Energy Recovery Reports Record Full Year and Fourth Quarter Revenue for 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

Energy Recovery, Inc. (ERII) announces record annual revenue of $128.3 million for 2023, with a 79% growth in wastewater. The company achieved a record quarterly revenue of $57.2 million, a 35% year-on-year increase. Despite a delay in a project shipment affecting water revenue, Energy Recovery's gross margin was 67.8%, exceeding expectations. Operating expenses were $68.0 million, with income from operations at $19.1 million. Net income reached $21.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $31.2 million. Cash and investments totaled $122.4 million. CEO David Moon highlighted growth in desalination and wastewater sectors, aiming for market diversification and shareholder value in 2024.

Positive

• Record annual revenue of $128.3 million with a 79% growth in wastewater for 2023.
• Record quarterly revenue of $57.2 million, a 35% year-on-year increase.
• Gross margin of 67.8% and operating expenses of $68.0 million.
• Net income of $21.5 million and adjusted EBITDA of $31.2 million.
• Cash and investments totaling $122.4 million.
• CEO David Moon focuses on growth in desalination and wastewater sectors, aiming for market diversification and shareholder value in 2024.

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

The reported financial results of Energy Recovery, Inc. show a mixed picture, with record annual revenue of $128.3 million, indicating a robust revenue growth trajectory over nine years. The 79% growth in the wastewater sector is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests successful diversification and penetration into new markets. However, the slight revenue increase from the previous year ($128.3 million in 2023 vs. $125.6 million in 2022) implies a slowing momentum that investors should monitor closely.

While the gross margin has slightly declined year-on-year, it remains high at 67.8%, reflecting strong pricing power or cost management. The operating cash flow more than doubling is a positive indicator of the company's liquidity and operational efficiency. The delay in the shipment of a significant project, which is now expected to ship in 2024, could have implications for short-term revenue recognition but may not significantly impact the long-term financial health of the company.

Energy Recovery's strategic focus on its core desalination business and expansion into CO2 refrigeration and wastewater aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable and diversified energy solutions. The emphasis on disciplined expense and cash management is essential for maintaining financial stability and shareholder value, especially in the context of the company's growth and diversification strategy.

Market Research Analyst

The reported increase in sales of the PX Q400 in the megaproject channel and the company's efforts to integrate the PX G1300 into U.S. and European supermarket chains are indicative of Energy Recovery's product development success and market expansion strategy. The wastewater sector's potential to constitute 10% of Water revenue within three years demonstrates the company's strategic positioning in a growing market segment.

However, the company's operating margin has decreased by 500 basis points year-on-year, which may raise concerns about operational efficiency and profitability amid expansion efforts. Stakeholders should consider whether the investments in new market opportunities are yielding the expected returns and if the company's strategy is sustainable in the long run.

Energy Recovery's commitment to rebuilding shareholder value and trust is crucial, as this reflects on the company's awareness of the importance of maintaining a positive market perception, which can influence stock performance. The company's forward-looking statements about defending its leadership position and investing in new markets should be evaluated in the context of its ability to consistently deliver on its strategic initiatives.

Environmental Technology Expert

Energy Recovery's focus on desalination, wastewater treatment and CO2 refrigeration technologies positions it well in the environmental technology sector, which is expected to grow due to increasing global demand for sustainable and efficient resource management solutions. The company's successful revenue growth in wastewater treatment is particularly aligned with the global push towards better water conservation and treatment technologies.

The introduction of the PX Q400, described as the company's newest and most efficient product, is a testament to Energy Recovery's commitment to innovation. This product's expected sales growth suggests market acceptance and the potential for significant energy savings in large-scale desalination projects.

The push to get the PX G1300 into multiple supermarket chains is an example of how Energy Recovery is leveraging its technology in different sectors to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This diversification into CO2 refrigeration could provide a competitive edge in an industry increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints.

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Energy Recovery, Inc. (Nasdaq:ERII) (“Energy Recovery” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights

• Record annual revenue of $128.3 million, which includes a 79% growth in wastewater and represents nine consecutive years of revenue growth.
• Record quarterly revenue of $57.2 million, representing a 35% year-on-year growth with strong performance in Energy Recovery’s primary desalination business and the continued rapid expansion of the company’s wastewater sector. Water revenue was below guidance due to the delayed shipment of a single project to be shipped in 2024. This project was highlighted as a potential risk in the Q3 earnings call.
• Gross margin of 67.8%, within Energy Recovery’s expectations and above guidance.
• Operating expenses of $68.0 million, in line with Energy Recovery’s expectations.
• Income from operations of $19.1 million.
• Net income of $21.5 million and adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $31.2 million.
• Operating cash flow for the year more than doubled largely due to strong customer collections and strategic efforts to optimize raw inventory turnover rates.
• Cash and investments of $122.4 million, which include cash, cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term investments.

