OPAL Fuels Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results

November 14, 2023

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$OPAL—OPAL Fuels Inc. (“OPAL Fuels” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: OPAL), a leading vertically integrated producer and distributor of renewable natural gas (RNG) for use as a transportation fuel and renewable electricity, today announced financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.

“During the third quarter OPAL Fuels continued to make strong progress on our long-term strategic growth plans while delivering solid operating and financial results,” said co-CEO Adam Comora. “Production from RNG projects in operation continues to be on target. Many of the headwinds that we were experiencing for projects in construction are now behind us. Additionally, we closed on a $500 million credit facility that provides a clear funding pathway for our RNG production projects and growing number of company-owned fueling stations. OPAL Fuels remains well positioned to capitalize on strengthening end markets – both upstream and downstream – as a leading vertically integrated RNG company.”

Other significant third quarter developments include signing of a joint venture with South Jersey Industries (SJI) to develop two RNG projects (the first of which is Atlantic County Landfill which recently entered construction), and commencement of operations of the Emerald RNG Project, a joint venture with GFL where our ownership share represents approximately 1.3 million MMBtu of annual design capacity. The Company now has 5.2 million MMBtu of annual design capacity online across 8 projects, more than tripling our design capacity over the last two years, and an additional 4.4 million MMBtu of design capacity from projects currently in construction.

“We are pleased with this quarter’s performance and remain confident our recent achievements position us well to continue executing on our growth plans. We have also enhanced our disclosures with additional information regarding RNG production and monetization. The additional disclosures should help investors in thinking about both the near and longer-term earnings power of the business,” said co-CEO Jonathan Maurer.

Financial Highlights

Revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, were $71.1 million and $169.1 million, up 7% and 0.2% compared to same periods last year.
Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, was $0.2 million and $106.9 million compared to $5.4 million and $0.6 million in the comparable periods last year.
Basic net earnings per share attributable to Class A common shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, was $(0.01) and $0.59, respectively compared to $(0.04) and $(0.04) in the comparable periods last year.
Based on the change in presentation described below, Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, was $16.5 million and $19.9 million compared to $17.7 million and $33.0 million in the comparable periods last year.
- After corresponding with the SEC staff, the Company has decided to no longer include the value of stored RNG and unsold environmental credits held for sale (“RNG Pending Monetization”) in its presentation of Adjusted EBITDA. The Company previously presented Adjusted EBITDA in this way to match the value of RNG produced during the reporting period with its associated costs of production in the same reporting period and including the value of unsold environmental credits. The Company now presents this RNG Pending Monetization and environmental credit sales activity in the period with a new summary table.

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¹ This is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measure to comparable GAAP measure has been provided in the financial tables included in this press release. An explanation of this measure and how it is calculated is also included below under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

At September 30, 2023, RNG Pending Monetization totaled $33.5 million.

Operational Highlights

The portfolio of RNG operating projects is performing well with an average utilization of inlet gas rate of 84%, which is in line with management’s expectations.
The Emerald RNG project came on-line during the third quarter. This project represents approximately 1.3 million MMBtu of annual design capacity and brings the aggregate annual design capacity of our portfolio of operating projects to 5.2 million MMBtu.^2,3
RNG produced was 0.7 million and 2.0 million MMBtu, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 21% and 26% compared to the prior-year periods.
RNG sold as transportation fuel was 10.9 million and 30.3 million GGEs, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 65% and 52% compared to the prior-year periods.
The Fuel Station Services segment sold, dispensed, and serviced an aggregate of 33.1 million and 98.0 million GGEs of transportation fuel for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 8% and 18% compared to the prior-year periods.

Construction Update

OPAL Fuels’ share of annual design capacity for our six projects in construction is approximately 4.4 million MMBtu.
We expect the Prince William RNG project to commence commercial operations in the first quarter of 2024. This project, owned 100% by OPAL Fuels, represents approximately 1.7 million MMBtu of annual design capacity.
Regulatory permits have been granted for the Sapphire RNG project, which is now proceeding with the physical construction phase. We anticipate commencing commercial operations in the third quarter of 2024. This project represents approximately 800,000 MMBtu for OPAL Fuels’ 50% ownership share of annual design capacity.

