Q3 2025 Green Plains Inc Earnings Call

Speaker #3: Good morning , and welcome to the Green Plains , Inc. . Third quarter , 2020 Earnings Conference Call . Following the company's prepared remarks , instructions will be provided for Q&A .

Speaker #3: At this time , all participants are in listen only mode . I will now turn the call over to your host , Phil Boggs Chief Financial Officer Mr. Boggs .

Speaker #3: Please go ahead .

Speaker #4: Good morning and welcome to the Green Plains , Inc. . Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Call . Joining me on today's call is Chris Osowski President and Chief Executive Officer and other members of our leadership team .

Speaker #4: There is a slide presentation available and you can find it on the investor page under the events and Presentations link on our website .

Speaker #4: During this call , we will be making forward looking statements which are predictions , projections or other statements about future events . These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties .

Speaker #4: Actual results could materially differ because of factors discussed in today's press release and the comments made during this conference call , and in the risk Factors section of our form 10-K , form 10-q and other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission .

Speaker #4: We do not undertake any duty to update any forward looking statement . And now I'd like to turn the call over to Chris Osowski .

Speaker #5: Thanks , Bill , and good morning , everyone . This has been a milestone quarter for Green Plains one defined by operational Excellence , discipline and execution .

Speaker #5: I want to first thank our employees for their hard work and dedication . Through what has been a very , very busy quarter .

Speaker #5: Also to our Board of Directors for their confidence in me and our leadership team . And finally , to our shareholders for their continued support of Green Plains .

Speaker #5: I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish and am confident that we can and will continue to deliver sustainable , profitable results .

Speaker #5: For the first time in years . We entered the fourth quarter with no near-term debt concerns . Our balance sheet is restructured . Our carbon capture systems are up and operational in all three Nebraska locations , and our plans continue to perform at record levels .

Speaker #5: We built a simpler , fundamentally restructured business , allowing us to focus on value creation and strong , consistent cash flows . In order to recap , the major activity .

Speaker #5: Since our last call . We want to highlight the following . The first , we executed on the sale of the Obion , Tennessee facility and concluded our strategic review process .

Speaker #5: We use those funds to fully repay a approximately $130 million of high cost debt . And next , we refinanced most of our 2027 convertible debt with a new $200 million facility due 2030 .

Speaker #5: We also executed on our first 45 clean fuel production tax credit monetization agreement , and finally , we commissioned and started up the carbon capture facility at York , Nebraska , with the wood River and Central City , Nebraska locations currently in the process of ramping up capture rates as we speak .

Speaker #5: Operationally , we're continuing to deliver record performance with our network of plants hitting over 101% capacity utilization . The highest level we've reported in over a decade .

Speaker #5: This has been driven by operational excellence programs that have been working in the background to improve fermentation yields and reduce plant downtime . We are seeing the results of what I've focused effort can do with record or near record yields for this group of plants , and ethanol , corn oil and protein .

Speaker #5: Financially , this quarter's results , including 52.6 million in adjusted EBITDA and 11.9 million in net income , reflect the new foundation we've laid .

Speaker #5: And this is just the start . During the quarter , we began realizing our benefits from the 45 clean fuel Production Tax credit , and we recognized 25 million of production tax credit value , net of discounts and costs , during the quarter .

Speaker #5: And we anticipate another 15 to 25 million of benefit in the fourth quarter . As we look to 2026 , we anticipate these values to grow as we expand the program to all of our plants and see the impact from policy changes going into effect .

Speaker #5: January 1st . We're proud of the progress that we've made to deliver on what we said we would do , which is positioning us to .

Speaker #5: Provide solid , transparent results . In the fourth quarter and beyond . With that , I'll hand it back over to Phil to review the detailed financial results , and then I'll come back with a strategic update and commercial outlook .

Speaker #4: Thanks , Chris . For the third quarter of 2025 , we reported net income attributable to Green Plains of 11.9 million , or $0.17 per share , versus Q3 of 2024 , of 48.2 million , or $0.69 per diluted share .

Speaker #4: This quarter includes 35.7 million in nonrecurring interest expense tied to the extinguishment of our high cost junior mezzanine debt . The results also includes 2.7 million in 1 time restructuring charges related to our cost reduction and efficiency improvement programs , adjusted for restructuring charges , non-cash charges and inclusive of the production tax credit benefits .

