the credit market look like as it is this year would evolve and where it would end up at the end of this year and I think.

It became readily apparent to carb, especially when you saw the sharp decline in <unk> price in the earlier part of this year that those estimates were were not on target and so I think that was one contributing factor I think they received a lot of feedback a lot of public comment, which I think is also kind of slow down there their process a little.

Andrew B. Foster: So, thanks for your question. I think it's a combination of those things that you just mentioned. I think there were, frankly, some incorrect estimates in terms of what the credit market looked like as it evolved this year and where it would end up at the end of this year. And I think it became readily apparent to CARB, especially when you saw the sharp decline in the LCFS price in the earlier part of this year, that those estimates were not on target. And so I think that was one contributing factor. I think they received a lot of feedback, a lot of public comment, which I think has also kind of slowed down their process a little bit. But I would suggest that a combination of the LCFS and the credit situation, which is a huge overhang in the market and sort of an unanticipated but, you know, not by us but I think by CARB in some respects, it was pretty apparent as we were exiting last year that this was going to be a problem.

But I I would suggest that the combination of the El CFS credit situation, which is a huge overhang in the market and in sort of an unanticipated, but you know not not by us, but I think by carb in some respects it was pretty apparent as we were exiting last year that this was going to be a problem.

So I think they are addressing that and I do I do expect.

You know certainly it's our hope that they will come back in April with that at the next meeting with some more aggressive goals. When it comes to the overall program. So I think it's a combination of the things, but there there clearly was a realization manav that that the L. CFS.

Andrew B. Foster: So I think they're addressing that, and I do expect, you know, certainly it's our hope that they will come back in April at the next meeting with some more aggressive goals when it comes to the overall program. So I think it's a combination of those things. There clearly was a realization, Manav, that the LCFS, you know, credit overhang in the market was causing a serious deterioration in the ability of companies like us to make a return on investment and further invest in programs, but also to encourage new investment in the entire renewable sector. I mean, this was clearly something that they were getting a lot of feedback on, so I would expect, and I'm certainly hoping that they will come back in April with some more aggressive numbers as a result of this delay. Perfect.

Credit overhanging the market was it was causing a serious deterioration and you know the.

<unk> for companies like us too to make return on investment and further invest in programs, but also.

To encourage new investment in the entire renewable sector. I mean this was this was clearly something that.

They they they were getting a lot of feedback on so I would expect I'm, hoping certainly that they will come back in April with.

Some more aggressive aggressive numbers.

As as a result of this delay.

Perfect a quick follow up as you indicated you have 90 days on so first how many do you expect to be online by year end and then when do you think I mean, that's delayed beat it here. So you do have 90 days, but how long will it take do you think to start seeing the revenues from these nine days to flowing whether it's through the RFS credits ultimately there.

Andrew B. Foster: A quick follow-up: you indicated you have nine dairies online. So first, how many do you expect to be online by year-end? And then when do you, I mean, there's a delay period here, so you do have nine dairies, but how long will it take, do you think, to start seeing the revenues from these nine dairies flowing in, whether it's through the RFS credits or through the LCFS credits? And I'll turn it over after that.

CFS credit and I've done it or after that thank you so much.

So I think by the end of this year, we're expecting to have 18 dairies online yep.

And you know.

The second part of your question would you repeat that I'm sorry.

By when do you expect to start monetizing. These credits from these nine daddy's because there is a lag period before the data actually comes on and then you are starting the gas. So when do you expect to start monetizing these credits.

Andrew B. Foster: Thank you so much. So I think by the end of this year, we're expecting to have 18 dairies online. Yeah. And, you know, the second part of your question, would you repeat that? I'm sorry.

Andrew B. Foster: Like, when do you expect to start monetizing these credits from these nine dairies? Because there is a lag period before the dairy actually comes on, and then you're storing the gas. So when do you expect to start monetizing these credits? We actually started monetizing these credits this year, of course, at the lower, you know, the temporary pathway, the negative 150. But we actually started that process in Q1, Manav. So as we go through the application process, there's specific, you know, milestones you have to get to from a timing perspective. But we've already begun that process, and we expect that process to continue. And then, hopefully, you know.

We actually started monetizing these credits this year at the of course at the lower the temporary pathway the negative $1 50, but we actually started that process. In Q1 went up so as we go through the application process there's specific.