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² Design capacity is the annual design output for each facility and may not reflect actual production from the projects, which depends on many variables including, but not limited to, quantity and quality of the biogas, operational up-time of the facility, and actual productivity of the facility.

³ Represents OPAL Fuels’ proportional share with respect to RNG projects owned with joint venture partners.

Construction of our Polk County RNG project, owned 100% by OPAL Fuels, continues on schedule. Regulatory permits have been granted and we anticipate commercial operations to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. This project represents approximately 1.1 million MMBtu of annual design capacity.
Our two dairy projects in California are expected to be commissioned in the third quarter (Hilltop) and fourth quarter (Vander Schaaf) of 2024, respectively.⁴
We announced the start of construction at the Atlantic RNG project, the first project under our 50/50 joint venture with South Jersey Industries (SJI), located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. This project represents approximately 0.3 million MMBtu of annual design capacity. This project is expected to commence commercial operations in mid-2025.

Development Update

We continue to target placing 2.0 million MMBtu of RNG projects (representing OPAL Fuels’ proportional ownership) into construction by the end of 2023.
Our Advanced Development Pipeline⁵ comprises 7.9 million MMBtu of feedstock biogas per year.

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⁴ Achievement of these commissioning dates is subject to receipt of certain permits and successful resolution of a series of change order requests from the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor responsible for the design and construction of the projects’ facilities, which the Company has disputed. For more information, please see the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

⁵ The Company’s Advanced Development Pipeline (“ADP”) comprises projects that have been qualified and are reasonably expected to be in construction within the next twelve to eighteen months. The MMBtu associated with these projects is presented as anticipated design capacity. Anticipated design capacity is the Company’s currently anticipated annual design output for each facility and may not reflect actual production from the projects, which depends on many variables including, but not limited to, quantity and quality of the biogas, operational up-time of the facility, and actual productivity of the facility.

2023 Guidance Update

As mentioned above, we no longer include the value of RNG Pending Monetization in our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA.

Based on the updated reporting presentation, the Company currently estimates that Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2023 will range between $60 and $63 million.
At December 31, 2023, RNG Pending Monetization is expected to range between $20-22 million.
We expect to monetize approximately $8.5 million in ITC credits, which is our share of the ITC credits generated by the Emerald RNG project, in the fourth quarter, which is included in our Adjusted EBITDA guidance.
We expect full year 2023 capital expenditures, excluding investments in unconsolidated entities, to total approximately $135 million. Additionally, our share of the capital expenditures for 2023 in Emerald and Sapphire for the period after deconsolidation is expected to be approximately $25.0 million.
RNG produced in 2023 is anticipated to range between 2.7 million MMBtu and 2.9 million MMBtu.⁶ RNG sold as transportation fuel is anticipated to range between 45 million GGEs and 50 million GGEs.⁷

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⁶ Reflects OPAL Fuels proportional ownership with respect to RNG projects owned with joint venture partners.

⁷ Includes volumes sold in OPAL Fuel’s proprietary dispensing network as well as third party stations that are serviced and maintained by OPAL Fuels.

Results of Operations

($ thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
	2023			2022			2023			2022
Revenue
RNG Fuel	$	20,088		$	18,293		$	37,468		$	48,815
Fuel Station Services		37,305			35,771			88,089			87,376
Renewable Power		13,708			12,486			43,543			32,623
Total Revenue	$	71,101		$	66,550		$	169,100		$	168,814

Net income	$	227		$	5,369		$	106,931		$	560

Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾
RNG Fuel	$	19,359		$	8,618		$	21,503		$	28,583
Fuel Station Services		6,420			13,199			10,813			14,368
Renewable Power		6,039			6,937			22,267			14,066
Corporate		(15,357	)		(11,039	)		(34,652	)		(23,994	)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾	$	16,461		$	17,715		$	19,931		$	33,023

