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Green Plains (GPRE)
NASDAQ:GPRE

Green Plains (GPRE) AI Stock Analysis

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GPRE

Green Plains

(NASDAQ:GPRE)

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Neutral 58 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:58Neutral
Price Target:
$16.00
▲(15.11% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/06/26
GPRE scores mid-range mainly because financial performance remains constrained by declining revenue and persistent net losses, despite improved 2025 cash flow and lower debt. Technicals are a clear positive with strong uptrend signals, while valuation is weakened by negative earnings and no dividend yield data. The earnings call adds support via improved Q4 profitability and strong 2026 carbon-related EBITDA outlook, tempered by monetization and leverage-related risks.
Positive Factors
Carbon capture monetization
Bringing CO2 compression online and sequestering CO2 creates a new, high-margin cash stream tied to low-CI ethanol. Management's $188M 2026 adjusted EBITDA estimate signals a structural shift in revenue mix, diversifying earnings away from commodity ethanol margins and improving long-term cash generation.
Higher production capacity & record yields
A 10% capacity upgrade plus record plant yields reflects durable operational improvement and better throughput economics. Higher normalized gallons and improved conversion efficiency increase operating leverage, support consistent supply to customers, and enhance the company's long-run margin potential.
Improved cash flow and lower near-term leverage
The shift to positive operating and free cash flow alongside a meaningful debt reduction materially improves liquidity and financial flexibility. This strengthens the company's ability to fund sustaining capex, service obligations, and invest in carbon projects without relying on dilutive financing over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Volatile revenue and persistent losses
Structural revenue volatility and recurring negative net margins constrain reinvestment and make earnings sensitive to commodity cycles. Until top-line stability and consistent net profitability are achieved, balance-sheet improvements and carbon gains could be offset by underlying demand and price swings.
Dependence on 45Z credit monetization
A material portion of projected EBITDA relies on selling 45Z tax credits and voluntary credits. Execution, counterparty appetite, contract terms and pricing discounts create structural cash-flow and earnings timing risk; adverse terms would materially reduce the expected carbon-related contribution.
Outstanding convertible notes and future cash obligations
The $60M 2027 convertibles represent a known medium-term cash obligation that will require liquidity or refinancing. Combined with remaining leverage, this obligation could constrain capital allocation choices or force refinancing in tougher markets, limiting strategic flexibility over the next 2–3 years.

Green Plains (GPRE) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Green Plains Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionGreen Plains Inc. produces, markets, and distributes ethanol in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Ethanol Production, Agribusiness and Energy Services, and Partnership. The Ethanol Production segment produces and sells ethanol, including industrial-grade alcohol, distiller grains, and ultra-high protein and corn oil. The Agribusiness and Energy Services segment engages in the grain procurement, handling, and storage activities; and commodity marketing business, which purchases, markets, sells, and distributes ethanol, distiller grains, and ultra-high protein and corn oil, as well as grain, natural gas, and other commodities in various markets. This segment also provides grain drying and storage services to grain producers. The Partnership segment offers fuel storage and transportation services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated through 29 ethanol storage facilities; 4 fuel terminal facilities; and a fleet of approximately 2,300 leased railcars. The company was formerly known as Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. and changed its name to Green Plains Inc. in May 2014. Green Plains Inc. was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
How the Company Makes MoneyGreen Plains generates revenue primarily through the production and sale of ethanol, which is used as a renewable fuel source and oxygenate for gasoline. The company operates several ethanol production facilities, which convert corn and other feedstocks into ethanol and distillers grains. Key revenue streams include the sale of ethanol to fuel blenders and refiners, as well as the sale of distillers grains as animal feed. Additionally, Green Plains earns income from grain storage and handling services, leveraging its infrastructure to facilitate the movement of agricultural products. Strategic partnerships with agricultural producers and renewable energy stakeholders enhance its market position and facilitate growth. The company's focus on operational efficiency and sustainability also contributes to its earnings potential.

