Q4 2023 Arq Inc Earnings Call
Operator: Greetings. Welcome to AHRQ's fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings call. Next time, all participants will be in listen-only mode.
Welcome to our fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings call.
At this time, all participants will be in listen only mode.
Operator: This question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone today should require operator assistance during the conference, press star zero from your telephone keypad. Please note, this conference is being recorded. I'll now turn the call over to Ryan Coleman with Investor Relations. Thank you.
Question and answer session will follow the formal presentation.
If anyone today should require operator assistance during the conference. Please press star zero from your telephone keypad.
Please note this conference is being recorded.
I'll now turn the call over to Ryan Coleman with Investor Relations. Thank.
Ryan Coleman: You may now begin. Thank you, Operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today for our fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings results call. With me on the call today are Bob Rasmus, AHRQ's Chief Executive Officer and President, as well as Kim Hansen, AHRQ's VP of Finance. This conference call is being webcast live within the investment section of our website, and a downloadable version of today's presentation is available there as well. A webcast replay will also be available on our site, and you can contact AHRQ's investor relations team at investors@AHRQ.com.
Thank you you may now begin.
Thank you operator, good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us today for our fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings results call with me on the call today are Bob Rasmus arcs, Chief Executive Officer, and President as well as Kim Hansen arcs VP of Finance. This conference call is being webcast live within the Investor section of.
For our website and a downloadable version of today's presentation is available there as well.
Webcast replay will also be available on our site and you can contact <unk> Investor relations team at investors at <unk> Dot Com let.
Ryan Coleman: Let me remind you that the presentation and remarks made today include forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. These statements are based on information currently available to us and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, performance, and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors identified on slide two of today's slide presentation in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31st, 2023, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to update those factors or any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances or for any other reason. In addition, it is especially important to review the presentation and today's remarks in conjunction with the gap references in the financial statement. With that, I would like to turn the call over to Bob.
Let me remind you that the presentation and remarks made today include forward looking statements as defined in section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act. These statements are based on information currently available to us and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed.
First in or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those factors identified on slide two of today's slide presentation, and our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
As expressly required by securities laws. The company undertakes no obligation to update those factors or any forward looking statements to reflect future events developments or changed circumstances or for any other reason.
In addition, it is especially important to review the presentation and today's remarks in conjunction with the GAAP references in the financial statements with that I would like to turn the call over to Bob.
Thank you Ryan and thanks to everyone for joining us. This morning, let's begin on slide three of our presentation. We finished 2023 with strong momentum and are very pleased with the steps we have taken and continue to take to further improve our business our fourth quarter results clearly indicate.
Robert E. Rasmus: Thank you, Ryan, and thanks to everyone for joining us this morning. Let's begin on slide three of our presentation. We finished 2023 with strong momentum and are very pleased with the steps we have taken and continue to take to further improve our business. Our fourth quarter results clearly indicate the improving profitability of our existing business. We delivered a very solid quarter marked by revenue growth of 20% over the prior year, nearly doubled our gross margin to approximately 50% versus last year, generated strong cash flow from our PAC business in the form of $7.2 million of adjusted EBITDA, and we are excited to have achieved positive net income for the first time in eight quarters. As I have emphasized since joining, our absolute focus is on execution and maximizing shareholder value.
The improving profitability of our existing business, we delivered a very solid quarter marked by revenue growth of 20% over the prior year nearly doubled our gross margin to approximately 50% versus last year generated strong cash flow from our pad business in the form of seven.
$2 million of adjusted EBITDA and we are excited to have achieved positive net income for the first time in eight quarters.
As I have emphasized since joining our absolute focus is on execution and maximizing shareholder value. We remain dedicated to optimizing our Pac business, where in a short period of time, we have successfully enhanced the economics and overall profitability.
Robert E. Rasmus: We remain dedicated to optimizing our PAC business, where, in a short period of time, we have successfully enhanced its economics and overall profitability. While we pursue exciting and highly attractive opportunities in the granular activated carbon market, it's crucial that our PAC business stands on its own from an economic perspective. In my remarks on our last earnings call, I stated that we wanted to improve the performance of our foundational path business. This was to be achieved by reducing costs, improving operating efficiencies, eliminating unfavorable or loss-making relationships, and focusing our sales efforts on the best opportunities to improve product mix and increase our average sales price.
While we pursue exciting and highly attractive opportunities in the granular activated carbon market, it's crucial that our Pac business stand on its own from an economic perspective.
In my remarks on our last earnings call I stated that we wanted to improve the performance of our foundational pack business.
This was to be achieved by reducing costs, improving operating efficiencies, eliminating unfavorable or loss, making relationships and focusing our sales efforts on the best opportunities to improve product mix and increase our average sales price our goal was to improve economics and overall profitability.
Robert E. Rasmus: Our goal was to improve economics and overall profitability. Our strong and encouraging fourth quarter performance reflects the results of those efforts. We increased our average selling price by 60% versus last year and 18% sequentially. We eliminated negative margin contracts, of which we expect only one will be remaining by March 31st of this year. We enforced our take-or-pay contracts, recognizing $4.7 million in revenue in the fourth quarter.
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Our strong and encouraging fourth quarter performance reflects the results of those efforts, we increased our average selling price by 6% versus last year and 18% sequentially. We eliminated negative margin contracts of which we expect only one will be remaining by March 31st of this.
Year.
We enforced our take or pay contracts, recognizing $4 $7 million in revenue in the fourth quarter. We also made excellent progress in expanding our penetration of the water pack market. This is important as this market segment carries a higher ASP.
Robert E. Rasmus: We also made excellent progress in expanding our penetration of the water pack market. This is important as this market segment carries a higher ASP than our existing PGI segment. The water pack business is expected to generate net cash in 2024.
Our existing Pgi segment.
<unk> business is expected to generate net cash in 2024.
Robert E. Rasmus: As I have previously commented, we strive to partner with our customers. This is evident in our attractive retention rates, which, as we mentioned last quarter, were greater than 90%. We have maintained our high retention levels even while executing profitability enhancement actions over the last several quarters. To best serve our customers, we rely upon strength across our entire business.
As I have previously commented we strive to partner with our customers. This is evident and our attractive retention rates, which as we mentioned last quarter were greater than 90%.
We have maintained our high retention levels, even while executing profitability enhancement actions over the last several quarters.
To best serve our customers, we rely upon strength across our entire business I am more confident than ever in the robust portfolio of opportunities. We see ahead of us.
Robert E. Rasmus: I am more confident than ever in the robust portfolio of opportunities we see ahead of us. Our platform provides the ability to better serve our customers, present and future, with a broad, innovative, and growing product mix that meets their needs while driving value for our shareholders. Moving on a bit to slide 6, while we had a very strong quarter and are very pleased with the steps we have taken and continue to take to further improve our business, there is one item which did not make me happy. While the timing for completion of our Red River facility remains on track, the cost to complete the first phase has risen. We are today updating our expected CapEx for our strategic investment in our Red River facility.