RNG Fuel volume produced (Million MMBtus)		0.7			0.6			2.0			1.5
RNG Fuel volume sold (Million GGEs)		10.9			6.6			30.3			19.9
Total volume delivered (Million GGEs)		33.1			30.6			98.0			83.1

⁽¹⁾ This is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measure to comparable GAAP measure has been provided in the financial tables included in this press release. An explanation of this measure and how it is calculated is also included below under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

RNG Facility Capacity and Utilization Summary

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
RNG Fuel Capacity and Utilization
Design Capacity (Million MMBtus)⁽¹⁾	1.3		1.0		3.9		2.9
Volume of Inlet Gas (Million MMBtus)	0.8		0.7		2.2		1.7
Inlet Design Capacity Utilization ^{(2) (3)}	79	%	78	%	77	%	72	%
RNG Fuel volume produced (Million MMBtus)	0.7		0.6		2.0		1.5
Utilization of Inlet Gas % ^{(3) (4)}	84	%	85	%	85	%	87	%

⁽¹⁾ Design Capacity for RNG facilities is measured as the volume of feedstock biogas that the facility is capable of accepting at the inlet and processing during the associated period. Design Capacity is presented as OPAL’s ownership share (i.e., net of joint venture partners’ ownership) of the facility and is calculated based on the number of days in the period. New facilities that come online during a quarter are pro-rated for the number of days in commercial operation.

⁽²⁾ Inlet Design Capacity Utilization is measured as the weighted average of Volume of Inlet Gas, divided by the total Design Capacity. The Volume of Inlet Gas varies over time depending on, among other factors, (i) the quantity and quality of waste deposited at the landfill, (ii) waste management practices by the landfill, and (iii) the construction, operations and maintenance of the landfill gas collection system used to recover the landfill gas. The Design Capacity for each facility will typically be correlated to the amount of landfill gas expected to be generated by the landfill during the term of the related gas rights agreement. The Company expects Inlet Design Capacity Utilization to be in the range of 75-85% on an aggregate basis over the next several years. Typically, newer facilities perform at the lower end of this range and demonstrate increasing utilization as they mature.

⁽³⁾ Data not available for the Company’s dairy projects, i.e., Sunoma and Biotown.

⁽⁴⁾ Utilization of Inlet Gas is measured as weighted average of RNG Fuel Produced divided by Volume of Inlet Gas. Utilization of Inlet Gas varies over time depending on availability and efficiency of the facility and the quality of landfill gas (i.e., concentrations of methane, oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases). The Company generally expects Utilization of Inlet Gas to be in the range of 80% – 90%.

RNG Pending Monetization Summary

	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2023									September 30, 2022
	RNG Fuel			Fuel Station Services			Total			RNG Fuel			Fuel Station Services			Total
Stored Gas Metrics ⁽¹⁾
Beginning balance Stored RNG		232,434			38,861			271,295			91,681			35,386			127,067
Add: RNG production (MMBtus)		688,039			63,371			751,410			622,394			28,016			650,410
Less: Current period RNG volumes dispensed		(656,235	)		(48,284	)		(704,519	)		(615,960	)		(15,034	)		(630,994	)
Ending Balance Stored RNG (MMBtus)		264,238			53,948			318,186			98,115			48,368			146,483

Value of ending balance Stored RNG using quarter end price ^{(1) (2)}	$	11,846		$	6,140		$	17,986		$	4,156		$	439		$	4,595

RIN Metrics
Beginning balance		5,472			1,571			7,043			38			—			38
Add: Generated in current period		6,786			1,960			8,746			4,766			1,284			6,050
Less: Sales		(8,404	)		(2,399	)		(10,803	)		(4,804	)		(1,284	)		(6,088	)
Ending RIN credit balance (Available for sale)		3,854			1,132			4,986			—			—			—
D3 RIN price at quarter end	$	3.02		$	3.02			3.02		$	2.77		$	2.77		$	2.77
Value of RINS using quarter end price ⁽²⁾	$	9,956		$	3,107		$	13,063			—			—			—

