← Back to ERII filing summaryOriginal filing text · Part I
Item 2 — Management's Discussion and Analysis
Energy Recovery, Inc. · 10-Q · Q2 FY2026 · Period ended Jun 30, 2026
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Overview
Energy Recovery, Inc. (the “Company”, “Energy Recovery”, “we”, “our” and “us”) designs and manufactures solutions that make
industrial processes more efficient and sustainable. Leveraging our pressure exchanger technology, which generates little to no emissions
when operating, we believe our solutions lower costs, save energy, reduce waste, and minimize emissions for companies across a variety of
commercial and industrial processes. As the world coalesces around the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts, we are
helping companies reduce their energy consumption in their industrial processes, which in turn, reduces their carbon footprint. We believe
that our customers do not have to sacrifice quality and cost savings for sustainability and we are committed to developing solutions that drive
long-term value – both financial and environmental.
The original product application of our technology, the PX® Pressure Exchanger® (“PX”) energy recovery device, was a major
contributor to the advancement of seawater reverse osmosis desalination (“SWRO”), significantly lowering the energy intensity and cost of
water production globally from SWRO. Our pressure exchanger technology is being applied to the wastewater filtration market, such as
battery manufacturers, mining operations, municipalities, and other manufacturing plants that discharge wastewater with significant levels of
metals and pollutants.
Engineering, and research and development (“R&D”), have been, and remain, an essential part of our history, culture and corporate
strategy. Since our formation, we have developed leading technology and engineering expertise through the continual evolution of our
pressure exchanger technology, which can enhance environmental sustainability and improve productivity by reducing waste and energy
consumption in high-pressure industrial fluid-flow systems. This versatile technology works as a platform to build product applications and is
at the heart of many of our products. In addition, we have engineered and developed ancillary devices, such as our hydraulic turbochargers
and circulation “booster” pumps, that complement our energy recovery devices.
Segments
Our reportable operating segments consist of the Desalination and Wastewater segments. These segments are based on the
industries in which the technology solutions are sold, the type of energy recovery device or other technology sold and the related solution and
service. Other factors for determining the reportable operating segments include the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker
(“CODM”), our Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates our performance combined with the nature of the individual business
activities. In addition, our Corporate and Other include expenditures in support of the Desalination and Wastewater segments, as well as
revenue and expenditures associated with the former Emerging Technologies segment. We continue to monitor and review our segment
reporting structure in accordance with authoritative guidance to determine whether any changes have occurred that would impact our
reportable segments.
During the six months ended June 30, 2026, we changed the composition of our reportable segments to better reflect how the CODM
manages the business. During the fist quarter of fiscal 2026, the Water segment was separated into two segments, the Desalination segment
and the Wastewater segment. During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the CO2 retail grocery business within the Emerging Technologies
segment was wound-down, which resulted in the Emerging Technologies segment no longer meeting the criteria of a reportable segment as
of the second quarter of fiscal 2026. As a result, revenue and expenses associated with the former Emerging Technologies segment have
been included within Corporate and Other. Prior periods have been recast to conform to the current year presentation.
Energy Recovery, Inc. | Q2'2026 Quarterly Report (Form 10-Q) | 25
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Results of Operations
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, compared
to the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, is presented below.
Revenue
As a significant portion of our revenue is derived from large project contract deliveries that are up to 36 months from contract date,
variability in revenue from quarter to quarter is typical, therefore year-on-year comparisons are not necessarily indicative of the trend for the
full year due to these variations. There is no specific seasonality in our revenues to highlight.
