DARLING INGREDIENTS INC

Previous wording

The Company is a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, creating a wide range of ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, feed, industrial, fuel, bioenergy and fertilizer industries. In fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, the Company completed several acquisitions including two significant rendering operations, Valley Proteins in North America (the “Valley Acquisition”) and the FASA Group in South America (the “FASA Acquisition”), and a significant collagen operation with processing located in South America and North America (the “Gelnex Acquisition”). With operations on five continents, the Company collects and transforms all aspects of 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 feedstocks, green energy, natural casings and hides. The Company also recovers and converts recycled oils (used cooking oil and animal fats) into valuable fuel and feed ingredients and collects and processes residual bakery products into feed ingredients. In addition, the Company provides environmental services, such as grease trap collection and disposal services to food service establishments. The Company sells its products domestically and internationally and operates within three industry segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients and Fuel Ingredients.

Current wording

The Company is a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, creating a wide range of ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, feed, industrial, fuel, bioenergy and fertilizer industries. In fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, the Company completed several acquisitions including two significant rendering operations, Valley Proteins in North America (the “Valley Acquisition”) and the FASA Group in South America (the “FASA Acquisition”), and a significant collagen operation, Gelnex, with processing located in South America and North America (the “Gelnex Acquisition”). With operations on five continents, the Company collects and transforms all aspects of 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 feedstocks, green energy, natural casings and hides. The Company also recovers and converts recycled oils (used cooking oil and animal fats) into valuable fuel and feed ingredients and collects and processes residual bakery products into feed ingredients. In addition, the Company provides environmental services, such as grease trap collection and disposal services to food service establishments. The Company sells its products through a global network and operates within three industry segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients and Fuel Ingredients.

Previous wording

The Feed Ingredients operating segment includes the Company’s global activities related to (i) the collection and processing of beef, poultry and pork animal by-products in North America, Europe and South America into non-food grade oils and protein meals, (ii) the collection and processing of bakery residuals in North America into Cookie Meal®, which is predominantly used in poultry and swine rations, (iii) the collection and processing of used cooking oil in North America and South America into non-food grade fats, (iv) the collection and processing of porcine and bovine blood in China, Europe, North America and Australia into blood plasma powder and hemoglobin, (v) the processing of selected portions of slaughtered animals into a variety of meat products for use in pet food in Europe, North America and South America, (vi) the processing of cattle hides and hog skins in North America, (vii) the production of organic fertilizers using protein produced from the Company’s animal by-products processing activities in North America and Europe, (viii) the rearing and processing of black soldier fly larvae into specialty proteins for use in animal feed and pet food in North America, and (ix) the provision of grease trap services to food service establishments in North America. Non-food grade oils and fats produced and marketed by the Company are principally sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in animal feed and pet food, as an ingredient for the production of renewable diesel and biodiesel, or to the oleo-chemical industry to be used as an ingredient in a wide variety of industrial applications. Protein meals, blood plasma powder and hemoglobin produced and marketed by the Company are sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in animal feed, pet food and aquaculture.

Current wording

The Feed Ingredients operating segment includes the Company’s global activities related to (i) the collection and processing of beef, poultry and pork animal by-products in North America, Europe and South America into non-food grade oils and protein meals, (ii) the collection and processing of bakery residuals in North America into Cookie Meal®, which is predominantly used in poultry and swine rations, (iii) the collection and processing of used cooking oil in North America and South America into non-food grade fats, (iv) the collection and processing of porcine and bovine blood in China, Europe, North America and Australia into blood plasma powder and hemoglobin, (v) the processing of selected portions of slaughtered animals into a variety of meat products for use in pet food in Europe, North America and South America, (vi) the processing of cattle hides and hog skins in North America, (vii) the production of organic fertilizers using protein produced from the Company’s animal by-products processing activities in North America and Europe, (viii) the rearing and processing of black soldier fly larvae into specialty proteins and fats for use in animal feed and pet food in North America, and (ix) the provision of grease trap services to food service establishments in North America. Non-food grade oils and fats produced and marketed by the Company are principally sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in animal feed and pet food, as an ingredient for the production of biofuels (such as renewable diesel and SAF), or to the oleo-chemical industry to be used as an ingredient in a wide variety of industrial applications. Protein meals, blood plasma powder and hemoglobin produced and marketed by the Company are sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in animal feed, pet food and aquaculture.

Previous wording

The Food Ingredients operating segment includes the Company’s global activities related to (i) the purchase and processing of beef and pork bone chips, beef hides, pig skins, and fish skins into collagen in Europe, China, South America and North America, (ii) the collection and processing of porcine and bovine intestines into natural casings in Europe, China and North America, (iii) the extraction and processing of porcine mucosa into crude heparin in Europe, (iv) the collection and refining of animal fat into food grade fat in Europe, and (v) the processing of bones to bone chips for the collagen industry and bone ash in Europe. Collagens produced and marketed by the Company are sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, pet food and technical (e.g., photographic) industries. Natural casings produced and marketed by the Company are sold to third parties to be used as an ingredient in the production of sausages and other similar food products.

Current wording

The Food Ingredients operating segment includes the Company’s global activities related to (i) the purchase and processing of beef and pork bone chips, beef hides, pig skins, and fish skins into collagen in Europe, China, South America and North America, (ii) the collection and processing of porcine and bovine intestines into natural casings in Europe and China, (iii) the extraction and processing of porcine mucosa into crude heparin in Europe, (iv) the collection and refining of animal fat into food grade fat in Europe, and (v) the processing of bones to bone chips for the collagen industry and bone ash in Europe. Collagens produced and marketed by the Company are sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, pet food and technical (e.g., photographic) industries. Natural casings produced and marketed by the Company are sold to third parties to be used as an ingredient in the production of sausages and other similar food products.

