Green Plains GPRE rises after Q1 profit beats estimates despite 26% revenue decline

Green Plains (NASDAQ: GPRE) posted a stronger-than-expected adjusted profit for the first quarter of 2026, sending shares higher despite a sharp revenue decline. The biorefining company reported sales of $445.8 million, down 25.9% from a year earlier and below Wall Street estimates, while non-GAAP earnings of $0.42 per share topped consensus forecasts. Management said margins improved on higher plant utilization, stronger ethanol and corn oil demand, and the first full-quarter contribution from its carbon program. CEO Chris Osowski said production facilities ran at 97% of capacity, with strong yields across ethanol, corn oil and protein. Carbon capture projects also contributed to earnings and are expected to provide a recurring margin benefit. Green Plains shares traded at $18.21 after the report, up from $16.97 before earnings. The company said its outlook depends on continued monetization of 45Z production tax credits, efficiency investments, export demand and regulatory support, while corn and natural gas costs remain key risks.