Q2 2026 The Andersons Inc Earnings Call

August 4, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Andersons, 2026, second quarter earnings conference call. My name is Allison, and I will be your coordinator for today.

Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to The Andersons 2026 Q2 earnings conference call. My name is Allison and I will be your coordinator for today. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Later, we will facilitate a question-and-answer session. To ask a question, please press star and then one on your touchtone phone, and to withdraw your question, please press star and then two. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded for replay purposes. I will now hand the presentation over to your host for today, Mr. Mike Hoelter, Vice President, Corporate Controller and Investor Relations. Please proceed.

Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen? Welcome to The Andersons 2026 Q2 Earnings Conference Call. My name is Allison and I will be your coordinator for today. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Later, we will facilitate a question-and-answer session. To ask a question, please press star and then one on your touchtone phone, and to withdraw your question, please press star and then two. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded for replay purposes. I will now hand the presentation over to your host for today, Mr. Mike Hoelter, Vice President, Corporate Controller and Investor Relations, please proceed.

Speaker #1: At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Later, we will facilitate a question-and-answer session. To ask a question, please press star and then 1 on your touchdown phone, and to withdraw your question, please press star and then 2.

Speaker #1: As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded. For replay purposes, I will now hand the presentation over to your host for today, Mr. Mike Holter, Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for the Anderson second quarter earnings call. We have provided a slide presentation that will enhance today's discussion.

Mike Hoelter: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for The Andersons Q2 earnings call. We have provided a slide presentation that will enhance today's discussion. If you are viewing this presentation via the webcast, the slides and commentary will be in sync. This webcast is being recorded, and the recording and the supporting slides will be made available on the investor's page of our website shortly. Please direct your attention to the disclosure statement on Slide two, as well as the disclaimers in the press release related to forward-looking statements. Certain information discussed today constitutes forward-looking statements that reflect the company's current views with respect to future events, financial performance, and industry conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially as a result of many factors, which are described in the company's reports on file with the SEC.

Mike Hoelter: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for The Andersons Q2 Earnings Call. We have provided a slide presentation that will enhance today's discussion. If you are viewing this presentation via the webcast, the slides and commentary will be in sync. This webcast is being recorded, and the recording and the supporting slides will be made available on the investor's page of our website shortly. Please direct your attention to the disclosure statement on Slide two, as well as the disclaimers in the press release related to forward-looking statements. Certain information discussed today constitutes forward-looking statements that reflect the company's current views with respect to future events, financial performance, and industry conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially as a result of many factors, which are described in the company's reports on file with the SEC.

Speaker #2: If you are viewing this presentation via the webcast, the slides and commentary will be in sync. This webcast is being recorded, and the recording and the supporting slides will be made available on the Investors page of our website shortly.

Speaker #2: Please direct your attention to the disclosure statement on slide 2, as well as the disclaimers in the press release related to forward-looking statements. Certain information discussed today constitutes forward-looking statements that reflect the company's current views with respect to future events, financial performance, and industry conditions.

Speaker #2: These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially as a result of many factors which are described in the company's reports on file with the SEC.

Speaker #2: We encourage you to review these factors. This presentation and today's prepared remarks contain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of the GAAP to non-GAAP measures are included within the appendix of this presentation.

Mike Hoelter: We encourage you to review these factors. This presentation and today's prepared remarks contain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of the GAAP to non-GAAP measures are included within the appendix of this presentation. On the call with me today are Bill Krueger, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Valentine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. After our prepared remarks, we will be happy to take your questions. I will now turn the call over to Bill.

Speaker #2: On the call with me today are Bill Krueger, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Brian Valentine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. After our prepared remarks, we will be happy to take your questions.

Speaker #2: I will now turn the call over to Bill.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Mike. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our call to discuss our second quarter results and outlook. I'd like to start off by thanking our entire team for their hard work and focus during an unpredictable first half of 2026.

Bill Krueger: Thanks, Mike. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our call to discuss our Q2 results and outlook. I'd like to start off by thanking our entire team for their hard work and focus during an unpredictable H1 of 2026. We are proud of the results our teams are generating for our shareholders, and their commitment to delivering for our customers during a time of rapid change. Our Q2 results were led by record earnings in Renewables. Agribusiness had year-over-year improvement as our fertilizer business performed above expectations. Adjusted EPS of $2.15 and adjusted EBITDA of $140 million for the quarter compares favorably to some of our best historical quarters and reflects our commitment to the strategy we presented at our Investor Day to deliver long-term shareholder value.

Speaker #3: We are proud of the results our teams are generating for our shareholders, and their commitment to delivering for our customers during a time of rapid change.

Speaker #3: Our second quarter results were led by record earnings in renewables. Agribusiness had year-over-year improvement as our fertilizer business performed above expectations. Adjusted earnings per share of $2.15 and adjusted EBITDA of $140 million for the quarter compares favorably to some of our best historical quarters and reflects our commitment to the strategy we presented at our Investor Day to deliver long-term shareholder value.

Speaker #3: As an industry, we need to continue to build North American demand for grains, grain products, and oilseeds. With the RVO finalized earlier in the year, and the recent release of the updated 45Z CF Greet model substantial progress has been made to increase domestic demand for U.S.

Bill Krueger: As an industry, we need to continue to build North American demand for grains, grain products, and oilseeds. With the RVO finalized earlier in the year and the recent release of the updated 45ZCF-GREET model, substantial progress has been made to increase domestic demand for US corn and soybeans. These actions support the US farmer and enhance both of our business segments moving forward. Renewables Q results were driven by record ethanol production and higher margins. Our renewables trading desks also improved significantly across all products that we merchandise due to the increased demand. With some volatility back in the grain markets, we have established a larger forward book of purchases versus last year. Our fertilizer results came from improved operating efficiency, continued integration into the agribusiness segment, and focused risk management during their primary application season.

