Q2 2016 Overview

  • Revenues of $15.2 million compared to $18.7 million in Q2 2015
  • Gross profit of $5.6 million, or 36.8% of revenue, compared to $7.1 million, or 38.2% of revenue, in Q2 2015
  • Net loss was $2.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in Q2 2015
  • At June 30, 2016 total cash and equivalents of $19.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share
  • No long-term debt

Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTEK), a world leader in advanced engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems and emissions control in utility and industrial applications, today reported financial results for the second quarter ("Q2") ended June 30, 2016.

Q2 2016 Results Overview

Consolidated revenues for Q2 2016 were $15.2 million as compared to $18.7 million in Q2 2015, reflecting slower business activity within our Air Pollution Control ("APC") technology segment, as well as lower revenues at FUEL CHEM®.

Operating loss for Q2 2016 was $2.3 million as compared to an operating loss of $2.2 million in Q2 2015. Net loss for Q2 2016 was $2.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

APC segment revenues in Q2 2016 declined by 9.5% to $10.0 million from $11.1 million in Q2 2015.

APC gross profit decreased to $2.9 million from $3.3 million in Q2 2016. Gross margin for Q2 2016 declined to 28.7% of segment revenues from 29.9% in Q2 2015, primarily due to declines in margins on certain projects in China and Italy.

FUEL CHEM segment revenues declined to $5.1 million during Q2 2016 from $7.6 million during Q2 2015. This segment will likely continue to be affected by a reduction in electricity demand from coal-fired combustion units and low natural gas prices, which leads to fuel switching, unscheduled outages, and combustion units operating at less than capacity. Further, the mild weather conditions in the U.S. during Q2 2016 resulted in soft demand. Despite lower revenues, gross margin during Q2 2016 rose to 52.5% from 50.3% in Q2 2015.

The Fuel Conversion segment generated an operating loss of $0.8 million in Q2 2016, reflecting the Company's continuing investment in developing this potential new business.

Capital projects backlog in the APC segment stood at $11.6 million at June 30, 2016 compared to $22.2 million at December 31, 2015, reflecting a slower pace of U.S. bookings in Q2 2016. During Q2 2016, Fuel Tech announced new project awards covering multiple geographies and solutions with an aggregate value of $4.8 million, as well as an exclusive agreement under which Fuel Tech has licensed its Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) technology to ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd. (ISGEC). Subsequent to the end of Q2 2016, the Company announced new project awards totaling $2.3 million, which included the first order generated under the contract with ISGEC. The Company believes that APC revenues in 2016 will approximate the same level as 2015.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for Q2 2016 declined 20% to $6.8 million, or 44.5% of revenues, from $8.4 million, or 45.0% of revenues, in Q2 2015, reflecting the favorable impact of previously announced cost cutting initiatives on employee-related costs, professional and consulting fees, and travel expenses. These reductions were offset by higher administrative costs associated with our foreign operations.

Fuel Tech's research and development expenses for Q2 2016 increased to $1.1 million from $1.0 million in Q2 2015, with increased spending primarily related to ongoing projects associated with the Fuel Conversion development initiative.

Year-to-Date Results Overview

Consolidated year-to-date revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $33.0 million as compared to $33.8 million in 2015, due primarily to the reasons cited above.

Operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $4.9 million as compared to an operating loss of $4.7 million in 2015. Net loss was $5.3 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $3.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in the same period last year.

Year-to-date APC segment revenues increased to $23.0 million from $17.9 million in the comparable prior year period due to the timing of project bookings.

APC gross profit increased to $6.6 million, or 28.5% of segment revenues, in the six months ended June 30, 2016 from $5.9 million, or 32.6% of segment revenues in the same period last year.

FUEL CHEM generated revenues of $10.0 million during the six-month period ending June 30, 2016, down from revenues of $15.8 million in the same prior year period, primarily for the reasons cited above. The gross margins during 2016 and 2015 were 50.9% and 50.2%, respectively.

SG&A expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were $14.2 million and $16.6 million, respectively. On a total dollar basis, SG&A for the year-to-date period decreased by $2.4 million, or 14.2%, for the same reasons as Q2 2016.

Fuel Tech's research and development expenses for the year-to-date period increased to $2.3 million from the comparable prior year amount of $1.9 million. The increased spending levels are primarily related to ongoing projects associated with our Fuel Conversion business development initiative.

Vincent J. Arnone, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fuel Tech, commented, “We recognize that we must continue to evolve and refine Fuel Tech’s operating strategy in response to still-challenging end markets served by our APC and FUEL CHEM business segments. We are focusing on developing new technologies and relationships that allow us to grow in existing and adjacent markets, expand our solutions portfolio, diversify our revenue streams, and elevate our profile among potential customers.

