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Fuel Tech (FTEK)
NASDAQ:FTEK
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Fuel Tech (FTEK) AI Stock Analysis

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FTEK

Fuel Tech

(NASDAQ:FTEK)

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Neutral 53 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:53Neutral
Price Target:
$3.00
▼(-0.99% Downside)
Fuel Tech's overall stock score is primarily impacted by its financial challenges, including declining revenues and negative cash flows. While technical analysis shows some positive trends, the poor valuation metrics and neutral sentiment from the earnings call further weigh down the score. The company's strong balance sheet and potential growth in AI data centers offer some optimism, but significant operational improvements are needed.
Positive Factors
Strong Financial Position
Fuel Tech's strong cash position and lack of long-term debt provide financial stability and flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and weather economic uncertainties.
Increase in Gross Margin
The increase in gross margin indicates improved operational efficiency and cost management, enhancing profitability potential over the long term.
Strong Pipeline in AI Data Centers
Fuel Tech's focus on AI and data center infrastructure positions it well for future growth, tapping into a high-demand sector with substantial revenue potential.
Negative Factors
Decline in Quarterly Revenue
The decline in revenue suggests challenges in maintaining sales momentum, which could impact long-term growth and market competitiveness if not addressed.
Operating Loss
Rising operating losses highlight ongoing profitability issues, which may strain resources and hinder the company's ability to invest in strategic initiatives.
Reduced Revenue Guidance
Lowered revenue guidance reflects potential challenges in securing contracts, which could limit growth prospects and investor confidence in the near term.

Fuel Tech (FTEK) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Fuel Tech Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFuel Tech, Inc. provides boiler optimization, efficiency improvement, and air pollution reduction and control solutions to utility and industrial customers worldwide. It operates through two segments, Air Pollution Control Technology and FUEL CHEM Technology. The Air Pollution Control Technology segment offers technologies to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in flue gas from boilers, incinerators, furnaces, and other stationary combustion sources by low and ultra-low NOx burners; over-fire air systems; NOxOUT and HERT selective non-catalytic reduction systems; selective catalytic reduction systems comprising ammonia injection grid, and graduated straightening grid systems; I-NOx systems; ESP Processes and Services; ULTRA technology; and flue gas conditioning systems; and burner systems. The FUEL CHEM Technology segment provides programs to improve the efficiency, reliability, fuel flexibility, boiler heat rate, and environmental status of combustion units by controlling slagging, fouling, corrosion, opacity, and acid plume, as well as the formation of sulfur trioxide, ammonium bisulfate, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide through the addition of chemicals into the furnace using TIFI targeted in-furnace injection technology. This segment offers its FUEL CHEM program for plants operating in the electric utility, industrial, pulp and paper, waste-to-energy, and university and district heating markets; and the owners of boilers, furnaces, and other combustion units. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Warrenville, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyFuel Tech generates revenue through the sale of its proprietary technologies and services, which include system designs, installation, and ongoing support for its air pollution control solutions. Key revenue streams include the sale of NOx reduction systems, fuel additives, and consulting services. The company also earns revenue from long-term contracts for maintenance and operational support, which provide a steady income stream. Significant partnerships with industrial clients, especially in the power generation sector, enhance Fuel Tech's market presence and contribute to its earnings by providing access to larger projects and contracts focused on compliance with environmental regulations.

Fuel Tech Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 05, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 11, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a balanced perspective with notable achievements in financial positioning and growth prospects in emerging technologies, particularly in AI data centers. However, this was offset by challenges such as a decline in revenue, increased operating loss, and reduced revenue guidance, leading to an overall neutral sentiment.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Position
Fuel Tech ended the quarter with nearly $31 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, and no long-term debt.
Optimistic Growth in APC and FUEL CHEM
Expecting $2.5 million to $3 million in new APC awards by the end of August, and FUEL CHEM segment is on track to achieve $15 million to $16 million in revenue for 2025.
Increase in Gross Margin
Consolidated gross margin rose to 46% from 42% in the previous year, driven by segment contribution mix.
Dissolved Gas Infusion Technology Demonstration
Commenced an extended demonstration at a fish hatchery in the Western U.S., expected to last until 2026.
Strong Pipeline in AI Data Centers
Significant bid pipeline for APC emissions control solutions driven by AI and data center infrastructure, approximating $100 million.
Negative Updates
Decline in Quarterly Revenue
Revenue decreased to $5.6 million from $7 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower APC segment revenue.
Operating Loss
Operating loss increased to $1.3 million from $715,000 in the prior year period.
Reduced Revenue Guidance
2025 revenue guidance reduced from $30 million to a range of $28 million to $29 million due to uncertainty in APC awards timing.
Challenges in Mexico
Despite potential opportunities, there is ongoing uncertainty and delay in environmental policy implementation in Mexico.
Company Guidance
In the Fuel Tech Inc. 2025 Second Quarter Financial Results Conference Call, the company provided several key metrics and guidance for the year. The company’s second-quarter revenues declined to $5.6 million from $7 million in the previous year, primarily due to lower APC segment revenues, which fell to $2.5 million from $3.9 million. The FUEL CHEM segment, however, remained flat at $3.1 million. Fuel Tech reported a consolidated gross margin increase to 46% from 42%, with the FUEL CHEM segment gross margin slightly rising to 47%. The company ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaling nearly $31 million and no long-term debt. Looking forward, the company expects its FUEL CHEM revenues to reach $15 million to $16 million for 2025 and anticipates recognizing approximately $5 million of its $7.8 million backlog over the next 12 months. Fuel Tech reduced its overall revenue guidance for 2025 to a range of $28 million to $29 million, citing uncertainties in the timing of APC awards. However, they expressed optimism about significant opportunities in the AI-related data center infrastructure, with a pipeline of approximately $100 million in bids outstanding for their APC emissions control solutions.

