Energy Recovery Reports its Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Energy Recovery, Inc. (Nasdaq:ERII) (“Energy Recovery” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter Highlights

• Revenue of $38.6 million, reaching the upper end of our guidance of $35 - $39 million.
• Gross margin of 65.1%, a decrease of 480 bps, as compared to Q3’2023, due primarily to higher manufacturing costs and higher costs related to product mix.
• Operating expenses of $18.1 million, an increase of 7.8%, as compared to Q3’2023, due primarily to higher consulting costs related to enhancement of our corporate growth strategy and higher employee costs.
• Income from operations of $7.1 million, a decrease of 22.7%, as compared to Q3’2023, mainly due to higher operating expenses and lower gross margin.
• Net income of $8.5 million and adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $11.6 million.
• Cash and investments of $139.9 million, which include cash, cash equivalents, and short- and long-term investments.

David Moon, President and CEO, commented on the financial results, “We delivered strong third quarter results, hitting the upper end of our guidance for the quarter and, although there is still work to be done, we believe we are well-positioned in this quarter to deliver on our guidance for the full year. Our core desalination business continues to demonstrate durability of growth, our wastewater business continues to expand, and we are making real progress this year in our CO₂ refrigeration business.”

Mr. Moon continued, “With our PX G1300 summer data collection complete, we just issued a white paper with the measurement and verification results, provided by a third party engineering firm, that we believe will be an important next step to getting the PX G1300 integrated into OEM systems designs and ultimately specified by supermarkets. Finally, we concluded our strategic work on what I have termed our Playbook. This Playbook outlines our five-year plan to grow all three of Energy Recovery’s businesses. It is an ambitious and I believe achievable blueprint for growth that I, along with Mike Mancini, CFO, and our business unit leads, are excited to lay out next month on a live investor webinar we are hosting on November 18, 2024.”

Financial Highlights

	Quarter-to-Date			Year to Date
	Q3’2024	Q3’2023	vs. Q3’2023	2024	2023	2024 vs. 2023
	(In millions, except net income (loss) per share, percentages and basis points)
Revenue	$38.6	$37.0	up 4%	$77.9	$71.2	up 9%
Gross margin	65.1%	69.9%	down 480 bps	64.0%	66.9%	down 290 bps
Operating margin	18.3%	24.7%	down 640 bps	(7.6%)	(2.2%)	down 540 bps
Net income (loss)	$8.5	$9.7	down 12%	($0.4)	$1.7	down 125%
Net income (loss) per share	$0.15	$0.17	down $0.02	($0.01)	$0.03	down $0.04
Effective tax rate				62.4%	(114.2%)
Cash provided by (used for) operations	($3.0)	$7.7		$11.6	$12.3

Non-GAAP Financial Highlights ⁽¹⁾

	Quarter-to-Date			Year to Date
	Q3’2024	Q3’2023	vs. Q3’2023	2024	2023	2024 vs. 2023
	(In millions, except adjusted net income per share, percentages and basis points)
Adjusted operating margin	27.5%	29.5%	down 200 bps	9.7%	6.0%	up 370 bps
Adjusted net income	$12.0	$11.4	up 5%	$12.4	$6.8	up 81%
Adjusted net income per share	$0.21	$0.20	up $0.01	$0.22	$0.12	up $0.10
Adjusted EBITDA	$11.6	$12.0		$10.6	$7.3
Free cash flow	($3.2)	$7.4		$10.4	$11.1

___________
^(1)	Refer to the sections “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions of our non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP amounts, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release and on the conference call are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the belief that the Company is well-positioned in the fourth quarter to deliver on our guidance for the full year, the belief that the Company is making real progress this year in its CO₂ refrigeration business, the belief that the Company’s recently published white paper is an important next step to getting the PX G1300 integrated into original equipment manufacturers’ systems designs and ultimately specified by supermarkets, and the belief that the Company’s Playbook is an achievable blueprint for growth. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and on management’s beliefs, assumptions, estimates, or projections and are not guarantees of future events or results. Potential risks and uncertainties include risks relating to the future demand for the Company’s products, risks relating to performance by our customers and third-party partners, risks relating to the timing of revenue, and any other factors that may have been discussed herein regarding the risks and uncertainties of the Company’s business, and the risks discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as other reports filed by the Company with the SEC from time to time. Because such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the predictions in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position, or cash flows that either exclude or include amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect a comprehensive system of accounting, differ from GAAP measures with the same captions, and may differ from non-GAAP financial measures with the same or similar captions that are used by other companies. As such, these non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze its operating performance and future prospects, develop internal budgets and financial goals, and to facilitate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of its operations that, when viewed with its GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting its business.

