LiqTech International Announces Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

LiqTech International, Inc. (LIQT) reported strong financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2023, with revenue reaching $18.0 million, a 13% increase from the previous year. Gross margin improved significantly to 15.4%, operating expenses decreased to $10.6 million, and net loss decreased to $(8.6) million. The company also highlighted key operational achievements, including new orders in the oil & gas sector and growth in pool system sales. CEO Fei Chen emphasized strategic initiatives that drove revenue growth and profitability, with a focus on expanding into target growth markets.

Positive

• Revenue for 2023 increased by 13% to $18.0 million compared to $16.0 million in 2022.
• Gross margin improved to 15.4% from 3.5% in 2022, a significant increase of 1190 basis points.
• Operating expenses decreased to $10.6 million from $13.1 million in 2022, showing improved operational efficiency.
• Net loss decreased to $(8.6) million from $(14.2) million in 2022, reflecting a $5.6 million improvement.
• Ending cash balance was $10.4 million at December 31, 2023, indicating financial stability.
• Key operational highlights include new orders in the oil & gas sector, growth in pool system sales, and expansion into target growth markets.
• CEO Fei Chen highlighted strategic initiatives that drove revenue growth and profitability, focusing on long-term value creation.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

An in-depth look at LiqTech International's financial performance reveals a company in the midst of a turnaround. The reported 13% revenue growth is a positive signal, especially in the context of a global economy facing various challenges. This growth is a testament to the company's strategic shift towards high-margin products and operational efficiency. However, the reported net loss of $8.6 million, despite being an improvement from the previous year, indicates that the company is still in a recovery phase.

Investors should note the significant improvement in gross margin, which jumped from 3.5% to 15.4%. This suggests that the company's efforts to optimize its product mix and implement pricing discipline are bearing fruit. Yet, the decrease in cash from $16.6 million to $10.4 million raises concerns about liquidity and the company's ability to sustain its operations without additional financing, especially when considering the ongoing net losses.

The operational highlights, such as the first U.S.-based oil & gas produced water order, could be a strategic milestone. If successful, these projects could serve as a proof of concept and lead to further market penetration. However, the stock market's reaction to such developments will likely hinge on their execution and subsequent financial contribution to the company.

Environmental Technology Analyst

The environmental technology sector is increasingly competitive and LiqTech's focus on ultrafiltration technology for industrial applications places it in a niche market with substantial growth potential. The company's orders for water treatment systems in the oil & gas sector, both in the U.S. and the Middle East, are particularly noteworthy. These systems not only help in meeting regulatory requirements but also support environmental sustainability through water reuse.

The 11% increase in new orders for diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in early 2024, despite a year-on-year decline, indicates a potential rebound in this product line. However, the environmental regulatory landscape is dynamic and companies like LiqTech must stay ahead of the curve to maintain relevance and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The company's strategic focus on marine scrubbers and phosphoric acid units also aligns with global trends towards reducing maritime pollution and enhancing food security through fertilizer production.

For stakeholders, the key takeaway is the company's strategic positioning in markets with long-term growth prospects. The ability to leverage its specialized filtration technologies to meet stringent environmental standards could be a significant driver of future revenue.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, LiqTech's strategic initiatives and product focus are indicative of a company adapting to market demands. The expansion into established and strategic target markets is a clear move to diversify its revenue streams. The emphasis on recurring revenues is important for stability, particularly for a company that has historically reported net losses.

The market's response to LiqTech's financial results and strategic direction will hinge on its ability to achieve the projected Q1 2024 revenue of $4.1 million to $4.3 million. This projection, modest as it may seem, will be a critical indicator of the company's near-term financial trajectory and its ability to maintain the momentum gained from operational efficiencies and strategic market penetration.

Long-term, the company's success will likely depend on its ability to scale its high-margin product lines and continue reducing operating expenses. Investors will be watching closely for signs of sustainable profitability and cash flow improvement, which are essential for the company's ongoing viability and potential growth.