“In that regard, we were very pleased to announce our exclusive licensing agreement with ISGEC, one of India’s leading engineering companies, as well the first order generated as a result of this partnership. Agreements like this are an ideal way to expand Fuel Tech’s global reach in a cost-effective manner. We are also pursuing potential in-licensing opportunities, where we can leverage Fuel Tech’s existing global sales channels to bring relevant and exciting products to market. We are pleased with the progress being made at our new Fuel Conversion business segment. As we advance through 2016, our attention is on commercial development and expansion. Product engineering and enhancement continue as part of a collaborative effort with potential end users. We are also evaluating various build-out strategies and potential manufacturing scenarios, including pursuing ways to accelerate market introduction while minimizing associated capital requirements. This process remains quite fluid, however we are encouraged by our progress to date.”

Mr. Arnone concluded, “We also continue to align our cost structure with the current market environment, and are on plan to realize annual corporate cost savings of approximately $5.0 million. Our financial position is strong. At June 30, 2016, we reported total cash and cash equivalents of $19.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, and no long-term debt.”

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 9:00 AM ET to discuss the results.

Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing:

· (877) 423-9820 (Domestic) or

· (201) 493-6749 (International)

The conference call will also be accessible via the Upcoming Events section of the Company’s web site at www.ftek.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, an online replay will be available at www.ftek.com, or a phone replay will be available through August 17, 2016 by dialing (877) 660-6853 (domestic) or (201) 612-7415 (international) and entering the passcode 13642095.

About Fuel Tech

Fuel Tech is a leading technology company engaged in the worldwide development, commercialization and application of state-of-the-art proprietary technologies for air pollution control, process optimization, and advanced engineering services. These technologies enable customers to produce both energy and processed materials in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner.

The Company’s nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction technologies include advanced combustion modification techniques and post-combustion NOx control approaches, including NOxOUT®, HERT™, and Advanced SNCR systems, ASCR™ Advanced Selective Catalytic Reduction systems, and I-NOx Integrated NOx Reduction Systems, which utilize various combinations of these systems, along with the ULTRA™ process for safe ammonia generation. These technologies have established Fuel Tech as a leader in NOx reduction, with installations on over 900 units worldwide.

Fuel Tech’s technologies for particulate control include Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) products and services including complete turnkey capability for ESP retrofits, with experience on units up to 700 MW. Flue gas conditioning (FGC) systems include treatment using sulfur trioxide (SO3) and ammonia (NH3) based conditioning to improve the performance of ESPs by modifying the properties of fly ash particles. Fuel Tech’s particulate control technologies have been installed on more than 125 units worldwide.

The Company’s FUEL CHEM®technology revolves around the unique application of chemicals to improve the efficiency, reliability, fuel flexibility, boiler heat rate, and environmental status of combustion units by controlling slagging, fouling, corrosion, opacity and improving boiler operations. The Company has experience with this technology, in the form of a customizable FUEL CHEM program, on over 110 units.

Fuel Tech also provides a range of services, including boiler tuning and selective catalytic reduction(SCR) optimization services. In addition, flow corrective devices and physical and computational modeling services are available to optimize flue gas distribution and mixing in both power plant and industrial applications. Many of Fuel Tech’s products and services rely heavily on the Company’s exceptional Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling capabilities, which are enhanced by internally developed, high-end visualization software. These capabilities, coupled with the Company’s innovative technologies and multi-disciplined team approach, enable Fuel Tech to provide practical solutions to some of our customers’ most challenging problems. For more information, visit Fuel Tech’s web site at www.ftek.com.

This press release may contain statements of a forward-looking nature regarding future events. These statements are only predictions and actual events may differ materially. Please refer to documents that Fuel Tech files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

 

FUEL TECH, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(Unaudited)(in thousands, except share and per share data)

       

June 30,2016

   

December 31,2015

  Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,426 $ 21,684 Restricted cash 7,020 — Marketable securities 7 19 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,894 and $1,772, respectively 22,429 23,060 Inventories 1,498 1,653 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,390 3,889 Prepaid income taxes 659 1,857 Deferred income taxes —   239   Total current assets 46,429 52,401 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $24,268 and $23,414, respectively 11,247 12,001 Goodwill 2,116 2,116 Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,313 and $7,452, respectively 6,381 7,144 Deferred income taxes 1,205 992 Restricted cash — — Other assets 1,320   1,357   Total assets $ 68,698   $ 76,011   Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 7,267 $ 8,942 Accrued liabilities: Employee compensation 1,556 1,645 Other accrued liabilities 4,487   5,949   Total current liabilities 13,310 16,536 Other liabilities 503   501   Total liabilities 13,813   17,037   Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity:

Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 23,800,924 and23,419,008 shares issued, and 23,446,035, and 23,167,216 shares outstanding, respectively

238 234 Additional paid-in capital 136,429 135,394 Accumulated deficit (79,398 ) (74,132 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,246 ) (1,556 ) Nil coupon perpetual loan notes 76 76 Treasury stock, at cost (1,214 ) (1,042 ) Total shareholders’ equity 54,885   58,974   Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 68,698   $ 76,011      

FUEL TECH, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(Unaudited)(in thousands, except share and per-share data)

       

Three Months EndedJune 30,

   

Six Months EndedJune 30,

2016     2015 2016     2015 Revenues $ 15,175 $ 18,683 $ 32,997 $ 33,786 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 9,595 11,547 21,369 19,984 Selling, general and administrative 6,760 8,400 14,239 16,603 Research and development 1,122   982   2,280   1,854   17,477   20,929   37,888   38,441   Operating (loss) (2,302 ) (2,246 ) (4,891 ) (4,655 ) Interest expense — (3 ) — (30 ) Interest income 6 7 16 14 Other expense (221 ) (65 ) (484 ) (161 ) (Loss) before income taxes (2,517 ) (2,307 ) (5,359 ) (4,832 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (111 ) 936   94   1,807   Net (loss) $ (2,628 ) $ (1,371 ) $ (5,265 ) $ (3,025 ) Net (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.11 ) $ (0.06 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.13 ) Diluted $ (0.11 ) $ (0.06 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.13 ) Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:         Basic 23,381,000   23,140,000   23,283,000   23,034,000   Diluted 23,381,000   23,140,000   23,283,000   23,034,000      

FUEL TECH, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)(Unaudited)(in thousands)

       

Three Months EndedJune 30,

   

Six Months EndedJune 30,

2016     2015 2016     2015 Net (loss) $ (2,628 ) $ (1,371 ) $ (5,265 ) $ (3,025 ) Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments (111 ) 97 318 (64 ) Unrealized (losses) from marketable securities, net of tax (5 ) —   (8 ) —   Total other comprehensive income (loss) (116 ) 97   310   (64 ) Comprehensive (loss) $ (2,744 ) $ (1,274 ) $ (4,955 ) $ (3,089 )    

FUEL TECH, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(Unaudited)(in thousands)

        Six Months EndedJune 30, 2016     2015 Operating Activities Net loss $ (5,265 ) $ (3,025 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation 926 1,049 Amortization 861 1,075 Loss (Gain) on disposal of equipment 26 (26 ) Provision for doubtful accounts 151 — Deferred income taxes (10 ) (167 ) Stock-based compensation 1,041 833 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 173 2,378 Inventories 149 (279 ) Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other non-current assets 2,861 183 Accounts payable (1,630 ) 1,674 Accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities (1,482 ) (5,002 ) Net cash (used in) operating activities (2,199 ) (1,307 ) Investing Activities Purchases of property, equipment and patents (302 ) (383 ) Proceeds from the sale of equipment 1   26   Net cash (used in) investing activities (301 ) (357 ) Financing Activities Proceeds on short-term borrowings — — Change in restricted cash (7,020 ) — Excess tax benefit from exercises of stock options — — Treasury shares withheld (172 ) (252 ) Net cash (used in) financing activities (7,192 ) (1,888 ) Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash 434   (118 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (9,258 ) (3,670 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 21,684   18,637   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12,426   $ 14,967      

FUEL TECH, INC.

BUSINESS SEGMENT FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (in thousands)  

Information concerning Fuel Tech’s reporting segment net sales and gross margin are provided below:

                      Three months ended June 30, 2016

Air PollutionControl Segment

FUEL CHEMSegment

Fuel ConversionSegment

    Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 10,031 $ 5,144 $ — $ — $ 15,175 Cost of sales   (7,152 )   (2,443 )   —         —     (9,595 ) Gross margin 2,879 2,701 — — 5,580 Selling, general and administrative — — — (6,760 ) (6,760 ) Research and development   —     —     (827 )       (295 )   (1,122 ) Operating income (loss) $ 2,879   $ 2,701   $ (827 )     $ (7,055 ) $ (2,302 )  

Three months ended June 30, 2015

Air PollutionControl Segment

FUEL CHEMSegment

Fuel ConversionSegment

   