Previous wording

The Fuel Ingredients operating segment includes the Company’s global activities related to (i) the Company’s share of the results of its equity investment in Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC, a joint venture with Valero Energy Corporation (“Valero”) to convert animal fats, recycled greases, used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, soybean oil, or other feedstocks that become economically and commercially viable into renewable diesel (“DGD” or the “DGD Joint Venture”) as described in Note 1 and Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 30, 2023 included herein, (ii) the conversion of organic sludge and food waste into biogas in Europe, (iii) the collection and conversion of fallen stock and certain animal by-products pursuant to applicable E.U. regulations into low-grade energy sources to be used in industrial applications, and (iv) the processing of manure into natural bio-phosphate in Europe.

Current wording

The Fuel Ingredients operating segment includes the Company’s global activities related to (i) the Company’s share of the results of its equity investment in Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC, a joint venture with Valero Energy Corporation (“Valero”) to convert animal fats, recycled greases, used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, soybean oil, or other feedstocks that become economically and commercially viable into renewable fuels/products, such as renewable diesel and SAF (“DGD” or the “DGD Joint Venture”) as described in Note 1 and Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 28, 2024 included herein, (ii) the conversion of organic sludge and food waste into biogas in Europe, (iii) the collection and conversion of fallen stock and certain animal by-products pursuant to applicable E.U. regulations into low-grade energy sources to be used in industrial applications, and (iv) the processing of manure into natural bio-phosphate in Europe.

Previous wording

Prices for our finished products, including those of DGD, may be impacted by worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”). Programs like the National Renewable Fuel Standard Program (“RFS”) and low carbon fuel standards (“LCFS”) (such as in the state of California) and tax credits for biofuels both in the United States and abroad are subject to revision and change which may impact the demand for and/or price of our finished products. Legal challenges or changes to, a failure to enforce, reductions in the mandated volumes under, or discontinuing or suspension of any of these programs could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. However, such rules and the regulatory environment are continuing to evolve and change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect that such changes may have on our business.

Current wording

Prices for our finished products, including those of DGD, may be impacted by government policies around the world relating to renewable fuels and GHG. Programs like the U.S. National Renewable Fuel Standard Program (“RFS”) and low carbon fuel standards (“LCFS”) (such as in the state of California), tax credits for biofuels and mandates for biofuel use both in the United States and abroad are subject to revision and change which may impact the demand for and/or price of our finished products. Legal challenges, changes to, a failure to enforce, reductions in the mandated volumes under, or discontinuation, amendment, modification, or suspension of any of these programs could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. However, such rules and the regulatory environment are continuing to evolve and change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect that such changes may have on our business.

Previous wording

There is a growing global concern that carbon dioxide and other GHG in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency of extreme weather and natural disasters. We are subject to physical, operational, transitional and financial risks associated with climate change and global, regional and local weather conditions, as well as legal, regulatory and market responses to climate change. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate have either imposed, or are considering imposing, new or increasingly stringent legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the potential effects of climate change, including regulation and reduction of GHG and potential carbon pricing programs. These new or increasingly stringent legal or regulatory requirements could result in significantly increased costs of compliance and additional investments in facilities and equipment, and reduced raw material supplies in areas where these requirements limit or eliminate livestock operations. While we assess climate related regulatory risks as part of our risk management process, we are unable to predict the scope, nature and timing of any new or increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations and therefore cannot predict the ultimate impact of such laws and regulations on our business or financial results. We continue to monitor existing and proposed laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and to consider actions we may take to potentially mitigate the unfavorable impact, if any, of such laws or regulations. Furthermore, emerging legislation seeks to regulate corporate environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices, including practices related to the causes and impacts of climate change as well as supply chain control and compliance with human rights. These new rules, which apply to all large companies and to listed small and medium-sized enterprises, require companies to report on how sustainability issues (environmental, social, and governance) affect their business and about their own impact on people and the environment. There has also been increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, employees and investors, on our ESG practices. We expect that stakeholder expectations with respect to ESG expectations will continue to evolve rapidly, which may necessitate additional resources to monitor, report on, and adjust our operations.

Current wording

There is a growing global concern that carbon dioxide and other GHG in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency of extreme weather and natural disasters. We are subject to physical, operational, transitional and financial risks associated with climate change and global, regional and local weather conditions, as well as legal, regulatory and market responses to climate change. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate have either imposed, or are considering imposing, new or increasingly stringent legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the potential effects of climate change, including regulation and reduction of GHG and potential carbon pricing programs. These new or increasingly stringent legal or regulatory requirements could result in significantly increased costs of compliance and additional investments in facilities and equipment, and reduced raw material supplies in areas where these requirements limit or eliminate livestock operations. While we assess climate related regulatory risks as part of our risk management process, we are unable to predict the scope, nature and timing of any new or increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations and therefore cannot predict the ultimate impact of such laws and regulations on our business or financial results. We continue to monitor existing and proposed laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and to consider actions we may take to potentially mitigate the unfavorable impact, if any, of such laws or regulations. Furthermore, emerging legislation seeks to regulate corporate environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices, including practices related to the causes and impacts of climate change as well as supply chain control and compliance with human rights. These new rules, which apply to all large companies and to listed small and medium-sized enterprises, require companies to report on how sustainability issues (environmental, social, and governance) affect their business and about their own impact on people and the environment. There has also been increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, employees and investors, on our sustainability and ESG practices. We expect that stakeholder expectations with respect to sustainability and ESG expectations will continue to evolve rapidly, which may necessitate additional resources to monitor, report on, and adjust our operations.