Green Plains Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Ethanol Gallons Sold
Ethanol Gallons Sold
Measures the volume of ethanol sold, indicating the company's market share in the biofuel industry and its ability to meet demand for renewable energy sources.
Chart InsightsEthanol gallons sold by Green Plains have shown fluctuations, with a recent decline in Q1 2025. Despite operational improvements like a 100% utilization rate and cost reductions, the company faces challenges such as a net loss and liquidity concerns. However, strengthened ethanol crush margins and increased exports suggest potential recovery. The strategic focus on cost efficiency and market expansion, particularly in the protein business, could mitigate current financial pressures and support future growth.
Data provided by:The Fly

Green Plains Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 05, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Overall the call presented a positive operational and financial turnaround: the company moved from a prior-year loss to Q4 profitability, materially improved adjusted EBITDA, brought carbon capture online (driving cash and an estimated $188M of carbon-related EBITDA for 2026), raised stated production capacity by 10%, and refinanced near-term debt while maintaining healthy liquidity. Key risks and negatives include a 26.6% YoY revenue decline in Q4 driven by asset sales and idling, cash timing for carbon receipts, remaining debt and compression liabilities on the balance sheet (~$504M total debt), uncertainty in monetization discounts for 45Z credits, and some commodity/operational headwinds (protein price pressure, weather-related interruptions). On balance, the highlights — especially carbon monetization, operational gains, and balance sheet refinancings — outweigh the lowlights.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Operational Performance and Record Yields
Four plants reached historical production volumes and seven plants achieved record ethanol yields in 2025; fleet generated volumes above prior stated capacities, driving improved throughput and efficiency.
Production Capacity Re-statement
Company increased its stated production capacity (excluding Fairmont) to 730 million gallons/year, a 10% increase over the previous stated capacity. Notable plant capacity changes: Central City and Wood River to 120M gal/yr each, Mount Vernon to 110M, Madison to 100M, Shenandoah to 80M, Otter Tail and Superior to 70M each, and York from 50M to 60M.
Carbon Capture Operational and Financial Progress
CO2 compression equipment at three Nebraska plants became fully operational in Q4 with five compressors online capturing >90% of CO2; CO2 is being sequestered in Wyoming which lowers CI scores and is already generating cash flow. Management estimates carbon-related EBITDA of at least $188 million for 2026 (subject to volumes and CI factors), including ~ $150M from Nebraska (inclusive of voluntary credits) and ~$38M from other low-CI plants.
Strong Q4 Adjusted EBITDA Turnaround
Q4 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $49.1 million versus negative $18.2 million in Q4 2024 — an improvement of more than $67 million year-over-year, reflecting operational execution, cost discipline, and early carbon monetization.
Net Income Improvement
Q4 2025 reported net income attributable to Green Plains of $11.9 million ($0.17 per diluted share) versus a Q4 2024 net loss of $54.9 million (−$0.86 per diluted share), representing a material swing to profitability.
Tax Credit Realizations and Initial Cash Receipts
45Z clean fuel production tax credits generated $27.7 million in the quarter (net of discounts) and the company received its first payment for transferred credits; management reports active marketing interest for 2026 credits and anticipates an announcement soon.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity Improvements
Refinanced the majority of 2027 convertible notes with a new $200M convertible due 2030 and used $30M of that to repurchase ~2.9M shares; company reports no near-term debt maturities. Consolidated liquidity at quarter-end: $230.1M in cash and equivalents and $325M revolver availability. Federal NOL balance of $260.2M for future tax efficiency.
Cost Reductions and Expense Guidance
Q4 SG&A was $22.9M, down $2.8M YoY. Management expects a consolidated SG&A run rate in the low $90M for 2026, an improvement of more than $25M versus 2024. Q4 interest expense was $6.1M, down $1.6M YoY; 2026 interest expense guidance is $30–35M.
Market Fundamentals and Hedging
Ethanol exports remain strong, a record corn crop is keeping feedstock costs in check, corn oil values improved versus last year, and management has hedged a significant portion of Q1 production margin — supporting resilient ethanol margins.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline in Q4
Q4 2025 revenue was $428.8 million, down 26.6% year-over-year. Management attributes the decline to the Obion plant sale, idling of Fairmont in January, and discontinuing third-party ethanol marketing which reduced gallons available to sell.
Cash Flow Timing and Working Capital Effects
Cash flow from operations before working capital in Q4 was approximately $16M, substantially lower than EBITDA due to timing of carbon receipts (only ~$14M received in Q4 with the remainder expected in Q1) and accelerated receivables/inventory related to prior transactions, creating a near-term cash timing mismatch.
Dependence on Monetization of 45Z Credits and Pricing Uncertainty
While interest is strong, the company had not announced a 2026 tax credit sale as of the call; monetization economics depend on counterparties, discounts, insurance, and contract structure, introducing execution and pricing uncertainty.
Increased Reported Debt from Compression Liabilities
Compression equipment liabilities moved onto the balance sheet as long-term debt as ownership transferred; inclusive of carbon equipment liabilities total debt is approximately $504M, adding leverage despite removal of near-term maturities.
Commodity and Operational Headwinds
Protein pricing remained under pressure in Q4, and winter weather and natural gas market volatility caused operational hiccups and short-term production interruptions; although management was largely hedged on natural gas, some plants experienced production impacts.
Accounting and Presentation Uncertainty for Tax Credits
FASB issued ASU 2025-10 related to accounting for government grants (effective after Dec 2028 with early adoption permitted); potential early adoption could change presentation of 45Z credits in financial statements and requires modeling adjustments for comparability.
Asset Sales and Idlings Affecting Gallons and Revenue Base
Sale of Obion and idling of Fairmont reduced the company’s gallons available to market, which contributed to lower reported revenue and may limit near-term volumetric growth until redeployment or other capacity additions occur.
Residual 2027 Convertible Notes
Approximately $60M of 2027 convertible notes remain outstanding and are anticipated to be retired with cash at maturity, representing a future cash obligation to monitor.
Company Guidance
The company’s guidance and forward-looking metrics emphasized capacity, carbon monetization, cost controls and liquidity: updated plant production capacity (ex-Fairmont) is now 730 million gallons/year (a 10% increase), with Central City and Wood River at 120 mmgal each, Mount Vernon 110, Madison 100, Shenandoah 80, Otter Tail and Superior 70 each, and York increased to 60 (from 50); all five compressors are online at the Nebraska sites capturing >90% of CO2 and the carbon program is expected to generate at least $188 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2026 (≈$150M from the three Nebraska plants, incl. voluntary credits, plus ≈$38M net 45Z benefit from other plants); Q4 results included adjusted EBITDA of $49.1M (vs. -$18.2M YoY), Q4 net income of $11.9M (17¢/share), Q4 revenue $428.8M (down 26.6% YoY) and $27.7M of 45Z tax credit benefit net of discounts; cost and balance-sheet guidance includes Q4 SG&A $22.9M with a 2026 SG&A run rate targeted in the low $90M (>$25M improvement vs. 2024), Q4 D&A $23.5M, Q4 interest $6.1M and 2026 interest guidance of $30–35M, a normalized tax rate of ~23–24% and federal NOLs of $260.2M, quarter-end liquidity of $230.1M cash (plus $325M revolver availability), Q4 CapEx $5.3M with 2026 sustaining CapEx $15–25M, total debt ~ $504M (inclusive of carbon equipment liabilities), and a refinanced $200M convertible due 2030 (used $30M to repurchase ~2.9M shares) while $60M of 2027 convertibles remain outstanding.