While stones, you have to get to from a timing perspective, but we've already begun that process and we expect that process to continue on and then hopefully you know.

Our applications have been in for it'll be almost.

A year.

In early May I think it's one we submitted.

We are encouraging carb too.

To accelerate that process, because obviously once once we get the full pathway then.

The number of credits in.

Andrew B. Foster: Our applications have been in for almost, a year. Early May, I think is when we submitted them. So, you know, we are encouraging CARB to accelerate that process because, obviously, once we get the full pathway, then, you know, the number of credits goes up significantly. But we actually have already started that process. Thank you so much.

It goes up significantly, but we actually have already started that process.

Thank you so much.

Youre welcome. Thank you. Thank you manav.

Thank you. Our next question is coming from John <unk> with Stifel. Your line is life.

Hey, good afternoon, and thanks for taking my questions for my first one Eric if I heard you right in your prepared remarks, you mentioned the potential for Saf production in India can you frame. How you see you have economics in India stacking up against the U S markets are there any regulatory incentives in India that would.

John Annis: You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you, Manav. Thank you. Our next question is coming from John Annis with Stiefel. Your line is... Hey, good afternoon, and thanks for taking my question.

Eric A. McAfee: For my first one, Eric, if I understood you correctly in your prepared remarks, you mentioned the potential for SAF production in India. Can you explain how you see SAF economics in India stacking up against US markets? Are there any regulatory incentives in India that would support building out SAF capacity there?

Support building out SaaS capacity there.

Our initial opportunity is simply to tap.

Tap into the less expensive waste feedstock in India, and then export these S. A up to the San Francisco Airport, where we have a $3 $8 billion of existing contracts with 10 Airlines.

Eric A. McAfee: Our initial opportunity is simply to tap into the less expensive waste feedstock in India and then export these SAFs to the San Francisco airport, where we have $3.8 billion in existing contracts with 10 airlines. And so it's a direct feedstock arbitrage from a country that has a tremendous amount of underutilized feedstock. We already have a 50 million gallon per year tallow refinery in place, direct relationships we use to export biodiesel to Europe using tallow as a feedstock, so we are well positioned to be a leading player in just doing that business model. The cost plus structure with oil marketing companies is an opportunity for SAF adoption in India.

So it's a it's a direct feedstock arbitrage.

From a country that.

<unk> has a tremendous amount of under utilized.

Feedstock and.

We already have a 50 million gallon per year Tallo refinery in place direct relationships, we used to export biodiesel to Europe using tallow is the feedstock. So we are well positioned to be a leading player in just doing that business model.

The cost plus structure with oil marketing companies is an opportunity for S. A S. S. A up adoption in India, So that would be what I would call a second.

Eric A. McAfee: So that would be what I would call a secondary market opportunity to arbitrage the California price against the India price and the cost plus structure that they are using for biofuels in India. And certainly, the third element is the feedstock itself that we make in India positions us just amazingly well due to the demand for waste feedstocks. And as you listen to the California Resources Board and others, there is an increasing emphasis on waste feedstocks. And the values of those feedstocks will, I believe, continue to increase, make sense. And for my follow-up question, Regarding the R&G fueling station that's under construction at the Keys ethanol plant, can you provide some color on the potential margin uplift associated with selling your own R&G versus using a third party? And then, secondly, just in terms of volume, what percentage of your R&G production could be sold through your own fueling station there? There are two elements of increased margin.

Secondary market opportunity would be to arbitrage, the California price against the India price.

And the cost plus structure that they are using for Biofuels in India and certainly the third element is the feedstock itself that we make in India positions us just amazingly well.

Due to the demand for waste feedstocks and as you've listened to California Air Resources Board and others. There is an increasing emphasis on waste feedstocks in the values of those feedstocks will I believe continue to increase.

Makes sense and for my follow up.

Regarding the Orange fueling station that's under construction at the Keyes ethanol plant can you provide some color on the potential margin uplift associated with selling your own RMG versus using a third party and then secondly, just in terms of volume what percentage of your orange production could be sold through your.

Fueling station there.

There are two elements of increased origin first is that the molecule itself. Currently is sold into the pipeline as brown the gas we get approximately $4 per M M Btu for doing that.