LCFS Metrics
Beginning balance (net share)		—			60			60			—			8			8
Add: Generated in current period		5			15			20			—			14			14
Less: Sales		(5	)		(2	)		(7	)		—			—			—
Ending LCFS credit balance (Available for sale)		—			73			73			—			22			22
LCFS credit price at quarter end	$	74.50		$	74.50		$	74.50		$	63.75		$	63.75		$	63.75
Value of LCFSs using quarter end price ⁽²⁾	$	—		$	1,718		$	1,718		$	—		$	167		$	167

Value of RECs using quarter end price							$	744
Other Metrics
Average realized sales price – RIN							$	2.83								$	3.23
Average realized sales price – LCFS							$	100.00								$	100.00

Total Value of RNG Pending Monetization at quarter end	$	21,802		$	10,965		$	33,511		$	4,156		$	606		$	4,762

⁽¹⁾ Reflects OPAL’s ownership share of Stored RNG (i.e., net of joint venture partners’ ownership) including equity method investments

⁽²⁾ Reflects OPAL’s ownership share of RIN and LCFS credits (i.e., net of joint venture partners’ ownership) including equity method investments and presented net of discounts and any direct transaction costs such as dispensing fees, third-party royalties and transaction costs as applicable.

Liquidity

In September we entered into a $500 million senior secured credit facility, which provides for up to $450 million of initial and delayed draw term loans and $50 million of revolving credit. As of September 30, 2023, we have drawn approximately $164.1 million under the facility.

As of September 30, 2023, our liquidity was $359.9 million, consisting of $326.9 million of availability under the credit facility, and $33.0 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

We believe our liquidity and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our existing funding needs.

Capital Expenditures and Investments by Unconsolidated Entities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, OPAL Fuels invested $92.3 million across RNG projects in construction and OPAL Fuels owned fueling stations in construction as compared to $85.2 million as of the comparable period in 2022.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s portion of capital expenditures in unconsolidated entities was $14.3 million. This represents our share of capital expenditures incurred by Paragon for the Emerald and Sapphire projects post deconsolidation.

Earnings Call

A webcast to review OPAL Fuels’ Third Quarter 2023 results is being held tomorrow, November 14, 2023 at 11:00AM Eastern Time.

Materials to be discussed in the webcast will be available before the call on the Company’s website.

Participants may access the call at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hj3yrjwj/. Investors can also listen to a webcast of the presentation on the company’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.opalfuels.com/news-events/events-presentations.

Glossary of terms

“Environmental Attributes” refer to federal, state, and local government incentives in the United States, provided in the form of Renewable Identification Numbers, Renewable Energy Credits, Low Carbon Fuel Standard credits, rebates, tax credits and other incentives to end users, distributors, system integrators and manufacturers of renewable energy projects that promote the use of renewable energy.

“GGE” refers to Gasoline gallon equivalent. The conversion ratio is 1MMBtu of natural gas equal to 7.74 GGE.

“LFG” refers to landfill gas.

“MMBtu” refers to British thermal units.

“Renewable Power” refers to electricity generated from renewable sources.

“RNG” refers to renewable natural gas.

“D3” refers to cellulosic biofuel with a 60% GHG reduction requirement.

“RIN” refers to Renewal Identification Numbers.

“EPA” refers to Environmental Protection Agency.

About OPAL Fuels Inc.

OPAL Fuels Inc. (Nasdaq: OPAL) is a leading vertically integrated producer and distributor of renewable electricity and renewable natural gas (RNG), a proven low-carbon energy source that is rapidly decarbonizing multiple sectors including the transportation and utility industries. OPAL Fuels delivers complete renewable solutions to customers and production partners. With a portfolio of 24 operating renewable fuel and renewable power projects, OPAL Fuels is positioned to advance the clean energy transition in support of renewable fuel for transportation, for utilities, for powering EV charging infrastructure, and by offering hydrogen fuel solutions. To learn more about OPAL Fuels and how it is leading the effort to capture North America’s harmful methane emissions and decarbonize the economy, please visit https://opalfuels.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this communication may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and generally relate to future events or OPAL Fuels’ (the “Company”) future financial or other performance metrics. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and subject to material change. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include various factors beyond management’s control, including but not limited to general economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10K filed on March 29, 2023, and other filings the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Disclaimer

