OPAL Fuels Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 17, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 17, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-15.
0001842279-24-000012
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-17.
0001842279-25-000049
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 298 previous paragraphs and 301 current paragraphs.
260 unchanged; 24 reworded; 15 added; 13 removed; 1 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (15)
Current report
Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. In addition, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could have a material adverse effect on the price of our Class A common stock.
Current report
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of year-end. We are required to report, among other things, control deficiencies that constitute material weaknesses or changes in internal control that, or that are reasonably likely to, materially affect internal control over financial reporting. A “material weakness” is a significant deficiency or combination of significant deficiencies that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.
Current report
We have identified and remediated control deficiencies in the past, and we cannot assure you that we will at all times in the future be able to report that our internal controls are effective. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our results of operation could be harmed. Our failure to maintain the effective internal control over financial reporting could cause the cost related to remediation to increase and could cause our stock price to decline. In addition, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, may be subject to regulatory sanctions, and investors may lose confidence in our financial statements. No material weaknesses were identified during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Current report
Our increasing reliance on information technology and other systems subjects us to risks associated with cybersecurity. Cybersecurity incidents or our failure to maintain the security and integrity of Company, employee, associate, customer or third-party data could have a disruptive effect on our business and adversely affect our reputation and financial performance.
Current report
Risks Related to Regulations or Governmental Actions
Current report
The Company may incur contractual obligations from the indemnification of third parties if tax authorities challenge the amount or availability of ITCs or related tax benefits that the Company is obligated to provide to such third parties under such contractual arrangements.
Current report
The Company from time-to-time enters into arrangements with third parties that acquire tax credits, including ITCs, from, the Company where tax credits and related tax benefits represent a material portion of the economic benefit of the arrangement to such other party. In certain circumstances, as is customary in the industry, the Company has guaranteed and may have to guarantee the economic benefit of such tax credits and other tax benefits to such party. A reduction in expected tax credits or tax benefits resulting from successful challenges by the IRS could result in an obligation under the Company’s contractual arrangements that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Current report
On July 12, 2023, the EPA issued final rule 88 Fed. Reg. 44468 (July 12, 2023) to, in part, implement biogas regulatory reform to the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program (“RFS”) (the “Biogas Regulatory Reform Rule” or “BRRR”). BRRR significantly changed the method by which RINs are generated from biogas feedstock and how market participants are required to administer RINs. BRRR required all parties in the chain of title to biogas, renewable natural gas, and RINs to register with the EPA by January 1, 2025.
Current report
The Company timely completed and received approval of its required registrations under BRRR. As part of this registration process, with respect to fueling stations, the Company registered as RNG RIN separator for stations that accounted for approximately 57% of the Company’s CNG dispensing capacity. Wherever the Company is not registered as the RNG RIN separator, it will rely on the owner/operator of the fueling station to perform the role as RNG RIN separator (i.e., separating the RINs and transferring them to the Company for monetization). There can be no assurance that these owners/operators will timely provide the necessary administrative services and transactional data required for the separation and transfer of RINs from these stations. If we are unable to receive RINs from stations representing a material proportion of our dispensing capacity, it would have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Current report
For example, upon written notice from NextEra at any time after November 29, 2025, we would be required to redeem the Series A preferred units. In the event we do not redeem the Series A preferred units when requested, Nextera will have the following rights and remedies: (1) NextEra’s affiliate may extend the RNG Marketing Agreement by 12 months; or (2) the dividend rate would increase depending on the length of time the Series A preferred units remain unredeemed to up to 20% per annum, and if more than $25,000,000 preferred equity is outstanding for more than six months after November 29, 2025, NextEra may appoint a director to our Board of Directors; or (3) NextEra may convert the Series A preferred equity into common equity of the OPAL Fuels LLC at a conversion price at a 20% to 30% discount to their value (the discount is 20% during the first 12 months after November 29, 2025, 25% for the next 12 months thereafter and 30% thereafter). For more information related to our obligation to redeem the Series A preferred units, please refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Current report
In addition, uncertainty surrounding potential tariff increases on imported products and possible retaliatory measures by other countries could negatively impact our business. On February 1, 2025, the U.S. government proposed tariffs of up to 25% on imports from certain countries, including Mexico and Canada, and implemented additional tariffs on imports from China. As of the date of this report, these tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, 2025. In response, countries such as Mexico have indicated they may impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports.
Current report
At this time, it is unclear whether these tariffs will apply to imports of equipment and machinery upon which our business is reliable. Any new or increased tariffs, trade sanctions, or changes in U.S. trade policy could lead to higher operational costs. If we are unable to pass these additional costs to our customers and/or effectively manage higher operational expenses, our financial performance could be adversely affected.