“We achieved record annual and fourth quarter revenue in 2023, which represents our ninth consecutive year of revenue growth despite a shift of $8 million revenue associated with a single project that was pushed from the fourth quarter into 2024,” commented David Moon, President and CEO.

“Our core desalination business is healthy, our wastewater business continues to grow rapidly, and we are making progress in our CO₂ refrigeration business. This year, we expect to see our newest and most efficient product, the PX Q400, achieve roughly 50% of sales in our megaproject channel. Wastewater could reach up to 10% of our Water revenue in just three years and we are pushing hard to get our PX G1300 in multiple supermarket chains in the U.S. and Europe.”

Mr. Moon added, “Our focus in 2024, and beyond, is rebuilding shareholder value and trust within the market. We remain committed to our growth strategy of diversification into new markets, which is key to Energy Recovery’s future. In 2024, we will continue to defend our leadership position in our core desalination business, and invest in new market opportunities in CO₂ and wastewater, while managing both expenses and cash with discipline and a focus on investing in the highest and best use of shareholder capital. I am excited by the long-term growth prospects and believe we are well-positioned to continue to grow.”

Financial Highlights

	Quarter-to-Date							Year-to-Date
	Q4’2023		Q4’2022		vs. Q4’2022			2023		2022		2023 vs. 2022
	(In millions, except net income per share, percentages and basis points)
Revenue	$57.2		$42.3		up 35%			$128.3		$125.6		up 2%
Gross margin	69.1%		70.7%		down 160 bps			67.8%		69.6%		down 180 bps
Operating margin	36.0%		34.5%		up 150 bps			14.8%		19.8%		down 500 bps
Net income	$19.8		$13.7		up 44%			$21.5		$24.0		down 11%
Net income per share	$0.34		$0.24		up 42%			$0.37		$0.42		down 12%
Effective tax rate								5.3%		7.8%
Cash provided by operations	$13.8		$6.4					$26.1		$12.6

Non-GAAP Financial Highlights ⁽¹⁾

	Quarter-to-Date							Year-to-Date
	Q4’2023		Q4’2022		vs. Q4’2022			2023		2022		2023 vs. 2022
	(In millions, except adjusted net income per share, percentages and basis points)
Adjusted operating margin	39.9%		37.9%		up 200 bps			21.1%		26.2%		down 510 bps
Adjusted net income	$22.0		$14.7		up 50%			$28.9		$30.5		down 5%
Adjusted net income per share	$0.39		$0.26		up 50%			$0.51		$0.54		down 6%
Adjusted effective tax rate								6.1%		10.6%
Adjusted EBITDA	$23.9		$17.0					$31.2		$36.8
Free cash flow	$12.4		$5.1					$23.5		$8.4

___________
(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 expectations regarding the shipment of projects; our belief that our core desalination business remains strong; our expectations regarding the growth of our wastewater business; our belief we are making progress in our CO₂ business; our belief that we can defend our position in seawater desalination; our ability to build shareholder value; and our belief that the Company is well positioned to continue to grow. 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, adjusted net income 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 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Financial Results

• Adjusted operating margin is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as income 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 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 per share is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income, 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 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 income (expense), net; and v) provision for income taxes.
• Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.

Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Financial Results

LIVE CONFERENCE CALL:
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 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: March 22, 2024
US / Canada Toll-Free: +1 (877) 660-6853
Local / International Toll: +1 (201) 612-7415
Access code: 13743738