Speaker #4: Q3 2025 adjusted EBITDA ended at 52.6 million compared to Q3 2024 of 53.3 million . During the quarter , we strengthened our balance sheet and liquidity through the sale of our Obion asset in Tennessee .

Speaker #4: We used the proceeds to fully retire the junior mezzanine debt and enhance our liquidity . We also refinanced most of our 2027 convertible notes through a new 200 million convertible note , due in 2030 , and used 30 million from that transaction to buy back stock .

Speaker #4: We now have no significant debt maturities for the next several years . Revenue for the quarter was 508.5 million , down 22.8% year over year .

Speaker #4: Like last quarter , our Q3 revenue was lower because we exited ethanol marketing for Geraldton earlier this year and placed our Fairmont ethanol asset on care and maintenance in January of this year .

Speaker #4: These items naturally reduce the gallons we had to market . G&A totaled 29.3 million , which is 2.6 million higher than the prior year .

Speaker #4: Q3 last year's results benefited from some one time true ups related to compensation related adjustments and payroll tax incentive refunds . While this quarter's results included some one time expenses related to the final earnouts at our FCT business , we continue to expect G&A to improve on a go forward , run rate and remain on track to exit the year at a corporate and trade SG&A target .

Speaker #4: Of the low $40 million area . With full company consolidated run rate in the low 90 million range , significantly improved from the 133 million and 118 million we incurred in 2023 and 2024 , Q3 2025 depreciation and amortization finished at 25 million compared to 26.1 million in the prior year quarter .

Speaker #4: Interest expense rose to 47.8 million , excluding one time charges totaling 35.7 million , tied to the extension and then the retirement of the mezzanine .

Speaker #4: Notes . With that behind us , now , we anticipate our recurring interest costs will fall significantly in Q4 and into 2026 . We had an income tax benefit of 25.6 million .

Speaker #4: Our 45 clean fuel production tax credits are recorded here under ASC 740 as deferred tax assets , and then adjusted with a valuation allowance to recognize the likelihood of monetization resulting in the benefit .

Speaker #4: As a result , we recorded year to date production tax credits in the third quarter of 26.5 million , net of discounts to match our view of operating performance , we've included the production tax credits in adjusted EBITDA at the end of the quarter .

Speaker #4: Our net operating loss balance of 200.5 million will provide future tax efficiency . Our normalized tax rate going forward is expected to remain in the 24 to 25% range .

Speaker #4: On the balance sheet , our consolidated liquidity at quarter end included 211.6 million in cash equivalents and restricted cash , 325 million in working capital .

Speaker #4: Revolver availability , which is designated primarily for financing commodity inventories and receivables within our business . We had $136.7 million in unrestricted liquidity available to corporate capital expenditures in Q3 were $4 million , including maintenance , safety and regulatory investments .

Speaker #4: For the remainder of 2025 . We expect capital expenditures to be approximately 5 to 10 million , which excludes the carbon capture equipment for our Nebraska operations , which are already fully financed .

Speaker #4: Our balance sheet reflects the increase in the carbon equipment liability as anticipated . As a natural result of the progress that is occurring on the project .

Speaker #4: This now stands at 117.5 million , up from $82 million in the prior quarter . As the project reaches full completion , this will be reclassified to debt in future periods , with that , I'll turn the call back to Chris to provide some strategic updates and a commercial outlook .

Speaker #5: The balance sheet transformation we executed on earlier this year has fundamentally changed how this company operates . The sale of the O'Brien plant allowed us to fully retire a high cost mezzanine debt and simplify our capital structure .

Speaker #5: In October , we completed $200 million in privately negotiated exchange and subscription agreements to extend the maturity of our converts and further de-risk the business .

Speaker #5: We ended the third quarter with 353 million in total debt , down over 220 million from year end 2024 . While our carbon capture liabilities will move to debt in the near future , we have no near-term debt maturities on the horizon other than the small remaining balance of the 2027 converts , leaving us plenty of runway to focus on operational excellence .

Speaker #5: Initiatives and delivering value for our shareholders . One of the significant operational excellence initiatives we recently implemented is an overhaul of our CapEx policy and requirements for project justification and returns .