Revenue by Channel Customers
Three Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025
Revenue % of Revenue Revenue % of Revenue Change
(In thousands, except percentages)
Original equipment manufacturer $5,178 43% $8,357 30% $(3,179) (38%)
Aftermarket 4,112 34% 4,892 17% (780) (16%)
Megaproject 2,706 23% 14,802 53% (12,096) (82%)
Total revenue $11,996 100% $28,051 100% $(16,055) (57%)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025
Revenue % of Revenue Revenue % of Revenue Change
(In thousands, except percentages)
Original equipment manufacturer $11,766 54% $12,358 34% $(592) (5%)
Aftermarket 6,866 32% 8,920 25% (2,054) (23%)
Megaproject 3,070 14% 14,838 41% (11,768) (79%)
Total revenue $21,702 100% $36,116 100% $(14,414) (40%)
Revenue Attributable to Primary Geographical Markets by Segments
Three Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025
Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total
(In thousands)
Middle East $6,081 $— $— $6,081 $8,275 $— $92 $8,367
Africa 475 — — 475 1,049 — — 1,049
Other 4,927 513 — 5,440 16,176 2,339 120 18,635
Total revenue $11,483 $513 $— $11,996 $25,500 $2,339 $212 $28,051
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Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025
Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total
(In thousands)
Middle East $8,587 $— $77 $8,664 $10,289 $— $93 $10,382
Africa 671 — — 671 1,915 — — 1,915
Other 11,132 1,114 121 12,367 21,055 2,644 120 23,819
Total revenue $20,390 $1,114 $198 $21,702 $33,259 $2,644 $213 $36,116
Three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025
The decrease in Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) revenue of $3.2 million was due primarily to:
•Desalination: The decrease in revenue of $1.3 million was due primarily to lower shipments of products to the Asia and Africa
markets, partially offset by higher shipments of products to the America, Europe and Middle East markets.
•Wastewater: The decrease in revenue of $1.9 million was due primarily to lower shipments of products to the Asia markets.
The decrease in After Market (“AM”) revenue of $0.8 million was due primarily to lower shipment of products to the Europe and Asia
markets, partially offset by higher shipments of products to the Middle East market.
The decrease in Megaproject (“MPD”) revenue of $12.1 million was primarily due to lower shipments of products to the Europe,
Middle East and Asia markets.
Six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025
The decrease in OEM revenue of $0.6 million was due primarily to:
•Desalination: The increase in revenue of $0.8 million was due primarily to higher shipments of products to the Europe, Middle
East and Africa markets, partially offset by lower shipments of products to the Asia market.
•Wastewater: The decrease in revenue of $1.4 million was due primarily to lower shipments of products to the Asia market.
The decrease in AM revenue of $2.1 million was primarily due to lower shipments to the Asia and Europe markets.
The decrease in MPD revenue of $11.8 million was due primarily to lower shipments to the Europe, Asia and Middle East markets.
Concentration of Revenue
See Note 10, “Concentrations,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements
(unaudited),” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Notes”) for further discussion regarding our concentration of revenue.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit represents revenue less cost of revenue. Cost of revenue consists primarily of raw materials, personnel costs (including
stock-based compensation), manufacturing overhead, warranty costs, and depreciation expense.
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025 Change 2026 2025 Change
(In thousands, except percentage and basis point)
Gross profit $8,957 $17,954 $(8,997) $11,659 $22,412 $(10,753)
Gross margin 74.7% 64.0% 1,070 bps 53.7% 62.1% (840) bps
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The decrease in gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the prior year, was due primarily to lower
volume as compared to the prior year, partially offset by decreases to indirect manufacturing costs and channel mix.
The increase in gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the prior year, was due primarily to indirect
manufacturing costs and channel mix, partially offset by lower volume.
The decrease in gross profit and gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the prior year, was due
primarily to lower volume as compared to the prior year as well as $1.6 million of restructuring charges booked to inventory associated with
the wind down of the CO2 retail grocery business, as well as increased costs related to product and channel mix, pricing, and tariffs, partially
offset by improvements to indirect manufacturing costs during the six months ended June 30, 2026.
Operating Expenses
The total material changes of general and administrative (“G&A”), sales and marketing (“S&M”) and R&D operating expenses for the
three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the comparable periods in the prior year, are discussed within the following overall
operating expenditures, and the segment and corporate operating expenses discussions below.