Speaker #3: Corn and soybeans. These actions support the U.S. farmer and enhance both of our business segments moving forward. Renewables' quarterly results were driven by record ethanol production and higher margins.

Speaker #3: Our renewables trading desks also improved significantly across all products that we merchandise due to the increased demand. With some volatility back in the grain markets, we have established a larger forward book of purchases versus last year.

Speaker #3: Our fertilizer results came from improved operating efficiency, continued integration into the agribusiness segment, and focused risk management during their primary application season. Our current long-term growth capital investments remain on track, and later during the outlook, I will discuss them in a little more detail.

Bill Krueger: Our current long-term growth capital investments remain on track, and later during the outlook, I will discuss them in a little more detail. With that overview, I'll turn the call over to Brian to discuss our financial results. I will be back to discuss the outlook for the rest of 2026 after his update.

Speaker #3: With that overview, I'll turn the call over to Brian to discuss our financial results. I will be back to discuss the outlook for the rest of 2026 after his update.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Bill, and good morning, everyone. We're now turning to our second quarter results on slide number 5. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reported net income attributable to the Andersons of $57 million or $1.65 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $74 million or $2.15 per diluted share.

Brian Valentine: Thanks, Bill, and good morning, everyone. We're now turning to our Q2 results on slide number five. In Q2 of 2026, the company reported net income attributable to The Andersons of $57 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $74 million, or $2.15 per diluted share. This compares to adjusted net income of $8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share in Q2 of 2025. Gross profit increased over 40% as fundamentals in both groups were improved over Q2 of 2025. Adjusted pre-tax earnings were $93 million compared to $15 million in 2025, with most of the improvement coming from renewables. Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $140 million, compared to $65 million in 2025.

Speaker #2: This compares to adjusted net income of $8 million or $24 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2025. Gross profit increased over 40% as fundamentals in both groups were improved over the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #2: Adjusted pre-tax earnings were $93 million compared to $15 million in 2025, with most of the improvement coming from renewables. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $140 million compared to $65 million in 2025.

Speaker #2: Our effective tax rate varies each quarter, based primarily on tax credits earned and the amount of income or loss attributable to non-controlling interest. We recorded taxes at an effective rate of 20% for the second quarter and expect our full-year adjusted effective tax rate to be in the range of 14% to 18%.

Brian Valentine: Our effective tax rate varies each quarter based primarily on tax credits earned and the amount of income or loss attributable to non-controlling interests. We recorded taxes at an effective rate of 20% for Q2 and expect our full year adjusted effective tax rate to be in the range of 14% to 18%. Next, we'll move to slide six to discuss cash, liquidity, and debt. We generated cash flow from operations before changes in working capital of $113 million in Q2 of 2026, compared to $43 million in 2025, with the increase being driven by our strong earnings this quarter. Our short-term borrowings are up compared to the prior year as we have seen increased market volatility in 2026. Our readily marketable grain inventories continue to be well in excess of our short-term debt, which is consistently the case throughout the ag cycle.

Speaker #2: Next, we'll move to slide 6 to discuss cash, liquidity, and debt. We generated cash flow from operations before changes in working capital of $113 million in the second quarter of 2026 compared to $43 million in 2025, with the increase being driven by our strong earnings this quarter.

Speaker #2: Our short-term borrowings are up compared to the prior year, as we have seen increased market volatility in 2026. Our readily marketable grain inventories continue to be well in excess of our short-term debt, which is consistently the case throughout the ag cycle.

Speaker #2: Next, we'll take a look at capital spending and long-term debt on slide 7. Second quarter capital spending totaled $76 million compared to $49 million in 2025, which includes the funding of previously announced long-term growth projects as well as normal maintenance capital.

Brian Valentine: Next, we'll take a look at capital spending and long-term debt on slide seven. Q2 capital spending totaled $76 million compared to $49 million in 2025, which includes the funding of previously announced long-term growth projects, as well as normal maintenance capital. We continue to take a disciplined, responsible approach to capital spending, which we expect will be approximately $225 million for the year, excluding acquisitions. Our long-term debt to EBITDA is 1.3 times, which remains well below our stated target of less than 2.5x. We continue to evaluate various acquisitions and organic growth projects and have a strong balance sheet that will support investments that meet our strategic and financial criteria. Now, we'll move on to a review of each of our business segments, beginning with Agribusiness on slide 8.

Speaker #2: We continue to take a disciplined, responsible approach to capital spending, which we expect will be approximately $225 million for the year excluding acquisitions. Our long-term debt-to-EBITDA is $1.3 times which remains well below our stated target of less than $2.5 times.

Speaker #2: We continue to evaluate various acquisitions and organic growth projects, and have a strong balance sheet that will support investments that meet our strategic and financial criteria.

Speaker #2: Now, we'll move on to a review of each of our business segments beginning with agribusiness on slide 8. The agribusiness segment reported adjusted pre-tax income attributable of $20 million compared to $17 million in the second quarter of 2025.