Previous wording

The Company’s Feed Ingredients segment animal by-products, bakery residuals, used cooking oil recovery, and blood operations are each influenced by prices for agricultural-based alternative ingredients such as corn oil, soybean oil, soybean meal, and palm oil. In these operations, the costs of the Company’s raw materials change with, or in certain cases are indexed to, the selling price or the anticipated selling price of the finished goods produced from the acquired raw materials and/or in some cases, the price spread between various types of finished products. The Company believes that this methodology of procuring raw materials generally establishes a relatively stable gross margin upon the acquisition of the raw material. Although the costs of raw materials for the Feed Ingredients segment are generally based upon actual or anticipated finished goods selling prices, rapid and material changes in finished goods prices, including competing agricultural-based alternative ingredients, generally have an immediate and often times, material impact on the Company’s gross margin and profitability resulting from the brief lapse of time between the procurement of the raw materials and the sale of the finished goods. In addition, the volume of raw material acquired, which has a direct impact on the amount of finished goods produced, can also have a material effect on the gross margin reported, as the Company has a substantial amount of fixed operating costs.

Current wording

The Company’s Feed Ingredients segment animal by-products, bakery residuals, used cooking oil recovery, and blood operations are each influenced by prices for agricultural-based alternative ingredients such as corn oil, soybean oil, soybean meal, and palm oil. In these operations, the costs of the Company’s raw materials change with, or in certain cases are indexed to, the selling price or the anticipated selling price of the finished goods produced from the acquired raw materials and/or in some cases, the price spread between various types of finished products. The Company believes that this methodology of procuring raw materials generally establishes a relatively stable gross margin upon the acquisition of the raw material. Although the costs of raw materials for the Feed Ingredients segment are generally based upon actual or anticipated finished goods selling prices, rapid and material changes in finished goods prices, including competing agricultural-based alternative ingredients, generally have an immediate and often times, material impact on the Company’s gross margin and profitability resulting from the lapse of time between the procurement of the raw materials and the sale of the finished goods. In addition, the volume of raw material acquired, which has a direct impact on the amount of finished goods produced, can also have a material effect on the gross margin reported, as the Company has a substantial amount of fixed operating costs.

Previous wording

The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment converts fats into renewable diesel, organic sludge and food waste into biogas, and fallen stock into low-grade energy sources. The Company’s gross margin and profitability in this segment are impacted by world energy prices for oil, electricity, natural gas and governmental subsidies.

Current wording

The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment converts fats into renewable fuels/products, organic sludge and food waste into biogas, and fallen stock into low-grade energy sources. The Company’s gross margin and profitability in this segment are impacted by world energy prices for oil, electricity, natural gas and governmental subsidies.

Previous wording

Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 was $949.7 million, which reflects a decrease of $(79.4) million or (7.7)% as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Current wording

Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 was $468.2 million, which reflects a decrease of $(481.5) million or (50.7)% as compared to the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Sales. The decrease in net sales for Feed Ingredients was $(66.4) million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, as compared to fiscal year 2022.

Current wording

Sales. The decrease in total net sales for the Feed Ingredients segment was $(797.0) million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, as compared to the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The decrease in net sales for the Feed Ingredients segment was primarily due to the following (in millions of dollars):

Current wording

The decrease in total net sales for the Feed Ingredients segment was primarily due to the following (in millions of dollars):

Previous wording

Segment operating income. The Company’s Feed Ingredients segment operating income for fiscal year 2023 was $419.2 million, a decrease of $(87.1) million or (17.2)% as compared to fiscal year 2022. The decrease was due to lower overall finished product prices, an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from the Valley Acquisition and the FASA Acquisition that more than offset reimbursements received for indemnifiable costs incurred at certain Valley Protein plants since the acquisition date as compared to fiscal year 2022.

Current wording

Segment operating income. The Company’s Feed Ingredients segment operating income for fiscal year 2024 was $204.0 million, a decrease of $(215.2) million or (51.3)% as compared to fiscal year 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower overall finished product prices that more than offset a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses and a gain from the reduction of the recorded FASA contingent consideration liability as compared to fiscal year 2023.

Previous wording

Raw material volume. In fiscal year 2023, the raw material processed by the Company’s Food Ingredients segment totaled 1.22 million metric tons. Compared to fiscal year 2022, overall raw material volume processed in the Food Ingredients segment increased approximately 10.8% primarily due to the Gelnex Acquisition.

Current wording

Raw material volume. In fiscal year 2024, the raw material processed by the Company’s Food Ingredients segment totaled 1.23 million metric tons. Compared to fiscal year 2023, overall raw material volume processed in the Food Ingredients segment increased approximately 0.8%.

Previous wording

Sales. Overall sales increased in the Food Ingredients segment primarily due to the increase in sales recognized from the Gelnex Acquisition and an increase in sales of higher valued hydrolyzed collagen.

Current wording

Sales. Total net sales decreased in the Food Ingredients segment primarily due to a decrease in collagen prices that more than offset an increase in sales volumes from the Gelnex Acquisition.

