Energy Recovery Affirms FY 2023 Guidance, Continues Investments in Wastewater and CO2 Business Growth

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Energy Recovery, Inc. (Nasdaq:ERII) (“Energy Recovery” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Second Quarter Highlights

  • Revenue of $20.7 million, within the lower end of guidance. Revenue was lower due to a timing delay of a $5.7 million megaproject shipment that will subsequently be recognized in the third quarter.
  • Gross margin of 65.4%, within the upper range of our guidance of 64% – 66% for the quarter for Water.
  • Operating expenses of $16.1 million, which included growing investments in sales and marketing, and research and development to support business expansion.
  • Loss from operations of $2.6 million primarily attributable to lower revenue and gross margin due to timing of revenue recognition of a megaproject shipment.
  • Net loss of $1.7 million and adjusted EBITDA(1) of $0.2 million.
  • Cash and investments of $97.5 million which include cash, cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term investments.
  • Expanded the PX U Series product line used in and tailored for ultra high-pressure reverse osmosis applications.

Robert Mao, Chairman, President and CEO, commented on the financial results, “We delivered second quarter results in line with our previous guidance and we expect our outlook for the remainder of the year to be unchanged. As of today, our desalination and wastewater businesses are on track, and the significant increases in megaproject shipments expected in the second half of 2023, give us confidence in our ability to achieve our full-year revenue guidance.”

Mr. Mao added, “We continue to achieve new milestones in our CO2 business. We were awarded the prestigious Refrigeration Innovation of the Year Award by ATMO for our PX G1300 in June. We are also partnering with a major U.S. refrigeration manufacturer on a new training center in California that will incorporate our PX G1300, providing us a unique opportunity to educate the market further on our device. We continue to deploy the PX G1300 at new locations in Europe with our partners Fieuw Koeltechniiek nv and Epta S.p.A., and in North America. We are focused on building and enhancing relationships within the industry, as well as expanding our team in both the U.S. and Europe.”

Financial Highlights

Quarter-to-Date

Year-to-Date

Q2’2023

Q2’2022

vs. Q2’2022

2023

2022

2023 vs. 2022

(In millions, except net income (loss) per share, percentages and basis points)

Revenue

$20.7

$20.3

up 2%

$34.1

$52.8

down 35%

Gross margin

65.4%

65.9%

down 50 bps

63.6%

68.9%

down 530 bps

Operating margin

(12.5%)

(14.3%)

up 180 bps

(31.3%)

10.1%

NM

Net income (loss)

($1.7)

($2.4)

up 29%

($8.0)

$5.5

down 244%

Net income (loss) per share

($0.03)

($0.04)

up 25%

($0.14)

$0.10

down 240%

Effective tax rate

15.2%

0.1%

Cash provided by (used for) operations

($4.1)

$9.1

$4.5

$7.5

Non-GAAP Financial Highlights (1)

Quarter-to-Date

Year-to-Date

Q2’2023

Q2’2022

vs. Q2’2022

2023

2022

2023 vs. 2022

(In millions, except adjusted net income (loss) per share, percentages and basis points)

Adjusted operating margin

(4.2%)

(0.2%)

down 400 bps

(19.6%)

19.0%

NM

Adjusted net income (loss)

($0.1)

$0.2

down 138%

($4.6)

$9.3

down 149%

Adjusted net income (loss) per share

$0.00

$0.00

no change

($0.08)

$0.16

down 150%

Adjusted effective tax rate

15.1%

9.5%

Adjusted EBITDA

$0.2

$1.0

($4.7)

$12.1

Free cash flow

($4.7)

$8.5

$3.7

$4.9

____________________

NM

Not material

(1)

Refer to the sections “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definition of adjustment to GAAP presentation.


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 our beliefs about our future financial performance; our beliefs relating to our wastewater and desalination businesses; our expectation that there will be significant increases in megaproject shipments in the second half of 2023; and our expectations for multiple PX G1300 commissions in multiple countries this year in North America and Europe. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us 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 our 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, 2022, as supplemented by the risks discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 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 (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per share, adjusted effective tax rate, 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 Second Quarter 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) non-core operational costs, such as VorTeq-related severance costs and accelerated depreciation, divided by revenues.
  • Adjusted net income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income which excludes i) share-based compensation; ii) non-core operational costs, such as VorTeq-related severance costs and accelerated depreciation; and iii) the applicable tax effect of the excluded items including the share-based compensation discrete tax item.
  • Adjusted net income (loss) per share is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income (loss), which excludes i) share-based compensation; and ii) non-core operational costs, such as VorTeq-related severance costs and accelerated depreciation; and iii) the applicable tax effect of the excluded items including the share-based compensation discrete tax item, divided by basic shares outstanding.
  • Adjusted effective tax rate reflects adjustments for share-based compensation discrete tax item, share-based compensation, and VorTeq-related severance costs and accelerated depreciation.
  • 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) non-core operational costs, such as VorTeq-related severance costs; iv) other income, net, such as interest income and other non-operating 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 Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