Speaker #5: This new rigor is aligned with our desire to be a data driven organization that measures twice and cuts once . Going forward , we will apply these new processes as we prioritize our capital allocation strategy , which will be focusing on number one , strengthening our plant assets and maintaining or improving throughput , reducing our plants carbon intensity through projects such as low energy distillation or combined heat and power Debottlenecking plant assets , or incrementally expanding capacity delivering the balance sheet through targeted debt reductions and also options for returning capital to shareholders over time .

Speaker #5: We're developing a clear capital allocation matrix that weighs returns across each of these options , so we can deploy capital where it drives the most long term value .

Speaker #5: This is just one of the significant operational excellence initiatives we executed on during Q3 . We've also completely revamped our plant financial models , taking into account all production scenarios and corresponding carbon intensity .

Speaker #5: And PNL impacts . At the same time , we implemented a cross-functional sales and operations planning process and updated forecasting process that has equal involvement from our commercial , commercial operations and finance teams .

Speaker #5: While in Q3 , we delivered results marked by strong operational execution and one of our core expectations is continuous improvement . Previously , we mentioned in Q3 our plants achieved above 100% capacity utilization , and we feel it's time to raise the bar as we complete our budget cycle , we will be reviewing the capacity of our fleet with an eye towards updating our baseline capacity numbers for 2026 .

Speaker #5: With a focus on operational excellence . We are happy to be in a position to have to make this change from the commercial perspective .

Speaker #5: The overall margin structure improved significantly through the second half of the third quarter and early part of the fourth quarter , driven by tighter ethanol supplies , lower input costs , and stronger corn oil values .

Speaker #5: Ethanol prices rallied roughly 25 to $0.30 per gallon in August and September off of the early summer lows , while corn prices stayed subdued despite earlier expectations of a tight balance sheet , favorable weather ultimately supported larger yields in a more balanced corn outlook .

Speaker #5: Corn oil prices increased early in Q3 following the 2026 Rvo ruling , before moderating late in the quarter . By contrast , Ddgs and hi protein values remained under pressure through much of the quarter , given ample supply and typical seasonality .

Speaker #5: Looking ahead with fall maintenance and peak summer driving behind us , ethanol prices have returned to more historical levels . Margins in the fourth quarter still remain attractive , and we are set up for a solid Q4 performance .

Speaker #5: We're about 75% hedged on crush in the fourth quarter , and have put positions on for Q1 and 2026 , following our disciplined hedging strategy that we've been executing on for several quarters now , demand drivers are in place with healthy export volumes in a growing acceptance of E15 .

Speaker #5: Although we do expect to see typical seasonality , seasonal volatility as we move through the back half of Q4 and into traditional , weaker margin winter months before we move on to Q&A , I want to leave you with this perspective .

Speaker #5: Green Plains is no longer approaching an inflection point . We're right in the middle of it with all three of our Nebraska facilities , Central City , wood River and York .

Speaker #5: Now capturing CO2 . This isn't a future promise anymore . It's happening today . The equipment is running across all three locations . Carbon is delivered to the pipeline , and we're generating credits .

Speaker #5: Our advantage Nebraska strategy is operational and our overall decarbonization strategy has expanded to our entire operating platform . In closing , a lot of the heavy lifting has been done .

Speaker #5: We are entering a new chapter built on operational excellence , discipline and execution . We've simplified our business , strengthened our liquidity and are proven to deliver our ability to deliver our carbon strategy is now a reality .

Speaker #5: Physical CO2 is being captured and monetized and the earnings power of Green Plains is being transformed . We're confident in the path ahead as we finish 2025 on a strong note and look forward to 2026 and beyond .

Speaker #5: Operator we'll now take questions .

Speaker #3: At this time , I would like to remind everyone that in order to ask a question , you may press star . Then the number one on your telephone keypad .

Speaker #3: We will pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster . Okay , so your first question comes from the line of Manav Gupta with UBS .

Speaker #3: Your line is open .

Speaker #6: Morning , Chris . And team , you came in at a very challenging time and you have seemed to turn this boat very quickly and very efficiently .

Speaker #6: I want to congratulate you on that . My question here is , sir , as you look forward for the next 9 to 12 months , what are your key challenges that you still think you have to encounter to , you know , get Gary back at a run rate where it was probably 3 or 4 years ago .

Speaker #5: Yes . And thank you for the question . We really feel good about the actions taken over the last 6 to 9 months to manage costs in our network .