Eric A. McAfee: The first is that the molecule itself currently is sold into the pipeline as brown gas. So we get approximately $4 per mm BTU for doing that. However, we're selling the energy equivalent of 7.2 gallons of diesel. So 7.2 gallons of diesel, at times, in MMBTU is somewhere in the $35 range of value.

However, we're selling the energy equivalent of 7.2 gallons of diesel so 7.2 gallons of our times.

The N M M. B B to you is is somewhere in the $35.

Eric A. McAfee: So if we were to sell it at the equivalent price of diesel, instead of selling at $5 per MMBTU, we'd be selling for $35. As a part of incentivizing customers and attracting new adoption of RNG into truck fleets, we will, of course, be selling at a discount. So we would expect it to go up somewhere from $5 to around the $15 or $20 range, as we sell it at essentially a 50% off price compared to running petroleum diesel.

Our value. So if we were to sell it at the equivalent price of diesel instead of selling at $5 per btu, we'd be selling at 35.

As a part of incentivizing customers and attracting new adoption of R&D into truck.

Fleets, we of course will be selling at a discount. So we would expect an uplift somewhere from $5 to run the 15 or $20 range.

As we sell out of essentially 50% off price compared to running petroleum diesel. The second benefit is a current discounts are in the 15% to 20% range for RMG sold through other third party fueling stations and so we would not.

Eric A. McAfee: The second benefit is that current discounts are in the 15-20% range for RNG sold through other third-party fueling stations. And so we would not incur any of that, and that's 15-20% of revenues. The low-carbon fuel standard revenues and the federal D3 RIN revenues are both being hampered by the need to sell through other fueling stations.

Not incur any of that and that's 15% to 20% of revenues.

The low carbon fuel standard revenues and the federal D. Three rental revenues are both being hampered by the need to sell through other fueling stations in.

Eric A. McAfee: In answer to your last question, our goal would be that 100% of our product would go through our own fueling stations. We're in the middle of probably one of the most active trucking environments in the world. Virtually all agricultural products touch a truck at some point in time. There aren't a lot of railroad depots next to almond orchards or other crops in the Central Valley of California.

In answer to your last question our goal would be that 100% of our product would go through our own fueling solicitations. We're in the middle of probably one of the most active trucking environments in the world virtually all agricultural products at some point in time touch a truck there arent a lot of railroad depots next to almond orchards.

Or other crops and central Valley of California. So trucking is very active in and literally a quarter mile from our plant are probably tens of thousands of trucks that drive by every week. So the.

Eric A. McAfee: So trucking is very active, and literally a quarter mile from our plant, there are probably tens of thousands of trucks that drive by every week. And the North American Adoption Center of Innovation for both PepsiCo as well as Frito-Lay is within 15 minutes of our facility. It's absolutely a hotbed for innovation in trucking. So we have a goal of setting up multiple fueling stations and arrangements to use our RNG not only with third parties but moving our own products, animal feed, biofuels, carbon sequestration, and CO2, for us as well as for people that seek to get the environmental benefits of low carbon fuels. I appreciate all the cover songs.

The North American adoption center of innovation for both Pepsico as well as Frito lay are within 15 minutes of our facility. It is it is absolutely a hotbed for innovation in trucking.

So we have a goal of setting up multiple fuelling stations.

And arrangements to use our R&D not only with third parties, but moving our own products animal feed biofuels carbon sequestration C O two.

For us as well as for people that seek to get the environmental benefits of low carbon fuels.

I appreciate all the color. Thanks again for taking my questions.

John Annis: Thanks again for... Thank you, John. Thank you. Our next question is coming from Jordan Levy with Truist. Your line is... Afternoon, all.

Thank you John.

Thank you. Our next question is coming from Jordan Levy with Truest Your line is life.

Afternoon, all maybe.

Maybe just to start.

Jordan Alexander Levy: Maybe just to start, now that you've passed that important milestone with the authority to construct permit, just curious, I know it's very recent since that announcement was made, but if you could just help us mark sort of the next steps in terms of financing at Riverbank and the options you're pursuing there. We are well into a project financing process, of course, that has been delayed waiting for the three key permits, all three of which we now have or sets of permits, essentially, all three of which we have now. So we have been working on a preferred equity, let's call it mezzanine financing structure, as well as senior secured debt. We in the Riverbank project have already signed a USDA biorefinery assistance program, it's called program number 9003, for senior debt, supportive 20 year financing.