Notes to the Financial Results

• Adjusted operating margin is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as income (loss) from operations which excludes i) share-based compensation; and ii) executive transition costs, such as executive search costs, retention costs, one-time severance costs and one-time corporate growth strategy costs, divided by revenues.
• Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income which excludes i) share-based compensation; ii) executive transition costs; and iii) the applicable tax effect of the excluded items including the share-based compensation discrete tax item.
• Adjusted net income per share is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income (loss), which excludes i) share-based compensation; ii) executive transition costs and iii) the applicable tax effect of the excluded items including the share-based compensation discrete tax item, divided by basic shares outstanding.
• Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income (loss) which excludes i) depreciation and amortization; ii) share-based compensation; iii) executive transition costs; iv) other income, net, such as interest income and other non-operating income (expense), net; and v) provision for (benefit from) income taxes.
• Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures.

Conference Call to Discuss Financial Results

LIVE CONFERENCE CALL:
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET
US / Canada Toll-Free: [phone]
Local / International Toll: [phone]

CONFERENCE CALL REPLAY:
Available approximately three hours after conclusion of the live call.
Expiration: Friday, November 29, 2024
US / Canada Toll-Free: [phone]
Local / International Toll: [phone]
Access code: 13749222

Investors may also access the live call and the replay over the internet on the “Events” page of the Company’s website located at https://ir.energyrecovery.com/news-events/ir-calendar.

Disclosure Information

Energy Recovery uses the investor relations section on its website as means of complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor Energy Recovery’s investor relations website in addition to following Energy Recovery’s press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts.

About Energy Recovery

Energy Recovery (Nasdaq: ERII) is a trusted global leader in energy efficiency technology. Building on the Company’s pressure exchanger technology platform, the Company designs and manufactures reliable, high-performance solutions that generate cost savings and increase energy efficiency across several industries. With a strong foundation in the desalination industry, the Company has delivered transformative solutions that optimize operations and deliver positive environmental impact to its customers worldwide for more than 30 years. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Company has manufacturing and research and development facilities across California and Texas with sales and on-site technical support available globally. To learn more, visit https://energyrecovery.com/.

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
	September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
Cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	139,911	$	122,375
Accounts receivable and contract assets		33,319		47,529
Inventories, net		33,464		26,149
Prepaid expenses and other assets		5,295		3,251
Property, equipment and operating leases		26,504		30,168
Goodwill		12,790		12,790
Deferred tax assets and other assets		11,422		10,712
TOTAL ASSETS	$	262,705	$	252,974
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	13,938	$	18,583
Contract liabilities and other liabilities, non-current		3,069		1,304
Lease liabilities		11,825		13,279
Total liabilities		28,832		33,166
Stockholders’ equity		233,873		219,808
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	262,705	$	252,974

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		2024			2023
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenue	$	38,584	$	37,036	$	77,873		$	71,160
Cost of revenue		13,472		11,154		28,060			23,580
Gross profit		25,112		25,882		49,813			47,580
Operating expenses
General and administrative		7,673		7,369		24,771			21,704
Sales and marketing		6,413		5,411		18,669			15,397
Research and development		3,969		3,969		12,264			12,043
Total operating expenses		18,055		16,749		55,704			49,144
Income (loss) from operations		7,057		9,133		(5,891	)		(1,564	)
Other income, net		1,768		1,045		4,771			2,357
Income (loss) before income taxes		8,825		10,178		(1,120	)		793
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		344		518		(699	)		(906	)
Net income (loss)	$	8,481	$	9,660	$	(421	)	$	1,699
Net income (loss) per share
Basic	$	0.15	$	0.17	$	(0.01	)	$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.15	$	0.17	$	(0.01	)	$	0.03
Number of shares used in per share calculations
Basic		57,756		56,443		57,409			56,346
Diluted		58,290		57,969		57,409			57,761

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(421	)	$	1,699
Non-cash adjustments		11,432			8,817
Net cash provided by (used in) operating assets and liabilities		556			1,756
Net cash provided by operating activities		11,567			12,272
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net investment in marketable securities		(21,067	)		(17,278	)
Capital expenditures		(1,194	)		(1,179	)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets		90			82
Net cash used in investing activities		(22,171	)		(18,375	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		5,795			1,184
Net cash provided by financing activities		5,795			1,184
Effect of exchange rate differences		(23	)		27
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	(4,832	)	$	(4,892	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	63,393		$	51,566