Brian Valentine: The Agribusiness segment reported adjusted pre-tax income attributable of $20 million, compared to $17 million in Q2 of 2025. Our fertilizer business had a strong application season with improved margins and operational efficiencies. We saw higher commodity prices and volatility during the quarter, which provided more opportunities for our merchandising businesses. However, in these market conditions, our asset footprint experienced limited space income. Our premium ingredients business continues to operate well. Agribusiness had adjusted EBITDA of $53 million for Q2, compared to $46 million last year. Moving to slide nine, Renewables had another outstanding quarter, generating adjusted pre-tax income of $88 million, compared to pre-tax income attributable of $10 million in Q2 of 2025. Our ethanol plants continued to perform well with efficient operations, resulting in record Q2 production.

Speaker #2: Our fertilizer business had a strong application season, with improved margins and operational efficiencies. We saw higher commodity prices and volatility during the quarter, which provided more opportunities for our merchandising businesses.

Speaker #2: However, in these market conditions, our asset footprint experienced limited space income. Our premium ingredients business continues to operate well. Agribusiness had adjusted EBITDA of $53 million for the second quarter compared to $46 million last year.

Speaker #2: Moving to slide 9, renewables had another outstanding quarter, generating adjusted pre-tax income of $88 million, compared to pre-tax income attributable of $10 million in the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #2: Our ethanol plants continued to perform well, with efficient operations resulting in record second-quarter production. Ethanol margins were up significantly year-over-year, on strong domestic and export demand, as well as higher co-product values.

Brian Valentine: Ethanol margins were up significantly year-over-year on strong domestic and export demand, as well as higher co-product values. We recorded $24 million of 45Z tax credits in the quarter. Our merchandising businesses performed well as corn oil prices and volumes improved over the prior year. Renewables had adjusted EBITDA of $103 million in Q2, compared to $30 million last year. With that, I'll turn things back over to Bill for some comments about our outlook.

Speaker #2: We recorded $24 million of $45Z tax credits in the quarter. Our merchandising businesses performed well, as corn oil prices and volumes improved over the prior year.

Speaker #2: Renewables had adjusted EBITDA of $103 million in the second quarter compared to $30 million last year. And with that, I'll turn things back over to Bill for some comments about our outlook.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Brian. As we look forward to the remainder of 2026, the market has more variables than usual when combining geopolitical tension, biofuels, and farm bill policy and weather events.

Bill Krueger: Thanks, Brian. As we look forward to the remainder of 2026, the market has more variables than usual when combining geopolitical tension, biofuels, and farm bill policy and weather events. Our diversified portfolio should support our base business, and the current environment should provide more merchandising potential. We are evaluating several opportunities for long-term growth focused on increasing shareholder value. At the same time, we are making investments to increase productivity and efficiency across the enterprise while also ensuring that we keep our employees safe. In Agribusiness, we are just finishing wheat harvest, and while the overall crop was smaller, we're pleased with the ownership we accumulated. We expect increased demand later in the year for our ownership due to the geographic dispersion of harvested bushels for both hard and soft wheat. Current corn and soybean crop conditions are generally comparable to last year in our key regions.

Speaker #3: Our diversified portfolio should support our base business and the current environment should provide more merchandising potential. We are evaluating several opportunities for long-term growth focused on increasing shareholder value.

Speaker #3: At the same time, we are making investments to increase productivity and efficiency across the enterprise, while also ensuring that we keep our employees safe.

Speaker #3: In agribusiness, we are just finishing wheat harvest, and while the overall crop was smaller we are pleased with the ownership we accumulated. We expect increased demand later in the year for our ownership due to the geographic dispersion of harvested bushels for both hard and soft wheat.

Speaker #3: Current corn and soybean crop conditions are generally comparable to last year in our key regions. We are currently in a weather market, as is the U.S.

Bill Krueger: We are currently in a weather market as the US is experiencing above normal temperatures with reduced rainfall across much of the Western Corn Belt. Our investments in premium ingredients, including those used in food and pet food manufacturing, continue to deliver profitable growth. While significant corn acreage should support demand for fall fertilizer applications, farm gate pricing may have an impact on purchasing decisions. We will continue to monitor global fertilizer supply issues, and while we were well-positioned for spring planting, ongoing tensions in the Middle East will continue to influence Agribusiness dynamics. In Renewables, we expect increased production to continue throughout the biofuels industry. Ethanol exports are expected to remain strong, we have seen some recent competition from Brazil. Elevated global fuel prices continue to enhance ethanol's appeal. We remain hopeful that year-round E15 will be passed this year.

Speaker #3: is experiencing above-normal temperatures with reduced rainfall across much of the western Corn Belt. Our investments in premium ingredients including those used in food and pet food manufacturing continue to deliver profitable growth.

Speaker #3: While significant corn acreage should support demand for fall fertilizer applications, farm gate pricing may have an impact on purchasing decisions. We will continue to monitor global fertilizer supply issues and, while we were well positioned for spring planting, ongoing tensions in the Middle East will continue to influence agribusiness dynamics.

Speaker #3: In renewables, we expect increased production to continue throughout the biofuels industry. Ethanol exports are expected to remain strong, but we have seen some recent competition from Brazil.

Speaker #3: Elevated global fuel prices continue to enhance ethanol's appeal. We remain hopeful that year-round E15 will be passed this year. However, voluntary blend rate increases are already occurring based on the comparative economics of ethanol versus gasoline.

Bill Krueger: However, voluntary blend rate increases are already occurring based on the comparative economics of ethanol versus gasoline. Our Renewables merchandising teams expect to see continued opportunities with increases in bio-based diesel production. Our four ethanol plants are all operating well, and our recent capital expenditures are providing increased efficiency and higher volumes. We are closely monitoring board crush margins with increased volatility in corn futures and US ethanol currently priced near parity with Brazil. Switching to growth. We have initiated several projects aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of the ethanol we produce and increasing production levels. As previously stated, all our plants are benefiting from higher tax credits this year. The Class VI well permit for our Clymers Indiana facility continues to progress through regulatory review. Once approved and operational, this initiative will further reduce the carbon intensity score of our ethanol, enabling additional tax credit generation.