You've talked about an important milestone with the authority to construct promo.

Just curious I know, it's very recently some slight announcement was made but if you could just help us landmark sort of the next steps in terms of financing at River bank and the options you're pursuing there.

We are.

Well into a process of project financing of course that has been delayed waiting for the three key permits all three of which we now or it sets of permits essentially all three of which we have now so we have been working on a preferred equity.

Let's call it mezzanine financing structure as well as senior secured debt.

We in the in the River Bank.

Project of already signed to USDA Bio refinery assistance program, that's called program number 9003.

For senior debt.

Supportive 20 year financing.

Eric A. McAfee: But we have multiple opportunities in senior secured debt. And we've got a very active customer base among airlines, several of whom have already, actually many of whom, have already funded into funds that are dedicated to the growth of SAF production. And airlines, as well as manufacturers of the wide body jets, have all joined in together to provide, let's call it mezzanine or even equity financing to support SAF.

But we have multiple opportunities in senior secured debt and we've got a very active customer base. Among airlines several of whom are already actually many of whom have already funded into funds that are dedicated.

Two of the the.

Growth of Saf production and airline manufacturer the airlines as well as manufacturers of the wide body Jets have all joined in together to provide.

Let's call it the mezzanine or even the equity financing to support S. F and we have active discussions with the largest of those investors. So now that we have a permit so we can actually have construction closure on those.

Eric A. McAfee: And we have active discussions with the largest of those investors. So now that we have a permit, we can actually have construction closure on those discussions. Up to today, we've had uncertainty around when we'd actually get the permit. And so now that it's in place, I would expect this year to show a lot of action in closing project financing. Appreciate that; that's super helpful.

A constructive closure on those discussions up to today, we've had uncertainty around when we'd actually get the permitting and so now that's in place.

I would expect this year is going to show a lot of action in closing project financing.

Yeah.

I appreciate that that's super helpful.

Eric A. McAfee: And then maybe just jumping over to the India biodiesel side, you made a mention of the potential for an IPO process on the Indian stock exchange there. Maybe what are some of the, what's the process in getting that through the wire, and then how are you thinking about that progressing through the year? As with any IPO process, we see it as an evolving process. We've already gotten pretty well acquainted with many of the investment makers. Certainly, we have some of the world's leading lawyers for IPOs in India.

Maybe just jumping over to the India biodiesel side I know you made a mention of the potential for <unk>.

IPO process on the Indian stock exchange, there or maybe just what are what are some of the you know what's the process and getting that.

Through the wire and then how are you thinking about that progressing through the year.

As with any IPO process, we see it as a evolving process, we've already gotten pretty well acquainted with many of the investment bankers certainly with some of the world's leading lawyers for Ipos in India. We've set that kind of instruction put infrastructure in place, but we're also expanding our senior management of our India.

Eric A. McAfee: We've put that kind of infrastructure in place, but we're also expanding the senior management of our India subsidiary and are looking forward to just some very, very talented people joining our business there. And certainly, we have seen consistent success with IPOs in the Indian market.

<unk> and are looking forward to just some very very tight.

Talented people, joining our business there and certainly we.

We have seen consistent success.

Success of Ipos in the India market. If that continues I think we're very well positioned for completing something this year, but we're subject to market conditions. We are doing everything we were supposed to do to go through the process and to a certain extent I would say, it's a faster process in the U S. There is just a different way that you.

Eric A. McAfee: If that continues, I think we're very well positioned for completing something this year. But we are subject to market conditions. We're doing everything we're supposed to do to go through the process. And to a certain extent, I would say it's a faster process in the US.

Eric A. McAfee: There's just a different way that you interact with regulators in the Indian market, but I think that we'll be learning over the next quarter about valuations and other terms. And we've already been approached by very large investors about a pre-IPO investment. So I want to say that we are open to that discussion as it strengthens the valuation of our company. It's a very active opportunity in India, and we're pursuing it. Thanks so much for all the details.

Interact with regulators in the India market.

But I think that will.

And we'll be learning over the next quarter about valuations and other terms and we've already been approached by very large investors about a pre IPO investment so I want to.

Let's say that we are open to that discussion.

As it strengthens the valuation of our company. So it's a it's a very active opportunity in India and we're pursuing it.

Thanks, so much for all the detail.

Yeah. Thank you.