Our platform provides the ability to better serve our customers.
Future with our broad innovative and growing product mix that meets their needs, while driving value for our shareholders.
Advancing a bit to slide six while we had a very strong quarter and are very pleased with the steps we have taken and continue to take to further improve our business. There is one item, which did not make me happy while the timing for completion of our Red River facility remains on track the cost to complete the first phase.
It has risen.
We are today updating our capex for our strategic investment in our Red River facility.
Robert E. Rasmus: In addition to the $12 million of CapEx total, which we spent on the expansion as of year-end 2023, we now forecast spending $45 to $50 million on the Red River expansion in 2024, with a small remainder in 2025. This reflects total expected project spending for Red River Phase 1 of between $62 and $67 million. This represents a midpoint increase in total project spending of approximately 36% versus our last forecast provided in January. So what are the components of the revenue?
In addition to the $12 million of Capex total, which we spent on <unk> expansion as of year end 2023, we now forecast spending $45 million to $50 million on the Red River expansion in 2024 with a small remainder in 2025.
This reflects total expected project spending for Red River phase one of between 62% and $67 million. This represents a midpoint increase in total project spending of approximately 36% versus our last forecast provided in January.
So what are the components of the increase.
Robert E. Rasmus: Approximately 45% of the increase is due to increased construction costs, because previous assumptions did not adequately take into account inflation and moving to a six-day-a-week, ten-hour-a-day construction schedule. Another 45 percent was due to increased equipment costs. The remaining approximately 10% relates to various items, including engineering fees. A logical question to ask is, how did this happen?
Proximately, 45% of the increase is due to increased construction costs previous assumptions did not adequately take into account inflation and moving to a six day a week 10 hour day construction schedule. Another 45% was due to increased equipment cost.
The remaining approximately 10% relates to various items, including engineering fees.
Logical question to ask is how did this happen the increased construction costs are attributable as I mentioned to inflation and an accelerated schedule.
Robert E. Rasmus: The increased construction costs are attributable, as I mentioned, to inflation and an accelerated schedule. A portion of the rise in equipment costs is a result of design changes, which will increase efficiencies and ultimately volume. The other portion is a result of inaccurate estimate inputs from outside consultants, engineers who are managing the program for IRF.
A portion of the rise in equipment costs as a result of design changes, which will increase the efficiencies and ultimately volume.
The other portion is the result of an accurate estimate inputs from outside consultants engineers, who are managing the program for Iraq.
Robert E. Rasmus: This was an issue that we uncovered in recent weeks and immediately took steps to address the problem. In addition to implementing more comprehensive controls over the process moving forward, I am confident that our recent appointment of Deke Williamson as AHRQ's Chief Operating Officer will add further certainty to quality planning and execution around this critical project. As I previously discussed, I have long known Deke and have firsthand seen his ability to execute projects with world-class quality, precision, and efficiency.
This was an issue that we uncovered in recent weeks and immediately took steps to address the problem.
In addition to implementing more comprehensive controls over the process moving forward I am confident that our recent appointment of Dr. Williamson as our Chief operating officer will add further surety to quality planning and execution around this critical project as I previously discussed I have long known D.
And Ed firsthand seen his ability to execute projects with world class quality precision and efficiency.
We believe that we have now accounted for all changes to our forecasted spending and are comfortable in the updated project estimates we've communicated today.
Robert E. Rasmus: We believe that we have now accounted for all changes to our forecasted spending and are comfortable in the updated project estimates we've communicated today. Despite this increase, we remain in a position to fund the project from cash on hand, cash generation, ongoing cost reduction initiatives, potential customer prepayments for GAC contracts, and a planned refinancing and potential expansion of our term loan, for which we already have a term sheet in place. And importantly, we have no plans to dilute our existing shareholders by selling equity.
Despite this increase we remain in a position to fund the project from cash on hand cash generation ongoing cost reduction initiatives potential customer prepayments for GIC contracts and a planned refinancing and potential expansion of our term loan for which we already have a term sheet.
In place and importantly, we have no plans to dilute our existing shareholders by selling equity.
Robert E. Rasmus: While the news of the cost increase is disappointing, it should not detract from the overall attractiveness of the project. Market prices for GAC continue to increase. We remain confident in our ability to reduce our capacity prior to production. Also, we previously viewed the addition of granular activated carbon production capability as a pound-for-pound reduction in our pack capability.
While the news of the cost increase is disappointing it should not detract from the overall attractiveness of the project.
Market prices for GIC continued to increase we remain confident in our ability to contract our capacity prior to production.
Also we previously viewed the addition of granular activated carbon production capability as a pound for pound reduction in our pad capability.
Robert E. Rasmus: With the additional efficiencies resulting from some of the design changes, which is partially responsible for increased equipment costs, we believe GAC volumes will be additive to our overall production capability on a pound-per-pound basis. Even with the cost increase, the overall investment economics remain attractive. I expect a three-year or less payback while generating long-term shareholder value.
With the additional efficiencies, resulting from some of the design changes, which is partially responsible for increased equipment cost. We believe GIC volumes will be additive to our overall production capability and a pound per pound basis.
Even with the cost increase the overall investment economics remain attractive I expect a three year or less payback, while generating long term shareholder value.
Robert E. Rasmus: Turning back to slide three, we also continue to transform our business from an industrial manufacturing company to an environmental technology company. Development at our Corbin facility remains within budget and on time for commissioning in early second quarter 2024, and construction of our incremental 25 million pound GAC line at Red River commenced in October 2023 with commissioning targeted for the fourth quarter of this year. Looking at the broader business and market, I am happy to report that beyond the optimization of our legacy PAC business, we are also making very encouraging progress on multiple fronts of our wider and evolving product offering. We continue to see solid demand for our water-focused PATH products, which represent incremental, higher-value, and higher-margin opportunities. It's important to note that our interest in European markets is reinforced by the existence of a strategically undersupplied market.
Turning back to slide three we also continued to transform our business from an industrial manufacturing company to an environmental technology company.
<unk> at our carbon facility remains within budget and on time for commissioning in early second quarter of 2024.
Construction of our incremental 25 million pound GAC line that Red River commenced in October 2023, with commissioning targeted for the fourth quarter of this year.
Looking at the broader business and market I am happy to report that beyond the optimization of our legacy <unk> business. We are also making very encouraging progress on multiple fronts of our wider and evolving product offering we.
We continue to see solid demand for our water focused pat products, which represent incremental higher value and higher margin opportunities.
It is important to note that our interest in European markets is reinforced by the existence of a strategically under supplied market at.