This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy, any securities, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer or securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

OPAL FUELS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data) (Unaudited)

	September 30, 2023			December 31, 2022

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes $1,302 and $12,506 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)	$	15,000		$	40,394
Accounts receivable, net (includes $79 and $966 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		31,000			31,083
Accounts receivable, related party		—			12,421
Restricted cash – current (includes $1,232 and $6,971 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		1,232			32,402
Short term investments		18,028			64,976
Fuel tax credits receivable		4,386			4,144
Contract assets		14,404			9,771
Parts inventory		11,897			7,311
Environmental credits held for sale (includes $29 and $0 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		4,339			1,674
Prepaid expense and other current assets (includes $193 and $415 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		5,013			7,625
Derivative financial assets, current portion		486			182
Total current assets		105,785			211,983
Capital spares		3,079			3,443
Property, plant, and equipment, net (includes $26,684 and $73,140 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		303,690			297,323
Operating right-of-use assets		12,368			11,744
Investment in other entities		199,466			51,765
Note receivable – variable fee component		2,178			1,942
Derivative financial assets, non-current portion		117			954
Deferred financing costs		—			3,013
Other long-term assets		2,108			1,489
Intangible assets, net		1,700			2,167
Restricted cash – non-current (includes $2,843 and $2,923 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		5,356			4,425
Goodwill		54,608			54,608
Total assets	$	690,455		$	644,856
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable (includes $603 and $4,896 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		11,309			22,679
Accounts payable, related party (includes $1,188 and $433 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		1,365			1,346
Fuel tax credits payable		3,720			3,320
Accrued payroll		8,313			8,979
Accrued capital expenses (includes $0 and $7,821 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		7,355			11,922
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $602 and $646 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		13,779			9,573
Contract liabilities		7,429			8,013
Senior Secured Credit Facility – term loan, current portion, net of debt issuance costs		—			15,250
Senior Secured Credit Facility – working capital facility, current portion		—			7,500
OPAL Term Loan, current portion		—			27,732
Sunoma Loan, current portion (includes $1,739 and $380 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		1,739			380
Convertible Note Payable		—			28,528
Municipality Loan		—			76
Derivative financial liability, current portion		—			4,596
Operating lease liabilities – current portion		625			630
Other current liabilities		—			1,085
Asset retirement obligation, current portion		1,296			1,296
Total current liabilities		56,930			152,905
Asset retirement obligation, non-current portion		5,267			4,960
OPAL Term Loan, net of debt issuance costs		153,626			66,600
Sunoma Loan, net of debt issuance costs (includes $20,402 and $21,712 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to consolidated VIEs)		20,402			21,712
Operating lease liabilities – non-current portion		11,899			11,245
Earn out liabilities		4,291			8,790
Other long-term liabilities		1,163			825
Total liabilities		253,578			267,037
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable preferred non-controlling interests		130,000			138,142
Redeemable non-controlling interests		1,158,937			1,013,833
Stockholders’ deficit
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 340,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2023; 29,332,333 and 29,477,766 shares, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		3			3
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2023; None issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022		—			—
Class C common stock, $0.0001 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2023; None issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022		—			—
Class D common stock, $0.0001 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2023; 144,399,037 and 144,399,037 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022		14			14
Additional paid-in capital		—			—
Accumulated deficit		(841,417	)		(800,813	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		70			195
Class A common stock in treasury, at cost; 1,635,783 and 0 shares at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		(11,614	)		—
Total Stockholders’ deficit attributable to the Company		(852,944	)		(800,601	)
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests		884			26,445
Total Stockholders’ deficit		(852,060	)		(774,156	)
Total liabilities, Redeemable preferred non-controlling interests, Redeemable non-controlling interests and Stockholders’ deficit	$	690,455		$	644,856