BALLERUP, Denmark, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LiqTech International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIQT) ("LiqTech"), a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 for the period ended December 31, 2023.

2023 Financial Highlights

• Full year revenue of $18.0 million, an increase of 13% from $16.0 million in 2022.
• Gross margin of 15.4%, an improvement of approximately 1190 basis points compared to 3.5% in 2022.
• Operating expenses of $10.6 million compared to $13.1 million in 2022, an improvement of $2.5 million.
• Net loss of $(8.6) million, an improvement of $5.6 million compared to $(14.2) million in 2022.
• Ending cash balance of $10.4 million at December 31, 2023.

Recent Operational Highlights

• Received order for the first U.S.-based oil & gas produced water order as part of new distribution agreement with Razorback Direct.
• Received order from NESR for produced water treatment pilot unit for major oil & gas operator in the Middle East.
• After having achieved 20 system orders for swimming pool applications, we continue to expand our footprint with new pool system orders in the first quarter of 2024.
• New orders for DPFs have increased 11% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Management Commentary

"We successfully executed a number of strategic initiatives during 2023 to drive revenue growth, improve our manufacturing and operational efficiencies, and strengthen our balance sheet, resulting in 13% growth in revenue and $5.6 million improvement on the bottom line," commented Fei Chen, CEO of LiqTech. "Our enhanced commercial focus on initially stabilizing and growing our established markets--including the provision of commercial pool systems, general aftermarket sales, and the sale of ceramic membranes and diesel particulate filters—were the key drivers for the improvement in revenue in 2023."

"Beyond our focus on established markets, we are making progress within our target growth markets as well. During 2023, we received key system orders for marine scrubbers, monoethylene glycol (MEG) systems, and phosphoric acid units. We have built upon this progress in early 2024 with the receipt of two strategically important orders for our oil and gas produced water solutions. The first was with our partners at Razorback Direct, where we will install our first ever U.S.-based O&G system, and the second with our partners at NESR for our second Middle East-based O&G system. These orders highlight the unique capabilities of LiqTech's ultrafiltration technology in treating produced water to facilitate beneficial industrial reuse and meet current and future regulatory requirements. We believe these two new orders provide us with an increased reference base that will open the door within this extremely large and strategically important market for LiqTech going forward."

"We remain committed to executing against our strategic roadmap focused on long-term value creation. Over the past two years, we have launched a clearly defined commercial strategy that has already yielded positive results. Going forward, our business will be underpinned by strong recurring revenues within our established businesses and an increased foothold in our strategic target markets. This growth, coupled with improved operational execution across the organization, will be key to drive a step change in gross margins and to generate positive cash flows. I look forward to continuing to execute against our strategic initiatives in 2024 to drive value creation for our shareholders," Chen concluded.

2023 Financial Results

Revenue for 2023 was $18.0 million compared to $16.0 million in 2022, representing an increase of 13%. The increase was primarily due to $2.4 million, or 46%, growth in system sales led by pool and marine system deliveries as well as oil & gas and industrial system applications as the company focused on both its established business markets as well as target growth markets. The sales of DPFs and ceramic membranes experienced a year-on-year decline of 9% as the prior-year period benefitted from delivery of a large legacy DPF order. Going forward, the Company has applied a deliberate focus to optimize the product mix in favor of higher-margin products, explaining the significant improvement in gross profit for the year.  

Gross profit for 2023 was $2.76 million, reflecting a gross profit margin of 15.4%, compared to $0.6 million, or a gross profit margin of 3.5%, in 2022. The increase derives from a reduction in cost of goods sold due to an improved product mix and increased pricing discipline within the legacy ceramic DPF business, coupled with continued delivery of profitable system and aftermarket orders within the pool, oil & gas, and phosphoric acid businesses. These efforts resulted in improved profitability, despite remediation costs related to legacy system deliveries and increased depreciation from recent investments in manufacturing equipment and facilities to improve kiln utilization and manufacturing throughput. Included in the gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 is depreciation of $2.2 million compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2022.