Robert E. Rasmus: At the same time, European regulatory changes are driving higher demand, and, of course, we continue to engage customers at pace with our new GAC products. All of these conversations corroborate our confidence in the market, and we continue to expect to enter into contracts for our Red River facility well in advance of first production targeted for fourth quarter 2024. I'd also like to highlight some very encouraging advances our team is making in the development of new and alternative uses for our Arc wet cake feedstock. While still at an early stage, we are increasingly confident in this product's ability to serve as a blending feedstock in the manufacturing of environmentally responsible asphalt while providing environmental advantages, cost advantages, and benefits related to limiting and reducing the effects of temperature swings.
At the same time European regulatory changes are driving higher demand and of course, we continue at pace with customer engagement for our new GIC products.
All of these conversations corroborate our competence in the market and we continue to expect to enter into contracts, where our Red River facility well in advance of first production targeted for the fourth quarter of 2024.
I'd also like to highlight some very encouraging advances our team is making in the development of new and alternative uses for our Arctic wet cake feedstock.
Still early stage, we are increasingly confident in this product's ability to serve as a blending feedstock and the manufacturing of environmentally responsible asphalt, while providing environmental advantages cost advantages and benefits related to limiting and reducing the effects of temperature swings.
This is a great example of our team's relentless focus on innovation and ability to think of new and creative ways to maximize the applications and value of our existing portfolio of products and capabilities.
Robert E. Rasmus: This is a great example of our team's relentless focus on innovation and ability to think of new and creative ways to maximize the applications and value of our existing portfolio of products and capabilities. Through our ongoing optimization of the PAC portfolio, we have driven significant improvements in gross margin and profitability. This now provides the bedrock for our business to grow rapidly, which we will do via the initial GAC expansion at Red River, as well as potential further expansion. The market is very supportive, and initial pricing discussions indicate that this will be a high-return endeavor. With that, I will hand over to Kim to discuss the latest financials in greater detail. Thanks, Bob, and thanks, everyone, for joining us today. Please turn to slide four.
With our ongoing optimization of the patent portfolio, we have driven significant improvement in gross margin and profitability. This now provides the bedrock for our business to grow rapidly, which we will do via the initial GIC expansion that Red River as well as potential further expansions.
The market is very supportive and initial pricing discussions indicate that this will be a high return endeavor with that I will hand over to Tim to discuss the latest financials in greater detail.
Thanks, Bob and thanks, everyone for joining US today, please turn to slide four.
Kimberly Hansen: As Bob mentioned earlier, we delivered strong financial results during the fourth quarter, with revenue growing 20% year-over-year, driven largely by increases in average selling prices, positive changes in product MIPS, and enforcement of take-or-pay contracts. Our gross margin in the quarter was 49.8%, nearly double the 25.4% reported in the prior year period. As a result, we achieved a second consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter and our first quarter of positive net income since Q4 of 2021. While our business does benefit from seasonal factors, our strong results clearly exhibit the improvement and momentum we're experiencing across the company. Our quarterly revenue of $28.1 million represented an increase of 20% year-over-year. However, on a full-year basis, our revenue performance was impacted by lower natural gas prices, which negatively impacted demand from our power generation customers.
As Bob mentioned earlier, we delivered strong financial results during the fourth quarter with revenue growing 20% year over year.
And largely by increases in average selling prices positive changes in product mix and enforcement of take or pay contracts.
Gross margin in the quarter was 49, 8% nearly double the 25, 4% reported in the prior year period.
As a result, we achieved a second consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter and our first quarter of positive net income since Q4 of 2021, while our business does benefit from seasonal factors. Our strong results clearly exhibit the improvement and momentum we're experiencing across the company.
Our quarterly revenue of $28 $1 million represented an increase of 20% year over year on a full year basis. Our revenue performance was impacted by lower natural gas prices, which negatively impacted demand from our power generation customers are.
Kimberly Hansen: Our fourth quarter saw significant growth in EBITDA and net income, proving the success we are achieving in prioritizing profitability over volume. Adjusted EBITDA improved to $7.2 million compared to a loss of $1.2 million in the prior year. Net income was $3.3 million compared to a net loss of $3.2 million in Q4 of 2022.
Our fourth quarter saw significant growth in EBITDA and net income proving the success, we are achieving and prioritizing profitability over volume.
Adjusted EBITDA improved to $7 $2 million compared to a loss of $1 $2 million in the prior year net.
Net income was $3 3 million compared to a net loss of $3 2 million in Q4 of 2022.
Kimberly Hansen: Overall, and on an annualized basis, our performance demonstrates our ability to operate our PAC business in a way that contributes positively to our economics while further enabling us to pursue and execute on high growth and high margin opportunities within our expanding GAC business. Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the year with cash of $54.2 million, a change versus last year driven by ongoing strategic investments and expansion at Corbin and Red River. As we flagged last quarter, 2023 included a number of non-recurring items related to the ARC transaction and severance payment that we are not forecasting going forward.
Overall and on an annualized basis, our performance demonstrates our ability to operate our Pac business in a way that contributes positively to our economic position, while further enabling us to.
Q and high growth and high margin opportunities within our expanding GAC business.
Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the year with cash of $54 $2 million with a change versus last year, driven by ongoing strategic investments and expansion at carbon and Red River as we flagged last quarter 2023 included a number of nonrecurring items related to the Ark transaction and severance payments.
That we are not forecasting going forward.
Kimberly Hansen: As Bob noted earlier, we increased our expectation for CapEx this year, mainly associated with our investment in Red River. Our debt position remains low, and we believe there is potential to expand and enhance this through a planned refinancing of our existing term loan with Community Fund, which we took on at the time of the original ARC acquisition. Given the strength of our asset base, we are confident in our ability to refinance and potentially expand this facility on enhanced terms as needed. If we flip to slide 5, you can see a clear improvement in financial performance resulting from our focus on optimizing our PAC portfolio. Our average selling price for the fourth quarter improved 18% year-over-year, or 16% on an annualized basis.
As Bob noted earlier, we increased our expectation for Capex this year, mainly associated with our investment in rent bedroom.
Our debt position remains slow and we believe there is potential to expand and enhance this through a planned refinancing of our existing term loan with community fund, which we took on at the time of the original arc acquisition, given the strength of our asset base. We are confident in our ability to refinance and potentially expand this facility and enhance.
Terms as needed.
If we flip to slide five you can see a clear improvement in financial performance, resulting from our focus on optimizing our patent portfolio, our average selling price for the fourth quarter improved 18% year over year or 16% on an annualized basis.
Kimberly Hansen: We continue to eliminate negative margin contracts as we focus on profitability over volumes and have now taken these loss-making contracts down from roughly 24 percent of volumes in 2022 to 14 percent in 2023. And as of March 31st, we will have just one negative margin contract remaining, reflecting approximately 2 percent of forecasted 2024 volume. With that, I will turn things back to Bob. Thanks, Kim.