Investors may access the live call and the replay (approximately three hours after the live call concludes) over the internet on the “Events” page 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 our pressure exchanger technology platform, we design and manufacture reliable, high-performance solutions that generate cost savings and increase energy efficiency across several industries. With a strong foundation in the desalination industry, Energy Recovery has delivered transformative solutions that optimize operations and deliver positive environmental impact to our customers worldwide for more than 30 years. 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)
	2023			2022
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
Cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	122,375		$	92,891
Accounts receivable and contract assets		47,529			35,782
Inventories, net		26,149			28,366
Prepaid expenses and other assets		3,251			3,886
Property, equipment and operating leases		30,168			32,695
Goodwill		12,790			12,790
Deferred tax assets and other assets		10,712			10,629
TOTAL ASSETS	$	252,974		$	217,039
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	18,583		$	15,507
Contract liabilities and other liabilities, non-current		1,304			1,316
Lease liabilities		13,279			14,878
Total liabilities		33,166			31,701
Stockholders’ equity		219,808			185,338
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	252,974		$	217,039

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Years Ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2023			2022
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenue	$	57,189		$	42,291		$	128,349		$	125,591
Cost of revenue		17,690			12,400			41,270			38,235
Gross profit		39,499			29,891			87,079			87,356
Operating expenses
General and administrative		7,160			7,186			28,864			28,341
Sales and marketing		6,767			4,361			22,164			16,277
Research and development		4,958			3,739			17,001			17,909
Total operating expenses		18,885			15,286			68,029			62,527
Income from operations		20,614			14,605			19,050			24,829
Other income, net		1,298			765			3,655			1,242
Income before income taxes		21,912			15,370			22,705			26,071
Provision for income taxes		2,107			1,645			1,201			2,022
Net income	$	19,805		$	13,725		$	21,504		$	24,049
Net income per share
Basic	$	0.35		$	0.25		$	0.38		$	0.43
Diluted	$	0.34		$	0.24		$	0.37		$	0.42
Number of shares used in per share calculations
Basic		56,735			56,014			56,444			56,221
Diluted		57,671			57,433			57,740			57,641

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
	Years Ended December 31,
		2023				2022
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	21,504			$	24,049
Non-cash adjustments		13,889				14,447
Net cash used in operating assets and liabilities		(9,339	)			(25,865	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		26,054				12,631
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net investment in marketable securities		(16,634	)			(3,816	)
Capital expenditures		(2,567	)			(4,232	)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets		87				1,102
Net cash used in investing activities		(19,114	)			(6,946	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		4,794				2,986
Repurchase of common stock		—				(26,654	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		4,794				(23,668	)
Effect of exchange rate differences		33				(20	)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	11,767			$	(18,003	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	$	68,225			$	56,458

ENERGY RECOVERY, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Channel Revenue
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Years Ended December 31,
	2023			2022			vs. 2022		2023			2022			vs. 2022
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Megaproject	$	41,382		$	30,631		up 35%		$	83,665		$	81,888		up 2%
Original equipment manufacturer		9,150			7,466		up 23%			25,995			28,858		down 10%
Aftermarket		6,657			4,194		up 59%			18,689			14,845		up 26%
Total revenue	$	57,189		$	42,291		up 35%		$	128,349		$	125,591		up 2%

Segment Activity
	Three Months Ended December 31, 2023														Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
	Water			Emerging Technologies				Corporate				Total			Water			Emerging Technologies				Corporate				Total
	(In thousands)
Revenue	$	57,103		$	86			$	—			$	57,189		$	42,237		$	54			$	—			$	42,291
Cost of revenue		17,154			536				—				17,690			12,341			59				—				12,400
Gross profit (loss)		39,949			(450	)			—				39,499			29,896			(5	)			—				29,891
Operating expenses
General and administrative		1,914			951				4,295				7,160			2,027			964				4,195				7,186
Sales and marketing		4,124			1,882				761				6,767			2,868			927				566				4,361
Research and development		1,130			3,828				—				4,958			992			2,747				—				3,739
Total operating expenses		7,168			6,661				5,056				18,885			5,887			4,638				4,761				15,286
Operating income (loss)	$	32,781		$	(7,111	)		$	(5,056	)		$	20,614		$	24,009		$	(4,643	)		$	(4,761	)		$	14,605

	Year Ended December 31, 2023														Year Ended December 31, 2022
	Water			Emerging Technologies				Corporate				Total			Water			Emerging Technologies				Corporate				Total
	(In thousands)
Revenue	$	127,725		$	624			$	—			$	128,349		$	125,428		$	163			$	—			$	125,591
Cost of revenue		40,290			980				—				41,270			38,158			77				—				38,235
Gross profit (loss)		87,435			(356	)			—				87,079			87,270			86				—				87,356
Operating expenses
General and administrative		7,751			3,927				17,186				28,864			6,936			4,104				17,301				28,341
Sales and marketing		13,691			6,053				2,420				22,164			11,065			3,047				2,165				16,277
Research and development		4,251			12,750				—				17,001			4,151			13,758				—				17,909
Total operating expenses		25,693			22,730				19,606				68,029			22,152			20,909				19,466				62,527
Operating income (loss)	$	61,742		$	(23,086	)		$	(19,606	)		$	19,050		$	65,118		$	(20,823	)		$	(19,466	)		$	24,829