Total operating expense for 2023 was $10.6 million compared to $13.1 million in 2022, representing a decrease of $2.5 million. Adjusting for the reported restructuring costs of $1.9 million incurred in 2022, total operating expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 6%. In addition to the absence of restructuring costs in 2023, the further improvement was primarily due to overall cost reductions across the organization, reduction in bad debt and legal expenses, and the absence of costs associated with the now-closed production facility in China. These reductions were offset by an increase in expenses associated with the onboarding of the new sales team and senior leadership team in 2023.

Other Income (Expense) in 2023 was $(1.0) million compared to $(1.9) million in 2022. Total Other income (expense) in 2023 reflects a loss on assets held for sale along with a reduced gain on currency transactions, with the increased levels in the prior period explained by non-recurring transactions related to the now-closed production facility in China, the receipt of COVID-19 grants, and the early repayment of the Convertible Note.

Net Loss in 2023 was $(8.6) million compared to $(14.2) million in 2022. The change was primarily attributable to the improved gross profit combined with the notable non-recurring items recorded in 2022, including restructuring costs, early repayment of the Convertible Note, closure of the production facility in China, and the CEO transition.

Cash on hand (including restricted cash) on December 31, 2023, was $10.4 million compared to $16.6 million on December 31, 2022.

Q1 2024 Outlook

The Company expects revenue in the first quarter of 2024 to be between $4.1 million and $4.3 million.

Conference Call Details

Date and Time: Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. ET

Call-in Information: Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (833) 535-2206 or (412) 902-6741.

Webcast: Interested parties can access the conference call via a live webcast, which is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://www.liqtech.com/investor-relations/ or at https://app.webinar.net/g9QvD8pD8Ew.                                  

Replay: A teleconference replay of the call will be available until March 28, 2024 at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, replay access code 8608051.

About LiqTech International Inc.

LiqTech International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is a clean technology company that provides state-of-the-art ceramic silicon carbide filtration technologies for gas and liquid purification. LiqTech's silicon carbide membranes are designed to be used in the most challenging water purification applications, and its silicon carbide filters are used to control diesel exhaust soot emissions. Applying nanotechnology, LiqTech develops products using its proprietary silicon carbide technology, resulting in a wide range of component membranes, membrane systems, and filters for both microfiltration and ultrafiltration applications. By incorporating LiqTech's SiC liquid membrane technology with the Company´s extensive systems design experience and capabilities, LiqTech offers unique, turnkey solutions for the most difficult water purification applications.

For more information, please visit www.liqtech.com 

Follow LiqTech on Linkedln: http://www.linkedin.com/company/liqtech-international 

Follow LiqTech on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiqTech

Forward–Looking Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements."  Although the forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.  Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in the reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation, and cash flows.  If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.  Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release.

We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release.

Company Contact: Mads Cordt Gyldenkærne, Head of IR & Marketing, LiqTech International, Phone: +45 52271027, mcg@liqtech.com   

Investor Contact: Robert Blum, Lytham Partners, LLC, Phone: (602) 889-9700, liqt@lythampartners.com, www.lythampartners.com

 

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		As of				As of
		December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2022
Current Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	10,422,181			$	16,597,371
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $134,912 and $59,559 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			3,171,047				2,310,344
Inventories, net of allowance for excess and obsolete inventory of $867,458 and $663,227 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			5,267,816				4,062,001
Contract assets			2,891,744				2,253,295
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			337,391				1,720,902
Assets held for sale			-				723,872
Total Current Assets			22,090,179				27,667,785
Long-Term Assets:
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $11,828,200 and $9,046,499 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			9,007,166				8,296,807
Operating lease right-of-use assets			4,055,837				3,271,997
Deposits and other assets			470,349				450,038
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $558,555 and $438,250 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			114,593				212,933
Goodwill			233,723				226,095
Total Long-term Assets			13,881,668				12,457,870
Total Assets		$	35,971,847			$	40,125,655

