Hudson Technologies(HDSN) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Q3 2024 revenue decreased by 19% YoY to $61.9 million, primarily due to lower refrigerant market prices and reduced revenue from the DLA contract [26] - Gross margin for Q3 2024 was 26%, down from 40% in Q3 2023, reflecting lower refrigerant prices [26] - Operating income for Q3 2024 was$ 7 million, compared to $23.1 million in Q3 2023 [27] - Net income for Q3 2024 was$ 7.8 million or $0.17 per diluted share, down from$ 13.6 million or $0.29 per diluted share in Q3 2023 [28] - The company ended the quarter with$ 56.5 million in cash and no debt [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - HFC-410A prices declined by 20% from Q2 2024 to approximately $6 per pound, representing 70% of total aftermarket demand for HFCs [9][10] - The company expects full-year revenue to be at the low end of prior guidance, with a gross margin of approximately 28% [12][30] Market Data and Key Metrics - HFC inventory levels decreased by 2% YoY to 378 million metric tons of CO2e as of December 31, 2023 [20] - HFC reclaim pounds grew by approximately 20% in 2023 compared to 2022 [16] - The company holds a 20%-plus market share for HFC reclaim pounds, with R-410A at approximately 25% [19] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on capitalizing on the HFC phasedown and the expected growth in demand for reclaimed refrigerants [11] - The EPA's final refrigerant management rule mandates the use of reclaimed refrigerants for servicing certain sectors starting in 2029, which is expected to drive industry adoption [13][15] - The company is working with industry partners to improve recovery practices and increase reclaim activity [16] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident that HFC pricing will increase as demand outstrips supply due to the ongoing phasedown [10][11] - The company is concerned about the slow decline in HFC inventory levels and the potential need for a petition to the EPA to accelerate the phasedown [20][33] - The company expects Q4 gross margin to be traditionally lower due to seasonality [12][30] Other Important Information - The company repurchased$ 2.6 million in common stock during Q3 2024 and increased its share repurchase program to $20 million [29] - The company recognized$ 2.3 million in non-recurring other income related to a litigation settlement [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for HFC pricing and inventory levels - Management expressed concern about the slow decline in HFC inventory levels and the potential need for a petition to the EPA to accelerate the phasedown [33] - The company is uncertain about the timing of price increases but believes supply/demand economics will eventually drive prices higher [41] Question: Integration of USA Refrigerants acquisition - The integration is progressing well, with new customers and additional sources of reclaimed refrigerant [36] - The company is applying USA Refrigerants' strategies to its existing customer base, particularly those acquired from Airgas [37] Question: Gross margin recovery timeline - Management expects gross margins to recover to 30% in the longer term, contingent on higher market prices and the use of lower-cost inventory pools [42] Question: DLA contract revenue - DLA contract revenue for Q3 2024 was approximately $9 million, with full-year expectations adjusted to mid-$ 30 million, down from $50 million-plus in 2023 [46]