Current report
While we continue to assess the potential impact of these proposed tariffs and explore mitigation strategies, we do not currently anticipate a material adverse effect on our cost of goods sold or gross profit. This expectation assumes that the financial burden of increased tariffs will be absorbed primarily by market adjustments.
Removed paragraphs (13)
Previous report
Risks Related to Our Third Party Relationships and Government Regulation of Our Business
Previous report
Additional Risk Factors Relating to Our Biogas Capture Business
Previous report
Additional Risk Factors Relating to Our Dispensing Business
Previous report
Additional Risk Factors Relating to Our Business in General
Previous report
Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect us.
Previous report
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to include in our annual reports on Form 10-K an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have previously reported material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to certain control deficiencies in accounting and disclosures of significant and unusual transactions, timely and effective reviews of accounts reconciliations and application of ASC 606. As a result of these material weaknesses, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting were not operating effectively for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Previous report
During the year ended December 31, 2023, management of the Company successfully completed the testing necessary to conclude that the material weaknesses have been remediated. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these and other processes, procedures, and controls and will make any further changes that management determines to be appropriate.
Previous report
However, we cannot guarantee that these steps have been or will be sufficient to remediate the deficiencies or that in the future we will not have a material weakness that prevents us from concluding that our internal control financial reporting is effective. If our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weaknesses or if additional material weaknesses arise in the future, this could result in a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements,which in turn, could negatively affect the market price of our securities, including the Class A common stock. Furthermore, our interim or annual financial statements may contain material misstatements or omissions and we could be required to restate our financial results. In addition, any such failures could result in litigation or regulatory actions by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, delisting of our securities and harm to our reputation and financial condition, or diversion of financial and management resources from the operation of our business.
Previous report
•provide that our board is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the Bylaws; and
Reworded paragraphs (24)
Previous wording
We obtain rights to utilize the biogas and the biogas project sites on which our projects operate under contractual arrangements, with the associated biogas rights generally being for fixed terms of 20 years or more, with certain additional renewal options. The gas rights associated with our 31 projects in operation or under construction, two of which include Renewable Power projects that are in the process of conversion to RNG, are due to expire at varying points over the next 25 years. See “Business — Our Projects.” Because the rights we hold in connection with our projects typically include the right to produce electricity generated from Renewable Power, or RNG, but not both, when we pursue conversion of a project from the production of Renewable Power to the production of RNG, which has been part of our strategy over recent periods, we must secure the associated biogas rights for the production of RNG. While we have generally been successful in renewing biogas rights and in securing additional rights necessary in connection with conversion from production of Renewable Power to RNG, we cannot guarantee that this success will continue in the future on commercial terms that are attractive to us or at all, and any failure to do so, or any other disruption in the relationship with any of the site owners and operators from whose biogas project sites our Biogas Conversion Projects obtain biogas or for whom we operate biogas facilities, may have a material adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition and operational results.
Current wording
We obtain rights to utilize the biogas and the biogas project sites on which our projects operate under contractual arrangements, with the associated biogas rights generally being for fixed terms of 20 years or more, with certain additional renewal options. See “Business — Our Projects.” Because the rights we hold in connection with our projects typically include the right to produce electricity generated from Renewable Power, or RNG, but not both, when we pursue conversion of a project from the production of Renewable Power to the production of RNG, which has been part of our strategy over recent periods, we must secure the associated biogas rights for the production of RNG. While we have generally been successful in renewing biogas rights and in securing additional rights necessary in connection with conversion from production of Renewable Power to RNG, we cannot guarantee that this success will continue in the future on commercial terms that are attractive to us or at all, and any failure to do so, or any other disruption in the relationship with any of the site owners and operators from whose biogas project sites our Biogas Conversion Projects obtain biogas or for whom we operate biogas facilities, may have a material adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition and operational results.
Previous wording
We are dependent on vehicle and engine manufacturers to succeed in our target RNG fuel dispensing markets, and we have no influence or control over their activities. These manufacturers may decide not to expand or maintain, or may decide to discontinue or curtail, their product lines for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, as a result of the adoption of governmental policies or programs such as the rules adopted by the California Air Resources Board on June 25, 2020 requiring the sale of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks (the “Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation”) and Executive Order N-79-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California in September 2020 (the “September 2020 Executive Order”). The supply of engines or vehicle product lines by these vehicle and engine manufacturers may also be disrupted due to delays, restrictions or other business impacts related to supply chain disruptions, crises or other developments. The limited production of engines and vehicles that run on natural gas increases their cost and limits availability, which restricts large-scale adoption, and may reduce resale value. These factors may also contribute to operator reluctance to convert their vehicles to be compatible with natural gas fuel.