Eric A. McAfee: Yeah, thank you. Thank you. Our next question is coming from Amit Dayal with HC Wainwright. Your line is, Thank you, everyone.

Thank you. Our next question is coming from Amit Dayal with H C. Wainwright Your line is live.

Thank you Governor and everyone. Eric just with respect to you know timing you know it looks like at least from your recent or updated business plan, roughly 100 million plus domino's.

Amit Dayal: Eric, just with respect to, you know, timing, it looks like. At least from your recent updated business plan, roughly $100 million plus in CapEx is going towards the SAF and RD facility. So when will sort of this start getting deployed? Do you have sort of a timeline? I assume it's the second half, I'm assuming, you know, but is there a catalyst that sort of triggers all of this?

And Capex is going towards the SaaS and R&D facility.

So when will this start getting deployed do you have sort of a timeline is it second half where I'm, assuming you know but.

Is there a catalyst that sort of triggers all of this and you know when we go to materialize.

Eric A. McAfee: And, you know, when would that materialize? The $100 million we referred to is actually related to our biogas operations. We have $50 million, which we closed last year. We expect to be getting $75, well, actually $100 million of financing, probably closing on $75, with the last $25 dribbling into next year. So that's actually going to the biogas business. However, separately, the SAF project financing is much larger than that; it's in the half a billion dollar range.

The $100 million, we referred to is actually related to our biogas operations, we have $50 million, which we closed last year, we expect to be getting 75 well.

Actually $100 million of financing, probably closing 75 with the last 25 dribbling into next year.

So that's actually it's actually going to the biogas business separately. The U S. A F project financing is much larger than that.

It's in that $5 billion range.

Eric A. McAfee: So we have a little bit of carbon sequestration financing going on, mechanical vapor recompression of the ethanol plant going on, and India expansion going on. And so looking at each one of our subsidiaries, as we described, India is self-funding its expansion from operating cash flow. The USDA is helping us with some of the other smaller financings with 20-year amortized loans.

We have also a little bit of carbon sequestration dancing going on mechanical vapor recompression to the ethanol plant going on India expansion going on and so looking at each one of our subsidiaries as we described India self funding. It is expansion from operating cash flow are the.

The USDA is helping us with some of the other smaller financings with 20 year by amortized loans and then we basically have one large financing this year.

Eric A. McAfee: And then we basically have one large financing this year that's really not been achieved before, and that's financing this one SEF plant. But I tell you, the airlines and the aircraft manufacturers don't have a lot of new permitted facilities in North America, and certainly ones that are not massive, you know, $2 billion projects. So we're getting a lot of support and looking forward to cooperating with these customers so we can get this production facility up and running. Thank you for that, Eric.

That's really not.

I had been achieved before and that's financing this one mcf plant, but I would tell you the airlines in the.

Their aircraft manufacturers.

Don't have a lot of new permitted facilities in North America, and certainly ones that are not a massive $2 billion projects. So we're getting a lot of support and looking forward to cooperating with these customers. So we can get this production facility operating.

I'm, just sort of think of it and then with respect to the India biodiesel facility. I know you were at 60 million gallons of capacity now available the business plan shows roughly 50% to 60% of that being utilized are you just being conservative or you know.

Eric A. McAfee: And then, with respect to the India biodiesel facility, I know you're at 60 million gallons capacity now, but the business plan shows roughly 50 to 60% of that being utilized. Are you just being conservative, you know, with that outlook?

That outlook or.

Eric A. McAfee: Is that just the visibility you have right now in terms of, you know, working with these oil marketing companies? You were correct that we have continued to expand capacity so we're ahead of the oil marketing companies. Since they are government owned, they tend to move a little slower than everybody else, but we have seen them now get a pricing model that has reduced the constraints on expanding production. So we saw that coming.

Is that just the visibility you have right now in terms of you know working with these marked oil marketing companies.

You were correct that we have continued to expand capacity. So we're ahead of the oil marketing companies. Since they are government owned they tend to move a little slower than everybody else.

We have seen them now get a pricing model that has.

Reduce the constraints on expanding production, so we saw that coming and so.