Fuel Tech Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Fuel Tech faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenues and persistent profitability issues. Despite a strong balance sheet with low leverage, negative cash flows and ongoing losses indicate operational difficulties. Stability in gross margins offers some hope, but a strategic turnaround is essential.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Fuel Tech has faced declining revenue over the years, with a recent drop from $27.1M in 2023 to $25.1M in 2024. The gross profit margin showed stability at around 42%, but the company has consistently reported negative EBIT and net income, indicating profitability challenges. The net profit margin was -7.7% in 2024, reflecting ongoing losses.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company maintains a strong equity position, with a high equity ratio of approximately 86%. However, the debt-to-equity ratio remains low at 0.01, indicating minimal leverage. Despite a solid asset base, the company has faced declining equity over the years.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Fuel Tech's cash flow performance has been weak, with negative operating cash flow in 2024 at -$3.4M. The free cash flow has also been negative, dropping from $0.28M in 2023 to -$3.4M in 2024. The operating cash flow to net income ratio suggests cash generation issues relative to net income.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue25.07M25.13M27.08M26.94M24.26M22.55M
Gross Profit10.96M10.62M11.66M11.64M11.90M10.64M
EBITDA-3.13M-1.41M-1.11M-931.00K-748.00K-3.37M
Net Income-3.23M-1.94M-1.54M-1.44M54.00K-4.28M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets47.00M48.80M50.39M50.12M49.97M30.09M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments23.01M18.69M29.71M26.31M35.89M10.64M
Total Debt696.00K625.00K614.00K191.00K235.00K1.94M
Total Liabilities6.42M6.84M6.67M5.25M3.77M7.77M
Stockholders Equity40.59M41.95M43.71M44.88M46.20M22.32M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow544.00K-3.81M278.00K-4.34M677.00K-2.95M
Operating Cash Flow718.00K-3.43M696.00K-4.14M761.00K-2.71M
Investing Cash Flow-432.00K-5.44M-6.44M-9.48M-84.00K-247.00K
Financing Cash Flow-222.00K-95.00K42.00K-17.00K23.98M1.28M

Fuel Tech Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price3.03
Price Trends
50DMA
2.95
Positive
100DMA
2.45
Positive
200DMA
1.72
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.09
Positive
RSI
48.01
Neutral
STOCH
24.97
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FTEK, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 3.03 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3.16, above the 50-day MA of 2.95, and above the 200-day MA of 1.72, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.09 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 48.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.97 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for FTEK.

Fuel Tech Risk Analysis

Fuel Tech disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Fuel Tech reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Fuel Tech Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
10.58M14.604.66%-14.25%-59.84%
56
Neutral
42.26M-7.17-38.50%19.03%11.70%
53
Neutral
$94.16M-7.69%-4.78%-1359.72%
50
Neutral
24.80M-1.92-74.27%-12.76%15.23%
46
Neutral
20.68M-4.40-109.22%-12.72%-36.80%
39
Underperform
46.58M-2.74
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FTEK
Fuel Tech
3.03
2.00
194.17%
CLWT
Euro Tech Holdings Company
1.39
-0.25
-15.24%
CLIR
ClearSign Combustion
0.81
-0.03
-3.57%
LIQT
LiqTech International
2.58
-0.46
-15.13%
SCWO
374Water
0.31
-1.04
-77.04%
TOMZ
TOMI Environmental Solutions
1.03
0.24
30.38%

Fuel Tech Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Fuel Tech Releases Updated Corporate Presentation
Neutral
May 22, 2025

Fuel Tech, Inc. announced that it will post an updated corporate presentation on its website, dated May 21, 2025. This presentation is part of a regulatory filing and is not subject to certain liabilities, indicating a strategic move to update stakeholders on the company’s current status and future plans.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 19, 2025