Arq Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Core Insights - Arq, Inc. achieved 8 consecutive quarters of double-digit year-over-year average sales price (ASP) growth, with a strong gross margin of 36.4% and positive adjusted EBITDA for four consecutive quarters, indicating a solid financial performance [1][5][14] - The company signed the second largest PAC contract in its history, showcasing the sustainability and value of its foundational business [1][6] - The timeline for the first commercial GAC production at the Red River facility has been updated to the end of Q2 or early Q3 2025 [1][6] - Jay Voncannon has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer, bringing 35 years of finance experience to oversee the company's transformation and growth [1][6] Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $27.2 million, a 25% increase from $21.7 million in the prior year, driven by higher ASP, positive product mix changes, and increased volumes sold [5][8] - ASP increased by approximately 13% in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit year-over-year growth [5][8] - Gross margin was 36.4% in Q1 2025, slightly down from 36.9% in the prior year, influenced by improved pricing and customer mix, offset by start-up costs related to the GAC line [10][13] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $0.2 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $3.4 million in the prior year [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $4.1 million, compared to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.4 million in the prior year, reflecting four consecutive quarters of positive adjusted EBITDA [14][15] Operational Highlights - All powder activated carbon (PAC) contracts are now net cash producers following the resolution of negative margin agreements as of December 31, 2024 [5] - The company completed mechanical construction of the GAC facility in January 2025, with small non-commercial scale volumes produced, but not yet at the consistency required for commercial production [6][7] - The company maintains a guidance of a 3-6 month ramp-up phase to reach a 25-million-pound nameplate capacity at Red River after the first commercial production [6] Capital Expenditures and Balance Sheet - Capital expenditures for 2025 are forecasted to remain between $8 million and $12 million, with $3.7 million spent in Q1 2025 [16] - As of March 31, 2025, cash and restricted cash totaled $14.8 million, down from $22.2 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to capital expenditures and inventory buildup [16] - Total debt, including financing leases, was $26.8 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase from $24.8 million as of December 31, 2024, driven by the revolving credit facility [17]