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Darling Ingredients (DAR)
NYSE:DAR
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Darling Ingredients (DAR) AI Stock Analysis

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DAR

Darling Ingredients

(NYSE:DAR)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
$39.00
▲(10.83%Upside)
Darling Ingredients scores well due to its strong financial position and strategic initiatives. However, high valuation concerns and challenges in the renewable fuel segment temper the overall outlook.
Positive Factors
Regulatory Changes
Updated U.S. biofuels policy will drive materially improved profit trajectory for DAR in 2026.
Stock Valuation
Shares currently trade at less than 7.0x our 2026E EBITDA vs. historical average over 8x, offering an attractive entry point.
Negative Factors
Earnings Performance
Weak DGD earnings have led to a reduction in expected EBITDA for 2Q25 and FY25.
Market Confidence
The market is unlikely to give Darling Ingredients the benefit of doubt on guidance due to limited transparency on the first quarter miss and an inconsistent track record on guidance.
Operational Challenges
Industry RD margins remained pressured in 2Q and are off to a slow start in 3Q.

Darling Ingredients (DAR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Darling Ingredients Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDarling Ingredients Inc. develops, produces, and sells natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients. The company operates through three segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients, and Fuel Ingredients. It offers ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, feed, industrial, fuel, bioenergy, and fertilizer industries. The company also collects and transforms various animal by-product streams into useable and specialty ingredients, such as collagen, edible fats, feed-grade fats, animal proteins and meals, plasma, pet food ingredients, organic fertilizers, yellow grease, fuel feedstock, green energy, natural casings, and hides. In addition, it recovers and converts used cooking oil and animal fats, and residual bakery products into valuable feed and fuel ingredients. Further, the company provides environmental services, including grease trap collection and disposal services to food service establishments. It primarily operates under the Sonac, Dar Pro, Rothsay, Rousselot, Nature Safe, CleanStar, Peptan, Cookie Meal, Bakery Feeds, Ecoson, and Rendac brand names in North America, Europe, China, South America, Australia, and internationally. The company was formerly known as Darling International Inc. and changed its name to Darling Ingredients Inc. in May 2014. Darling Ingredients Inc. was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyDarling Ingredients generates revenue through the collection and processing of animal by-products and residuals from the food processing industry. The company transforms these materials into a variety of products such as gelatin, fats, proteins, and renewable energy. Key revenue streams include sales of these ingredients for use in food, pet food, animal feed, and biofuel production. Additionally, Darling Ingredients benefits from strategic partnerships, such as its joint venture with Valero Energy Corporation in the production of renewable diesel, which significantly contributes to its earnings.