Speaker #3: Our renewables merchandising teams expect to see continued opportunities with increases in bio-based diesel production. Our four ethanol plants are all operating well, and our recent capital expenditures are providing increased efficiency and higher volumes.

Speaker #3: We are closely monitoring board crush margins with increased volatility in corn futures and U.S. ethanol currently priced near parity with Brazil. Switching to growth, we have initiated several projects aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of the ethanol we produce and increasing production levels.

Speaker #3: As previously stated, all our plants are benefiting from higher tax credits this year. The Class 6 well permit for our Climaxers Indiana facility continues to progress through regulatory review.

Speaker #3: And once approved and operational, this initiative will further reduce the carbon intensity score of our ethanol, enabling additional tax credit generation. We are evaluating several projects for each of our plants with the same goals.

Bill Krueger: We are evaluating several projects for each of our plants with the same goals. We have completed the grain elevator upgrades at Houston, leaving only our soybean meal export portion of this Agribusiness project to be completed. We expect this to be fully operational in Q4. Other recent growth investments within Agribusiness have come online as we continue to optimize performance levels. We remain focused on achieving our long-range run rate EPS target of $7 per share by the end of 2028. Recent favorable market conditions and strong execution demonstrate our ability to exceed $6 per share for the trailing 12 months. The successful completion of remaining key growth projects, solid market conditions, and sustained operational excellence should position us to achieve this target. We remain aligned and focused on providing extraordinary service to our customers and increasing the value of The Andersons.

Speaker #3: We have completed the grain elevator upgrades at Houston. Leaving only our soybean, meal export portion of this agribusiness project to be completed. We expect this to be fully operational in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #3: Other recent growth investments within agribusiness have come online, as we continue to optimize performance levels. We remain focused on achieving our long-range run-rate EPS target of $7 per share by the end of 2028.

Speaker #3: Recent favorable market conditions and strong execution demonstrate our ability to exceed $6 per share for the trailing 12 months. The successful completion of remaining key growth projects solid market conditions and sustained operational excellence should position us to achieve this target.

Speaker #3: We remain aligned and focused on providing extraordinary service to our customers and increasing the value of the Andersons. We are happy to take your questions at this time.

Bill Krueger: We are happy to take your questions at this time.

Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star and then one on your touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star and then two. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. Our first question today will come from Ben Klieve of The Benchmark Company. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your touchtone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two.

Speaker #1: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. Our first question today will come from Ben Cleavy of The Benchmark Company.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: All right. Thank you for taking my questions and congratulations on a great quarter here. First, I want to isolate the fertilizer business here. With a couple of questions.

Ben Klieve: All right. Thanks for taking my questions and congratulations on a great quarter here. First, I want to isolate the fertilizer business here with a couple of questions. One, I'm wondering if you can discuss the relative seasonality in the H1 of the year between the Q1 and the Q2. Was it kind of in line with expectations and consistent year-over-year, or did it skew one way or the other? Second, wondering if you guys can give us a sense of the degree to which the elevated pricing in the fertilizer complex drove excess profitability within the Q2, especially.

Speaker #4: One, I'm wondering if you can discuss the relative seasonality in the first half of the year between the first quarter and the second quarter.

Speaker #4: Was it kind of in line with expectations and consistent year over year, or did it skew one way or the other? And then second, wondering if you guys can give us a sense of the degree to which the elevator pricing and the fertilizer complex drove excess profitability within the within the second quarter especially.

Speaker #2: Good morning, Ben. I may need a little clarity on the second question, but to your first question, how applications went this year? We were skewed a little bit more towards the first quarter than the second quarter.

Bill Krueger: Morning, Ben. I may need a little clarity on the second question, to your first question, how applications went this year, we were skewed a little bit more towards the Q1 than the Q2, as I'm sure you're well aware of, we did see a drop of fertilizer prices domestically towards the end of the Q2. All in all, it was pretty much as expected coming into the year for our fertilizer results. If you could help me out with the second question again, just to make sure I give you the right answer.

Speaker #2: And, as I'm sure you're well aware, we did see a drop in fertilizer prices domestically towards the end of the second quarter. But all in all, it was pretty much as expected coming into the year for our fertilizer results.

Speaker #2: And if you could help me out with the second question again, just to make sure I give you the right answer.

Speaker #4: Yeah, Bill. So just trying to understand the degree to which the variable and elevated pricing throughout the fertilizer complex drove maybe excess profitability within the second quarter for the fertilizer product specifically.

Ben Klieve: Yeah, Bill. Just trying to understand the degree to which the variable and elevated pricing throughout the fertilizer complex drove maybe excess profitability within Q2 for the fertilizer products specifically.

Speaker #2: Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I would tell you it was probably twofold on that. The first one was the efficiencies that we were able to realize really throughout the first half of the year combined with solid management, continued integration into the agribusiness really drove a little bit higher margin and execution.

Bill Krueger: Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I would tell you it was probably twofold on that. The first one was the efficiencies that we were able to realize really throughout H1, combined with solid management, continued integration into the agribusiness, really drove a little bit higher margin and execution. The other item that we really saw was the ability to be able to place the amount of volumes that we needed and had planned for at each of our locations. The team did a very good job on that.