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Channel Revenue
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		vs. 2023	2024		2023		vs. 2023
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Megaproject	$	29,009	$	26,829	up 8%	$	48,924	$	42,283	up 16%
Original equipment manufacturer		4,919		5,307	down 7%		15,210		16,845	down 10%
Aftermarket		4,656		4,900	down 5%		13,739		12,032	up 14%
Total revenue	$	38,584	$	37,036	up 4%	$	77,873	$	71,160	up 9%

Segment Activity
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024										2023
	Water		Emerging Technologies			Corporate			Total		Water		Emerging Technologies			Corporate			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenue	$	38,344	$	240		$	—		$	38,584	$	36,812	$	224		$	—		$	37,036
Cost of revenue		13,334		138			—			13,472		11,114		40			—			11,154
Gross profit		25,010		102			—			25,112		25,698		184			—			25,882
Operating expenses
General and administrative		1,803		906			4,964			7,673		2,039		1,061			4,269			7,369
Sales and marketing		3,777		1,977			659			6,413		3,272		1,560			579			5,411
Research and development		1,145		2,824			—			3,969		1,098		2,871			—			3,969
Total operating expenses		6,725		5,707			5,623			18,055		6,409		5,492			4,848			16,749
Operating income (loss)	$	18,285	$	(5,605	)	$	(5,623	)	$	7,057	$	19,289	$	(5,308	)	$	(4,848	)	$	9,133

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024											2023
	Water		Emerging Technologies			Corporate			Total			Water		Emerging Technologies			Corporate			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenue	$	77,351	$	522		$	—		$	77,873		$	70,622	$	538		$	—		$	71,160
Cost of revenue		27,633		427			—			28,060			23,136		444			—			23,580
Gross profit		49,718		95			—			49,813			47,486		94			—			47,580
Operating expenses
General and administrative		5,637		2,908			16,226			24,771			5,837		2,976			12,891			21,704
Sales and marketing		11,359		5,484			1,826			18,669			9,567		4,171			1,659			15,397
Research and development		3,318		8,946			—			12,264			3,121		8,922			—			12,043
Total operating expenses		20,314		17,338			18,052			55,704			18,525		16,069			14,550			49,144
Operating income (loss)	$	29,404	$	(17,243	)	$	(18,052	)	$	(5,891	)	$	28,961	$	(15,975	)	$	(14,550	)	$	(1,564	)

Share-based Compensation
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense charged to:
Cost of revenue	$	176	$	158	$	980	$	555
General and administrative		954		905		3,372		2,628
Sales and marketing		845		436		2,767		1,684
Research and development		437		292		1,393		944
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	2,412	$	1,791	$	8,512	$	5,811

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES^(1) (Unaudited)
This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial information because we plan and manage our business using such information. The following table reconciles the GAAP financial information to the non-GAAP financial information.
	Quarter-to-Date						Year to Date
	Q3'2024			Q3'2023			Q3'2024			Q3'2023
	(In millions, except shares, per share and percentages)
Operating margin		18.3	%		24.7	%		(7.6	)%		(2.2	)%
Share-based compensation		6.3			4.8			10.9			8.2
Executive transition costs		2.9			—			6.4			—
Adjusted operating margin		27.5	%		29.5	%		9.7	%		6.0	%
Net income (loss)	$	8.5		$	9.7		$	(0.4	)	$	1.7
Share-based compensation		2.4			1.8			8.5			5.8
Executive transition costs ^(2)		1.0			—			4.4			—
Share-based compensation discrete tax item		0.1			(0.1	)		(0.1	)		(0.7	)
Adjusted net income	$	12.0		$	11.4		$	12.4		$	6.8
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.15		$	0.17		$	(0.01	)	$	0.03
Adjustments to net income (loss) per share ^(3)		0.06			0.03			0.23			0.09
Adjusted net income per share	$	0.21		$	0.20		$	0.22		$	0.12
Net income (loss)	$	8.5		$	9.7		$	(0.4	)	$	1.7
Share-based compensation		2.4			1.8			8.5			5.8
Depreciation and amortization		1.0			1.1			3.1			3.1
Executive transition costs		1.1			—			5.0			—
Other income, net		(1.8	)		(1.0	)		(4.8	)		(2.4	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		0.3			0.5			(0.7	)		(0.9	)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	11.6		$	12.0		$	10.6		$	7.3
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(3.0	)	$	7.7		$	11.6		$	12.3
Capital expenditures		(0.2	)		(0.3	)		(1.2	)		(1.2	)
Free cash flow	$	(3.2	)	$	7.4		$	10.4		$	11.1

___________
^(1)	Amounts may not total due to rounding.
^(2)	Amounts presented are net of tax.
^(3)	Refer to the sections “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for description of items included in adjustments.