LIVE CONFERENCE CALL:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET

Listen-only, US / Canada Toll-Free: +1 (877) 709-8150

Listen-only, Local / International Toll: +1 (201) 689-8354

CONFERENCE CALL REPLAY:

Expiration: September 1, 2023

US / Canada Toll-Free: +1 (877) 660-6853

Local / International Toll: +1 (201) 612-7415

Access code: 13739675

Investors may access the live call and the replay (approximately three hours after the live call concludes) over the internet at: ir.energyrecovery.com/websites/energyrecover/English/2200/calendar.html

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, Inc., creates technologies that solve complex challenges for commercial and industrial fluid-flow markets worldwide. Building on an innovative pressure exchanger technology platform, they design and manufacture solutions that make commercial and industrial processes more efficient and sustainable. What began as a game-changing invention for desalination has grown into a global business accelerating the environmental sustainability of customers’ operations in multiple industries. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Energy Recovery 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)

June 30,

2023

December 31,

2022

(In thousands)

ASSETS

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

$

97,542

$

92,891

Accounts receivable and contract assets

15,726

35,782

Inventories, net

36,315

28,366

Prepaid expenses and other assets

3,544

3,886

Property, equipment and operating leases

31,697

32,695

Goodwill

12,790

12,790

Deferred tax assets and other assets

12,060

10,629

TOTAL ASSETS

$

209,674

$

217,039

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

12,232

$

15,507

Contract liabilities and other liabilities, non-current

1,483

1,316

Lease liabilities

14,177

14,878

Total liabilities

27,892

31,701

Stockholders’ equity

181,782

185,338

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

209,674

$

217,039

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(In thousands, except per share data)

Revenue

$

20,723

$

20,292

$

34,124

$

52,838

Cost of revenue

7,180

6,920

12,426

16,418

Gross profit

13,543

13,372

21,698

36,420

Operating expenses

General and administrative

7,269

6,996

14,335

13,547

Sales and marketing

5,092

3,849

9,986

7,213

Research and development

3,768

5,431

8,074

10,342

Total operating expenses

16,129

16,276

32,395

31,102

Income (loss) from operations

(2,586

)

(2,904

)

(10,697

)

5,318

Other income, net

656

106

1,312

223

Income (loss) before income taxes

(1,930

)

(2,798

)

(9,385

)

5,541

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

(265

)

(439

)

(1,424

)

6

Net income (loss)

$

(1,665

)

$

(2,359

)

$

(7,961

)

$

5,535

Net income (loss) per share

Basic

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.14

)

$

0.10

Diluted

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.14

)

$

0.10

Number of shares used in per share calculations

Basic

56,363

56,218

56,296

56,499

Diluted

56,363

56,218

56,296

57,858

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net (loss) income

$

(7,961

)

$

5,535

Non-cash adjustments

5,204

7,542

Net cash provided by (used in) operating assets and liabilities

7,280

(5,598

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

4,523

7,479

Cash flows from investing activities:

Net investment in marketable securities

(16,269

)

(10,543

)

Capital expenditures and proceeds from sales of fixed assets

(767

)

(2,436

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(17,036

)

(12,979

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

379

985

Repurchase of common stock

(26,623

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

379

(25,638

)

Effect of exchange rate differences

41

4

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

(12,093

)

$

(31,134

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

44,365

$

43,327

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

Channel Revenue

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

vs. 2022

2023

2022

vs. 2022

(In thousands, except percentages)

Megaproject

$

12,211

$

10,070

up 21%

$

15,454

$

33,910

down 54%

Original equipment manufacturer

4,702

7,689

down 39%

11,538

12,360

down 7%

Aftermarket

3,810

2,533

up 50%

7,132

6,568

up 9%

Total revenue

$

20,723

$

20,292

up 2%

$

34,124

$

52,838

down 35%

Segment Activity

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

Water

Emerging

Technologies

Corporate

Total

Water

Emerging

Technologies

Corporate

Total

(In thousands)