Speaker #2: And then the other item that we really saw was the ability to be able to place the amount of volumes that we needed and had planned for at each of our locations.

Speaker #2: The team did a very good job on that.

Speaker #4: Great. That's very helpful. Thanks, Bill. I want to turn to within the agribusiness segment, the results out of the Western Belt and kind of the Skylend end assets specifically.

Ben Klieve: Great. That's very helpful. Thanks, Bill. Want to turn to, within the Agribusiness segment, the results out of the Western Belt and kind of the Skyland assets specifically. Looks like there's some kind of moving pieces here. Wondering if you can just kind of level set us with expectations for that business here for this year, talk about the puts and takes that you guys are seeing right now versus expectations going into the year.

Speaker #4: It looks like there's some kind of moving pieces here. Wondering if you can just kind of level set us with expectations for that business here for this year.

Speaker #4: And kind of talk about the puts and takes that you guys are seeing right now versus expectations going into the year.

Speaker #2: Sure. The Skylend region is one of the driest regions in the Western Corn Belt. It really did minimize the volume of hard wheat produced, if you look at Kansas as an overall state, is one of the lowest years we've had in recent history.

Bill Krueger: Sure. The Skyland region is one of the driest regions in the Western Corn Belt. It really did minimize the volume of hard wheat produced. If you look at Kansas as an overall state, it was one of the lowest years we've had in recent history. The Skyland assets were not immune to that. We do need some rain in really most of the Western Corn Belt, that will really make the determination. In terms of execution and efficiency, Skyland was one of the areas where we were able to grow our forward book, as I mentioned in my opening comments. We're really proud of that factor, indicates that some of the improved management that we've put into the organization is really executing. In order to talk about the balance of the year, it's really going to be weather driven.

Speaker #2: The Skylend assets were not immune to that. We do need some rain. In really most of the Western Corn Belt, and that will really make the determination.

Speaker #2: In terms of execution, and efficiency, Skylend was one of the areas where we were able to grow our forward book, as I mentioned in my opening comments.

Speaker #2: So we're really proud of that factor. And it indicates that some of the improved management that we've put into the organization is really executing.

Speaker #2: In order to talk about the balance of the year, it's really going to be weather-driven. Now, as you remember, when we talked about Skylend early on, one of the real benefits that we see is the understanding of that asset footprint combined with our merchandising opportunities.

Bill Krueger: Now, as you remember, when we talked about Skyland early on, one of the real benefits that we see is the understanding of that asset footprint combined with our merchandising opportunities. If we continue to see dryness and potentially a smaller feed grains crop in the West, that should provide us with more merchandising opportunities than we've been able to see over the last couple of years, specifically in the Western Corn Belt.

Speaker #2: So if we continue to see dryness and potentially a smaller feed grains crop in the West, that should provide us with more merchandising opportunities than we've been able to see over the last couple of years specifically in the Western Corn Belt.

Speaker #4: Got it. Got it. Very helpful. Okay, thanks, Bill. Plenty more to talk about, but I'll leave it there. Thanks for taking my questions. Congratulations again on a good quarter, and I'll get back in to you.

Ben Klieve: Got it. Very helpful. Okay, thanks, Bill. Plenty more to talk about, I'll leave it there. Thanks for taking my questions. Congratulations again on a good quarter, I'll get back in queue.

Speaker #1: Your next question today will come from Derek Whitfield of Texas Capital. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question today will come from Derrick Whitfield of Texas Capital. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good morning, all, and congrats on a strong quarter today. Starting first with your comments on supportive ethanol fundamentals with the tightness in product markets that both the majors and the largest US refiners are highlighting, where do you see US and global ethanol blend rights headed?

Derrick Whitfield: Good morning, all, and congrats on a strong quarter today. Starting first with your comments on supportive ethanol fundamentals, with the tightness in product markets that both the majors and the larger c-store refiners are highlighting, where do you see US and global ethanol blend rates headed, given that product tightness will likely carry well into 2027, even if we return to normal trade in Q3?

Speaker #5: Given that product tightness will likely carry well into 2027, even if we return to normal trade in 3Q.

Speaker #2: Good morning, Derek. This is Bill. Today, it feels like our blending rates are going to continue to trend higher from 2024 to 2025. We get our blend rate gained 14 basis points, finishing 2025 at a 10.51.

Bill Krueger: Morning, Derrick. This is Bill. Today, it feels like our blending rates are going to continue to trend higher. From 2024 to 2025, our blend rate gained 14 basis points, finishing 2025 at a 10.51. As we look at the market today, domestically, our expectations are that that will be the same type of increase, if not slightly more. We feel like we're going to continue to increase the blend rates at kind of the same rates that we've seen over the last couple of years, with likely an increasing rate, as I mentioned in my comments, through the voluntary blending.

Speaker #2: As we look at the market today, domestically, our expectations are that that will be the same type of increase if not slightly more. So we feel like we're going to continue to increase the blend rates at kind of what the same rates that we've seen over the last couple of years, with likely an increasing rate as I mentioned in my comments, through the voluntary blending.

Speaker #5: Great. And then, as my follow-up, Bill, in your outlook remarks, you noted that you're evaluating other CI-reducing projects at your other plants outside of Climbers.

Derrick Whitfield: Great. As my follow-up, Bill, in your outlook remarks, you noted that you are evaluating other CI-reducing projects at your other plants outside of Clymers. Could you perhaps elaborate on some of the projects you're contemplating?

Speaker #5: Could you perhaps elaborate on some of the projects you're contemplating?

Speaker #2: Yeah. Good question, Derek. But publicly, until we announce them, we're not going to talk about other projects that we're considering until we actually execute on them.