Current wording
We are dependent on vehicle and engine manufacturers to succeed in our target RNG fuel dispensing markets, and we have no influence or control over their activities. These manufacturers may decide not to expand or maintain, or may decide to discontinue or curtail, their product lines for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, as a result of the adoption of governmental policies or programs such as the rules adopted by the California Air Resources Board on June 25, 2020 requiring the sale of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and Executive Order N-79-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California in September 2020. The supply of engines or vehicle product lines by these vehicle and engine manufacturers may also be disrupted due to delays, restrictions or other business impacts related to supply chain disruptions, crises or other developments. The limited production of engines and vehicles that run on natural gas increases their cost and limits availability, which restricts large-scale adoption, and may reduce resale value. These factors may also contribute to operator reluctance to convert their vehicles to be compatible with natural gas fuel.
Previous wording
A significant portion of our revenues comes from the sale of Environmental Attributes, which exist because of legal and governmental regulatory requirements. A change in law or in governmental policies concerning renewable fuels, landfill or animal waste site biogas or the sale of Environmental Attributes could be expected to affect the market for, and the pricing of, the Environmental Attributes that we can generate through production at our Biogas Conversion Projects. A reduction in the prices we receive for Environmental Attributes, or a reduction in demand for them, whether through market forces generally, through the actions of market participants generally, or through the consolidation or elimination of participants competing in the market for the purchase and retirement of Environmental Attributes, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Current wording
A significant portion of our revenues comes from the sale of Environmental Attributes, which exist because of legal and governmental regulatory requirements. A change in law or in governmental policies concerning renewable fuels, landfill or animal waste site biogas or the sale of Environmental Attributes could be expected to affect the market for, and the pricing of, the Environmental Attributes that we can generate through production at our Biogas Conversion Projects. A reduction in the prices we receive for Environmental Attributes, or a reduction in demand for them, whether through market forces generally, through the actions of market participants generally, or through the consolidation or elimination of participants competing in the market for the purchase and retirement of Environmental Attributes, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The current regulatory regime also creates uncertainty related to the future market for such Environmental Attributes and this could have an adverse effect on the earnings we generate from such attributes.
Previous wording
Long-term Renewable Power and RNG prices may fluctuate substantially due to factors outside of our control. The price of Renewable Power and RNG can vary significantly for many reasons, including: (i) increases and decreases in generation capacity in our markets; (ii) changes in power transmission or fuel transportation capacity constraints or inefficiencies; (iii) power supply disruptions; (iv) weather conditions; (v) seasonal fluctuations; (vi) changes in the demand for power or in patterns of power usage, including the potential development of demand-side management tools and practices; (vii) development of new fuels or new technologies for the production of power; (viii) federal and state regulations; and (ix) actions of the Independent System Operators (“ISOs”) and regional transmission organizations (“RTOs”) that control and administer regional power markets.
Current wording
Long-term Renewable Power and RNG prices may fluctuate substantially due to factors outside of our control. The price of Renewable Power and RNG can vary significantly for many reasons, including: (i) increases and decreases in generation capacity in our markets; (ii) changes in power transmission or fuel transportation capacity constraints or inefficiencies; (iii) power supply disruptions; (iv) weather conditions; (v) seasonal fluctuations; (vi) changes in the demand for power or in patterns of power usage, including the potential development of demand-side management tools and practices; (vii) development of new fuels or new technologies for the production of power; (viii) federal and state regulations; and (ix) actions of the ISOs and RTOs that control and administer regional power markets.
Previous wording
•substantial construction risks, including the risk of delay, that may arise due to forces outside of our control, such as those related to engineering and environmental problems, inclement weather, inflationary pressures on materials and labor, and supply chain and labor disruptions;
Current wording
•substantial construction risks, including the risk of delay, that may arise due to forces outside of our control, such as those related to engineering and environmental problems, inclement weather, inflationary pressures on materials and labor, and supply chain and labor disruptions that may result due to recent regulatory changes or otherwise;
Previous wording
If we are unable to obtain an adequate supply of RNG through a combination of Biogas Conversion Project production and supplies from third party RNG producers, we may be forced to pay a financial penalty under such contracts, including under a purchase and sale agreement under which we market a substantial majority of our Environmental Attributes through NextEra. Even if we are able to produce and obtain an adequate supply of RNG to satisfy the quantity requirements of our counterparties, RNG and the associated Environmental Attributes must also meet or exceed quality standards. If we and our third party suppliers are unable to meet applicable quality standards, through one or more of the factors discussed above or otherwise, we could be subject to financial penalties under such contracts.
Current wording
If we are unable to obtain an adequate supply of RNG through a combination of Biogas Conversion Project production and supplies from third party RNG producers, we may be forced to pay a financial penalty under such contracts, including under a purchase and sale agreement under which we market a substantial majority of our Environmental Attributes through NextEra Energy Marketing, LLC (“NextEra”). Even if we are able to produce and obtain an adequate supply of RNG to satisfy the quantity requirements of our counterparties, RNG and the associated Environmental Attributes must also meet or exceed quality standards. If we and our third party suppliers are unable to meet applicable quality standards, through one or more of the factors discussed above or otherwise, we could be subject to financial penalties under such contracts.