We continue to eliminate negative margin contracts as we focus on profitability over volumes and have now taken these loss, making contracts down from roughly 24% of volumes in 2022% to 14% in 2023 and as of March 31st We will have just one negative margin contract remaining reflecting upon.
<unk>, 2% of forecasted 2020 for volumes.
With that I will turn things back to Bob.
Thanks, Kim before moving on I'd like to take a moment to expand on kims remarks, including those related to our balance sheet cash position and long term performance.
Robert E. Rasmus: Before moving on, I'd like to take a moment to expand on Kim's remarks, including those related to our balance sheet, cash position, and long-term performance. While we are proud of our fourth-quarter results and clear momentum across our business, I want to make sure that we are taking a holistic and long-term approach to how our leadership team is incentivized. As such, the decision was made not to pay any short-term incentive compensation to members of the executive leadership team, including myself, and to reduce other payments.
While we are proud of our fourth quarter results and clear momentum across our business I want to make sure that we are taking a holistic and long term approach to how our leadership team is incentivized.
As such the decision was made not to pay any short term incentive compensation to members of the executive leadership team, including myself and reduce other payments with that action. We have saved approximately $2 million in cash which would have been paid out in the first quarter of this year.
Robert E. Rasmus: With that action, we have saved approximately $2 million in cash which would have been paid out in the first quarter of this year. We will continue to make the decisions necessary to ensure alignment and enable our team to drive long-term stakeholder value. Switching gears and moving to slide 7, I'd like to spend a moment to highlight our corporate rebrand which we completed in February. This important milestone was achieved just one year after our transformational ARC acquisition and reflects the company's evolution from a manufacturing business primarily serving declining industries to an environmental technology company producing activated carbon primarily from bituminous coal waste with products which reduce or even reverse environmental liabilities like PFAS or forever chemicals. We are focused on providing differentiated solutions for faster growing markets.
We will continue to make the decisions necessary to ensure alignment and enable our team to drive long term stakeholder value.
Switching gears and moving to slide seven I'd like to spend a moment to highlight our corporate rebrand, which we completed in February.
This important milestone was achieved just one year after our transformational <unk> acquisition and reflects the company's evolution from a manufacturing business, primarily serving declining industries to an environmental technology company producing activated carbon primarily from bituminous coal way.
Just with products, which reduce or even reverse environmental liabilities like P fast or forever chemicals.
We are focused on providing differentiated solutions for faster growing markets.
The strategic investments, we're making in our GIC expansion is just the first step in our ongoing transformation with.
Robert E. Rasmus: The strategic investments we're making in our GAC expansion are just the first step in our ongoing transformation. With the new brand in place, we are now much better positioned to execute on our ambitions and have a brand and corporate identity that aligns with our corporate vision. Turning to slide eight, we were very active during the fourth quarter with our strategic GAC expansion, and these efforts have continued full steam ahead into the start of 2024. As noted earlier, construction and commissioning at Corbin and Red River continued at pace during the quarter and into the first quarter, and we remain on track with regard to timing for both projects. The LSR agreement signed in the fourth quarter evidences our focus on and intent to expand our geographic exposure. The EU is just as focused as the U.S. when it comes to water regulations, and we are engaged in expanding our product reach in this attractive and growing market segment. Prices in Europe are much higher than in North America.
With the new brand in place we are now much better positioned to execute on our ambitions and to have a brand and corporate identity that aligns with our corporate vision.
Turning to slide eight we were very active during the fourth quarter with our strategic GAC expansion and these efforts have continued full steam ahead into the start of 2024.
As noted earlier construction and commissioning at carbon and Red River continued at pace during the quarter and into the first quarter and we remain on track with regards to timing for both projects.
The <unk> agreement signed in the fourth quarter, evidenced as our focus on and intend to expand our geographic exposure.
EU is just as focused as the U S. When it comes to water regulations, and we are engaged in expanding our product reach in this attractive and growing market segment.
Prices in Europe are much higher than in North America. In addition, demand which is growing far exceed supply. This creates a highly attractive market environment and significant growth opportunity for us.
Robert E. Rasmus: In addition, demand, which is growing, far exceeds supply. This creates a highly attractive market environment and a significant growth opportunity for us. Recently, we announced the successful amendment of our existing NORD agreement. The amendment provides material benefits to AHRQ and is yet another example of our relentless focus on improving profitability and operational efficiency. Moving to slide nine, this highlights a busy start to the year.
Recently, we announced the successful amendment of our existing Nord agreement. The amendment provides material benefits to Iowa and is yet. Another example of our relentless focus on improving profitability and operational efficiencies.
Moving to slide nine this highlights a busy start to the year, we will continue throughout 2024.
Robert E. Rasmus: We'll continue to do so throughout 2024. Beyond the operational milestones I have already referenced, we continue to engage in and advance important sales-related discussions. We previously identified and are actively working with a large number of lead adopters to pre-qualify our GAC products. We have received excellent feedback from our discussions, and we have continued to advance those discussions to either the next level of testing or contract negotiation. We remain confident in our ability to convert our discussions to sales contracts ahead of our fourth quarter completion and continue to expect to contract out a 25 million pound expansion ahead of first production. We will continue to provide you with timely updates as we have them.
Beyond the operational milestones, which I have already referenced we continue to engage in and advance important sales related discussions. We previously identified and are actively working with a large number of lead adopters to prequalify. Our GAC products, we have received excellent.
Feedback from our discussions and we have continued to advance those discussions do either the next level of testing or contract negotiations.
We remain confident in our ability to convert our discussions to sales contracts are ahead of our fourth quarter completion and continue to expect contracting out of 25 million pound expansion ahead of first production.
We will continue to provide you with timely updates as we have them.
Robert E. Rasmus: As we turn to slide 10, you will see two main market segments of our business across our PAC and GAC portfolios. The PAC portfolio serves as an important foundation asset and one where we will continue to optimize profitability while expanding into higher value and higher margin markets. The optimization of our PAC business is now almost complete, and the results are tangible and visible in our financial performance. We have a strong market position as a result of our first-rate team, facilities, and products, and we expect to be able to drive these strong fundamentals further. We have proven that PAC can be a cash contributor, and I am excited about its ability to contribute to our growth and value creation over the long term.
As we turn to slide 10, you will see two main market segments of our business across our pack and GIC portfolio. Our pad portfolio serves as an important foundation asset and one where we will continue to optimize profitability, while expanding into higher value and higher margin markets.
The optimization of our Pac business is now almost complete and the results are tangible and visible in our financial performance. We have a strong market position as a result of our first rate team facilities and products and we expect to be able to drive these strong fundamentals further.
We have proven that Pat can be a cash contributor and I am excited about its ability to contribute to our growth and value creation over the long term.
Turning to our evolving granular activated carbon business. This opportunity provides materially more attractively terms and a unique chance to leverage our existing assets and resources.