Eric A. McAfee: And so, over the last two years, we have expanded capacity to 60 million gallons. We're continuing to invest to expand capacity. And I think we'll have some upside surprises in terms of what our revenue will be out of India because capacity won't be as much of a constraint. We'll be literally able to contract 60 million gallons as we are building the plant capacity to 80 and then eventually 100. And so our strategy is to be ahead of the market and then let the market catch up with us. And we expect that later this year when we get our next 12-month allocation with these three oil marketing companies, it could be substantially more than the $150 million which we committed to last year. Thank you, Eric. That's all I have.

So over the last two years, we have expanded capacity of 60 million gallons, we're continuing to invest to expand capacity and I think we'll have some upside surprises in terms of what our revenue will be out of India, because capacity won't be as much of a constraint will be literally able to contract 60 million gallons. As we are building the plant capacity to 80, and then eventually 100.

And so are our strategy is to be ahead of the market and then let the market catch up with us.

And we expect that to a later on this year when we get our next 12 months allocation with these three oil marketing companies it could be substantially more than the $150 million, which we committed to last year.

Okay.

Thank you that's all I have appreciate it thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Our next question is coming from Dave storms with Stonegate your line of sight.

Morning.

Eric A. McAfee: I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Our next question is coming from Dave Storms. The first question is just a route, about how that

My first question is just around the pacing of the dairy Digesters I know you mentioned you plan to be.

18 by yearend, but how should we think about how that will be spaced out through the year.

Will be operating Digesters for 18, dairies and we're increasingly going to be talking by the way about what Cali quip equivalents, because you can multiply that times, a certain number of <unk> per year and get the revenue in one step and so over the course of this year during our earnings call another message.

Eric A. McAfee: We'll be operating digesters for 18 dairies, and we're increasingly going to be talking, by the way, about wet cow equivalents because you can multiply that times a certain number of MNBTs per year and get the revenue in one step. So over the course of this year, during our earnings call and other messaging, we'll be working toward wet cow equivalents, which make everybody's life a lot easier. We have two dairies coming online this month, and that will be followed by another round of dairies in the third quarter. So in the third and fourth quarters, when you're going to see some of the ramp-up, the USDA financing process temporarily makes it somewhat cumbersome the way that we roll these processes out.

<unk> will be working were working toward what Cal cohorts, which make me everybody's life a lot easier.

We have two two dairies coming online this month.

And that will be followed with in about six months in the third quarter with another round of dairies coming online. So soon.

The third and fourth quarters, when youre going to see some of the.

The ramp up the USDA financing process.

As temp.

Temporarily made it somewhat chunky the way that we rolled these processes out we get them all permitted we get the environmental approval and all these other things all done and then we kind of wait.

Andrew B. Foster: We get them all permitted, we get environmental approval, and all these other things all done, and then we kind of wait. We're putting some things in place that will allow us to not wait as much, and so over the course of the second quarter, I think you'll see some additional liquidity provided that will enable us to just smooth out that process and accelerate it. So especially as we exit 2024, I think we're going to have an upside surprise on the pace of development in the biogas business. That's very helpful. And then just as a follow-up on that, as you're bringing in this next cohort of areas and then, you know, beyond that, how do you prioritize construction? Is it, you know, the cow equivalents that the dairy would have? Is it contingent on permits?

We're putting some things in place that will allow us to not wait as much and so over the course of the second quarter I think youll see some.

Some additional liquidity provided that will enable us to just smooth out that process and accelerated so, especially as we exit 2024, I think we're gonna have a and.

An upside surprise on the pace of development in the biogas business.

Understood. That's very helpful. And then just as a follow up on that as you're bringing on this next cohort in areas beyond <unk>. How do you prioritize construction is it you know.

Cow equivalents that the dairy would have is it contingent on permits as it distance from either existing or future pipelines.

Andrew B. Foster: Is it? Pipeline. How do you do it?

How do you how do you think about that.

Andrew B. Foster: Good question; thank you. So I think obviously we want to maximize the distance, you know, the proximity to the pipeline because, obviously, we're making a pretty significant investment there. Some of this has to do with, as Eric mentioned, the USDA funding and the various vehicles that we're using to fund them in terms of how the timing works out because you sort of lump these into five or six dairies into a specific area, we call it AB1, AB2, AB3, and it's sort of, you know, so that creates some of the... timing, and it doesn't always necessarily make sense if you look at Unfortunately, if they were crisp, we would do it the most efficient way we possibly can.