Green Plains Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are improving but still weak overall. Revenue has been volatile and recently down (2025 ~-7%), and the company has sustained multi-year net losses with a 2025 net margin around -5.8% and an operating loss. Offsetting this, 2025 operating cash flow (~$111M) and free cash flow (~$74M) turned positive and debt declined meaningfully (about $649M to $508M), supporting liquidity and flexibility.
Income Statement
32
Negative
Revenue has been volatile and trending down recently (2025 down ~7% after declines in 2024 and 2023), signaling a challenging demand/pricing backdrop. Profitability remains weak: net losses persisted across the entire period shown (2020–2025), with 2025 net margin around -5.8%. While EBITDA stayed slightly positive in most years (except 2020), operating results are still negative in the latest year (2025 operating loss), indicating the business has not translated scale into consistent earnings.
Balance Sheet
56
Neutral
Leverage looks manageable overall, with debt-to-equity around ~0.75–0.91 in 2020–2024 and total debt declining meaningfully in 2025 versus 2024 (about $649M to $508M). Equity remains substantial (roughly $766M in 2025), supporting balance sheet flexibility. The key weakness is continued losses, reflected in consistently negative returns on equity in the years where provided (2020–2024), which can pressure book value and limit financial optionality if the downturn persists.
Cash Flow
48
Neutral
Cash generation improved sharply in 2025 with positive operating cash flow (~$111M) and positive free cash flow (~$74M), a notable turnaround from 2024 when both were negative (operating cash flow about -$30M and free cash flow about -$125M). However, free cash flow has been unstable over time (mostly negative from 2021–2024), and the sharp year-to-year swings raise execution and cyclicality risk. Free cash flow being positive while net income is negative in 2025 suggests non-cash charges and/or working-capital benefits helped cash results, which may not be fully repeatable.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.09B2.46B3.30B3.66B2.83B
Gross Profit38.49M130.45M164.75M112.68M179.00M
EBITDA31.29M52.38M53.60M26.64M116.09M
Net Income-121.28M-82.50M-93.38M-127.22M-65.99M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.58B1.78B1.94B2.12B2.16B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments182.32M173.04M349.57M444.66M551.08M
Total Debt508.35M649.31M676.51M711.00M789.32M
Total Liabilities806.42M907.64M949.27M1.06B1.06B
Stockholders Equity766.25M865.22M843.73M910.03M950.50M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow64.44M-125.05M-51.75M-142.66M-182.95M
Operating Cash Flow101.64M-29.96M56.35M69.71M4.25M
Investing Cash Flow162.13M-62.05M-106.90M-105.25M-236.28M
Financing Cash Flow-243.04M-77.35M-70.96M-25.14M518.19M