Robert E. Rasmus: Turning to our evolving granular activated carbon business, this opportunity provides materially more attractive returns and a unique chance to leverage our existing assets and resources. We believe we have the most advanced activated carbon plant in North America and are now primed to deliver new supply into a growing and attractive market benefiting from sustainable tailwinds. Our GAC business will further differentiate IARC as a business and investment, and I'm excited about the growth investments we're making in 2024 and beyond. Turning now to slide 11, it is important to reiterate our key differentiators. By combining AHRQ's technology for recycling bituminous coal waste with our state-of-the-art processing facility and existing R&D and sales teams, we are able to offer customers a highly differentiated solution in a fully vertically integrated supply chain. By using coal waste as our GAC feedstock, we enjoy material environmental benefits versus conventional products, which are typically produced by mining virgin coal. We're committed to playing our part in driving greater sustainability in our industry and believe this will continue to become even more important to our customers. But it's not just qualitative differences that we see.
We believe we have the most advanced activated carbon plant in North America and are now primed to deliver new supply into a growing and attractive market benefiting from sustainable tail winds.
Our GAC business will further differentiate <unk> as a business and investment and I'm excited about the growth investments, we're making in 2024 and beyond.
Turning now to slide 11, it is important to reiterate our key differentiators by combining our technology for recycling bituminous coal waste with a state of the art processing facility and existing R&D and sales teams, we are able to offer customers a highly differentiated solution.
And a fully vertically integrated supply chain.
By using coal waste is our GAC see feedstock, we enjoy material environmental benefits versus conventional products, which are typically produced by mining Virgin coal.
We're committed to playing our part in driving greater sustainability in our industry and believe this will continue to become even more important to our customers.
But it's not just qualitative differences that we see our business also drives significant and unique financial advantages first by using our own waste product, we reduce our G. H C feedstock supply risk second we benefit from a more competitive sourcing versus the incumbent.
Robert E. Rasmus: Our business also drives significant and unique financial advantages. First, by using our own waste product, we reduce our GAC feedstock supply risk. Second, we benefit from more competitive sourcing versus the incumbent approach of mined coal. Third, we lower operating costs, including our ability to be a net provider to the electrical grid at our Red River plant. And finally, we avoid potential negative import factors such as variable freight, tariff, and duty costs.
<unk> mined coal.
Third, we lower operating costs, including our ability to be a net provider to the electrical grid, our Red River plant.
And finally, we avoid potential negative import factors, such as variable freight tariff and duty cost.
Robert E. Rasmus: As we move to slide 12, here we highlight the growing attention for PFAS, or forever chemicals, which we expect to serve as critical tailwinds for our GAC business over the near and long term. But it's not just us and our customers that are focused on this important topic. Public awareness of PFAS contamination and related dangers is growing, while domestic and global regulation continues to advance.
As we move to slide 12 here, we highlight the growing attention of P fast or forever chemicals.
Which we expect to serve as critical tailwind for our GAC business over the near and long term.
It's not just us and our customers that our focus on this important topic public awareness of peak bias contamination and related dangers is growing while domestic and global regulation continues to advance.
We expect these structural changes to how we live as a society will drive even greater demand for our products and solutions.
Robert E. Rasmus: We expect these structural changes to how we live as a society will drive even greater demand for our products and solutions. Moving to slide 13, we believe the GAC market remains significantly undersupplied at a time when demand is expected to significantly increase. Just a few weeks ago, in February, the EPA provided an update that highlighted the scope of their ambition to significantly reduce the presence of PFAS in our communities.
Moving to slide 13, we believe the GIC market remains significantly under supplied at a time when demand is expected to significantly increase.
Just a few weeks ago in February the EPA provided an update what's highlighted the scope of their ambition to significantly reduce the presence of P fast in our communities.
Robert E. Rasmus: These initial proposals are expected to be fleshed out in the coming weeks, according to the EPA. Should these proposals, which include a nearly 95% reduction in currently permissible PFAS amounts, become formal regulation? It would serve as a major catalyst for even greater demand for our products and solutions. To provide context, if the currently proposed regulations were enacted, this could generate an increase in demand for granular activated carbon products of three to four times within the municipal water market alone, above the current approximate 170 million pounds annual use. And this is not just a U.S. dynamic, as we expect other global geographies, notably the EU, will follow a similar course.
These initial proposals are expected to be fleshed out in the coming weeks. According to the EPA should these proposals which includes a nearly 95% reduction in currently permissible P. Fast amounts become formal regulations. It would serve as a major catalyst for even greater demand for our products and.
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To provide context. If currently proposed regulations were enacted this could generate an increase in demand for granular activated carbon products of three to four times within the municipal water market alone above the current approximate 170 million pounds annual usage.
And this is not just a U S dynamic as we expect other global geographies, notably the EU will follow a similar course, hence our enthusiasm as it relates to our MSR European opportunity.
Robert E. Rasmus: Hence our enthusiasm as it relates to our LSR European opportunities. It's clear that as these rules tighten, many of our customers will need to apply even stricter approaches to their existing facilities, amplifying the physical product and value we can deliver to them. Crucially, we can do so by providing an environmentally responsible product, which not only performs better than the benchmark, but is also derived from a company with a fully integrated supply chain.
It's clear that as these rules tightened many of our customers will need to apply even stricter approaches to their existing facilities amplifying the physical product and value we can deliver to them.
Crucially, we can do so providing an environmentally responsible product, which not only performs better than the benchmark, but it is also derived from a company with a fully integrated supply chain.
We're excited about our 25 million pound GAC expansion and believe our market opportunity extends well above this base over the long term.
Robert E. Rasmus: We're excited about our 25 million pound GAC expansion and believe our market opportunity extends well above this base over the long term. So as we conclude on slide 14, I'd like to summarize where I think we are, what I believe are the key objectives for 2024, and what strategic objectives we must keep in mind as we continue to enhance this very compelling business opportunity. First, we have taken actions that aim to fundamentally improve the profitability of our legacy-packed business. While much of the work is now completed and is already evident in our financial results, we'll continue to optimize the portfolio and constantly look for ways to enhance our operations and profitability. Second, we are focused on securing contracts for our strategic GAC development at Red River.
So as we conclude on slide 14, I'd like to summarize where I think we are what I believe are the key objectives for 2024, and what strategic objectives, we must keep in mind as we continue to enhance this very compelling business opportunity.
First we have taken actions that aimed to fundamentally improve the profitability of our legacy pack business. While much of the work is now completed and is already evident in our financial results will continue to optimize the portfolio and constantly look for ways to enhance our operations and profitability.
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Second we are focused on securing contracts for our strategic GAC development at Red River my confidence around securing contracts ahead of our completion. Later this year continues to grow driven by our strong customer relationships differentiated offerings and macro tailwind.
