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Green Plains (GPRE)
NASDAQ:GPRE
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Green Plains (GPRE) AI Stock Analysis

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GPRE

Green Plains

(NASDAQ:GPRE)

Rating:59Neutral
Price Target:
$11.50
▲(3.14% Upside)
Green Plains faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenues and persistent losses weighing heavily on its overall score. However, strong technical momentum and positive corporate events provide some optimism. The mixed earnings call sentiment and valuation concerns further moderate the overall outlook.
Positive Factors
Cost savings
GPRE has already executed against $45mm in annualized cost savings YTD (out of $50mm target).
Ethanol margins outlook
The outlook for ethanol margins has improved, with positive EBITDA in forward curves, with contributions from higher corn oil values ahead of anticipated increases to RVO, inventory draw down due to maintenance, stronger blending demand, and large expected corn harvest.
Regulatory developments
Regulatory developments have been positive for Green Plains' carbon capture platform.
Negative Factors
Ethanol market fundamentals
GPRE faced challenging ethanol market fundamentals owing to elevated production and inventory levels.
Financial position and risks
Given Green Plains' vulnerable financial position, the increased uncertainty does not support a Buy rating anymore.
Stock valuation
The company's stock price is higher than the price objective, indicating potential overvaluation.

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 through multiple key streams, primarily from the production and sale of ethanol, which is a renewable fuel used in transportation. The company operates a network of ethanol production facilities that convert corn into ethanol, capturing the value from both ethanol and its co-products, such as distillers grains (used as animal feed) and corn oil (used in biodiesel production). Additionally, Green Plains earns income from its marketing and distribution services, which involve selling ethanol and its co-products to various customers, including fuel blenders and livestock feed suppliers. Strategic partnerships with agricultural producers, fuel companies, and renewable energy firms enhance its market reach and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the company is increasingly focusing on innovation in renewable energy technologies, which may provide additional revenue opportunities as the market for sustainable energy continues to grow.

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:Main Street Data

Green Plains Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 11, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed outlook for Green Plains. While the company achieved significant operational efficiencies, strengthened its liquidity, and made progress in its carbon strategy, these were offset by a substantial net loss, revenue decline, and challenges in the protein market. The sentiment is neutral as the highlights and lowlights are balanced.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Operational Excellence and Capacity Utilization
Green Plains achieved 99% capacity utilization across its fleet, improving from 93.8% in Q2 2024. The company also reported the highest ethanol yields in its history while maintaining low quarterly operational expenses.
Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvements
The company achieved its $50 million cost reduction target through operational efficiencies and SG&A improvements. They expect corporate and trade SG&A to exit the year at a low $40 million run rate.
Positive Developments in Carbon Strategy
Construction of CCS infrastructure is on schedule, with a start-up expected in Q4. The 45Z clean fuel production tax credit extension is anticipated to contribute over $150 million annually in EBITDA by 2026.
Improved Financial Liquidity
Green Plains strengthened its liquidity by executing noncore asset sales and collecting $23.5 million in cash from the sale of the Tharaldson JV.
Strong Ethanol Export Market
Ethanol export markets have shown strength, with expectations to reach 2.1 billion gallons in exports, up from 1.9 billion gallons last year.
Negative Updates
Net Loss Increase
Green Plains reported a net loss of $72.2 million for Q2 2025, a significant increase from a $24.4 million loss in Q2 2024. This includes $44.9 million in noncash charges related to asset sales and impairments.
Revenue Decline
Revenue for Q2 2025 was $552.8 million, down 10.7% year-over-year due to exiting certain ethanol marketing activities and placing an ethanol asset on care and maintenance.
Challenges in Protein Market
Protein values are under pressure due to increased supply from the soy crushing industry. The company is diversifying its protein customer portfolio but faces market challenges.
Increased Interest Expenses
Interest expenses rose by $6.4 million over the prior year due to expenses associated with accounting treatment for warrants and the absence of capitalized interest from prior year projects.
Company Guidance
During the Green Plains Inc. Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company provided guidance that highlighted several key metrics and strategic initiatives. The company reported a net loss attributable to Green Plains of $72.2 million or $1.09 per share for Q2 2025, compared to a loss of $24.4 million or $0.38 per share in Q2 2024. This included $44.9 million in noncash charges from asset sales and impairments. Revenue for Q2 2025 was $552.8 million, down 10.7% year-over-year, primarily due to exiting certain ethanol marketing activities. Despite this, adjusted EBITDA, excluding restructuring and noncash charges, improved to $16.4 million from $5 million in the previous year. The company also achieved significant cost reductions, meeting a $50 million target through operational efficiencies and SG&A cuts. Looking ahead, Green Plains anticipates a stronger EBITDA outlook for the second half of the year, driven by favorable market conditions, including improved ethanol exports and corn oil values. They expect their decarbonization strategy to contribute over $150 million annually to EBITDA by 2026, aided by recent policy changes that enhance the 45Z tax credit benefits. Additionally, the company improved its working capital position by over $50 million and extended its junior mezzanine notes, with plans to explore various financing options. Lastly, the ongoing CEO search and strategic review are expected to further align the company with its long-term goals.