 

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		As of				As of
		December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2022
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	2,444,653			$	1,389,355
Accrued expenses			3,550,542				3,087,206
Current portion of finance lease obligations			590,550				399,198
Current portion of operating lease liabilities			531,355				561,182
Contract liabilities			382,647				649,557
Total Current Liabilities			7,499,747				6,086,498
Deferred tax liability			101,059				154,645
Finance lease obligation, net of current portion			2,879,932				2,384,011
Operating lease liability, net of current portion			3,527,082				2,710,815
Senior promissory notes payable			4,688,011				5,480,314
Total Long-term liabilities			11,196,084				10,729,785
Total Liabilities			18,695,831				16,816,283
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock; par value $0.001, 2,500,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021			-				-
Common stock; par value $0.001, 50,000,000 shares authorized 5,727,310 and 5,498,260 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			5,727				5,498
Additional paid-in capital			98,796,357				96,975,476
Accumulated deficit			(75,922,180)				(67,351,035)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(5,603,888)				(6,320,567)
Total Stockholders' Equity			17,276,016				23,309,372
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	35,971,847			$	40,125,655

 

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		For the Years Ended
		December 31,
		2023				2022
Revenue		$	18,001,652			$	15,982,438
Cost of Goods Sold			15,226,176				15,415,294
Gross Profit			2,775,476				567,144
Operating Expenses:
Selling expenses			4,298,905				3,669,887
General and administrative expenses			4,856,779				5,701,955
Research and development expenses			1,418,842				1,835,890
Restructuring costs			-				1,893,166
Total Operating Expenses			10,574,526				13,100,898
Loss from Operations			(7,799,050)				(12,533,754)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest and other income			366,365				384,058
Interest expense			(151,670)				(419,942)
Amortization of discount on convertible note			(400,903)				(2,389,128)
Gain (loss) on currency transactions			(359,960)				404,162
Gain on lease termination			-				147,452
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets held for sale			(439,388)				-
Gain on sale of property and equipment			7,254				635
Total Other Expense			(978,302)				(1,872,763)
Loss Before Income Taxes			(8,777,352)				(14,406,517)
Income Tax Benefit			(206,207)				(237,410)
Net Loss			(8,571,145)				(14,169,107)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share		$	(1.51)			$	(3.20)
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding			5,688,281				4,424,433

 

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SOURCE LiqTech International, Inc.

FAQ

What was LiqTech International's revenue for 2023?

LiqTech International reported revenue of $18.0 million for 2023, a 13% increase from the previous year.

What was the gross margin for LiqTech International in 2023?

LiqTech International's gross margin in 2023 improved to 15.4% from 3.5% in 2022, showing a significant increase of 1190 basis points.

How did LiqTech International's operating expenses change in 2023 compared to 2022?

LiqTech International's operating expenses decreased to $10.6 million in 2023 from $13.1 million in 2022, indicating improved operational efficiency.

What was LiqTech International's net loss in 2023?

LiqTech International's net loss in 2023 decreased to $(8.6) million from $(14.2) million in 2022, reflecting a $5.6 million improvement.

What was LiqTech International's ending cash balance on December 31, 2023?

LiqTech International had an ending cash balance of $10.4 million on December 31, 2023, indicating financial stability.

What were some of the key operational highlights for LiqTech International in 2023?

Key operational highlights for LiqTech International in 2023 include new orders in the oil & gas sector, growth in pool system sales, and expansion into target growth markets.

What strategic initiatives did CEO Fei Chen emphasize for LiqTech International in 2023?

CEO Fei Chen emphasized strategic initiatives that drove revenue growth and profitability for LiqTech International, focusing on long-term value creation.