Speaker #5: You know , we're really focused on making sure that our plant assets are competitive and the results of the operational excellence initiatives are really coming to fruition , whether it be looking at improved plant yields or reduced plant opex .

Speaker #5: We see these plants , you know , coming into a very competitive position . And in terms of , you know , other obstacles going forward , we are going to focus on the things that are within our control and we need to deliver , you know , on the opportunities that carbon , the carbon program is going to provide us .

Speaker #5: So we still have to run the plants . We still have to put gas in the pipe , and we still have to monetize the tax credits on top of being great at what we do day to day , which is buying corn , running plants efficiently and marketing our products to our client base .

Speaker #6: My very quick follow up is as you move along this journey , it's becoming increasingly clear you are going from a state of cash burn to probably significant cash generation .

Speaker #6: And once all these plants start up and there is more policy clarity , help us understand what could be the uses of some of those cash .

Speaker #6: As you said , you're not actually have any near-term maturities . So help us understand what could be the possible uses of this cash as you generate it in 26 and 27 ?

Speaker #5: Yeah , sure . And , you know , first and foremost , we are going to maintain the health of our operating assets .

Speaker #5: So we're going to ensure that our plants can produce at a competitive position . And we want to drive those plants into the top 25% , quartile of of the industry .

Speaker #5: Next , you know , we have numerous opportunities to further reduce our carbon intensity scores in plants . You know , whether it be moving toward low energy distillation technologies to further reduce natural gas or electrical consumption in plant or , you know , considerations for combined heat and power in plants .

Speaker #5: There are a lot of opportunities that are still available to us . And then debottlenecking and adding capacity where it makes sense . So these are some of the opportunities , along with further , you know , debt reduction and returning value to shareholders .

Speaker #6: Thank you so much . And congrats on a very strong quarter .

Speaker #5: Thank you .

Speaker #4: Thanks , mana .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Jordan Sharma with Stephens Inc. Ellen is open.

Speaker #7: Good morning and thanks for the question . Just wondering if if maybe we could talk about some of the incremental unlocks beyond your your advantage .

Speaker #7: Nebraska strategy . And apologies if I missed details in your prepared remarks , but I think the last time , you know , last quarter , the plan was to get about 50 million of EBITDA contribution from from these assets that that are that are non Nebraska .

Speaker #7: And so you kind of went into detail on , on some of the initiatives you're working on now that we've gotten some visibility into 45 contribution on Nebraska .

Speaker #7: Was wondering if you could maybe peel the onion a little bit in terms of what can you do to unlock 45 credits in your other assets beyond Nebraska ?

Speaker #7: And , and how do you get to that 50 million ? Essentially .

Speaker #5: Yeah , that's a that's a good question . And appreciate that for the non pipeline plants or not say not Nebraska locations . You know we have worked very diligently to improve the efficiency of those operations and effectively lower their CI scores to the point where we expect them to be sub 50 , effectively earning five points of of CI reduction , going forward .

Speaker #5: You know , so there are there are opportunities to further make those plants more efficient with additional technologies that we have that we have opportunities to implement and , you know , we previously gave guidance around a $50 million PNL impact for those locations .

Speaker #5: We need to adjust that . Now that the plant is not part of the fleet . So our our adjusted numbers , around $38 million of PNL impact just based on , you know , 120 million gallon plant with five points of of CI reduction .

Speaker #5: So, that's really where we sit. There are just opportunities to grow that here going forward.

Speaker #7: Great , great . Thank you for that color there . And I guess on my follow up just , you know , maybe wanted to see if you could walk through the rationale on on the converts .

Speaker #7: I mean I imagine there's a tad bit of a like a , you know , tug and pull between potential dilution . But then also just cleaning up your balance sheet and making sure that you all have a good runway to operate .

Speaker #7: So I was just wondering if maybe you could just provide some , some rationale on that move .

Speaker #5: Yeah . I mean , I think in general we you know , we talked about Green being an inflection point and with a desire to , you know , eliminate debt overhang and then provide the organization the opportunity to focus on execution in running the day to day business .

Speaker #5: You know , we want our our employees focused on being great at buying corn , being great at running plants , and being great at selling products .

Speaker #5: And you know, the rationale behind the finance moves is really just to give us the opportunity to focus on the day-to-day business operations.