Green Plains Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Green Plains is experiencing financial difficulties, with declining revenues and persistent losses impacting profitability. The balance sheet shows moderate leverage, but negative returns on equity highlight the need for strategic improvements. Cash flow management is a concern, with negative free cash flow growth and volatility in cash flow ratios.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Green Plains has faced declining revenue over the recent periods, with a negative revenue growth rate of -2.68% in the TTM. The gross profit margin has decreased to 3.52%, indicating pressure on profitability. The net profit margin is negative at -6.34%, reflecting ongoing losses. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also negative, highlighting operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The company's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.78, which is moderate but indicates some leverage. Return on equity is negative at -18.28%, showing that the company is not generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is not provided, but the overall balance sheet suggests a need for improved profitability and asset management.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Operating cash flow is positive, but free cash flow remains negative, with a significant decline in free cash flow growth. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating cash flow challenges relative to earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio is unusually high due to negative net income, suggesting volatility in cash flow management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.40B2.46B3.30B3.66B2.83B1.92B
Gross Profit128.87M130.45M164.75M137.84M179.00M85.43M
EBITDA24.76M50.62M53.60M26.22M116.09M-42.89M
Net Income-151.88M-82.50M-93.38M-127.22M-65.99M-108.78M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.61B1.78B1.94B2.12B2.16B1.58B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments152.72M173.04M349.57M444.66M551.08M233.86M
Total Debt610.31M649.31M676.51M711.00M789.32M590.61M
Total Liabilities872.08M907.64M949.27M1.06B1.06B802.25M
Stockholders Equity735.18M865.22M843.73M910.03M950.50M646.85M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-43.95M-125.05M-51.75M-142.66M-182.95M-11.68M
Operating Cash Flow39.51M-29.96M56.35M69.71M4.25M98.89M
Investing Cash Flow-38.89M-62.05M-106.90M-105.25M-236.28M-11.45M
Financing Cash Flow-72.99M-77.35M-70.96M-25.14M518.19M-82.53M

Green Plains Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price11.15
Price Trends
50DMA
8.20
Positive
100DMA
6.26
Positive
200DMA
7.11
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.87
Negative
RSI
71.23
Negative
STOCH
81.08
Negative
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 11.15 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 9.23, above the 50-day MA of 8.20, and above the 200-day MA of 7.11, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.87 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 71.23 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 81.08 is Negative, 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
75
Outperform
$1.03B20.889.47%-9.57%-24.85%
67
Neutral
$1.11B19.344.77%3.11%2.64%66.43%
61
Neutral
$10.27B6.370.76%2.91%3.10%-36.03%
59
Neutral
$721.87M-18.95%-15.66%-237.12%
58
Neutral
$394.20M-11.71%341.75%20.16%
48
Neutral
$579.46M37.393.11%0.80%-3.79%-79.76%
48
Neutral
$89.01M-28.22%-12.70%-74.32%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GPRE
Green Plains
11.15
-2.68
-19.38%
GEVO
Gevo
1.63
0.90
123.29%
ALTO
Alto Ingredients
1.15
-0.28
-19.58%
REX
Rex American
63.60
20.76
48.46%
SCL
Stepan Company
49.50
-20.89
-29.68%
OEC
Orion Engineered
10.32
-6.12
-37.23%

Green Plains Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Green Plains Sells Ethanol Plant for $190 Million
Positive
Aug 27, 2025

On August 22, 2025, Green Plains Obion LLC, a subsidiary of Green Plains Inc., entered into an agreement to sell its ethanol plant in Rives, Tennessee, to POET Refining – Obion, LLC for $190 million in cash. This sale, representing 13% of the company’s ethanol production capacity, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 and will help retire junior mezzanine debt due in 2026, enhancing the company’s liquidity. Additionally, Green Plains announced the conclusion of its strategic review process, determining that the company is best positioned to deliver shareholder value by continuing its current strategy under existing leadership.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Green Plains Appoints Chris Osowski as New CEO
Positive
Aug 19, 2025

On August 19, 2025, Green Plains Inc. announced the appointment of Chris Osowski as the new Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Osowski, who has over 20 years of global leadership experience in the chemical, agribusiness, and renewable energy sectors, previously served as the company’s Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology. The appointment is expected to drive the next phase of growth and innovation for Green Plains, focusing on operational excellence and long-term value creation. The company also announced Trent Collins as Senior Vice President of Operations, further strengthening its leadership team.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Green Plains Approves All Matters at Shareholder Meeting
Neutral
Jun 6, 2025

On June 6, 2025, Green Plains Inc. held its annual shareholder meeting where all proposed matters were approved, including the election of eight directors and the ratification of KPMG LLP as the independent public accountants for 2025. Alain Treuer and Ejnar Knudsen III did not stand for re-election, ending their terms as directors without any disagreements with the company.

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: Aug 29, 2025