Revenue

$

20,514

$

209

$

$

20,723

$

20,213

$

79

$

$

20,292

Cost of revenue

6,921

259

7,180

6,920

6,920

Gross profit (loss)

13,593

(50

)

13,543

13,293

79

13,372

Operating expenses

General and administrative

1,860

947

4,462

7,269

1,534

1,354

4,108

6,996

Sales and marketing

3,120

1,441

531

5,092

2,654

633

562

3,849

Research and development

843

2,925

3,768

1,143

4,288

5,431

Total operating expenses

5,823

5,313

4,993

16,129

5,331

6,275

4,670

16,276

Operating income (loss)

$

7,770

$

(5,363

)

$

(4,993

)

$

(2,586

)

$

7,962

$

(6,196

)

$

(4,670

)

$

(2,904

)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Six Months Ended June 30, 2022

Water

Emerging

Technologies

Corporate

Total

Water

Emerging

Technologies

Corporate

Total

(In thousands)

Revenue

$

33,810

$

314

$

$

34,124

$

52,729

$

109

$

$

52,838

Cost of revenue

12,022

404

12,426

16,400

18

16,418

Gross profit (loss)

21,788

(90

)

21,698

36,329

91

36,420

Operating expenses

General and administrative

3,798

1,915

8,622

14,335

2,998

2,262

8,287

13,547

Sales and marketing

6,295

2,611

1,080

9,986

4,955

1,160

1,098

7,213

Research and development

2,023

6,051

8,074

1,943

8,399

10,342

Total operating expenses

12,116

10,577

9,702

32,395

9,896

11,821

9,385

31,102

Operating income (loss)

$

9,672

$

(10,667

)

$

(9,702

)

$

(10,697

)

$

26,433

$

(11,730

)

$

(9,385

)

$

5,318

Share-based Compensation

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(In thousands)

Stock-based compensation expense charged to:

Cost of revenue

$

148

$

100

$

397

$

246

General and administrative

763

1,024

1,723

1,992

Sales and marketing

550

373

1,248

806

Research and development

255

227

652

562

Total stock-based compensation expense

$

1,716

$

1,724

$

4,020

$

3,606

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

Q2’2023

Q2’2022

Q2’2023

Q2’2022

(In millions, except shares, per share and percentages)

Operating margin

(12.5

%)

(14.3

%)

(31.3

%)

10.1

%

Share-based compensation

8.3

%

8.5

%

11.8

%

6.8

%

Severance

%

1.5

%

%

0.6

%

Accelerated depreciation

%

4.2

%

%

1.6

%

Other

%

(0.1

%)

%

(0.1

%)

Adjusted operating margin

(4.2

%)

(0.2

%)

(19.6

%)

19.0

%

Net income (loss)

$

(1.7

)

$

(2.4

)

$

(8.0

)

$

5.5

Share-based compensation (2)

1.7

1.7

4.0

3.6

Severance (2)

0.3

0.3

Accelerated depreciation (2)

0.8

0.7

Share-based compensation discrete tax item

(0.1

)

(0.2

)

(0.6

)

(0.8

)

Adjusted net income (loss)

$

(0.1

)

$

0.2

$

(4.6

)

$

9.3

Net income (loss) per share

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.14

)

$

0.10

Adjustments to net income (loss) per share (3)

0.03

0.04

0.06

0.06

Adjusted net income (loss) per share

$

$

$

(0.08

)

$

0.16

Effective tax rate

15.2

%

0.1

%

Adjustments to effective tax rate (3)

(0.1

%)

9.4

%

Adjusted effective tax rate

15.1

%

9.5

%

Net income (loss)

$

(1.7

)

$

(2.4

)

$

(8.0

)

$

5.5

Share-based compensation

1.7

1.7

4.0

3.6

Severance

0.3

0.3

Depreciation and amortization

1.0

1.9

2.0

2.9

Other income, net

(0.7

)

(0.1

)

(1.3

)

(0.2

)

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

(0.3

)

(0.4

)

(1.4

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

0.2

$

1.0

$

(4.7

)

$

12.1

Free cash flow

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$

(4.1

)

$

9.1

$

4.5

$

7.5

Capital expenditures

(0.6

)

(0.6

)

(0.8

)

(2.6

)

Free cash flow

$

(4.7

)

$

8.5

$

3.7

$

4.9

____________________

(1)

Amounts may not total due to rounding.

(2)

Amount presented are net of tax.

(3)

Refer to the sections “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for description of items included in adjustments.

Contacts

Investor Relations

ir@energyrecovery.com
+1 (346) 382-6927

#FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM