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ALTO 
Alto Ingredients Inc (ALTO)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
12/29/2025: ALTO (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
2 Analysts rated it
Very few follow this stock; limited insights, higher-risk early investing.
1 Year Target Price $4.25
1 Year Target Price $4.25
| 1 | Strong Buy |
| 1 | Buy |
| 0 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -13.61% | Avg. Invested days 30 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 12/29/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 219.81M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 4.25 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 4.25 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 2 | Beta 0.52 | 52 Weeks Range 0.76 - 3.18 | Updated Date 12/30/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 0.76 - 3.18 | Updated Date 12/30/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.7 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -5.44% | Operating Margin (TTM) 7.05% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -1.45% | Return on Equity (TTM) -20.64% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE 17.76 | Enterprise Value 306833209 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.24 |
Enterprise Value 306833209 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.24 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.33 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 52.84 | Shares Outstanding 77342488 | Shares Floating 69260227 |
Shares Outstanding 77342488 | Shares Floating 69260227 | ||
Percent Insiders 7.22 | Percent Institutions 33.15 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Alto Ingredients Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Alto Ingredients, Inc. (formerly Pacific Ethanol, Inc.) was founded in 2003. It is a leading producer of specialty alcohols and essential ingredients. The company has undergone significant transformation, shifting its focus from primarily fuel-grade ethanol to higher-value specialty alcohols and related co-products. Key milestones include strategic acquisitions and divestitures, and rebranding to Alto Ingredients in 2021 to reflect its expanded product portfolio.
Core Business Areas
- Alcohol Production: Production and sale of specialty alcohols for various industrial, consumer, and commercial applications, including beverages, sanitizers, and pharmaceuticals. This segment also includes the production of renewable fuel-grade ethanol, though with a reduced emphasis.
- Essential Ingredients: Production and sale of co-products derived from the ethanol production process. These primarily include distillers' grains (a high-protein animal feed) and corn oil.
Leadership and Structure
Alto Ingredients is led by a management team with expertise in the chemical and agricultural industries. The company operates production facilities across the United States and has a corporate headquarters. Specific leadership details (CEO, CFO, etc.) are subject to change and best found on the company's investor relations website.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Specialty Alcohols: Includes beverage alcohol, industrial alcohol, and pharmaceutical-grade alcohol. Competitors include numerous global and regional chemical manufacturers. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint for specific grades of specialty alcohol, but Alto Ingredients aims for a significant presence in its chosen niches. Revenue from specialty alcohols is a growing component of the company's top line.
- Distillers Grains (DDGS): A high-protein co-product used as animal feed. Competitors include other ethanol producers and feed manufacturers. Market share is influenced by corn crop yields and livestock demand. Revenue is a significant contributor, though subject to commodity price fluctuations.
- Corn Oil: A byproduct of the ethanol process, used in animal feed and for industrial applications. Competitors include other ethanol producers and edible oil producers. Revenue is typically a smaller portion of total revenue compared to alcohols and distillers grains.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The industries Alto Ingredients operates within (specialty chemicals, biofuels, and agricultural co-products) are subject to fluctuating commodity prices (corn, energy), regulatory changes, and global demand trends. The specialty alcohol market is driven by demand for end-use products like disinfectants, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The animal feed market is influenced by livestock populations and feed costs.
Positioning
Alto Ingredients positions itself as a leading producer of specialty alcohols, leveraging its existing production infrastructure and expertise. Its competitive advantages include its geographically diverse plant locations, established customer relationships, and a focus on higher-margin specialty products. The company is navigating a transition from a commodity-based business to one with a greater emphasis on value-added products.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for specialty alcohols is substantial and spans multiple industries. While difficult to quantify precisely for all grades and applications, it is in the tens of billions of dollars globally. Alto Ingredients' TAM is within this broad market, with a more specific focus on its niche product offerings. The company aims to capture a growing share of its targeted specialty alcohol segments through strategic investments and product development.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Established production infrastructure and operational expertise.
- Diversified product portfolio beyond fuel-grade ethanol.
- Strategic plant locations in key agricultural regions.
- Focus on higher-margin specialty alcohols.
Weaknesses
- Historically leveraged balance sheet.
- Exposure to commodity price volatility for raw materials (corn) and co-products.
- Need for continued investment in plant upgrades and diversification.
- Dependence on fuel ethanol market still exists, albeit reduced.
Opportunities
- Growing demand for disinfectants and sanitizers.
- Expansion into new specialty alcohol applications (e.g., pharmaceuticals, industrial solvents).
- Increased demand for animal feed ingredients.
- Potential for strategic partnerships or acquisitions to enhance product offerings or market reach.
Threats
- Fluctuations in corn prices.
- Changes in government regulations related to ethanol and renewable fuels.
- Intensifying competition in the specialty alcohol market.
- Economic downturns impacting demand for industrial and consumer products.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- ADM (ADM)
- Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)
- Green Plains Inc. (GPRE)
Competitive Landscape
Alto Ingredients competes with larger, more diversified players in the ethanol and agricultural sectors, as well as specialized chemical manufacturers in the specialty alcohol market. Its advantages lie in its agility and focus on specific high-value segments, while larger competitors may benefit from economies of scale and broader market penetration.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historically, Alto Ingredients (as Pacific Ethanol) saw growth driven by the renewable fuels mandate. More recently, its growth trajectory is increasingly characterized by a strategic shift towards specialty alcohols, aiming for more stable revenue streams and higher margins.
Future Projections: Analyst projections for Alto Ingredients' future growth are typically focused on the expansion of its specialty alcohol business and its ability to manage input costs. Forecasts may indicate revenue growth driven by increased volumes and favorable pricing in its specialty segments.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives likely include investments in enhancing production capabilities for specialty alcohols, optimizing plant operations, and potentially exploring strategic acquisitions or partnerships to broaden its product portfolio and market reach. The rebranding to Alto Ingredients itself signifies a strategic pivot.
Summary
Alto Ingredients Inc. is undergoing a strategic transformation, shifting its focus from fuel-grade ethanol to higher-margin specialty alcohols. Its strengths lie in its production infrastructure and operational expertise, with opportunities in growing demand for its specialty products. However, the company faces challenges from commodity price volatility and competition. Continued investment in its specialty segments and effective cost management will be crucial for its future success.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Investor Relations Websites
- Financial Data Aggregators (e.g., Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch)
- Industry Reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and may not be exhaustive. Financial data and market share estimates are subject to change. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions. The AI-based rating is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Alto Ingredients Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Pekin, IL, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2005-03-24 | CEO, President & Director Mr. Bryon T. McGregor | ||
Sector Basic Materials | Industry Specialty Chemicals | Full time employees 393 | Website https://www.altoingredients.com |
Full time employees 393 | Website https://www.altoingredients.com | ||
Alto Ingredients, Inc. produces, distributes, and markets specialty alcohols, renewable fuel, and essential ingredients in the United States. The company operates in three segments: Marketing and Distribution, Pekin Campus Production, and Western Production. It offers specialty alcohols used in mouthwash, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and cleaners for health, home, and beauty markets; grain neutral spirits used in alcoholic beverages and vinegar, as well as corn germ used in corn oils in the food and beverage markets; alcohols and other products for paint applications and fertilizers in the industrial and agriculture markets; and essential ingredients, including dried yeast, corn protein meal, corn protein feed, corn germ, distillers grains, and liquid feed for commercial animal feed and pet food applications, as well as yeast and liquid CO2 for human consumption. The company also provides fuel-grade ethanol used as transportation fuel and distillers corn oil used as a renewable diesel and biodiesel feedstock, as well as fuel-grade ethanol produced by third parties. In addition, it offers transportation, storage, and delivery services through third-party service providers. Further, the company operates alcohol production facilities. It sells ethanol to integrated oil companies and gasoline marketers; essential ingredient feed products to dairies and feedlots; and corn oil to poultry, renewable diesel, and biodiesel customers. The company was formerly known as Pacific Ethanol, Inc. and changed its name to Alto Ingredients, Inc. in January 2021. Alto Ingredients, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Pekin, Illinois.
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