Other

Total

Revenues from external customers $ 11,087 $ 7,596 $ — $ — $ 18,683 Cost of sales   (7,769 )   (3,778 )   —         —     (11,547 ) Gross margin 3,318 3,818 — — 7,136 Selling, general and administrative — — — (8,400 ) (8,400 ) Research and development   —     —     (629 )       (353 )   (982 ) Operating income (loss) $ 3,318   $ 3,818   $ (629 )     $ (8,753 ) $ (2,246 )  

Six months ended June 30, 2016

Air PollutionControl Segment

FUEL CHEMSegment

Fuel ConversionSegment

   

Other

Total

Revenues from external customers $ 23,021 $ 9,976 $ — $ — $ 32,997 Cost of sales   (16,471 )   (4,898 )   —         —     (21,369 ) Gross margin 6,550 5,078 — — 11,628 Selling, general and administrative — — — (14,239 ) (14,239 ) Research and development   —     —     (1,514 )       (766 )   (2,280 ) Operating income (loss) $ 6,550   $ 5,078   $ (1,514 )     $ (15,005 ) $ (4,891 )  

Six months ended June 30, 2015

Air PollutionControl Segment

FUEL CHEMSegment

Fuel ConversionSegment

   

Other

Total

Revenues from external customers $ 17,944 $ 15,842 $ — $ — $ 33,786 Cost of sales   (12,090 )   (7,894 )   —         —     (19,984 ) Gross margin 5,854 7,948 — — 13,802 Selling, general and administrative — — — (16,603 ) (16,603 ) Research and development   —     —     (1,101 )       (753 )   (1,854 ) Operating income (loss) $ 5,854   $ 7,948   $ (1,101 )     $ (17,356 ) $ (4,655 )  

Note: Fuel Tech is an integrated company that segregates its financial results into three reportable segments. The Air Pollution Control technology segment includes technologies to reduce NOx emissions in flue gas from boilers, incinerators, furnaces and other stationary combustion sources. The FUEL CHEM®technology segment, which uses chemical processes in combination with advanced CFD and CKM boiler modeling, for the control of slagging, fouling, corrosion, opacity and other sulfur trioxide-related issues in furnaces and boilers through the addition of chemicals into the furnace using TIFI®Targeted In-Furnace Injection™ technology. The Fuel Conversion segment represents CARBONITE® fuel conversion process and technology, which can convert coals of various grades into value-added products that are high in energy content, carbon-rich and less pollutive. The “Other” classification includes those profit and loss items not allocated by Fuel Tech to each reportable segment.

 

FUEL TECH, INC.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Unaudited) (in thousands)  

Information concerning Fuel Tech’s operations by geographic area is provided below. Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the customer. Assets are those directly associated with operations of the geographic area.

     

Three Months EndedJune 30,

   

Six Months EndedJune 30,

2016     2015 2016     2015 Revenues: United States $ 12,255 $ 11,901 $ 26,685 $ 24,476 Foreign   2,920   6,782   6,312   9,310 $ 15,175 $ 18,683 $ 32,997 $ 33,786  

June 30,2016

December 31,2015

Assets:

 

United States $ 46,093 $ 47,437 Foreign   22,605   28,574 $ 68,698 $ 76,011    

FUEL TECH, INC.RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET LOSS TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA(Unaudited)(in thousands)

        Three Months EndedJune 30,    

Six Months EndedJune 30,

2016     2015 2016     2015 Net loss $ (2,628 ) $ (1,371 ) $ (5,265 ) $ (3,025 ) Interest expense — 3 — 30 Income tax (expense) benefit 111 (936 ) (94 ) (1,807 ) Depreciation expense 440 529 926 1,049 Amortization expense 427   532   861   1,075   EBITDA (1,650 ) (1,243 ) (3,572 ) (2,678 ) Stock compensation expense 580   561   1,041   833   ADJUSTED EBITDA $ (1,070 ) $ (682 ) $ (2,531 ) $ (1,845 )  

Adjusted EBITDA

To supplement the Company's consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), the Company has provided an Adjusted EBITDA disclosure as a measure of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation expense, amortization expense and stock compensation expense. The Company's reference to these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP standards, but are not a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.

Adjusted EBITDA is provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance and ability to generate cash flow, which we believe is a meaningful measure for our investor and analyst communities. In many cases non-GAAP financial measures are utilized by these individuals to evaluate Company performance and ultimately determine a reasonable valuation for our common stock. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the nearest GAAP measure of net income (loss) has been included in the above financial table.

Fuel Tech, Inc.David S. Collins, 630-845-4500Chief Financial OfficerorThe Equity Group Inc.Devin Sullivan, 212-836-9608Senior Vice President

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