Robert E. Rasmus: My confidence around securing contracts ahead of our completion later this year continues to grow, driven by our strong customer relationships, differentiated offerings, and macro tailwinds. Third, we continue to drive towards commissioning of our Corbin facility by the end of the second quarter, shortly followed by initial production, which will serve as a differentiated advantage feedstock for a Red River GAC facility. Fourth, we remain focused on efficiently executing on our construction and development plans at Red River, with commissioning and first deliveries expected by the end of 2024. I am very proud of what our team has achieved to date and am genuinely excited for the year ahead.
Third we continue to drive towards commissioning of our carbon facility by the end of the second quarter. Shortly followed by initial production, which will serve as a differentiated advantage feedstock for our Red River GIC facility.
And four we remain focused on efficiently executing on our construction and development plans at Red River with commissioning and first delivery is expected by the end of 2024.
I am very proud of what our team has achieved to date and then generally excited for the year ahead with that I will turn the call back over to our operator to move us to Q&A.
Thank you we will now be conducting a question and answer session.
If you'd like to ask a question at this time. Please press star one from your telephone keypad and a confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue.
Operator: With that, I will turn the call back over to our operators to move us to Q&A. Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question at this time, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad, and the confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants who are using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star key.
You May press Star two if you like to move your question from the queue.
Participants are using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys.
Again that is star one to ask a question.
Awesome moment to assemble the queue. Thank you.
Yeah.
Once again it is star one if you'd like to ask a question at this time.
Yes.
Thank you.
At this time I'll turn the call over to Ryan Coleman for additional questions.
Operator: Once again, that is Star One to ask a question. Please pause for a moment to assemble the queue. Once again, that is Star One if you'd like to ask a question at this time.
Thank you Rob we have some investor questions I would like to get to as well. Our first question. We received how do you know that costs through the first phase of Red River will not continue to rise between now and completion.
Ryan Coleman: Thank you. At this time, I'll turn the call over to Ryan Coleman for additional questions. Thank you, Rob.
Ryan Coleman: We have some investor questions that we'd like to get to as well. Our first question was, How do you know that costs for the first phase of Red River will not continue to rise between now and... We've completed an extensive process to get to a place of comfort around where we are today. We've looked at all aspects of the project, both internally and externally managed. And while we're comfortable that we've identified all the key pieces that have contributed to the increase we've announced today, there's always uncertainty in managing and executing large projects such as this. We feel we've got a pretty good hand on, in fact, we feel we've got a very good hand on the factors that are in our control, but quite frankly, some aren't in our control.
We've completed an extensive process to get to a place of comfort around where we are today, we've looked at all aspects of the project both internally and externally managed and while we're comfortable that we've identified all of the key pieces that have contributed to the increase we have announced today there is <unk>.
Always uncertainty in managing and executing large projects such as this.
We feel we've got a pretty good handle in fact, we feel we've got a very good handle on the factors that are in our control, but quite frankly, some aren't in our control we've baked in some level of conservatism to account for this but again, we don't expect further increases as we believe we've been diligent.
Ryan Coleman: We've baked in some level of conservatism to account for this, but again, we don't expect further increases as we believe we've been diligent, as described in today's update, and we'll continue to do all we need to do to manage and mitigate the potential impacts of any negative outside factors. As for our second question, could you please elaborate on the planned refinancing of the existing term loan? Are you going to do this whether you need money or not?
As described in today's update and we will continue to do all we need to do to manage and mitigate the potential impacts of any negative outside lenders.
Our second question could you. Please elaborate on the planned refinancing of the existing term loan are you going to do this whether you need money or not and what do you mean by potential expansion of the term loan.
Ryan Coleman: And what do you mean by potential expansion of the term loan? Refinancing our term loan has always been on our to-do list, and we will absolutely proceed with refinancing. What I mean by expansion is increasing the size of our current borrowing amount. We currently have very low debt levels, we have attractive future cash flows, and a valuable asset base whose replacement cost, we estimate, is well over $500 million. As such, I think it's prudent that we put some additional cash on the balance sheet to fund any needs as it relates to completing Phase 1 of the Red River expansion, or it can be used to bring forward Phase 2 if needed. As for our next question, could you please provide any additional information on GAC margins versus those that you realize in your package? Sure. However, pricing for PAC and granular activated carbon varies widely based on the type of product and its uses. What I can tell you is that average GAC pricing is a multiple of average PAC pricing. Does it cost more to produce granular activated carbon than powdered activated carbon? Yes. Does it cost a multiple? Absolutely not. Nowhere near.
Refinancing of our term loan has always been on our to do list and we will absolutely proceed with refinancing what I mean by expansion is increasing the size of our current borrowing amount. We have currently have very low debt levels, we have attractive future cash flows.
And a valuable asset bases replacement cost, we estimate is well over $500 million.
As such I think it's prudent that we put some additional cash on the balance sheet to fund any needs as it relates to completing phase one of the Red River expansion or it can be used to bring forward phase two if needed.
Our next question could you. Please provide any additional information on GAC margins versus those that you realized in your pack business.
Sure pricing for Pac and granular activated carbon varies widely based on the type of product and its uses what I can tell you is that average GAC pricing as a multiple of average pack pricing.
Is it costs more to produce granular activated carbon than powdered activated carbon yes does it cost a multiple absolutely not nowhere near that is what makes the GIC market. So attractive I'd like to provide further specifics, but for competitive reasons I'm going to refrain.
Ryan Coleman: That is what makes the GAC market so attractive. I'd like to provide further specifics, but for competitive reasons, I'm going to refrain. On our fourth question, you mentioned the PAC business will be a net cash provider in 2024. Should we expect similar results throughout 2024 as what you realized in Q4? The fourth quarter was a great quarter, which included some one-time items like the make-all revenues relating to our take-or-pay contracts. Don't forget, if the volumes had been taken throughout the year, it would have spread out the results.
Our fourth question you mentioned the Pac business will be a net cash provider in 2024 should we expect similar results throughout 2024 as what you realized in Q4.
The fourth quarter was a great quarter, which included some one time items like the make whole revenues relating to our take or pay contracts don't forget if the volumes had been taken throughout the year would have spread out the results.
Ryan Coleman: We are facing some headwinds as it relates to natural gas pricing and our PGI segment. However, that should be offset by our continued work on pricing enhancements for the water segment and further penetration of the pack water market. We're pleased at what we see as our volume growth in the pack water market, and most importantly, I think for investors and for the company, is that this segment carries a higher price point and higher margins than the PGI business. In addition, we're going to continue to focus on manufacturing efficiencies to reduce our costs and increase margins.
Facing some headwinds as it relates to natural gas pricing and our Pgi segment, however that should be offset by our continued work on pricing enhancements for the water segment and further penetration of the pack water market.
We're pleased with what we see as our volume growth in the pack water market and most importantly, I think for investors and for the company is that this segment carries a higher price point and higher margins than the Pgi business.