Three Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025
Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total
(In thousands)
Operating expenses
General and administrative $1,025 $872 $4,904 $6,801 $788 $535 $6,346 $7,669
Sales and marketing 2,453 1,209 674 4,336 2,183 1,097 2,080 5,360
Research and development 2,391 262 196 2,849 1,370 234 1,847 3,451
Restructuring charges — — 855 855 — — — —
Total operating expenses $5,869 $2,343 $6,629 $14,841 $4,341 $1,866 $10,273 $16,480
Three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025
Overall Operating Expenditures. Overall operating expenditures decreased $1.6 million, or (10.0%). This decrease was primarily due
to lower employee compensation costs, including stock-based compensation expense, and lower consulting costs, partially offset by
restructuring charges incurred in the three months ended June 30, 2026.
Desalination Segment. Desalination segment operating expenses increased by $1.5 million, or 35.2%. This increase was primarily
due to higher employee costs, including stock-based compensation expense.
Wastewater Segment. Wastewater segment operating expenses increased by $0.5 million, or 26%. This increase was primarily due
to higher employee costs and higher consulting costs.
Corporate and Other. Corporate and Other decreased by $3.6 million, or (35.5)%. This decrease was primarily due to lower
employee compensation costs, including stock-based compensation expense, lower consulting costs, and lower emerging technology
development costs, partially offset by restructuring charges incurred in the three months ended June 30, 2026.
Restructuring Charges. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we wound down operations of the CO2 retail grocery business
within our Emerging Technologies segment due to a fundamental change in the outlook of the business. We recorded a restructuring charge
of approximately $0.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2026. The total restructuring charge recorded relates to severance and
benefits, including reemployment assistance, for 23 terminated employees. The restructuring plan was substantially complete by the end of
the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 and we do not expect to incur significant additional expenses related to the restructuring.
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Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025
Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total Desalination Wastewater Corporate and Other Total
(In thousands)
General and administrative $1,781 $1,853 $9,622 $13,256 $1,633 $1,263 $13,347 $16,243
Sales and marketing 4,938 2,372 2,145 $9,455 4,291 2,134 3,841 $10,266
Research and development 4,007 398 1,233 $5,638 2,219 563 3,670 $6,452
Restructuring charges 335 18 2,038 $2,391 107 103 329 $539
Impairment of goodwill — — 1,662 $1,662 — — — $—
Total operating expenses $11,061 $4,641 $16,700 $32,402 $8,250 $4,063 $21,187 $33,500
Six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025
Overall Operating Expenditures. Overall operating expenditures decreased by $1.1 million, or (3.3%). This decrease was primarily
due to to lower employee compensation costs, including stock-based compensation expense, and lower consulting costs, and was partially
offset by impairment of goodwill and restructuring charges incurred as part of the wind down of the CO2 retail grocery business.
Desalination Segment. Desalination segment related operating expenses increased by $2.8 million, or 34.1%. This increase was
primarily due to to higher employee costs, including stock-based compensation costs, and higher restructuring charges.
Wastewater Segment. Wastewater segment related operating expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 14.2%. This increase was
primarily due to to higher employee costs and higher consulting costs.
Corporate and Other. Corporate and Other decreased by $4.5 million, or (21.2)%. This decrease was primarily due to lower
employee costs, including stock-based compensation expense, lower consulting costs and lower emerging technology development costs,
partially offset by impairment of goodwill and restructuring charges incurred as part of the wind down of the CO2 retail grocery business.
Restructuring Charges. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we wound down operations of the CO2 retail grocery business within
our Emerging Technologies segment due to a fundamental change in the outlook of the business. We recorded a restructuring charge of
approximately $2.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2026. The total restructuring charge recorded relates to severance and
benefits, including reemployment assistance, for 23 terminated employees. In addition to the restructuring charges, we incurred other related
charges associated with the wind down of the CO2 retail grocery business, including excess and obsolescence reserves taken on CO2
inventory of approximately $1.6 million and impairment of goodwill of approximately $1.7 million, which are included in “Restructuring -
inventory reserve” and “Impairment of goodwill” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively. The restructuring
plan was substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 and we do not expect to incur significant additional
expenses related to the restructuring.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, we implemented a restructuring plan which included reductions in our workforce in all
functions of the organization, primarily within the G&A function, in order to lower our operating cost structure, and to position the Company for
profitable growth. We recorded total restructuring charges of approximately $2.8 million, of which $0.5 million was recorded during the six
months ended June 30, 2025. The total restructuring charge relates to severance and benefits, including reemployment assistance, for
38 terminated employees, which was approximately 15% of our workforce. The implementation of the restructuring plan was complete as of
December 31, 2025. See Note 4, “Other Financial Information – Restructuring,” of the Notes for further discussion and disclosure on our
restructuring program.