Green Plains Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price13.90
Price Trends
50DMA
11.51
Positive
100DMA
10.83
Positive
200DMA
9.09
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.69
Positive
RSI
60.19
Neutral
STOCH
31.75
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GPRE, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 13.9 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 13.22, above the 50-day MA of 11.51, and above the 200-day MA of 9.09, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.69 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 60.19 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 31.75 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GPRE.

Green Plains 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
$1.13B22.968.89%-3.10%-22.31%
66
Neutral
$1.19B26.133.67%3.33%5.35%-1.43%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
59
Neutral
$186.40M-3.46-20.64%-8.00%-35.86%
58
Neutral
$970.76M-7.32-14.87%-12.07%-821.68%
50
Neutral
$313.44M-4.44-7.24%1.61%-4.31%-206.57%
48
Neutral
$443.43M-9.51-9.27%675.75%42.00%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GPRE
Green Plains
13.90
7.91
132.05%
GEVO
Gevo
1.83
0.42
29.79%
ALTO
Alto Ingredients
2.41
0.66
37.71%
REX
Rex American
34.35
14.54
73.40%
SCL
Stepan Company
52.51
-9.01
-14.65%
OEC
Orion SA
5.57
-8.90
-61.50%

Green Plains Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Green Plains Appoints Ryan Loneman as General Counsel
Positive
Jan 12, 2026

On January 12, 2026, Green Plains Inc. announced it had appointed Ryan Loneman as General Counsel and Secretary, effective January 26, 2026, expanding its leadership team and placing him in charge of the company’s legal function as a key advisor on corporate governance, strategic transactions, and regulatory matters. Loneman’s extensive background in corporate law, including senior legal roles at Lindsay Corporation, prior experience as Vice President and General Counsel at Signal Security, and practice at Kirkland & Ellis, is expected to strengthen Green Plains’ governance and compliance capabilities, supporting its long-term growth strategy and reinforcing its positioning in the renewable fuels and low-carbon biofuels industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (GPRE) stock is a Hold with a $10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Green Plains stock, see the GPRE Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Green Plains Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

On January 5, 2026, Green Plains Inc. announced the appointment of Ann Reis as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 6, 2026, marking a key change in its senior leadership team. Reis, who previously served as CFO, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary of the Board at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, brings more than 20 years of experience in agribusiness, energy and financial services, and is expected to support Green Plains’ long-term growth strategy and focus on operational excellence. The leadership transition follows the departure of long-serving finance executive Phil Boggs on January 5, 2026, underscoring a strategic refresh of the company’s financial leadership as it continues to advance its low-carbon, renewable fuels and ingredients platform.

The most recent analyst rating on (GPRE) stock is a Hold with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Green Plains stock, see the GPRE Stock Forecast page.

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: Feb 06, 2026