Darling Ingredients Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 24, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -4.53%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 11, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a mixed sentiment with positive developments in financial flexibility, gross margin improvements, and strategic joint ventures. However, these were offset by challenges in the renewable fuel segment, decreased EBITDA, and a decline in net income. The outlook for the core business remains strong, but uncertainty around the timing of regulatory impacts on the DGD segment persists.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Positive Earnings and Financial Flexibility
Darling Ingredients delivered positive earnings for Q2 2025, maintained strict capital discipline, and enhanced financial flexibility through successful refinancing. They locked in borrowing costs for the next 5+ years.
Gross Margin Improvement
Gross margins improved to 23.3% for Q2 2025 compared to 22.5% in Q2 2024. Year-to-date gross margins were also better at 23.0% compared to 21.9% in the first half of 2024.
Nextida Joint Venture Announcement
Darling Ingredients announced the intention to form Nextida, a new joint venture focused on the health and wellness space, aligning with their strategy to diversify and grow in high-margin areas.
Feed Segment Margin Expansion
Feed Segment saw margin expansion both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year, supported by rising fat prices and operational efficiency.
Improved Debt Position
The company's total debt net of cash as of June 28, 2025, was reduced to $3.89 billion from $3.97 billion at the end of 2024, helping lower the leverage ratio to 3.34x.
Negative Updates
Decreased Combined Adjusted EBITDA
Combined adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $249.5 million, down from $273.6 million in Q2 2024. Year-to-date, adjusted EBITDA was $445.3 million compared to $553.7 million in 2024.
DGD Segment Pressure
Darling's share of DGD EBITDA was $42.6 million for Q2 2025, significantly lower than $76.6 million for Q2 2024. Year-to-date, it was $48.7 million, down from $191.7 million in 2024.
Net Income Decline
Net income for Q2 2025 was $12.7 million or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $78.9 million or $0.49 per diluted share in Q2 2024. Year-to-date, there was a net loss of $13.5 million.
Challenging Renewable Fuel Environment
The renewables environment remains difficult with pressure on renewable fuel margins and ongoing regulatory challenges affecting the Fuel Segment.
Company Guidance
During the second quarter of 2025, Darling Ingredients provided financial guidance reflecting both the achievements and challenges faced by the company. The firm recorded a combined adjusted EBITDA of $249.5 million, down from $273.6 million in the same quarter of 2024. The company's Feed Segment showed strong performance, with net sales reaching $936.5 million and an improved gross margin of 22.9%, up from 21.0% in the previous year. However, the Fuel Segment experienced difficulties due to a challenging renewables environment, with Darling's share of DGD EBITDA declining to $42.6 million from $76.6 million year-over-year. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about long-term growth, highlighting strategic initiatives such as the Nextida joint venture in the health and wellness space and ongoing improvements in the regulatory landscape, which are expected to positively impact future performance. Darling expects full-year combined adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.1 billion.

Darling Ingredients Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Darling Ingredients demonstrates a strong financial position with zero debt and robust cash flow management. However, challenges in revenue growth and declining profit margins slightly offset these strengths.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Darling Ingredients shows a strong revenue base with a slight decline in the most recent year, likely due to market fluctuations. Gross Profit Margin remains high at 100%, suggesting efficient cost management. However, the decreasing Net Income and EBIT margins indicate pressures on profitability. The Revenue Growth Rate has fluctuated, with a notable decrease recently, which could signal market challenges.
Balance Sheet
85
Very Positive
The company exhibits a robust financial position with zero debt in the latest period, drastically improving its Debt-to-Equity Ratio. The Return on Equity remains healthy, reflecting strong shareholder returns. The Equity Ratio is solid, indicating financial stability and a strong asset base. This positions the company well against potential economic changes.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Darling Ingredients maintains a strong cash flow with consistent operating cash flow exceeding net income, indicating good cash conversion. The Free Cash Flow has shown growth, albeit with some fluctuations, suggesting efficient capital expenditure management. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is strong, supporting the company's reinvestment and dividend capabilities.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.72B6.79B6.53B4.74B3.57B
Gross Profit1.28B1.65B1.53B1.24B883.11M
EBITDA1.01B1.48B1.09B1.20B776.48M
Net Income278.88M647.73M737.69M650.91M296.82M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets10.07B11.06B9.20B6.13B5.61B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments75.97M126.50M127.02M68.91M81.62M
Total Debt4.26B4.64B3.58B1.62B1.66B
Total Liabilities5.61B6.37B5.31B2.79B2.66B
Stockholders Equity4.38B4.61B3.81B3.28B2.89B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow506.81M342.26M420.94M430.02M340.73M
Operating Cash Flow839.29M899.26M813.74M704.42M624.65M
Investing Cash Flow-498.90M-1.68B-2.42B-490.26M-310.63M
Financing Cash Flow-399.56M876.29M1.68B-221.36M-306.99M

Darling Ingredients Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price35.19
Price Trends
50DMA
35.26
Negative
100DMA
33.19
Positive
200DMA
35.39
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.03
Positive
RSI
43.25
Neutral
STOCH
47.01
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DAR, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 35.19 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 37.18, below the 50-day MA of 35.26, and below the 200-day MA of 35.39, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.03 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.25 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 47.01 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for DAR.