In addition, we're going to continue to focus on manufacturing efficiencies to reduce our costs and increase margin and all of these factors combined for me to be confident in the Pac business being a net cash contributor in 2024.
Ryan Coleman: And all of these factors combine for me to be confident in the PAC business being a net cash contributor in 2024. Thank you. We do have a question from the phone coming from the line of Jerry Sweeney with Roth Capital. Please proceed with your question. Mr. Sweeney, your line is live for questions. This is Jerry Sweeney. Perhaps your line is on mute.
Thank you.
We do have a question from the phone coming from the line of Gerry Sweeney with Roth Capital. Please proceed with your question.
Yeah.
Mr. <unk>. Your line is the line for questions.
Perhaps your line is on mute, we're able to hear you at this time.
Operator: We're not able to hear you at this time. Uh, Raz and Kim, can you hear me? Yes. Morning, Jerry. Oh, yeah. Sorry. Star 1, error.
RASM Kim can you hear me.
Yes, good morning Gerry.
Alright Star one was not working so I'll, just chalking up the user error, but.
Gerard J. Sweeney: But... A lot to unpack, lots of detail, so I really appreciate it, and also, Greg. Obviously, Greg. Um, I was wondering if we could maybe take a step back, level the playing field. And I'm not sure how much it is... Current, what your total PAC production is. Believe me, Gas, but I just. If you're, Historically, we haven't given volumes for competitive reasons. Every time I bring that subject up, Garrett Chandler, our head of sales, has a heart attack, and I think he's only 32 years old in that respect. And so it's something that we'll continue to discuss volumes on that. But I think the key thing for the PAC business is that while volumes decline slightly, the fruits of our efforts in terms of pricing enhancements and using and going to different markets than the PGA, excuse me, specifically the water market, helped enhance pricing, increase average sales price, and margin.
A lot to unpack lots of detail. So I really appreciate it and also congratulations on.
Obviously, a great quarter.
I was wondering if.
If we could maybe take a step back level sets.
And I'm not sure how much of this information I want to provide but I'm just curious as to what your total pack production today is and I believe gas will be 25 million pounds, but I just wanted to.
Level set in terms of production, where we are today, if you're up for that.
Sure historically, we haven't given volumes for competitive reasons.
Every time I bring that subject up Garrett gentler ahead of sales has a heart attack and I think he's only 32 years old.
On that respect.
And so it's something that we'll continue to discuss and the volumes on that.
But I think the key thing for the Pac business is that while volumes declined slightly the are the fruits of our efforts in terms of pricing enhancements and using and going to different markets than the PGA. The second excuse me specifically the the water market helped our <unk>.
Enhanced pricing increased average sales price and margin as it relates to what we expect for granular activated carbon going forward, we've said and we maintain 25 million pounds of capacity coming online when we complete the Red River expansion at the end of this year as I mentioned in my remarks.
Gerard J. Sweeney: As it relates to what we expect for granular activated carbon going forward, we've said, and we maintain 25 million pounds of capacity coming online when we complete the Red River expansion at the end of this year. As I mentioned in my remarks, I believe that some of the things we've done will lead to greater efficiencies that will allow us to produce greater than 25 million pounds of granular activated carbon. However, when I talk about payback in three years or less on the returns associated with the granular business, we're assuming only 25 million pounds of granular activated carbon. We've given no credit for potential increases in GAC volumes.
I believe that some of the things we've done it will lead to greater efficiencies that will allow us to produce greater than 25 million pounds of granular activated carbon however, when I talk about payback in three years or less and the returns associated with the granular business we're assuming.
Only the 25 million pounds of granular activated carbon we've given no credit for potential increases in the GIC volumes, we assume pricing is in line with the current customer discussions and we assume that the foundational pack business is a net cash contributor.
Robert E. Rasmus: We assume pricing is in line with current customer discussions, and we assume that the foundational PAC business is a net cash contributor. Gotcha. All right. I figured PAC was a little bit.
Gotcha Alright.
I figured Pac was a little bit of a trade secret per se, but but you did answer my next question on TAC was originally $25 million, but there's potential upside to that.
Gerard J. Sweeney: You did answer my next question on GAC, www.verbalink.com. Speaking with Pat just for a moment, I think you mentioned, again, I was writing a lot of this stuff down. It sounded like there was. Twenty-four percent of volumes, and these are my words. Twenty-four percent of volumes were negative contracts. So this does imply that there's potentially a little bit more upside to tax business in the first quarter, then it sort of hits a steady state going forward. Am I reading that correctly, or... And so at the end of the first quarter, we'll have one remaining negative margin contract, and that will be gone by the end of this year for that one. Two, there's always work to be done.
Sticking with Pat just for a moment I think you mentioned again that was right and a lot of the stuff down here.
It sounded like there was.
24% of volumes and these are my words, not yours, so I apologize if im correct, 24% of volumes for negative contracts and 14% going to 2%.
I think March or April so does this imply that there's potentially a little bit more upside too.
The Pac business in the first quarter, then it sort of hits a steady state going forward.
Yeah.
Am I reading that correctly or yeah go ahead.
Yeah. So at the end of the first quarter will have one remaining negative margin contracts.
And that will be gone by the end of this year.
That one two there's always work to be done while we're pleased with the progress. We've made we're far from satisfied or at least I'm far from satisfied and I hope everybody else's Byron satisfied.
Robert E. Rasmus: While we're pleased with the progress we've made, we're far from satisfied, or at least I'm far from satisfied, and I hope everybody else is far from satisfied with where we're going. And so while, as I mentioned earlier, there are some headwinds we're facing as it relates to natural gas pricing and demand and the PGI, we're making excellent progress in the water market that we think will offset that and potentially more than offset the headwinds we're facing in the natural gas price. I got it. Switching gears to the GAC. Corbin.
And where we're going and so while as I mentioned earlier that there are some headwinds we're facing as it relates to natural gas pricing and demand in the pgi were making excellent progress in the water market that we think will offset that and.
And potentially more than offset the headwinds we're facing in the natural gas pricing.
Got it.
Switching gears to the G C.
Okay.
Corbin.
Gerard J. Sweeney: Commercialization. Red River. But really, Red River is, I mean, my focus here. If you're completing commercialization, Thank you. Maybe at the end of 3Q, the plant, you start running some production, running through the process. What is sort of the next major hurdle? Really, the hurdle is, you know, I'm going to under-promise and hopefully over-deliver as it relates to Red River, but really start commissioning Red River in the fourth quarter and, late in the fourth quarter, actually start production with first deliveries very late in the fourth quarter or the beginning of the first quarter of next year. I've done a bunch of channel checks, and pricing in the water market I know...
Commercialization into Q Red River complete commercialization of <unk> for Q I think I think we're going to actually complete commercialization of two two but really Red River is I mean, my focus here, if you're completing commercialization and <unk> that means you know.