Previous wording

Raw material volume. In fiscal year 2023, the raw material processed by the Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment, excluding the DGD Joint Venture, totaled 1.41 million metric tons. Compared to fiscal year 2022, overall raw material volume processed in the Fuel Ingredients segment decreased approximately (0.8)%.

Current wording

Raw material volume. In fiscal year 2024, the raw material processed by the Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment, excluding the DGD Joint Venture, totaled 1.50 million metric tons. Compared to fiscal year 2023, overall raw material volume processed in the Fuel Ingredients segment increased approximately 6.4%.

Previous wording

Sales. Overall sales increased in the Fuel Ingredients segment primarily due to higher sales volumes.

Current wording

Sales. Total net sales decreased in the Fuel Ingredients segment primarily due to lower sales prices.

Previous wording

Margins. In the Fuel Ingredients segment (exclusive of the equity contribution from the DGD Joint Venture) for fiscal year 2023, the gross margin percentage was 20.7% as compared to 20.0% for fiscal year 2022. The increase is primarily due to higher sales volumes in Europe.

Current wording

Margins. In the Fuel Ingredients segment (exclusive of the equity contribution from the DGD Joint Venture) for fiscal year 2024, the gross margin percentage increased slightly to 20.8% as compared to 20.7% for fiscal year 2023.

Previous wording

Segment operating income. The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment operating income (inclusive of the equity contribution from the DGD Joint Venture) for fiscal year 2023 was $425.3 million, a decrease of $(10.6) million or (2.4)% as compared to fiscal year 2022. The decrease in earnings is primarily due to decreases in diesel fuel prices and renewable identification number (RIN) prices, lower values for LCFS credits and the recording of a lower-of cost-or-market reserve related to declining feedstock prices, which more than offset increased blenders tax credits from increased production with the addition of the DGD Port Arthur Plant in November 2022. Excluding the DGD Joint Venture, earnings were lower due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses and higher deprecation and amortization.

Current wording

Segment operating income. The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment operating income (inclusive of the equity contribution from the DGD Joint Venture) for fiscal year 2024 was $197.2 million, a decrease of $(228.1) million or (53.6)% as compared to fiscal year 2023. The decrease in earnings is primarily due to decreases in renewable diesel fuel prices and renewable identification number (RIN) prices, lower values for LCFS credits and the recording of a lower-of cost-or-market reserve related to declining finished product prices, which more than offset increased blenders tax credits from higher sales volumes. Excluding the DGD Joint Venture, earnings were lower in the fuel segment due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Previous wording

During fiscal year 2023, the euro and Brazilian real strengthened while the Canadian dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar as compared to fiscal year 2022. Using actual results for fiscal year 2023 and the prior year's average foreign currency rates for fiscal year 2022 would result in a decrease in operating income of approximately $(10.8) million. The average rates assumption used in this calculation was the actual average rate for fiscal year 2023 of €1.00:$1.08, R$1.00:$0.20 and C$1.00:$0.74 as compared to the average rate for fiscal year 2022 of €1.00:$1.05, R$1.00:$0.19 and C$1.00:$0.77, respectively.

Current wording

During fiscal year 2024, the Brazilian real and Canadian dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar and the euro remained the same as compared to fiscal year 2023. Using actual results for fiscal year 2024 with the average foreign currency rates for fiscal year 2023 would result in an increase in operating income of approximately $1.3 million for fiscal year 2024. The average rates used in this calculation were the average rates for fiscal year 2024 of €1.00:$1.08, R$1.00:$0.19 and C$1.00:$0.73 as compared to the average rates for fiscal year 2023 of €1.00:$1.08, R$1.00:$0.20 and C$1.00:$0.74, respectively.

Previous wording

Foreign Currency Gain/(Loss). Foreign currency gains were $8.1 million during fiscal year 2023, as compared to losses of approximately $(11.3) million for fiscal year 2022. The increase in currency gains is due primarily to an increase in gains on the revaluation of an intercompany note and non-functional currency assets and liabilities as compared to losses from non-functional currency assets and liabilities in fiscal year 2022.

Current wording

Foreign Currency Gain/(Loss). Foreign currency losses were $(1.2) million during fiscal year 2024, as compared to gains of approximately $8.1 million for fiscal year 2023. The change from a foreign currency gain to a loss was due primarily to a decrease in gains on the revaluation of an intercompany note and non-functional currency assets and liabilities that more than offset losses as compared to fiscal year 2023.

Previous wording

Other Income/(Expense), net. Other income was $16.3 million for fiscal year 2023, compared to other expense of $(3.6) million in fiscal year 2022. The increase in other income was primarily due to casualty loss insurance proceeds received for the prior year Tacoma and Ward plant fires and an increase in interest income that was partially offset by an increase in the non-service component of pension expense and other miscellaneous non-operating expenses as compared to fiscal year 2022.

Current wording

Other Income, net. Other income was $22.3 million for fiscal year 2024, compared to other income of $16.3 million in fiscal year 2023. The increase in other income was primarily due to casualty loss insurance proceeds received for fires which occurred in late 2022 at the Company’s Tacoma, Washington and Ward, South Carolina facilities, as well as current year flooding in Brazil that was partially offset by a decrease in interest income, an increase in the non-service component of pension expense and an increase in other miscellaneous non-operating expenses as compared to fiscal year 2023.