Bill Krueger: Yeah. Good question, Derrick. Publicly, until we announce them, we're not going to talk about other projects that we're considering until we actually execute on them.

Speaker #5: Fair enough. Maybe just one on Climbers because you did comment on that. With that CO2 injection well permit progressing, are you separately in a parallel fashion evaluating or building a third-party market for incremental volumes?

Derrick Whitfield: Fair enough. Maybe just one on Clymers, because you did comment on that. With that CO2 injection well permit progressing, are you separately, in a parallel fashion, evaluating or building a third-party market for incremental volumes?

Speaker #2: Yes. We believe that the demand for I assume when you say third-party markets, you're talking about the additional ethanol that we will produce?

Bill Krueger: Yes. We believe that the demand for I assume when you say third-party markets, you are talking about the additional ethanol that we will produce?

Speaker #5: Correct.

Derrick Whitfield: Correct.

Speaker #2: Yeah. We believe that the demand base for really all three of our Eastern plants will allow us to grow, continue to grow our production as we have the last several years.

Bill Krueger: Yeah. We believe that the demand base for really all three of our eastern plants will allow us to continue to grow our production as we have the last several years. Specifically to Clymers, we believe that that market can take even more than what we have announced that we are going to produce.

Speaker #2: And specifically to Climbers, we believe that that market can take even more than what we've announced that we're going to produce.

Speaker #5: Great update and congrats on your quarter today.

Derrick Whitfield: Great update, congrats on your quarter today.

Speaker #1: The next question today will come from Ben Mayhew of BMO. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question today will come from Ben Mayhew of BMO. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hi. Good morning. And congratulations, guys. I'm hitting the $6 run rate mark. My first question has to do with ethanol. So I'm just wondering, as we carry over from the really just very strong performance in 2Q, the 3Q, paper margins have shown some sequential weakness.

Ben Mayhew: Hi, good morning. Congratulations, guys, on hitting the $6 run rate mark. My first question has to do with ethanol. I'm just wondering, as we carry over from the really just very strong performance in Q2 to Q3, paper margins have shown some sequential weakness. I'd imagine you would be capturing more 45Z in Q3 versus Q2, given some of your maintenance that you went through in Q2. I was just hoping if you could touch on the durability of ethanol margins sequentially, and just how you're thinking about the cadence from Q2 to Q3 on a pre-tax income basis. Thanks.

Speaker #6: But I'd imagine you would be capturing more 45Z in 3Q versus 2Q, given some of your maintenance that you went through in 2Q. So I was just hoping if you could touch on the durability of ethanol margins sequentially and just how you're thinking about the cadence from 2Q to 3Q on a pre-tax income basis.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Speaker #2: Yeah, thanks for the question. I'll let Brian address the 45Z comment or question that you had. As a reminder, in Q3 we did have two of the months where we had 100% ownership in 2025.

Bill Krueger: Yeah, thanks for the question. I'll let Brian address the 45Z comment or question that you had. As a reminder, Q3, we did have two of the months, we had 100% ownership in 2025. I'll let Brian address the exact numbers there. In terms of how Q3 is laying out versus Q2, you are correct that we have seen a little bit of a drop in board crush. We also believe that there might be a potential for increased corn prices, which will drive the value of our DDGS co-products up, along with continued opportunities for our DCO pricing to increase, along with the demand that we're seeing in renewable diesel.

Speaker #2: So I'll let Brian address the exact numbers there. But in terms of how Q3 is laying out versus Q2, you are correct. That we have seen a little bit of a drop in board crush.

Speaker #2: We also believe that there might be a potential for increased corn prices which will drive the value of our with continued opportunities for our DCO pricing to increase, along with the demand that we're seeing in renewable diesel.

Speaker #2: So from our perspective, there's a lot of variables still to play out, but we feel very confident in Q3 as a comparative to potentially Q2 and even looking back at Q3 of 2025, which was a very strong quarter for us.

Bill Krueger: From our perspective, there's a lot of variables still to play out, but we feel very confident in Q3 as a comparative to potentially Q2 and even looking back at Q3 of 2025, which was a very strong quarter for us.

Speaker #3: And I think, Ben, to your question on the 45Z, I mean, you're correct. We had our spring maintenance. In reality, though, we likely will have some fall maintenance right toward the end of the third quarter.

Brian Valentine: I think, Ben, to your question on the 45Z, you're correct, we had our spring maintenance. In reality, though, we likely will have some fall maintenance right toward the end of Q3. The 45Z, we still expect to be in that $90 to $100 million range for the year. You saw it was $24 in Q2. That number shouldn't move by more than a couple million dollars per quarter, with probably Q2 and Q3 being just slightly lower, and then Q1 and Q4 being a little bit higher.

Speaker #3: So the 45Z, we still expect to be in that 90 to 100 million dollar range for the year. You saw it was 24 in the second quarter.

Speaker #3: That number shouldn't move by more than a couple of million dollars per quarter with probably Q2 and Q3 being just slightly lower and then Q1 and Q4 being a little bit higher.

Speaker #6: Great. That's very helpful. Sticking to ethanol or just biofuels in general, there's been a lot of talk over the past week or two about these small refinery exemptions and the risk that they might have depending on the size of the final approved amount, the risk that they might have on the overall RDO, just wondering if you have any thoughts around that and do you think this is a real material risk, or is it just something the administration is looking to do to make everyone happy and whole as much as they can?