A good question. Thank you. So I think obviously, we want to maximize the distance the proximity to the pipeline because obviously, we're making a pretty significant investment there.

Some of this has to do with as Eric mentioned, the USDA funding and the various vehicles that we're using to fund them in terms of how the timing works out because you sort of lump these into five or six areas into a specific.

We call it a b one maybe two maybe three and it's sort of yeah. So that that creates some of the.

The timing and it doesn't always necessarily makes sense. If you look at our map. Unfortunately, if if they were Chris we would we would do at the most efficient way, we possibly can the good news is these dairies are all generally located in.

Andrew B. Foster: The good news is these dairies are all generally located in very close proximity to one another, so it sort of doesn't really matter. Obviously, the larger the wet cow equivalent count, you know, the faster we can get the bigger dairies on. That's a good thing for all of us. But to some extent, it's a little bit beyond our control with how the USDA funding rolls out. And the other thing to keep in mind, and I'm glad Eric mentioned it in terms of the wet cow equivalents, is really how we're going to start to refer to this business. Because in the past, dairy counts were sort of a metric we used to measure the number of dairies. But what we're finding is on many of these projects, it's more economical for us to take three or four dairies and create one digester that these dairies all feed. We call them megadigesters or cluster digesters, however you want to refer to them.

Pretty close proximity to one another so it sort of doesn't really matter.

Obviously, the larger the wet calix sliver equivalent count the faster we can get the bigger dairies on that and that's a good thing for all of us.

But to some extent, it's a little bit beyond our control with the USDA funding rolls out and.

And the other thing to keep in mind that I'm glad Eric mentioned it in terms of the wet cow equivalents is is really going to we're going to start to refer to this business because in the past aerie counts.

It was sort of a metric we used a X amount of areas, but what we're finding is an.

On many of these projects, it's more economical for us to take three or four dairies and create one digester that these dairies all feed we call Mega Digesters or groups cluster Digesters. However, you want to refer to it.

Andrew B. Foster: So the number of dairies that you'll see reported can kind of get a little clunky and confusing. So we think, you know, on a wet cow equivalent basis, you can measure MMBTUs of gas, and it's a much more straightforward way to do it. But, you know, back to your question, I think, you know, obviously, if we can group dairies together as we're doing construction from a labor perspective, that makes tons of sense. And so we're trying to do that as much as we can. And then, obviously, proximity to the pipeline. But as I said, the USDA funding mechanism, the REAP loans, don't necessarily all develop in the exact sequence in which dairies are assigned to each loan. And that constrains our ability a little bit in terms of how we plan.

So the number of dairies that Youll see reported can kind of get a little clunky and confusing. So we think you know on a wet Cal equivalent basis, you can measure M. N V to use of gas and it's pretty it's a much more straightforward way to do it but but back to your question I think you know we obviously.

If we can if we can group dairies together as we're doing construction from a labor perspective that makes tons of sense and so we're trying to do that as much as we can and then obviously proximity to the pipeline.

But as I said, the USDA funding mechanism the reap loans don't necessarily all developed inexact sequence.

Which dairies are assigned to each each loan and that constrains, our ability a little bit in terms of how we plan and I should note that we are 43 dairies signed either participation agreements or at lease agreements and expect to be above 50, we don't really put press releases out every week or month, when we sign an additional barrier to.

Eric A. McAfee: And I should note that we have 43 dairies signed either participation agreements or lease agreements and expect to be above 50. We don't really put press releases out every week or month when we sign an additional dairy or two. So we'll probably do a press release when we cross 50. But in general, we already feed animals at roughly 80 dairies. So we'll just continue to develop our relationship with dairies. Our five-year plan is to have 75 dairies constructed. And that's less than the total aggregate number of dairies we supply with animal feed already today.

So we will probably press release when he crossed 50.

But in general we've already feed animals at roughly 80 dairies so.

We'll beat just continue to exercise our relationship with dairies. Our five year plan is 75, there is constructed and that's less than the total aggregate number of areas, we supply with animal feed already today. So our expectation is that we'll continue to sign there is far ahead of our construction and our opportunity this year.