Previous wording

Income Taxes. The Company recorded income tax expense of $59.6 million for fiscal year 2023, compared to $146.6 million of income tax expense recorded in fiscal year 2022, a decrease of $(87.0) million, which was primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income and an increase in the benefit from biofuel tax incentives. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 was 8.3%. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 differs from the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to biofuel tax incentives, the relative mix of earnings among jurisdictions with different tax rates, state income taxes, certain taxable income inclusion items in the U.S. based on foreign earnings and losses that provided no tax benefit. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 was 16.4%. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 differs from the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to biofuel tax incentives, the relative mix of earnings among jurisdictions with different tax rates, state income taxes and excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation. The Company’s effective tax rate excluding the federal and state impact of the biofuel tax incentives is 28.4% for fiscal year 2023 compared to 26.9% for fiscal year 2022.

Current wording

Income Taxes. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $38.3 million for fiscal year 2024, compared to $59.6 million of income tax expense recorded in fiscal year 2023, a decrease of $97.9 million, which was primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2024 was (15.5)%. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2024 differs from the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to biofuel tax incentives, the relative mix of earnings among jurisdictions with different tax rates, state income taxes, nontaxable change in FASA contingent consideration and losses that provided no tax benefit. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 was 8.3%. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 differs from the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to biofuel tax incentives, the relative mix of earnings among jurisdictions with different tax rates, state income taxes, certain taxable income inclusion items in the U.S. based on foreign earnings and losses that provided no tax benefit. The Company’s effective tax rate excluding the federal and state impact of the biofuel tax incentives is 43.9% for fiscal year 2024 compared to 28.4% for fiscal year 2023.

Previous wording

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized accounting measurement under GAAP; it should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as a measure of operating results, or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. It is presented here not as an alternative to net income, but rather as a measure of the Company’s operating performance. Since EBITDA (generally, net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation in this report may not be comparable to EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA presentations disclosed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated below and represents, for any relevant period, net income/(loss) plus depreciation and amortization, restructuring and asset impairment charges, acquisition and integrations costs, change in fair value of contingent consideration, interest expense, income tax expense, other income/(expense) and equity in net (income)/loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating the Company’s operating performance compared to that of other companies in its industry because the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA generally eliminates the effects of financing, income taxes and certain non-cash and other items that may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.

Current wording

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized accounting measurement under GAAP; it should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as a measure of operating results, or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. It is presented here not as an alternative to net income, but rather as a measure of the Company's operating performance. Since EBITDA (generally, net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation in this report may not be comparable to EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA presentations disclosed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated below and represents for any relevant period, net income/(loss) plus depreciation and amortization, restructuring and asset impairment charges, acquisition and integration costs, change in fair value of contingent consideration, foreign currency loss/(gain), net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests, interest expense, income tax provision, other income/(expense) and equity in net (income)/loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating the Company's operating performance compared to that of other companies in its industry because the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA generally eliminates the effects of financing, income taxes, non-cash and certain other items that may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance and also believes this information is useful to investors.

Previous wording

As a result, the Company’s management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure to evaluate performance and for other discretionary purposes. In addition to the foregoing, management also uses or will use Adjusted EBITDA to measure compliance with certain financial covenants under the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes and 3.625% Notes that were outstanding at December 30, 2023. However, the amounts shown below for Adjusted EBITDA differ from the amounts calculated under similarly titled definitions in the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes and 3.625% Notes, as those definitions permit further adjustments to reflect certain other non-recurring costs, non-cash charges and cash dividends from the DGD Joint Venture. Additionally, the Company evaluates the impact of foreign currency exchange on operating cash flow, which is defined as segment operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization.

Current wording

The Company’s management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure to evaluate performance and for other discretionary purposes. In addition to the foregoing, management also uses or will use Adjusted EBITDA to measure compliance with certain financial covenants under the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes and 3.625% Notes that were outstanding at December 28, 2024. However, the amounts shown below for Adjusted EBITDA differ from the amounts calculated under similarly titled definitions in the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes and 3.625% Notes, as those definitions permit further adjustments to reflect certain other nonrecurring costs, non-cash charges and cash dividends from the DGD Joint Venture. Additionally, the Company evaluates the impact of foreign exchange on operating cash flow, which is defined as segment operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization.

Previous wording

Reconciliation of Net Income to (Non-GAAP) Adjusted EBITDA and (Non-GAAP) Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA

Current wording

Reconciliation of Net Income to (Non-GAAP) Adjusted EBITDA, to (Non-GAAP) Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA to Foreign Currency and to (Non-GAAP) Combined Adjusted EBITDA

Previous wording

(1) The average rate assumption used in this calculation was the actual average rate for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 of €1.00:$1.08, R$1.00:$0.20 and C$1.00:$0.74 as compared to the average rate for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 of €1.00:USD$1.05, R$1.00:$0.19 and C$1.00:$0.77, respectively.

Current wording

(1) The average rates used in this calculation were the average rates for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 of €1.00:$1.08, R$1.00:$0.19 and C$1.00:$0.73 as compared to the average rates for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 of €1.00:USD$1.08, R$1.00:$0.20 and C$1.00:$0.74, respectively.

Previous wording

At December 30, 2023, the U.S. dollar weakened as compared to the euro at December 31, 2022. Using the euro based debt outstanding at December 30 2023 and comparing the closing balance sheet rates at December 30, 2023 to those at December 31, 2022, the U.S. dollar debt balances of euro based debt increased by $22.2 million, at December 30, 2023. The closing balance sheet rate assumptions used in this calculation were the actual fiscal closing balance sheet rate at December 30, 2023 of €1.00:USD$1.105000 as compared to the closing balance sheet rate at December 31, 2022 of €1.00:USD$1.067600.