Share-based Compensation
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Years Ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2023			2022
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense charged to:
Cost of revenue	$	164		$	136		$	719		$	506
General and administrative		1,033			701			3,661			3,436
Sales and marketing		649			360			2,333			1,592
Research and development		381			210			1,325			977
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	2,227		$	1,407		$	8,038		$	6,511

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
	Q4'2023				Q4'2022					2023				2022
	(In millions, except shares, per share and percentages)
Operating margin		36.0	%			34.5	%			14.8	%			19.8	%
Share-based compensation		3.9				3.3				6.3				5.2
Severance		—				—				—				0.2
Accelerated depreciation		—				—				—				0.7
Litigation charges		—				—				—				0.3
Adjusted operating margin		39.9	%			37.9	%			21.1	%			26.2	%
Net income	$	19.8			$	13.7			$	21.5			$	24.0
Share-based compensation (2)		2.2				1.4				8.0				6.5
Severance (2)		—				—				—				0.3
Accelerated depreciation (2)		—				—				—				0.7
Litigation charges (2)		—				—				—				0.4
Share-based compensation discrete tax item		—				(0.4	)			(0.7	)			(1.4	)
Adjusted net income	$	22.0			$	14.7			$	28.9			$	30.5
Net income per share	$	0.34			$	0.24			$	0.37			$	0.42
Adjustments to net income per share (3)		0.05				0.02				0.14				0.12
Adjusted net income per share	$	0.39			$	0.26			$	0.51			$	0.54
Effective tax rate										5.3	%			7.8	%
Adjustments to effective tax rate (3)										0.8				2.9
Adjusted effective tax rate										6.1	%			10.6	%
Net income	$	19.8			$	13.7			$	21.5			$	24.0
Share-based compensation		2.2				1.4				8.0				6.5
Severance		—				—				—				0.3
Depreciation and amortization		1.0				1.0				4.1				4.8
Litigation charges		—				—				—				0.4
Other income, net		(1.3	)			(0.8	)			(3.7	)			(1.2	)
Provision for income taxes		2.1				1.6				1.2				2.0
Adjusted EBITDA	$	23.9			$	17.0			$	31.2			$	36.8
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	13.8			$	6.4			$	26.1			$	12.6
Capital expenditures		(1.4	)			(1.2	)			(2.6	)			(4.2	)
Free cash flow	$	12.4			$	5.1			$	23.5			$	8.4

___________
(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.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240221115867/en/

Investor Relations

ir@energyrecovery.com

+1 (346) 382-6927

Source: Energy Recovery, Inc.

FAQ

What was Energy Recovery's record annual revenue for 2023?

Energy Recovery reported a record annual revenue of $128.3 million for 2023.

What was the percentage growth in wastewater revenue for Energy Recovery in 2023?

Energy Recovery experienced a 79% growth in wastewater revenue for 2023.

How much was Energy Recovery's record quarterly revenue for 2023?

Energy Recovery achieved a record quarterly revenue of $57.2 million for 2023.

What was the year-on-year increase in Energy Recovery's quarterly revenue for 2023?

Energy Recovery saw a 35% year-on-year increase in quarterly revenue for 2023.

What was Energy Recovery's gross margin for 2023?

Energy Recovery's gross margin for 2023 was 67.8%.

How much were Energy Recovery's operating expenses for 2023?

Energy Recovery's operating expenses for 2023 amounted to $68.0 million.

What was Energy Recovery's net income for 2023?

Energy Recovery reported a net income of $21.5 million for 2023.

What was Energy Recovery's adjusted EBITDA for 2023?

Energy Recovery's adjusted EBITDA for 2023 was $31.2 million.

How much cash and investments did Energy Recovery have in 2023?

Energy Recovery had cash and investments totaling $122.4 million in 2023.

What sectors did CEO David Moon highlight for growth in 2024?

CEO David Moon highlighted growth in desalination and wastewater sectors for Energy Recovery in 2024.