Speaker #7: Great . Thank you for the color .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Matthew Blair with TF. Your line is open.

Speaker #8: Great . Thanks for taking the question and congrats on the on the strong utilization 101% in the quarter . Could you talk a little bit more about the changes you were making at the plants ?

Speaker #8: You know , we're noticing that your CapEx is is pretty low here . So it seems like this is more process changes rather than than throwing a lot of new money at the plants .

Speaker #5: Yeah . And that's a great , great question . You know , I think what you're seeing is the results of a focused effort .

Speaker #5: You know , we are not in the process of starting up new technologies or adding complexity to our business . You know , our teams are focused on , you know , the blocking and tackling of running and operating the plants and driving higher yields .

Speaker #5: So we're operating at higher yields than , you know , historically would have been anticipated when these plants were built at the same time , a focused effort on reliability centered maintenance to reduce planned and unplanned downtime and putting in technical solutions to the things that that caused us to to shut down .

Speaker #5: And that's really what's driving the improvements in capacity utilization to the point now where we want to rebaseline the performance of the plants for the for the future .

Speaker #5: But it's a lot about , you know , setting expectation and improving the technical capabilities of both our , you corporate operations team and the plant management teams to run the assets as best we can .

Speaker #8: Sounds good . And then for the 15 to 20 5 million to 45 credits in the fourth quarter , is that all coming from the trailblazer plants or is there some contribution from the non trailblazer plants as well ?

Speaker #8: And then also why the range seems a little wide . What would put you at at the lower end of the range versus the upper end of the range .

Speaker #8: For for the fourth quarter here .

Speaker #5: Sure . That's also a great question . And it's important to note that we still need to execute on the remainder of the fourth quarter .

Speaker #5: You know , we've got the York Nebraska plant up and fully operational at a very high capture efficiency . And we are in the process of getting Central City and Wood River ramped up in terms of capturing all the CO2 produced and putting it into the pipeline .

Speaker #5: So we still it's still a work in progress . But we are very confident our ability to execute on that piece . We just have to to deliver here the remainder of the fourth quarter and to comment on the non pipeline pro plants contributing to 45 .

Speaker #5: We are working through PWA compliance for those locations that are currently operating at a sub 50 psi score , and it's really just about , you executing on that piece .

Speaker #5: And managing the energy consumption for those plants to drive those those credit values higher .

Speaker #8: Sounds good . Thank you .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Eric Stein with Craig-hallum . Please go ahead .

Speaker #9: Good morning everyone .

Speaker #5: Morning . Morning .

Speaker #9: Good morning . Hey . So you're just talking about the other plants . You know , the non pipeline connected plants and you mentioned the 38 million in potential 45 .

Speaker #9: But can you give an idea of just what the investment might be ? I know you're considering a number of things . I know some of those plans are already sub 50 , but just some thoughts .

Speaker #9: You know , maybe I know it's early days , but some thoughts on what that investment might look like .

Speaker #5: Yeah . Good question . And we don't have a specific investment plan you know , for any of those plants . But we do have numerous technologies we can deploy at any location now because effectively starting January 1st with the removal of the the Iluc or the indirect land use calculation on the CI score , you know , we're going to see all of those plants effectively capturing 45 z value .

Speaker #5: So each technology that is available to our plants has an equal footing, regardless of pipeline status in terms of how it can deliver.

Speaker #5: So we have a lot of options in front of us . And we're just focused on delivering this this fourth quarter , generating free cash flow to give us the opportunity to then reinvest into the business .

Speaker #9: Got it . So I mean , just as the calendar turns to 2026 , it sounds like you do anticipate that you will start to capture some of that 38 million .

Speaker #9: It's just that there would be additional steps that you would need to take to , to fully capture it . Is that the way we should think about it ?

Speaker #5: Oh , no . We we expect to get the 38 million that that is our expectation for a 2026 run rate independent of any additional CapEx to drive CI scores lower .

Speaker #9: Got it . That is that is very helpful . Thanks for that . Maybe second one for me . You know , this is I mean , gosh , the balance sheet in the flexibility you've got .

Speaker #9: You haven't had for a long , long time . I know you sold off by I mean any thoughts you kind of feel like now with your nine plants , this is where the platform should be or I mean , is it still kind of you've got a portfolio and depending on your options , you know , there may be other asset sales .