Current wording

At December 28, 2024, the U.S. dollar strengthened as compared to the euro at December 30, 2023. Using the euro based debt outstanding at December 28, 2024 and comparing the closing balance sheet rates at December 28, 2024 to those at December 30, 2023, the U.S. dollar debt balances of euro based debt decreased by $32.1 million, at December 28, 2024. The closing balance sheet rate used in this calculation was the actual fiscal closing balance sheet rate at December 28, 2024 of €1.00:USD$1.042200 as compared to the closing balance sheet rate at December 30, 2023 of €1.00:USD$1.105000.

Previous wording

Senior Secured Credit Facilities. On January 6, 2014, Darling, Darling International Canada Inc. (“Darling Canada”) and Darling International NL Holdings B.V. (“Darling NL”) entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Amended Credit Agreement”), restating its then existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 27, 2013, with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents from time to time party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate principal amount of $3.725 billion comprised of (i) the Company’s $525.0 million term loan B facility, (ii) the Company’s $400.0 million term A-1 facility, (iii) the Company’s $500.0 million term A-2 facility, (iv) the Company’s $300.0 million term A-3 facility, (v) the Company’s $500.0 million term A-4 facility and (vi) the Company’s $1.5 billion five-year revolving credit facility (up to $150.0 million of which will be available for a letter of credit sub-limit and $50.0 million of which will be available for a swingline sub-limit) (collectively, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The Amended Credit Agreement also permits Darling and the other borrowers thereunder to incur ancillary facilities provided by any revolving lender party to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (with certain restrictions). Up to $1.46 billion of the revolving credit facility is available to be borrowed by Darling, Darling Canada, Darling NL, Darling Ingredients International Holding B.V. (“Darling BV”), Darling GmbH, and Darling Belgium in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, Sterling and other currencies to be agreed and available to each applicable lender. The remaining $40.0 million must be borrowed in U.S. dollars only by Darling. The revolving credit facility will mature on December 9, 2026. The revolving credit facility will be used for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and other purposes not prohibited by the Amended Credit Agreement. For more information regarding the Amended Credit Agreement see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

Current wording

Senior Secured Credit Facilities. On January 6, 2014, Darling, Darling International Canada Inc. (“Darling Canada”) and Darling International NL Holdings B.V. (“Darling NL”) entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Amended Credit Agreement”), restating its then existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 27, 2013, with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents from time to time party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate principal amount of $3.725 billion, which matures on December 9, 2026 and is comprised of (i) the Company’s $525.0 million term loan B facility, (ii) the Company’s $400.0 million term A-1 facility, (iii) the Company’s $500.0 million term A-2 facility, (iv) the Company’s $300.0 million term A-3 facility, (v) the Company’s $500.0 million term A-4 facility and (vi) the Company’s $1.5 billion five-year revolving credit facility (up to $150.0 million of which will be available for a letter of credit sub-limit and $50.0 million of which will be available for a swingline sub-limit) (collectively, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The Amended Credit Agreement also permits Darling and the other borrowers thereunder to incur ancillary facilities provided by any revolving lender party to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (with certain restrictions). Up to $1.46 billion of the revolving credit facility is available to be borrowed by Darling, Darling

Previous wording

•As of December 30, 2023, the Company had availability of $832.5 million under the revolving loan facility, taking into account an aggregate of $610.9 million in outstanding borrowings, $52.7 million of ancillary facilities and letters of credit issued of $3.9 million. In January 2024, the Company used a portion of its availability under the revolving credit facility to pay for the Miropasz acquisition in the amount of €110.0 million (approximately $119.0 million USD at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the acquisition) plus or minus post-closing adjustments.

Current wording

•As of December 28, 2024, the Company had availability of $1,159.6 million under the revolving credit facility, taking into account an aggregate of $267.0 million in outstanding borrowings, $72.7 million of ancillary facilities and letters of credit issued of $0.7 million.

Previous wording

•As of December 30, 2023, the Company has borrowed all $400.0 million under the terms of the term A-1 facility and has made no repayments. Amounts borrowed under the term A-1 facility that are repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-1 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-1 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the second anniversary of December 9, 2021 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-1 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-1 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Current wording

•As of December 28, 2024, the Company has borrowed all $400.0 million under the terms of the term A-1 facility and has repaid $3.0 million, which when repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-1 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-1 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the second anniversary of December 9, 2021 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-1 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-1 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Previous wording

•As of December 30, 2023, the Company has borrowed all $500.0 million under the terms of the term A-2 facility and has repaid $18.8 million, which when repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-2 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.625% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-2 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the borrowings or September 30, 2022 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending March 31, 2025, and quarterly installments of 1.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-2 facility due and payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2025 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-2 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-2 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Current wording

•As of December 28, 2024, the Company has borrowed all $500.0 million under the terms of the term A-2 facility and has repaid $28.1 million, which when repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-2 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.625% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-2 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the borrowings or September 30, 2022 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending March 31, 2025, and quarterly installments of 1.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-2 facility due and payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2025 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-2 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-2 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Previous wording

•As of December 30, 2023, the Company has borrowed all $300.0 million under the terms of the term A-3 facility and has made no repayments. Amounts borrowed under the term A-3 facility that are repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-3 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-3 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the second anniversary of December 9, 2021 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-3 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-3 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Current wording

•As of December 28, 2024, the Company has borrowed all $300.0 million under the terms of the term A-3 facility and has repaid $2.3 million, which when repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-3 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-3 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the second anniversary of December 9, 2021 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-3 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-3 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Previous wording

•As of December 30, 2023, the Company has borrowed all $500.0 million under the terms of the term A-4 facility and has repaid $9.4 million, which when repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-4 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.625% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-4 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the borrowings or termination date and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending March 31, 2025, and quarterly installments of 1.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-4 facility due and payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2025 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-4 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-4 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Current wording

•As of December 28, 2024, the Company has borrowed all $500.0 million under the terms of the term A-4 facility and has repaid $18.8 million, which when repaid by the Company cannot be reborrowed. The term A-4 facility borrowings are repayable in quarterly installments of 0.625% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-4 facility on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter following the borrowings or termination date and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending March 31, 2025, and quarterly installments of 1.25% of the aggregate principle amount of the relevant term A-4 facility due and payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year commencing on the last day of such month falling on or after the last day of the first full fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2025 and continuing until the last day of such quarterly period ending immediately prior to the term A-4 facility maturity date of December 9, 2026 and one final installment in the amount of the term A-4 facility then outstanding, due and payable on December 9, 2026.

Previous wording

•The interest rate applicable to any borrowings under the revolving loan facility will equal the adjusted term secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) for U.S. dollar borrowings or the adjusted euro interbank rate (EURIBOR) for euro borrowings or the adjusted daily simple Sterling overnight index average (SONIA) for British pound borrowings or the Canadian dollar offered rate (CDOR) for Canadian dollar borrowings plus 1.50% per annum or base rate or the adjusted term SOFR for U.S. dollar borrowings or Canadian prime rate for Canadian dollar borrowings or the adjusted daily simple European short term rate (ESTR) for euro borrowings or the adjusted daily SONIA rate for British pound borrowings plus 0.50% per annum subject to certain step-ups or step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. The interest rate applicable to any borrowing under the delayed draw term A-1 facility and term A-3 facility will equal the adjusted term SOFR plus a minimum of 1.50% per annum subject to certain step-ups based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. The interest rate applicable to any borrowing under the delayed draw term A-2 facility and term A-4 facility will equal the adjusted term SOFR plus 1.50% per annum subject to certain step-ups or step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio.

Current wording

•The interest rate applicable to any borrowings under the revolving credit facility will equal (i) the adjusted term secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) for U.S. dollar borrowings or the adjusted euro interbank rate (EURIBOR) for euro borrowings or the adjusted daily simple Sterling overnight index average (SONIA) for British pound borrowings, in each case plus 1.75% per annum or (ii) the base rate or the adjusted term SOFR for a one-month interest period for U.S. dollar borrowings or the Canadian prime rate for Canadian dollar borrowings or the adjusted daily simple European short term rate (ESTR) for euro borrowings or the adjusted daily SONIA rate for British pound borrowings, in each case plus 0.75% per annum, and in each case of clauses (i) and (ii), subject to certain step-ups and step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. The interest rate applicable to any borrowing under the term A-1 facility and term A-3 facility will equal the adjusted term SOFR plus 1.875% per annum subject to certain step-ups and step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio with a minimum of 1.50%. The interest rate applicable to any borrowing under the term A-2 facility and term A-4 facility will equal the adjusted term SOFR plus 1.75% per annum subject to certain step-ups and step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio with a minimum of 1.00%.

Previous wording

Other debt consists of U.S., European and Chinese overdraft ancillary facilities, U.S., European and Brazilian finance lease obligations and note arrangements in U.S., Brazilian, Chinese and European notes that are not part of the Amended Credit Agreement, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes or 3.625% Notes.

Current wording

Other debt consists of U.S., European, Canadian and Chinese overdraft ancillary facilities, U.S., European and Brazilian finance lease obligations and note arrangements in the U.S., Brazil, China and Europe that are not part of the Amended Credit Agreement, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes or 3.625% Notes.

Previous wording

As a result of the Company’s borrowings under its Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Indenture, the 5.25% Indenture and the 3.625% Indenture, the Company is highly leveraged. Investors should note that, in order to make scheduled payments on the indebtedness outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Notes, the 5.25% Notes and the 3.625% Notes, and otherwise, the Company will rely in part on a combination of dividends, distributions and intercompany loan repayments from the Company’s direct and indirect U.S. and foreign subsidiaries. The Company is prohibited under the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Indenture, the 5.25% Indenture and the 3.625% Indenture from entering (or allowing such subsidiaries to enter) into contractual limitations on the Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to declare dividends or make other payments or distributions to the Company. The Company has also attempted to structure the Company’s consolidated indebtedness in such a way as to maximize the Company’s ability to move cash from the Company’s subsidiaries to Darling or another subsidiary that will have fewer limitations on the ability to make upstream payments, whether to Darling or directly to the Company’s lenders as a Guarantor. Nevertheless, applicable laws under which the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries are formed may provide limitations on such dividends, distributions and other payments. In addition, regulatory authorities in various countries where the Company operates or where the Company imports or exports products may from time to time impose import/export limitations, foreign exchange controls or currency devaluations that may limit the Company’s access to profits from the Company’s subsidiaries or otherwise negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and therefore reduce the Company’s ability to make required payments under the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Notes, the 5.25% Notes and the 3.625% Notes, or otherwise. In addition, fluctuations in foreign exchange values may have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to repay indebtedness denominated in U.S. or Canadian dollars or euros. See “Risk Factors - Our business may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which could affect our ability to comply with our financial covenants” and “- Our ability to repay our indebtedness depends in part on the performance of our subsidiaries, including our non-guarantor subsidiaries, and their ability to make payments” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