Maybe <unk> the plant you start running some production runs running through the processes.
What is sort of the next major hurdle with Red River to gauge that.
Really the hurdle is I'm going to under promise and hopefully over deliver as it relates to the Red River, but really start commissioning Red River in the fourth quarter and late in the fourth quarter actually start production with first deliveries very late in the fourth quarter or the beginning of the first quarter of next year.
Okay, Great Fair that's fair.
And.
I've done a bunch of channel checks pricing in the water market is great I know.
Gerard J. Sweeney: Thank you. Thank you, and down the pipe. And I know different water groups are taking... or waiting and see what those regulations are, actually buying, putting up contracts. I'm just curious as to maybe the momentum, and how that sort of fills out.
Huge amount of opportunity coming down the pike, especially with potential EPA regulations specific potential, but it will be something.
And I know different water groups are taking different approaches some are wait and see what those regulations are and some are.
Actually buying putting up contracts now.
Just curious as to maybe the momentum you're seeing on.
On.
Contracts inbounds.
And how does that sort of fill out with that $25 million of.
Production.
So I mean, I'm gonna and if so what you're basically saying is you know what's my confidence level in contracting for GAC.
Robert E. Rasmus: So what you're basically saying is, you know, what my confidence level is in contracting for GAC and the terms. And so I want to make sure that's clear. So really, my confidence is based on several factors, Jerry. The first is fundamentals.
And the terms and then and so I wonder if that's the case.
Yes so.
Really my confidence is based on several factors Jerry.
The first is fundamentals the markets under supply demand is growing.
Robert E. Rasmus: The market's undersupplied demand is growing, and this is because, as you mentioned before, no PFAS regulations are inactive. The second is the results we're seeing in regards to our pre-qualification testing done with prospective customers. The feedback has been extremely positive. And as I mentioned during the call, all the completed testing is either moved on to the next phase of testing or to actual contract discussions. And third, there are the conversations with those customers. Users are interested in not only finding supply to meet their demands but new supply. They like the quality of our product, the fact that it's domestically produced, and the performance characteristics they've seen in testing. And since our footprint is our feedstock is derived from bituminous coal waste, they really like the environmental benefits in terms of a reduced carbon footprint. They find all of those things quite attractive.
And this is as you mentioned before NTP fast regulations are enacted.
The second is the results we're seeing in regards to our pre qualification testing done with prospective customers.
Feedback has been extremely positive and as I mentioned during the call. All the completed testing has either moved onto the next eight excuse me next phase of testing or to actual contract discussions.
And third is the conversations with those customers users are interested in not only finding supply to meet their demands, but new supply they like the quality of our product. The fact that its domestically produced the performance characteristics they've seen in testing and since our footprint.
Is our feedstock is derived from bituminous coal waste they really like the environmental benefits in terms of reduced carbon footprint. They bind all of those things quite a fat attractive.
Robert E. Rasmus: And all of these factors combined are really what relates to my confidence level. And not only being able to contract our production prior to actually beginning to produce granular activated carbon from Red River, but also the potential for prepayments. Surety of supply, as you probably found out from your channel checks for GAC, is extremely important. And so the second part is, you know, what types of terms are we looking for?
In all of these factors combined are really what relates to my confidence level and not only being able to contract our production prior to actually beginning to produce granular activated carbon from Red River.
But also to the potential for prepayments surety of supply as you probably found out from your channel checks.
For GAC is extremely important and so the second part is you know what types of terms are we looking for I mean every negotiation is a trade off.
Robert E. Rasmus: I mean, every negotiation is a tradeoff, and what we're really looking for is to find what maximizes long-term shareholder value. The reality is we could contract 100 percent of it right now, but we don't want to. We want to find the right fit, the right mix, the right price, the right customer.
And what we're really looking for is to find what maximizes long term shareholder value. The reality is we could contract 100% of it right now, but we don't want to we want to find the right fit the right mix the right price the right customers.
Understood Yeah, Okay got it.
Gerard J. Sweeney: I'll jump back in line with some of my other questions. Thanks, Jerry. Thanks, Jerry. We have one final investor question that we'd like to get to. And that question was, what do you mean by increased operating efficiencies and volumes as a reason why equipment costs rose? As mentioned, we tweaked some of the equipment to maximize potential performance. One benefit, as I said in my prepared remarks, is that GAC production is now additive to PAC production. Previously, GAC production would have been a pound-for-pound reduction in our PAC production capability. Now, GAC production is actually additive on a one-for-one basis. Also, I expect some of the operational efficiencies will also increase the amount of GAC from the first phase and future stages of the expansion, similar to what I mentioned in Ryan's question, that we've used and continue to use 25 million pounds as the output, but we hope and expect that it will be greater than that. And, as I mentioned, we have not assumed either the additive increase or anything above 25 million pounds in our return calculation.
Ill jump back in line some of my other questions were answered, but I appreciate it and we'll talk soon.
Thanks Jerry.
Thanks, Jerry we have one final investor question that we'd like to get to and that question was what do you mean by increased operating efficiencies and volumes as a reason why equipment costs rose at Red River.
As mentioned, we tweak some of the equipment to maximize potential performance.
One benefit as I said in my prepared remarks is that ghd production is now additive to pack production previously GAC production would have been a pound for that excuse me a pound for pound reduction in our P. A C production capability.
Now GIC is actually additive on a one for one basis.
Also I expect some of the operational efficiencies would also increase the amount of GAC from the first phase in future stages of the expansion similar to what I mentioned in Ryan's.
Question that we've used and continue to use 25 million pounds.
As the output, but we hope and expect that it will be greater than that and as I mentioned, we have not assumed either the additive increase or anything above 25 million pounds and our return calculations.
Thanks, Bob and thanks again to those of you who provided questions I'd like to turn the call back over to Bob for any closing remarks.
Robert E. Rasmus: Thanks, Bob. And thanks again to those of you who provided questions. I'd like to turn the call back over to Bob for any closing remarks.
Robert E. Rasmus: Thanks, Ryan, and thank you all for listening today and your interest in AHRQ. With our fourth-quarter results, you're beginning to see the fruits of our labors and the effects of the company's transformation. But there's still a lot of work to be done. As always, our focus is on execution and maximizing shareholder value.
Thanks, Ryan and thank you all for listening today and your interest in Eric with our fourth quarter results are beginning to see the fruits of our labors and the effects of the company's transformation. There's still a lot of work to be done as always our focus is on execution and maximizing shareholder value I am <unk>.
Operator: I am optimistic about AHRQ's continued transformation and the future, and I look forward to talking with you on our next call. Thank you. This will conclude today's conference. We will disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation and have a wonderful day.
Optimistic about <unk> continued transformation and the future and I look forward to talking with you on our next call.
Thank you. This will conclude today's conference we disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation and have a wonderful day.
Yeah.