Speaker #5: Well , with respect to our portfolio of plants , I mean , we feel good about the assets that we have , especially with respect to the rate of improvement we're seeing in those plant assets .

Speaker #5: You know , at the same time , we've done a lot of work to manage our , you know , total corporate G&A .

Speaker #5: And I feel like we've gotten the organization to its fighting weight , so to speak , such that we can be competitive in the ethanol space with the assets we have .

Speaker #5: And , you know , in terms of whether it be growth of business , you know , we have opportunities to grow volume in our existing footprint if and when we make that sort of decision .

Speaker #5: But no , really anticipation of of of significant changes at this point in time .

Speaker #9: Okay . Thank you .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Salvatore Piano with Bank of America . Please go ahead .

Speaker #10: Good morning . This is Hakim on for Salvatore . Quick question on the 45 agreement with Freeport this year . Is it subject to any contingencies ?

Speaker #10: And have these credits been finalized and audited ? And lastly , have you received any cash ? And if not , when do you expect to receive cash flow ?

Speaker #10: Thank you .

Speaker #5: Yeah . Thanks for the question , Salvatore . Yeah , we earlier announced , you know , the completion of the 45 production tax credit monetization agreement with free point .

Speaker #5: And this is for effectively all of the carbon credits that we would generate during 2025 . And we are actively marketing credits for 2026 , and we feel good about the relationship with free point in terms of the cash flow .

Speaker #5: I mean , that is that is one that is that our discretion depending based on our relationship with free point and we'll we'll leave it at that .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Lawrence Alexander with Jefferies . Please go ahead .

Speaker #11: Good morning team , this is Carol John from Lawrence Alexander , could you add a bit more color on the status of clean sugar technology ?

Speaker #11: Like , what is the status and the near-term monetization path for CST ? Given the prior comments about wrapping up the effort ? And what are the 2026 cash cost implications ?

Speaker #11: If commercialization is kind of like deprioritized ? Thank you .

Speaker #5: Yeah . Very good question . With respect to CST , as previously mentioned on earnings calls , you know , the CST technology does work and it is functional .

Speaker #5: The issue we have is additional CapEx requirements to debottlenecking the technology to get the full earnings potential out of that process . And , you know , with the recent policy changes , with respect to 45 , you know , now we see a shift in focus in terms of putting any available cash that we have to the places where it can generate the best possible returns .

Speaker #5: And as it pertains specifically to the Shenandoah plant , we expect to we were in a position of capturing 45 tax credits today based on how efficiently that plant is operating in terms of ethanol yields and total plant throughput .

Speaker #5: So we have to take that into account when it comes to justifying additional CapEx in CST . And as we mentioned , I think in last earnings call , we're going to reevaluate that mid 2026 .

Speaker #5: In terms of the path forward . But once again , that additional capital investment is going to have to compete with all the other opportunities we have to invest in our plant network .

Speaker #11: Thank you .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Charles with BMO . Please go ahead .

Speaker #12: Hey . Good morning . Thanks for taking the questions . I'm sorry if I missed this , but but in the prepared remarks , you closed with a comment about the earnings power being transformed .

Speaker #12: And so I was just curious , you know , with the operational improvements you've done , the cost savings , these tax credit benefits , you know , how do you think about the earnings power going forward ?

Speaker #12: How would you frame that ?

Speaker #5: Yeah , if I think , you know , to frame up the ongoing earnings power , you know , a couple of comments .

Speaker #5: You know , we've talked about the advantage Nebraska program delivering $150 million of PNL impact on a on a run rate basis . And , you know , just recently we discussed the non pipeline plants , you know , providing , around a $38 million , you know , pnl impact .

Speaker #5: So that's a significant shift for us . At the same time , you know , we also discussed reductions in a on a year over year basis that are significant .

Speaker #5: And we talked earlier in this year about achieving over a $50 million cost reduction . Target that on top of plant opex reducing by more than $0.03 in 2025 relative to 2024 .

Speaker #5: We've got a lot of a lot of good news to share , and we're very excited about being able to bring it to fruition here in 2026 .

Speaker #4: And Andrew , this Phil , I'll just to add to that , you know , on the on the balance sheet front forward interest expense for next 12 months looks to be you know , more in that 30 to $35 million range with the with the restructuring of the balance sheet that we've done so much improved from that standpoint as well .

