Quest Resource Holding Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
- Revenue growth, client renewals, and pipeline growth indicate accelerated momentum for Quest Resource Holding Corporation.
- The company completed integrations of all acquisitions and onboarded all clients onto its platform in 2023.
- Investments in technology for efficiency, expansion in vendor network, and improving client experience are key focus areas for Quest.
- Adjusted EBITDA and net income showed improvement despite a slight decrease in gross margin.
- Quest achieved significant milestones in 2023, including securing new clients, adding vendors and service lines, and receiving a U.S. patent for Quest Proganics®.
- The company is focusing on debt reduction and long-term growth, with plans to evaluate long-term debt alternatives.
- None.
Insights
Quest Resource Holding Corporation's announcement of an 11.4% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 2023 and a modest 1.5% revenue increase for the full year suggests a positive trajectory in business performance. The revenue growth, coupled with the successful integration of acquisitions and the onboarding of all clients onto Quest’s platform, indicates a strategic expansion and operational efficiency that may enhance the company's competitive edge. However, it's important to note that despite the revenue growth, the company reported a GAAP net loss per diluted share, which improved from the previous year but still indicates that profitability is a challenge. The adjusted EBITDA increase is a positive signal for operational profitability, but stakeholders should closely monitor the company’s ability to translate top-line growth into bottom-line results.
The Board’s decision to explore long-term debt alternatives could be a strategic move to optimize the capital structure and reduce the cost of capital, potentially leading to an improved financial position over time. This could be favorable for shareholder value, but the terms of any new debt arrangement and its impact on the company's financial flexibility will be critical to assess.
Quest's announcement of new client wins, including a significant contract with a Fortune 200 company and the launch of seven new service lines, reflects a proactive approach to market expansion and diversification. The addition of over 400 new vendors to their network demonstrates Quest’s commitment to scaling operations and enhancing service capabilities. This strategic move not only broadens the company's market reach but also potentially increases its resilience to sector-specific downturns. The U.S. patent for Quest Proganics® indicates innovation and intellectual property development, which can provide a competitive moat and drive long-term growth within the environmental waste and recycling services industry.
However, the reported decline in adjusted net income per diluted share year-over-year warrants attention. Investors should consider the company's investment in technology and business development against the backdrop of this earnings metric to evaluate the effectiveness of these investments in driving sustainable earnings growth.
Quest’s focus on environmental waste and recycling services positions the company within a sector that is increasingly relevant due to growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. The investment in Quest Proganics®, a food waste recycling service, aligns with global sustainability trends and can provide significant value to clients looking to improve their environmental footprint. The ability to offer a patented solution that promises up to 96% diversion of organic waste from landfills could be a key differentiator in winning new business and retaining clients, especially as corporations face stricter waste management regulations.
It is also noteworthy that the company is pursuing technology and efficiency programs aimed at improving client experience and operational margins. These investments could lead to long-term cost savings and enhanced service quality, which are critical factors in maintaining a competitive position in the environmental services industry.
New Business Wins, Client Renewals, Revenue Growth, and Pipeline Growth Reflect Accelerated Momentum Across Business
Completed Integrations of All Previously Announced Acquisitions; All Clients Onboarded onto Quest’s Platform in 2023
Investments in Technology Enabling Efficiencies, Expansion in Vendor Network, Growth in Service Lines, and Improving Client Experience
Board of Directors Retaining Financial Advisor to Evaluate Long-Term Debt Alternatives
THE COLONY, Texas, March 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: QRHC) (“Quest”), a national leader in environmental waste and recycling services, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
“I am proud of the considerable progress Quest has made over the prior year and believe we are in an exceptionally strong position to grow our business in 2024 and beyond,” said S. Ray Hatch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quest. “Over the course of 2023, we achieved notable client renewals, high new business volume, and have substantial additional runway given our robust pipeline and strong competitive position. Moreover, we completed the integration of prior acquisitions, enhanced our IT systems leading to greater operational efficiency system-wide, and continued to meaningfully add proven and experienced talent throughout the organization.”
Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights:
- Revenue was
$69.3 million , an11.4% increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2022. - Gross profit was
$11.5 million , a6.9% increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2022. - Gross margin was
16.6% of revenue compared with17.3% during the fourth quarter of 2022. - GAAP net loss per diluted share attributable to common stockholders was
$(0.11) , compared with$(0.17) per diluted share during the fourth quarter of 2022. - Adjusted EBITDA was
$3.5 million , compared with$2.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2022. Excluding a cost of revenue adjustment of approximately$1.2 million related to RWS, adjusted EBITDA during the fourth quarter of 2023 would have been approximately$4.6 million . - Adjusted net income per diluted share was
$0.03 compared with adjusted net loss of$(0.02) per diluted share during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights:
- Revenue was
$288.4 million , a1.5% increase compared with 2022. - Gross profit was
$50.1 million , a1.3% increase compared with 2022. - Gross margin was
17.4% of revenue compared to17.2% during 2022. - GAAP net loss per diluted share attributable to common stockholders was
$(0.36) , compared with$(0.31) during 2022. - Adjusted EBITDA was
$16.2 million , compared to$16.4 million during 2022. Excluding the cost of revenue adjustment for the fourth quarter, adjusted EBITDA during 2023 would have been approximately$17.4 million . - Adjusted net income per diluted share was
$0.15 , compared with$0.26 per diluted share during 2022.
During 2023, Quest achieved numerous milestones:
- Completed integrations of all previously announced acquisitions, and all clients are now fully onboarded onto Quest’s platform.
- Conducted a detailed evaluation of controls and processes with the support of an outside accounting firm, successfully becoming an SEC “accelerated filer.”
- Added more than 400 new vendors and seven new service lines, all adding to our ability to serve clients broadly.
- Secured a large new client win in a new end market vertical, positioning us to pursue other new clients in this vertical.
- Began next phase of technology and efficiency programs to improve client experience, increase efficiencies, and grow margins. Programs will enhance vendor onboarding and billing, client invoicing and processing, and client service.
- Received a U.S. patent for Quest Proganics®, a food waste recycling service that can help grocers deliver as much as
96% diversion of organic waste from the landfill. - Continued investment in business development leading to a very strong start in 2024 with six new client wins, three of which are expected to produce 7-figures in annual revenue and one of which is expected to produce 8-figures with a Fortune 200 company in a new end market vertical.
“We achieved solid progress in the fourth quarter, driven by positive momentum across our business that has continued into the early part of 2024,” added Mr. Hatch. “We expect significant additional efficiencies to come from investments in our technology platform, which are in addition to savings from the previously announced
Focus on Balance Sheet and Debt Reduction
The Board of Directors, along with management, has formed a committee that will evaluate alternative long-term debt structures to lower our long-term cost of capital and to support long-term growth. The committee is in the process of retaining an independent financial advisor to assist in the process.
Additionally, the Board is adding current director Glenn Culpepper, former Chief Financial Officer of Republic Services, Inc., to the Audit Committee as Chairman.
Daniel Friedberg, Quest’s Chairman of the Board, added, “These actions reflect the Quest Board’s ongoing commitment to positioning the Company for long-term success and driving value for all shareholders. To that end, we are evaluating how we can best manage our debt and continue to identify ways to drive operating efficiencies, increase profitability, generate cashflow, and maximize long-term shareholder value.”
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast
Quest will conduct a conference call Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET, to review the financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. Investors interested in participating on the live call can dial 1-855-327-6837 or 1-631-891-4304. The conference call, which may include forward-looking statements, is also being webcast and is available via the investor relations section of Quest’s website at https://investors.qrhc.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on Quest’s investor relations website for 90 days.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In this press release, non-GAAP financial measures, "Adjusted EBITDA," and “Adjusted Net Income (Loss)” are presented. From time-to-time, Quest considers and uses these supplemental measures of operating performance in order to provide an improved understanding of underlying performance trends. Quest believes it is useful to review, as applicable, both (1) GAAP measures that include (i) depreciation and amortization, (ii) interest expense, (iii) stock-based compensation expense, (iv) income tax expense, and (v) certain other adjustments, and (2) non-GAAP measures that exclude such items. Quest presents these non-GAAP measures because it considers them an important supplemental measure of Quest's performance. Quest’s definition of these adjusted financial measures may differ from similarly named measures used by others. Quest believes these measures facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period by eliminating potential differences caused by the existence and timing of certain expense items that would not otherwise be apparent on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the Company's GAAP measures. (See attached tables “Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA” and “Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Share”).