Ben Mayhew: Great, that's very helpful. Sticking to ethanol or just biofuels in general, there's been a lot of talk over the past week or two about these small refinery exemptions and the risk that they might have, depending on the size of the final approved amount, the risk that they might have on the overall RVO. Just wondering if you have any thoughts around that. Do you think this is a real material risk, or is it just something the administration is looking to do to make everyone happy and whole as much as they can? Thanks.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Speaker #2: I don't think it's prudent for us to speculate on what the EPA or the administration is currently thinking on SREs. As The Andersons, we've stated previously that we think small refineries should only have exemptions granted when they can demonstrate that the RFS is creating economic stress on their company.

Bill Krueger: I don't think it's prudent for us to speculate on what the EPA or the administration is currently thinking on SREs. As The Andersons, we've stated previously that we think small refineries should only have exemptions granted when they can demonstrate that the RFS is creating economic stress on their company. How the EPA chooses to do that is their decision. I do applaud them for their announcement yesterday and the continued expediting of this entire process. I think the EPA is doing a very good job. From our perspective, as we look at it today, we do not see the end result being material to The Andersons and our ability to generate the types of numbers that we've talked about historically.

Speaker #2: How the EPA chooses to do that is their decision. I do applaud them for their announcement yesterday, and the continued expediting of this entire process. I think the EPA is doing a very good job.

Speaker #2: From our perspective, as we look at it today, we do not see the end result being material to the Andersons and our ability to generate the types of numbers that we've talked about historically.

Speaker #6: That's great. I'm going to hop back in the queue. Thanks, guys.

Ben Mayhew: That's great. I'm going to hop back in the queue. Thanks, guys.

Speaker #1: Our next question today will come from Puran Sharma of Stevens. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question today will come from Pooran Sharma of Stephens. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Hi, this is Jack Harden on for Puran. Congrats on the quarter, and thanks for the question. Just on the outlook, agribusiness was modestly better than expected.

Jack Harden: Hi, this is Jack Harden on for Pooran. Congrats on the quarter, thanks for the question. Just on the outlook, agribusiness was modestly better than expected, but the larger upside came from renewables. Over the next 12 to 18 months, where do you see the greater incremental earnings opportunity? A broader recovery in grain asset earnings or sustained strength in the renewable platform? Thanks.

Jack Hardin: Hi, this is Jack Harden on for Pooran. Congrats on the quarter, thanks for the question. Just on the outlook, agribusiness was modestly better than expected, but the larger upside came from renewables. Over the next 12 to 18 months, where do you see the greater incremental earnings opportunity? A broader recovery in grain asset earnings or sustained strength in the renewable platform? Thanks.

Speaker #7: But the larger upside came from renewables. Over the next 12 to 18 months, where do you see the greater incremental earnings opportunity? A broader recovering grain asset earnings, or sustained strength in the renewable?

Speaker #7: Platform. Thanks.

Speaker #2: Puran Jet. That's a good question. Let's start on the renewable side of the question that you asked. We believe that we have a very focused strategy in continuing to invest in our plants.

Bill Krueger: Morning, Jed. That's a good question. Let's start on the renewables side of the question that you asked. We believe that we have a very focused strategy in continuing to invest in our plants. We have projects that are underway that we haven't discussed publicly. We have the ability to continue to look at additional opportunities. We've been very clear over the last two years that we do have a desire, as long as the price is correct, that we would like to add more gallons to our fleet. That being said, there's a lot of dynamics right now in agribusiness that are really going to set the table for the next 12 to 18 months, as you asked. We have a large corn crop that's being produced right now. We have some weather challenges. We have more weather challenges in the Western corn belt.

Speaker #2: We have projects that are underway that we haven't discussed publicly. We have the ability to continue to look at additional opportunities. We've been very clear over the last two years that we do have a desire, as long as the price is correct, to add more gallons to our fleet.

Speaker #2: That being said, there's a lot of dynamics right now in agribusiness that are really going to set the table for the next 12 to 18 months as you asked.

Speaker #2: We have a large corn crop that's being produced right now. We have some weather challenges. We have more weather challenges in the western corn belt.

Speaker #2: We have a larger footprint in the eastern corn belt. When you include all of our grain assets and our ethanol plants, which are a lot of our origination, so to look out forward, you're going to have to talk about the geopolitical tensions, how they're going to play out, and then both North America and South American production.

Bill Krueger: We have a larger footprint in the Eastern corn belt when you include all of our grain assets and our ethanol plants, which are a lot of our origination. To look out forward, you're going to have to talk about the geopolitical tensions, how they're going to play out, both North America and South American production. As we've stated, we do believe, again, knowing what we know today, that the trough for the ag market was likely set in 2025. That can change for a lot of reasons. As we look forward, we think the increase in North American demand that I talked about in my opening comments are going to drive a little bit of a rebound. The question is just how far and how fast will that rebound occur?

Speaker #2: As we've stated, we do believe again, knowing what we know today, that the trough for the ag market was likely set in 2025. That can change, for a lot of reasons.

Speaker #2: But as we look forward, we think the increase in North American demand that I talked about in my opening comments are going to drive a little bit of a rebound.

Speaker #2: The question is just how far and how fast will that rebound occur? So we feel pretty confident in both of our business segments today.

Bill Krueger: We feel pretty confident in both of our business segments today, over the next 12 to 18 months with both the tailwinds that we have in renewables and our focus on efficiency and running our assets to the best of their abilities, along with being able to grab merchandising opportunities when they arise.

Speaker #2: Over the next 12 to 18 months, with both the tailwinds that we have and renewables and our focus on efficiency and running our assets to the best of their abilities, along with being able to grab merchandising opportunities when they arise.