Eric A. McAfee: So our expectation is that we'll continue to sign dairies far ahead of our construction. And our opportunity this year is to provide additional liquidity to the process to pre-purchase equipment, et cetera, and just accelerate the dairy development phase. Specifically, because we have the interconnect and the pipeline already in place, we're focusing really just on building dairy digesters and seeking to increase that pace. Thank you. Our final question today will be coming from Ed Wu with Ascendian. Your line is:

Our is to provide additional liquidity liquidity the process to pre purchase equipment et cetera, and just accelerate the dairy development phase specifically, because we have the interconnect and the pipeline already in place. We're thrilled focusing really just nonbuilding dietary dairy digesters and seeking to increase that pace.

Banking are.

Our final question today will be coming from Ed Woo with <unk> capital Your line is life.

Edward Moon Woo: Yeah, congratulations on all your progress. Talking, going back to the potential IPO in India, have you thought about listing in the U.S.? And also, what are your plans for the capital infusion when you do do it in the IPO? You know, especially you said that India was cash flow positive already and doesn't necessarily need funding going forward. Bye. If the US market were to be extremely excited about India today, we would absolutely take that into consideration. We will discover that over the next few months. India's stock market is very, very hot, and there seems to be a strong appetite to invest in companies in that country, and so even international funds are coming to India to do that.

Yeah. Congratulations on all your progress talking going back to the India potential IPO have you thought about listing in the U S. And also what are your plans with the capital infusion.

We do do India, IPO, especially you said that India was cash flow positive already it doesn't necessarily need funding going forward.

If the U S market were to be extremely excited about our India subsidiary would we would absolutely take that in consideration consideration.

We will we will discover that over the next few months.

India stock market is very very hot and there seems to be a strong appetite to invest in companies in that country and so even the international funds are coming in India to do that.

Eric A. McAfee: The use of funds would include stabilization fuel because it is a 90-billion-gallon market. There are not going to be hydrogen, electric, or nuclear-powered airplanes flying, or passenger or cargo jets across the oceans anytime soon. And so the major engine manufacturers and airframe manufacturers have all committed themselves to sustainability. Aviation fuel is a major initiative. What's lacking is any other fuel, and so being one of the few companies that's actually executed well in this space, we see really tremendous growth opportunities, and our India plant having access to cheap, waste, low-carbon, low-cost feedstock in a country of more than 1.3 billion people is just a very unique position we have.

The use of funds would include stabilization fuel because it is 90 billion gallon market there are not going to be hydrogen and electric or nuclear powered airplanes flying in.

Passenger cargo jets across the oceans anytime soon and so the major engine manufacturers and airframe manufacturers have all committed themselves are sustainably agents aviation fuel as a major initiative, what's lacking is any of the fuel and so being one of the few companies that's actually executed well in the space.

We see really tremendous growth opportunities in our India plant, having access to cheap waste low carbon low cost feedstock in a country of more than one 3 billion people is just a very unique positioning we have so we'll leave it open to the markets to Telus.

Eric A. McAfee: So we'll leave it open to the markets to tell us where they want us to go, but I've got to tell you that even the European market is very interested in this business model. So we think the Indian stock market is probably where we're going to end up, but we're certainly open to the feedback we get from investors and investment bankers. Great. Well, thank you, and I wish you guys good luck. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Where they want us to go but Oh I've got to tell you that even the European market is very interested in this business model. So we think the stock market is probably we're going to end up but we're certainly open to the feedback we get from investors and the investment bankers.

Okay.

Great well, thank you and I wish you guys. Good luck.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you as we have no further questions at this time I would like to turn the floor back over to management for closing remarks.

Eric A. McAfee: As we have no further questions at this time, I would like to turn the floor back over to management for closing remarks. Thank you to Aemetis shareholders, analysts, and others for joining us today. Please review the Aemetis five-year plan that is posted on the homepage of the Aemetis website. We look forward to talking with you about participating in the growth opportunities at Aemetis. Thank you for attending today's Aemetis Earnings Conference call. Please visit the investors section of the Aemetis website, where we'll post a written version and an audio version of this Aemetis Earnings Review and Business Update. Olly?

Thank you to them at a shareholders analysts and others for joining US today. Please review the <unk> five year plan that is posted on the homepage of the <unk> website, we look forward to talking with you about participating in the growth opportunities of the medicine.

Thank you for attending today, you say Medicine earnings Conference call. Please visit the investors section of <unk> website, where we'll post a written version and an audio version of this <unk> earnings review and business update Ali.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time, and we thank you for your participation.

Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time and we thank you for your participation.