Current wording

As a result of the Company’s borrowings under its Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Indenture, the 5.25% Indenture and the 3.625% Indenture, the Company is highly leveraged. Investors should note that, in order to make scheduled payments on the indebtedness outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Notes, the 5.25% Notes and the 3.625% Notes, and otherwise, the Company will rely in part on a combination of dividends, distributions and intercompany loan repayments from the Company’s direct and indirect U.S. and foreign subsidiaries. The Company is prohibited under the Amended Credit Agreement from entering (or allowing such subsidiaries to enter) into contractual limitations on the Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to declare dividends or make other payments or distributions to the Company. The Company has also attempted to structure the Company’s consolidated indebtedness in such a way as to maximize the Company’s ability to move cash from the Company’s subsidiaries to Darling or another subsidiary that will have fewer limitations on the ability to make upstream payments, whether to Darling or directly to the Company’s lenders as a Guarantor. Nevertheless, applicable laws under which the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries are formed may provide limitations on such dividends, distributions and other payments. In addition, regulatory authorities in various countries where the Company operates or where the Company imports or exports products may from time to time impose import/export limitations, foreign exchange controls or currency devaluations that may limit the Company’s access to profits from the Company’s subsidiaries or otherwise negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and therefore reduce the Company’s ability to make required payments under the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Notes, the 5.25% Notes and the 3.625% Notes, or otherwise. In addition, fluctuations in foreign exchange values may have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to repay indebtedness denominated in U.S. or Canadian dollars or euros. See “Risk Factors - Our business may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which could affect our ability to comply with our financial covenants” and “- Our ability to repay our indebtedness depends in part on the performance of our subsidiaries, including our non-guarantor subsidiaries, and their ability to make payments” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

Previous wording

As of December 30, 2023, the Company believes it is in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement, as well as all of the other covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Indenture, the 5.25% Indenture and the 3.625% Indenture.

Current wording

As of December 28, 2024, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement, and believes it is in compliance with all of the other covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Indenture, the 5.25% Indenture and the 3.625% Indenture.

Previous wording

On December 30, 2023, the Company had working capital of $857.5 million and its working capital ratio was 1.86 to 1 compared to working capital of $569.7 million and a working capital ratio of 1.53 to 1 on December 31, 2022. At December 30, 2023, the Company had unrestricted cash of $126.5 million and funds available under the revolving credit facility of $832.5 million, compared to unrestricted cash of $127.0 million and funds available under the revolving credit facility of $1.313 billion at December 31, 2022. The Company diversifies its cash investments by limiting the amounts deposited with any one financial institution.

Current wording

On December 28, 2024, the Company had working capital of $395.9 million and its working capital ratio was 1.38 to 1 compared to working capital of $857.5 million and a working capital ratio of 1.86 to 1 on December 30, 2023. At December 28, 2024, the Company had unrestricted cash of $76.0 million and funds available under the revolving credit facility of $1.16 billion, compared to unrestricted cash of $126.5 million and funds available under the revolving credit facility of $832.5 million at December 30, 2023. The Company diversifies its cash investments by limiting the amounts deposited with any one financial institution.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $899.3 million and $813.7 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, an increase of $85.6 million due primarily to an increase in distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries of approximately $72.7 million. Cash used by investing activities was $1,675.5 million during fiscal year 2023, compared to $2,416.5 million in fiscal year 2022, a decrease in cash used of $741.0 million, primarily due to a decrease in acquisitions and capital contributions to Diamond Green Diesel that more than offset an increase in capital expenditures. Net cash provided by financing activities was $876.3 million during fiscal year 2023, compared to $1,678.6 million used in fiscal year 2022, a decrease in cash provided of $802.3 million, primarily due to higher debt borrowings utilized to fund the prior year acquisitions.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $839.3 million and $899.3 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, a decrease of $60.0 million due primarily to a decrease in net income that more than offset an increase in cash from working capital. Cash used in investing activities was $498.9 million during fiscal year 2024, compared to $1,675.5 million in fiscal year 2023, a decrease in cash used of $1,176.6 million, primarily due to a decrease in acquisitions and capital expenditures. Net cash provided/(used) in financing activities was $(399.6) million during fiscal year 2024, compared to $876.3 million in fiscal year 2023, a decrease in net cash provided of $1,275.9 million, primarily due to lower debt borrowings that were used to fund acquisitions in the prior year.

Previous wording

Capital expenditures of $555.5 million were made during fiscal year 2023 as compared to $391.3 million in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $164.2 million. The Company expects to incur capital expenditures of approximately $500 million in fiscal year 2024, including compliance, replacement and expansion projects. The Company intends to finance these costs using cash flows from operations. Capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental regulations were $64.8 million in fiscal year 2023, $54.7 million in fiscal year 2022 and $40.6 million in fiscal year 2021.

Current wording

Capital expenditures of $332.5 million were made during fiscal year 2024 as compared to $555.5 million in fiscal year 2023, a decrease of $(223.0) million. The Company expects to incur capital expenditures of approximately $400 million in fiscal year 2025, including compliance, replacement and expansion projects. The Company intends to finance these costs using cash flows from operations. Capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental regulations were $67.4 million in fiscal year 2024, $64.8 million in fiscal year 2023 and $54.7 million in fiscal year 2022.