OPAL Fuels Inc. (NASDAQ:OPAL) is a vertically integrated leader in the capture and conversion of biogas into low carbon intensity renewable natural gas (RNG) and Renewable Power. The company has participated in the biogas-to-energy industry for over 25 years, leveraging its expertise to develop, construct, and operate RNG production facilities and Renewable Power projects across the United States.
Business Overview
OPAL Fuels specializes in the capture and conversion of biogas, which is generated by the decomposition of organic waste, into high-Btu RNG that can be injected into existing natural gas pipelines, as well as Renewable Power that is sold to utilities. The company's principal sources of biogas are landfill gas and dairy manure. In addition to its RNG and Renewable Power operations, OPAL Fuels also designs, develops, constructs, operates, and services fueling stations for trucking fleets across the country that use natural gas to displace diesel as their transportation fuel.As of March 31, 2023, OPAL Fuels owned and operated 23 projects, with 8 RNG projects and 15 Renewable Power projects. The company's RNG projects in operation had a design capacity of 5.2 million MMBtus per year, while its Renewable Power projects in operation had a nameplate capacity of 105.8 MW per hour. In addition to these operating projects, OPAL Fuels has a portfolio of RNG projects in construction as well as a portfolio of projects in development, with six of its current Renewable Power projects being considered candidates for conversion to RNG projects in the foreseeable future.
Financial Performance
For the full year 2023, OPAL Fuels reported annual revenue of $253,506,000 and annual net income of $29,947,000. The company's annual operating cash flow was $43,108,000, while its annual free cash flow was -$70,718,000.In the first quarter of 2024, the company reported revenue of $64,952,000, a significant increase from the $42,957,000 reported in the same period of 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a 163% increase in RNG Fuel revenue, which reached $17,727,000, and a 78% increase in Fuel Station Services revenue, which reached $37,142,000. The company's Renewable Power revenue, however, decreased by 34% to $10,083,000 during the same period.
Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $677,000, a significant improvement from the $7,346,000 net loss reported in the first quarter of 2023. The company's operating cash flow for the quarter was $13,718,000, while its free cash flow was -$21,626,000.
Guidance and Outlook
OPAL Fuels remains on track to meet its full-year 2024 guidance, with the company's management expressing confidence in the progression of production and earnings growth throughout the year. The company's ninth RNG facility, Prince William, recently commenced operations and is expected to contribute meaningfully as it ramps up production. Additionally, the company's Sapphire and Polk projects are on schedule to begin operations in the third and fourth quarters of 2024, respectively, further bolstering the company's RNG production capacity.Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2023, OPAL Fuels had $32.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, and $6.0 million in short-term investments. The company also had $263.4 million in availability under its delayed draw term loan and $36.4 million in availability under its revolver facility. Management believes the company's available cash, expected cash flows from operations, and access to debt financing will be sufficient to meet its existing commitments for at least the next twelve months.As of March 31, 2023, OPAL Fuels had total indebtedness of $208.7 million, primarily consisting of $186.6 million under its OPAL Term Loan and $22.1 million under its Sunoma Loan. The company continues to pursue opportunities for earlier repayment and/or refinancing of its debt as these opportunities arise.
Risks and Challenges
OPAL Fuels operates in an industry that is subject to and currently benefits from environmental regulations. Any adverse changes to these regulations or government policies could have a material effect on the demand for the company's products. Additionally, the company faces risks related to the availability and quality of its biogas feedstock, as well as the potential for increased competition and rising costs of labor, equipment, and commodities needed for its projects.The company is also exposed to the commodity prices of natural gas and diesel, which serve as alternative fuels for RNG and could impact the demand for the company's products. Furthermore, OPAL Fuels is subject to the risk of delays or cost overruns in the construction of its RNG and Renewable Power projects, which could adversely affect its financial performance.