Speaker #4: So , you know , as Chris noted , significant improvement in in core operational expenses with that $50 million . And then that , you know , combined $188 million of carbon related 45 production tax credits and voluntary tax credit earnings power for the full year of 2026 .

Speaker #4: We do believe that we're in a significantly transformed earnings position going forward .

Speaker #12: Okay . That's good color and super helpful . My other question kind of on the on the core underlying ethanol fundamentals , I think you said you're 75% hedged for the fourth quarter .

Speaker #12: How hedged are you for the first quarter . And on in addition to that , you know , how are you guys thinking about potential contributions next year from ethanol exports and e-15 ?

Speaker #12: Obviously , a lot of headlines , trade agreements , those types of things . Can you kind of frame what a reasonable expectation around those two dynamics would be ?

Speaker #12: Thank you .

Speaker #5: Yeah . And you know , with respect to , you know , position taking , we don't get into too much detail on on where we sit .

Speaker #5: But we've talked about , you know , having a disciplined strategy and , you know , effectively we're going to be in the market every day looking for opportunities to lock in margin .

Speaker #5: When the , you know , market provides that to us . So we're active in Q4 , in Q1 of 2026 . You know , with respect to questions around demand drivers , you know , we see export demand strengthening on the basis of strong numbers , 2 billion plus gallons in in 2025 .

Speaker #5: We expect that to grow with in particular demand coming from Canada , the EU and India . Based on , you know , government mandates in those countries .

Speaker #5: And also with respect to , you know , E-15 adopted acceptance in all all 50 states is also an important driver of demand .

Speaker #5: But we don't really anticipate that to materialize until probably the second half of 2026 into 2027 , based on the needs of of developing infrastructure in that part of the world .

Speaker #12: Great . Thank you very much .

Speaker #3: Final question from the line of Craig Erwin with Roth Capital . Your line is open .

Speaker #13: Good morning , and thanks for taking my question . So you were very clear that the the sequestration equipment is working and you're putting carbon in the pipeline , but can you clarify for us whether or not trailblazer is is injecting the carbon in the sequestration wells ?

Speaker #13: And is there any uncertainty around , you know , some of the delays there impacting the value of credits that you announced the sale of today ?

Speaker #5: Thanks for the question , Craig . With respect to , you know , status of pipeline , you know , just just to recap , we have the York asset , you know , fully operational .

Speaker #5: We've got Central City and Wood River, where we've fully commissioned all of the equipment and are in the process of ramping up capture rates.

Speaker #5: And right now , the the pipeline team is working on basically operationalizing the entire pipeline , you know , sending the gas to Wyoming .

Speaker #5: So there's a little bit of a time delay in between , you know , getting equipment commissioned on the capture side of things .

Speaker #5: And the actual sequestration . Well , itself . So like I mentioned , there's a little bit of time delay , but we are confident in our partners ability to execute on on the start up and commissioning of that equipment .

Speaker #5: So we really feel good about where we're positioned .

Speaker #13: Okay , so the second question then is do you face a potential limit on the inventorying of the carbon that you're putting into the time , into the pipeline , given that there is a little bit of uncertainty around the the the injection at those wells in Wyoming , or is there , you know , fairly substantive potential to continue to put put carbon into the pipeline ?

Speaker #5: Yeah , there's there's plenty of capacity , you know , for all of our plants to put the gas in the well and , you know , the range we provided in terms of carbon anticipated value in Q4 is really based around the timing and the capture efficiency of our assets .

Speaker #5: And also the the execution of our base plant operations through the balance of Q4 .

Speaker #13: Okay . Fantastic . Thank you for taking my question .

Speaker #4: Thanks , Craig .

Speaker #3: Thank you, everyone. That concludes our Q&A session for today. I will now turn the call back over to Mr. Chris Osowski for closing remarks.

Speaker #3: Please go ahead . Mr. Zouski .

Speaker #5: All right . Thank you , everyone , for your time today . And we look forward to updating you on our operational performance and financial results next quarter .

Speaker #5: If you have any follow up questions for us , please reach out and we'll find time to connect .

Speaker #3: Ladies and gentlemen , that concludes today's call . Thank you all for joining . You may not disconnect . Have a nice day ahead .