About Quest Resource Holding Corporation
Quest is a national provider of waste and recycling services that enable larger businesses to excel in achieving their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities. Quest delivers focused expertise across multiple industry sectors to build single-source, client-specific solutions that generate quantifiable business and sustainability results. Addressing a wide variety of waste streams and recyclables, Quest provides information and data that tracks and reports the environmental results of Quest’s services, gives actionable data to improve business operations, and enables Quest’s clients to excel in their business and sustainability responsibilities. For more information, visit www.qrhc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which provides a “safe harbor” for such statements in certain circumstances. The forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our belief that we are in an exceptionally strong position to grow our business in 2024 and beyond; our expectation that significant additional efficiencies and savings will come from investments in our technology platform and the integrations of previously announced acquisitions; and our belief that we are poised for sustained organic growth. Actual events or results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, competition in the environmental services industry, the impact of the current economic environment, interruptions to supply chains, commodity price fluctuations, and extended shut down of businesses, and other factors discussed in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements and to consult our SEC filings for additional risks and uncertainties that may apply to our business and the ownership of our securities. Our forward-looking statements are presented as of the date made, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements unless required by law to do so.
Investor Relations Contact:
Three Part Advisors, LLC
Joe Noyons
817.778.8424
| Financial Tables Follow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quest Resource Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 69,342 | $ | 62,253 | $ | 288,378 | $ | 284,038 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | 57,842 | 51,497 | 238,313 | 235,182 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 11,500 | 10,756 | 50,065 | 48,856 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative | 9,419 | 9,824 | 37,669 | 37,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,352 | 2,342 | 9,571 | 9,650 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 11,771 | 12,166 | 47,240 | 47,450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (271 | ) | (1,410 | ) | 2,825 | 1,406 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (2,322 | ) | (2,224 | ) | (9,729 | ) | (7,281 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss before taxes | (2,593 | ) | (3,634 | ) | (6,904 | ) | (5,875 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (263 | ) | (306 | ) | 387 | 173 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (2,330 | ) | $ | (3,328 | ) | $ | (7,291 | ) | $ | (6,048 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss applicable to common stockholders | $ | (2,330 | ) | $ | (3,328 | ) | $ | (7,291 | ) | $ | (6,048 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss per common share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 20,264 | 19,922 | 20,123 | 19,474 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 20,264 | 19,922 | 20,123 | 19,474 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (2,330 | ) | $ | (3,328 | ) | $ | (7,291 | ) | $ | (6,048 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,462 | 2,425 | 9,948 | 9,966 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 2,322 | 2,224 | 9,729 | 7,281 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 362 | 285 | 1,312 | 1,283 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and related costs | 598 | 773 | 1,624 | 3,074 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other adjustments | 329 | 225 | 501 | 710 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (263 | ) | (306 | ) | 387 | 173 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 3,480 | $ | 2,298 | $ | 16,210 | $ | 16,439 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported net loss (1) | $ | (2,330 | ) | $ | (3,328 | ) | $ | (7,291 | ) | $ | (6,048 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles (2) | 2,196 | 2,222 | 8,864 | 8,839 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and related costs (3) | 598 | 773 | 1,624 | 3,074 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other adjustments (4) | 280 | (114 | ) | 205 | (114 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | 744 | $ | (447 | ) | $ | 3,402 | $ | 5,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported net income (loss) | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Diluted (5) | 22,502 | 19,922 | 22,362 | 21,818 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) Applicable to common stockholders (2) Reflects the elimination of non-cash amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (3) Reflects the add back of acquisition/integration related transaction costs (4) Reflects adjustments to earn-out fair value (5) Reflects adjustment for dilution when adjusted net income is positive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 324 | $ | 9,564 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of | 58,147 | 45,891 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,142 | 2,310 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 60,613 | 57,765 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 85,828 | 84,258 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 26,052 | 33,557 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net, and other assets | 4,626 | 5,911 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 177,119 | $ | 181,491 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 41,296 | $ | 32,207 | ||||
| Other current liabilities | 2,470 | 4,689 | ||||||
| Current portion of notes payable | 1,159 | 1,159 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 44,925 | 38,055 | ||||||
| Notes payable, net | 64,638 | 70,573 | ||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,275 | 1,724 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 110,838 | 110,352 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, | — | — | ||||||
| Common stock, | 20 | 20 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 176,309 | 173,876 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (110,048 | ) | (102,757 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 66,281 | 71,139 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 177,119 | $ | 181,491 | ||||
FAQ
What was Quest Resource Holding Corporation's revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023?
What was the gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2023?
What was the adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2023?
What were the revenue and gross profit figures for fiscal year 2023?
What milestones did Quest achieve in 2023?
What is Quest's focus regarding debt reduction and long-term growth?