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Other Income, Net
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025 2026 2025
(In thousands)
Interest income $680 $940 $1,405 $2,013
Other non-operating income (expense), net 122 (26) 230 (20)
Total other income, net $802 $914 $1,635 $1,993
The decrease in “Total other income, net” in the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the comparable period in
the prior year, was primarily due to a decrease in the interest rate for short- and long-term investments.
Income Taxes
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025 2026 2025
(In thousands, except percentages)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes $(1,884) $334 $(3,659) $(1,269)
Discrete items (185) (22) (317) 30
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes, excluding discrete items $(2,069) $312 $(3,976) $(1,239)
Effective tax rate 37.1% 14.0% 19.1% 14.0%
Effective tax rate, excluding discrete items 40.7% 13.0% 20.8% 13.7%
The interim period tax benefit from income taxes is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete
items, if any, that arise during the period. Each quarter, we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if the estimated annual
effective tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment in such period. The quarterly tax provision and estimate of our annual effective
tax rate are subject to variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our pre-tax income or loss and the mix of
jurisdictions to which they relate, the applicability of special tax regimes, and changes in how we do business.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the recognized benefit from income taxes resulted from the tax projection based
on the full year forecast and included benefits related to the U.S. federal research and development (“R&D”) tax credit, and certain
permanent differences, such as non-deductible stock-based compensation as well as an increase in the California valuation allowance for
California R&D tax credits.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the recognized provision for and (benefit from) income taxes, respectively,
resulted from the tax projection based on the full year forecasted profit and included benefits related to the U.S. federal foreign-derived
intangible income (“FDII”), federal R&D tax credit, certain permanent differences, such as stock-based compensation shortfalls, and partial
release of California valuation allowance.
The effective tax rate excluding discrete items for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the prior year, differed
primarily due to the projection that the Company will not generate the U.S. federal foreign-derived intangible income deduction in 2026 due to
the Company’s forecasted loss in 2026.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
From time-to-time, management and our Board of Directors (the “Board”) review our liquidity and future cash needs and may make a
decision to (1) return capital to our shareholders through a share repurchase program or dividend payout; or (2) seek additional debt or equity
financing. As of June 30, 2026, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of (i) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $61.4 million that
are held in cash accounts and invested in money market funds and U.S. treasury securities; (ii) investment-grade short-term and long-term
marketable debt instruments of $36.6 million that are primarily invested in U.S. treasury securities and corporate notes and bonds; and
(iii) accounts receivable, net of allowances, of $14.2 million. As of June 30, 2026, there was unrestricted cash of $0.9 million held outside
the U.S. We invest cash not needed for current operations predominantly in investment-grade, marketable debt instruments with the intent to
make such funds available for future operating purposes, as needed. Although these securities are available for sale, we generally hold
these securities to maturity, and therefore, do not currently see a need to trade these securities in order to support our liquidity needs in the
foreseeable future. We believe the risk of this portfolio to us is in the ability of the underlying companies or government agencies to cover
their obligations at maturity, not in our ability to trade these securities at a profit. Based on current projections, we believe existing cash
balances and future cash inflows from this portfolio will meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months.
Credit Agreement
We entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. on December 22, 2021 (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”).
The Credit Agreement provides a committed revolving credit line of $50.0 million and includes both a revolving loan and a letters of credit
(“LCs”) component. The Credit Agreement was amended on January 21, 2026 to extend the expiration date from December 21, 2026 to
January 21, 2031. The maximum allowable LCs under the credit line component of the Credit Agreement is $30.0 million. As of June 30,
2026, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.
See Note 6, “Lines of Credit,” of the Notes for further discussion related to the Credit Agreement.
