OPAL Fuels (OPAL) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, revenue was $80 million and adjusted EBITDA was$ 22.6 million, compared to $87 million and$ 32 million in Q4 2023, respectively, indicating a decline in both revenue and EBITDA [34] - The net loss for Q4 2024 was $5.4 million, compared to a net income of$ 20.1 million in 2023, primarily due to the timing and pricing of environmental credit sales [34] - For the full year 2024, revenue was $299.9 million, adjusted EBITDA was$ 90 million, and net income was $14.3 million, compared to$ 256.1 million, $151.9 million, and$ 127 million in 2023, respectively [34] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fuel station service segment's EBITDA for 2024 was $40.2 million, a 76% increase compared to 2023 [12] - RNG fuel production for 2024 was 3.8 million MMBtus, up 41% from 2023, but slightly below the guidance of 4.0 million MMBtus [12][21] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA growth of 30% to 50% in the fuel station services segment for 2025 compared to 2024 [22][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has increased its RNG projects from two to eleven since going public in 2022, with annual design capacity more than tripling [14][25] - The company expects RNG production in 2025 to range between 5 million to 5.4 million MMBtus, representing a 30% to 40% increase compared to 2024 [21][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow organically through new development, with nearly 2 million MMBtus of annual design capacity under construction [14] - The fuel station service segment is seen as a strategic value, providing diversification and predictable cash flows, with a significant growth opportunity in the heavy-duty fleet market [17] - The company is focused on building and operating biogas capture and conversion projects to deliver low-carbon intensity energy products [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth trajectory for 2025, despite near-term volatility, citing strong market fundamentals [30] - The company remains bullish on RNG as an American biofuel, emphasizing its alignment with agricultural biofuels and potential public policies [23][24] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined capital allocation and the ability to generate free cash flow, indicating flexibility in growth and capital preservation strategies [113] Other Important Information - The company has made leadership changes, including the appointment of Kazi Hassan as Chief Financial Officer [18] - The company expects approximately$ 50 million of cash proceeds from ITC sales in 2025, significantly higher than the $9 million in 2024 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Production guidance and expected contributions from projects in construction - Management expects increasing utilizations from facilities and anticipates sequential upticks throughout the year as ramp-up issues are resolved [45][46] Question: Competitive landscape and growth opportunities - Management noted that they are well-positioned to evaluate and pursue new opportunities in the market, particularly in light of recent industry changes [51][56] Question: Inclusion of PTC and 45Z credits in guidance - The company included an immaterial amount of 45Z credits in the low end of the guidance and a small expected value at the top end [62][63] Question: Tightness in the dispensing market and growth drivers - Management indicated that the market has been tightening due to increased RNG supply and slower adoption of new engine models, but they expect growth in dispensing volumes [68][70] Question: Equipment cost inflation and impact of tariffs - Management stated that they commit to equipment costs early in the construction process to mitigate inflation impacts, and overall inflation has been tamed compared to previous years [75][76] Question: Timeline for resolution of the partial waiver - Management is hopeful for a resolution in the April-May timeframe regarding the partial waiver and is actively advocating for it [80] Question: Project development and federal incentives - Management reported no slowdown in early-stage project discussions, emphasizing the urgency from feedstock hosts to move projects forward [108][110] Question: Balance between growth and capital preservation - Management discussed the flexibility to toggle between growth and generating free cash flow, highlighting the low maintenance CapEx of their facilities [113][114] Question: Mix between upstream and downstream segments - Management clarified that while the fuel station services segment is growing, it has not yet reached 50% of the overall EBITDA [120][123]