Darling Ingredients Risk Analysis

Darling Ingredients disclosed 53 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Darling Ingredients reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Darling Ingredients Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$6.58B9.3823.47%2.23%3.82%
77
Outperform
$8.63B14.1616.31%2.39%-6.88%-4.93%
72
Outperform
$5.99B19.399.15%1.48%9.36%
71
Outperform
$5.83B34.753.79%-6.23%-71.35%
68
Neutral
$2.79B12.008.59%0.19%-0.24%26.74%
68
Neutral
$8.07B22.8820.26%2.49%-2.49%-65.96%
61
Neutral
HK$21.05B12.250.81%4.52%2.72%-47.45%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DAR
Darling Ingredients
35.19
-4.39
-11.09%
BRFS
BRF SA
3.81
0.19
5.25%
POST
Post Holdings
107.75
-0.19
-0.18%
INGR
Ingredion
132.74
15.80
13.51%
NOMD
Nomad Foods
18.02
0.93
5.44%
LW
Lamb Weston Holdings
58.61
6.48
12.43%

Darling Ingredients Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Darling Ingredients Updates Bylaws for Efficiency
Neutral
Jul 7, 2025

On July 7, 2025, Darling Ingredients Inc. amended and restated its Bylaws to update procedural requirements for stockholders to take action without a meeting. This change is aimed at streamlining governance processes, potentially impacting the company’s operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.

The most recent analyst rating on (DAR) stock is a Buy with a $69.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Darling Ingredients stock, see the DAR Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Darling Ingredients Issues €750M in Senior Notes
Positive
Jun 27, 2025

On June 24, 2025, Darling Global Finance B.V., a subsidiary of Darling Ingredients Inc., issued €750 million in senior notes due 2032, with a 4.5% interest rate. This issuance, alongside a new credit agreement, refinanced existing debt, extended maturities, and redeemed €515 million of senior notes due 2026. The refinancing aims to optimize Darling’s financial structure, potentially enhancing its market position and operational flexibility.

The most recent analyst rating on (DAR) stock is a Buy with a $69.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Darling Ingredients stock, see the DAR Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Darling Ingredients Announces €750M Senior Notes Offering
Neutral
Jun 18, 2025

On June 18, 2025, Darling Ingredients Inc. announced the pricing of a €750 million offering of 4.5% senior notes due 2032 by its subsidiary, Darling Global Finance B.V. The proceeds will be used to redeem existing senior notes and repay some of the company’s debt, allowing Darling to maintain its debt cost while extending the term of the notes. The offering is expected to close around June 24, 2025, subject to customary conditions, and is part of Darling’s strategy to optimize its financial structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (DAR) stock is a Buy with a $69.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Darling Ingredients stock, see the DAR Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Darling Ingredients Launches €750M Senior Notes Offering
Neutral
Jun 16, 2025

On June 16, 2025, Darling Ingredients Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Darling Global Finance B.V., launched an offering of €750 million in senior notes, subject to market conditions. The company also plans to amend its credit agreement to a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The proceeds from the notes will be used to redeem existing senior notes and repay certain credit facilities, reflecting Darling’s strategic financial restructuring efforts.

The most recent analyst rating on (DAR) stock is a Buy with a $69.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Darling Ingredients stock, see the DAR Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Darling Ingredients Forms Joint Venture with Tessenderlo
Positive
May 12, 2025

On May 12, 2025, Darling Ingredients Inc. announced a non-binding term sheet with Tessenderlo Group to form a joint venture, Nextida, combining their collagen and gelatin businesses. Darling will hold an 85% stake, and Tessenderlo 15%. This strategic partnership aims to create a leading company in the collagen-based health, wellness, and nutrition sectors, with expected annual revenue of $1.5 billion. The venture is anticipated to close in 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, and is expected to enhance product development and shareholder value while expanding market reach.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Darling Ingredients Holds Annual Stockholder Meeting
Neutral
May 8, 2025

At the annual meeting held on May 7, 2025, Darling Ingredients Inc. stockholders elected the Board of Directors and voted on two proposals. The proposals included ratifying KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accountant for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2026, and approving the company’s executive compensation. These decisions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining strong governance and financial oversight, which could impact its operational efficiency and stakeholder confidence.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 25, 2025