Speaker #7: Thanks so much. I'll hop back in the queue.

Jack Harden: Thanks so much. I'll hop back in the queue.

Jack Hardin: Thanks so much. I'll hop back in the queue.

Speaker #1: And again, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star then one to join the question queue. Our next question will come from Jason Minor of Bloomberg.

Operator: Again, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star and then one to join the question queue. Our next question will come from Jason Miner of Bloomberg. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hey, good morning. Thanks very much. Just a little bigger picture. If oil were to get much cheaper for some reason, what are the different puts and takes across the whole portfolio that you might see?

Jason Miner: Good morning. Thanks very much. Just a little bigger picture. If oil were to get much cheaper for some reason, what are the different puts and takes across the whole portfolio that you might see? I think we could all guess that blending economics might be more challenged, but you still have the feedstock trading business we haven't talked too much about, and I think there might be some other effects hidden in there.

Speaker #5: I mean, I think we could all guess that blending economics might be more challenged. But you still have the feedstock trading business. We haven't talked too much about.

Speaker #5: And I think there might be some other effects hidden in there.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Jason. The oil complex is one that often people may think that it has a more material value on the Andersons than it really does.

Bill Krueger: Thanks, Jason. The oil complex is one that often people may think that it has a more material value on the Andersons than it really does. From our perspective, let's talk with fuel surcharges. Our agribusiness improved year over year with substantial fuel surcharges that we incurred. Likely, if fuel were to drop substantially, as you suggested, I would envision fuel surcharges going away. We do believe that there is a potential that natural gas prices could be reduced in the H2 of the year. We do understand that the gasoline price would go down with oil, but the blending economics today with where corn's at and where ethanol's priced is still very attractive. Not just in the US, but as we look globally, we continue to see countries continue to drive towards higher blend rates, which will support US exports.

Speaker #2: But from our perspective, let's talk with fuel surcharges. Our agribusiness improved year over year with substantial fuel surcharges that we incurred. So likely, if fuel were to drop substantially as you suggested, I would envision fuel surcharges going away.

Speaker #2: We do believe that there is a potential that natural gas prices could be reduced in the second half of the year. We do understand that the gasoline price would go down with oil.

Speaker #2: But the blending economics today with where corn's at and where ethanol's priced is still very attractive. And not just in the US, but as we look globally, we continue to see countries continue to drive towards higher blend rates, which will support US exports.

Speaker #2: So from the Andersons overall, I don't see it being a material effect. The size and condition and geographic dispersion of the corn and soybean crop will be substantially more.

Bill Krueger: From The Andersons overall, I don't see it being a material effect. The size and condition and geographic dispersion of the corn and soybean crop will be substantially more, including the ability for us now to bring cattle back in from Mexico to rebuild our feedlots. That, to us, is a much larger variable than the crude market going back into the 60s or whatever you would define as a substantial drop.

Speaker #2: Including the ability for us now to bring cattle back in from Mexico to rebuild our feedlots, that to us is a much larger variable than the crude market going back into the '60s or whatever you would define as a substantial drop.

Speaker #5: That's very helpful. Thanks. One other one then. So you have some capacity coming on in the fourth quarter, which looks pretty well timed. Meal demand growth has been very good.

Jason Miner: That's very helpful. Thanks. One other one. You have some capacity coming on in Q4, which looks pretty well-timed. Meal demand growth has been very good. Just wondering how you feel about the outlook for meal demand growth and some of the target markets for that new export capacity.

Speaker #5: Just wondering how you feel about the outlook for meal demand growth and some of the target markets for that new export capacity.

Speaker #2: That's a good question, Jason, or comment. We are very excited about the Houston project. We had delayed slightly due to Mother Nature and the heavy rains in Houston that we witnessed.

Bill Krueger: That's a good question, Jason, or comment. We are very excited about the Houston project. We got delayed slightly due to mother nature and the heavy rains in Houston that we witnessed, but the team down there has done a great job of working through it. We believe that the opportunity to increase our overall agribusiness results, utilizing Houston as both a grain and a soybean meal export terminal, will pay us dividends. Where we're going to go with that soybean meal today, we would rather not disclose publicly, but I can assure you that we have been working for the better part of 9 months with destination consumers of soybean meal and feel very confident that we will have the size of book we need to execute in Houston.

Speaker #2: But the team down there has done a great job of working through it. We believe that the opportunity to increase our overall agribusiness results utilizing Houston as both a grain and a soybean meal export terminal will pay us dividends.

Speaker #2: Where we're going to go with that soybean meal today we would rather not disclose publicly. But I can assure you that we have been working for the better part with destination consumers as soybean meal and feel very confident that we will have the size of book we need to execute in Houston.

Speaker #5: Great. Very solid stuff. Thanks very much.

Jason Miner: Great. Very solid stuff. Thanks very much.

Speaker #1: This will conclude our question-and-answer session. At this time, I’d like to turn the conference back over to Mike Hoelter for any closing remarks.

Operator: This will conclude our question and answer session. At this time, I'd like to turn the conference back over to Mike Hoelter for any closing remarks.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Allison. We want to thank you all for joining us this morning. Our next earnings conference call is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, when we will review our third quarter results.

Mike Hoelter: Thanks, Allison. We want to thank you all for joining us this morning. Our next earnings conference call is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time, when we will review our Q3 results. As always, thank you for your interest in The Andersons, and we look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Speaker #6: As always, thank you for your interest in The Andersons, and we look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation, and you may now disconnect your lines.

Q2 2026 The Andersons Inc Earnings Call

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