PEARL RIVER, NY – MARCH 4, 2015 – Hudson Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HDSN) announced results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2014.
Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $8.1 million, an increase of 69% compared to $4.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The revenue increase in the quarter is primarily related to the higher selling price and volume of certain refrigerants, higher services revenue and, to a lesser extent, benefits from the Company’s November 2014 acquisition of Polar Technologies. Net loss for the quarter was $1.1 million or $0.03 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company recorded non-recurring expenses related to the acquisition of Polar Technologies and non-cash charges related to the issuance of employee stock options of $163,000 and $679,000, respectively.
Hudson reported revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $55.8 million compared to $58.6 million in the comparable 2013 period. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to an average lower selling price for R-22 refrigerants in 2014 when compared to 2013, partially offset by increased volume of refrigerants sold for the year and increased service revenues when compared to 2013. Net loss for 2014 was $720,000 or $0.02 per basic and diluted share, compared to net loss of $5.8 million or $0.24 per basic and diluted share in 2013. The net loss in 2013 was a direct result of the third quarter 2013 lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustment of $14.7 million, which was related to an approximately 50% decline in R-22 pricing.
Kevin J. Zugibe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Technologies commented, “Our fourth quarter reflected strong revenue performance related primarily to increased R-22 pricing following the issuance of the EPA’s final rule in October 2014 establishing R-22 allowances for 2015 through 2019. The EPA’s final rule provided much needed certainty for our industry and adopted a more aggressive step down approach for the phase out of R-22, starting with a nearly 60% reduction in 2015 when compared to 2014 levels. Additionally, our top line benefitted from increased sales volume in the quarter and included two months of revenues attributable to our acquisition of the reclamation business of Polar Technologies. I am also quite pleased with how our services business performed for the quarter.
“We have consistently stated that the more aggressive phase out approach is the best method to achieve the orderly phase out of R-22 and to establish reclamation as the primary, and ultimately the sole source of R-22 refrigerant when production ends in 2020. As we approach the end of virgin R-22 production, the anticipated R-22 aftermarket supply gap will need to be filled by the reclamation industry. To better position ourselves to leverage this supply shift, during the fourth quarter we completed the acquisition of the reclamation business and assets of Polar Technologies, which we believe to be the fourth largest reclaimer in the industry, historically reclaiming approximately 8% or more of the total reclaim market. Polar’s solid customer base is comprised mainly of refrigerant wholesalers who serve HVAC contractors in the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. The acquisition expands Hudson’s customer base and provides Hudson with local reach in California and Puerto Rico, markets where we have previously had limited exposure. As the leading reclaimer in the marketplace, this is a very exciting development for Hudson, and one that we believe represents a significant long term growth opportunity for our Company.”
Mr. Zugibe continued, “We are focused on continuing to meet the needs of our new and existing customers while developing new customer relationships. With our ability to reclaim R-22 and next generation refrigerants we believe we are well positioned to benefit as the EPA phases out these gases, creating market dynamics that we expect will drive organic growth and opportunities for additional strategic acquisitions.”
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
The Company will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter results today, March 4, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
To access the live webcast, log onto the Hudson Technologies website at www.hudsontech.com, and click on “Investor Relations”. To participate in the call by phone, dial (877) 407-9205 approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. International callers please dial (201) 689-8054.
A replay of the teleconference will be available until April 4, 2015 and may be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853. International callers may dial (201) 612-7415. Callers should use conference ID: 13602613.