Share Repurchase Programs
The Board, from time-to-time, has authorized share repurchase programs under which we may, at our discretion, repurchase the
Company’s outstanding common stock in the open market, or in privately negotiated transactions, in compliance with applicable state and
federal securities laws. The timing and amounts of any purchase under the share repurchase programs are based on market conditions and
other factors including price, regulatory requirements, and capital availability. We account for stock repurchases under these programs using
the cost method. As of June 30, 2026, we have cumulatively repurchased 15.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an
aggregate cost of $186.8 million under all share repurchase programs. The following is a discussion of the current share repurchase
program during the three and six months ended June 30, 2026. See Note 11, “Stockholders’ Equity – Share Repurchase Programs,” of the
Notes for further discussion related to share repurchase programs and a reconciliation of the latest share repurchase plan balance.
On August 6, 2025, we announced that the Board authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase our
outstanding common stock, at the discretion of management, up to $25.0 million in aggregate cost, which includes both the share value of the
acquired common stock and the fees charged in connection with acquiring the common stock (the “August 2025 Authorization”). We began
repurchasing our outstanding common stock under the August 2025 Authorization in August 2025. The August 2025 Authorization expired in
May 2026. As of June 30, 2026, we have repurchased 2,179,419 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately
$25.0 million of which 832,550 and 1,792,853 were purchased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 at an aggregate cost of
approximately $8.7 million and $19.3 million, respectively.
On May 6, 2026, we announced that the Board authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase our
outstanding common stock, at the discretion of management, for up to $25.0 million in aggregate cost, which includes both the share value of
the acquired common stock and the fees charged in connection with acquiring the common stock (the “May 2026 Authorization”). We began
repurchasing our outstanding common stock under the May 2026 Authorization in May 2026. The May 2026 Authorization will expire in April
2027. As of June 30, 2026, we have repurchased 156,900 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $1.3 million. All
156,900 shares were purchased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2026.
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Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026 2025 Change
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities $37,343 $14,824 $22,519
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (2,979) 33,566 (36,545)
Net cash used in financing activities (20,982) (21,026) 44
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash and cash equivalents (20) 60 (80)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $13,362 $27,424 $(14,062)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities is subject to the project driven, non-cyclical nature of our business. Operating cash flow can
fluctuate significantly from reporting period to reporting period, due to the timing of receipts of large project orders. Operating cash flow may
be negative in one reporting period and significantly positive in the next. Consequently, individual reporting period results and comparisons
may not necessarily indicate a significant trend, either positive or negative.
The higher net cash provided by operating assets and liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the prior
year, was due primarily to the following factors:
•Accounts receivable: an increase in cash provided due to an increase in collections related to revenues earned late in the fourth
quarter of 2025;
•Accrued liabilities: an increase in cash provided due to incentives and restructuring expenses paid out in 2025, partially offset by,
•Inventories: a decrease in cash provided due to cash used to build finished goods inventory in the first half of 2026.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities primarily relates to maturities and purchases of investment-grade marketable debt
instruments, and capital expenditures supporting our growth. The decrease in cash provided during the six months ended June 30, 2026, as
compared to the prior year, is primarily due to fewer maturities as well as higher purchases of marketable securities. We believe our
investments in marketable debt instruments are structured to preserve principal and liquidity while at the same time maximizing yields without
significantly increasing risk.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was lower as compared to the cash used in financing
activities in the prior year, due to lower repurchases of our common stock as well as a $0.4 million refund received for excise tax payments
made during the previous fiscal year.
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Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements
We believe that our existing resources and cash generated from our operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated capital
requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, we may need to raise additional capital or incur additional indebtedness to continue
to fund our operations or to support acquisitions in the future and/or to fund investments in our latest technology arising from rapid market
adoption. These needs could require us to seek additional equity or debt financing. Our future capital requirements will depend on many
factors including the continuing market acceptance of our products, our rate of revenue growth, the timing of new product introductions, the
expansion of our R&D, manufacturing and S&M activities, and the timing and extent of our expansion into new geographic territories. In
addition, we may enter into potential material investments in, or acquisitions of, complementary businesses, services or technologies in the
future which could also require us to seek additional equity or debt financing. Should we need additional liquidity or capital funds, these funds
may not be available to us on favorable terms, or at all.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – Significant Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements (unaudited),” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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