Previous wording
Our Biogas Conversion Projects rely on organic material, the decomposition of which causes the generation of gas consisting primarily of methane. The Biogas Conversion Projects use such methane gas to generate Renewable Power or RNG. The estimation of biogas production volume is an inexact process and dependent on many site-specific conditions, including the estimated annual waste volume, composition of waste, regional climate and the capacity and construction of the site. Production levels are subject to a number of additional risks, including (i) a failure or wearing out of our or our landfill operators’, counterparties’ or utilities’ equipment; (ii) an inability to find suitable replacement equipment or parts; (iii) less than expected supply or quality of the project’s source of biogas and faster than expected diminishment of such biogas supply; or (iv) volume disruption in our fuel supply collection system. As a result, the volume of Renewable Power or RNG generated from such sites may in the future vary from our initial estimates, and those variations may be material. In addition, we have in the past incurred, and may in the future incur, material asset impairment charges if any of our Biogas Conversion Projects incur operational issues that indicate our expected future cash flows from the relevant project are less than the project’s carrying value. Any such impairment charge could adversely affect our operating results in the period in which the charge is recorded.
Current wording
RNG. The estimation of biogas production volume is an inexact process and dependent on many site-specific conditions, including the estimated annual waste volume, composition of waste, regional climate and the capacity and construction of the site. Production levels are subject to a number of additional risks, including (i) a failure or wearing out of our or our landfill operators’, counterparties’ or utilities’ equipment; (ii) an inability to find suitable replacement equipment or parts; (iii) less than expected supply or quality of the project’s source of biogas and faster than expected diminishment of such biogas supply; or (iv) volume disruption in our fuel supply collection system. As a result, the volume of Renewable Power or RNG generated from such sites may in the future vary from our initial estimates, and those variations may be material. In addition, we have in the past incurred, and may in the future incur, material asset impairment charges if any of our Biogas Conversion Projects incur operational issues that indicate our expected future cash flows from the relevant project are less than the project’s carrying value. Any such impairment charge could adversely affect our operating results in the period in which the charge is recorded.
Previous wording
Sequestering CO2 is subject to numerous laws and regulations with uncertain permitting timelines and costs. We also intend to explore the production of renewable hydrogen sourced from a number of our projects’ RNG, and we may enter into long-term fixed price off-take contracts for green hydrogen that we may produce at our projects.
Current wording
Sequestering carbon dioxide is subject to numerous laws and regulations with uncertain permitting timelines and costs. We also intend to explore the production of renewable hydrogen sourced from a number of our projects’ RNG, and we may enter into long-term fixed price off-take contracts for green hydrogen that we may produce at our projects.
Previous wording
As a result of either an early termination or a change of control, we could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that exceed our actual cash savings. Consequently, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. For example, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, we expect that if we experienced a change of control the estimated Tax Receivable Agreement lump-sum payment would be approximately $133.0 million depending on OPAL Fuels’s rate of recovery of the tax basis increases associated with the deemed exchange of the OPAL Fuels Common Units (other than those held by us). This estimated Tax Receivable Agreement lump-sum payment is calculated using a discount rate equal to 7.47%, applied against an undiscounted liability of approximately $240.8 million. These amounts are estimates and have been prepared for informational purposes only. The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the exchanges, the price of the shares of Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, and the tax rates then in effect. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Current wording
As a result of either an early termination or a change of control, we could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that exceed our actual cash savings. Consequently, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. For example, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, we expect that if we experienced a change of control the estimated Tax Receivable Agreement lump-sum payment would be approximately $133.0 million depending on OPAL Fuels’ rate of recovery of the tax basis increases associated with the deemed exchange of the OPAL Fuels Common Units (other than those held by us). This estimated Tax Receivable Agreement lump-sum payment is calculated using a discount rate equal to 7.47%, applied against an undiscounted liability of approximately $240.8 million. These amounts are estimates and have been prepared for informational purposes only. The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the exchanges, the price of the shares of Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, and the tax rates then in effect. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Previous wording
Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank failed and was taken into receivership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership; the following week, a syndicate of U.S. banks infused $30 billion in First Republic Bank; and later that same week, the Swiss Central Bank provided $54 billion in covered loan and short-term liquidity facilities to Credit Suisse Group AG, all in an attempt to reassure depositors and calm fears of a banking contagion. Our ability to effectively run our business could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the financial services industry. Various macroeconomic factors could adversely affect our business, including fears concerning the banking sector, changes in inflation, interest rates and overall economic conditions and uncertainties. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks, including our ability to raise additional funding on a timely basis or on acceptable terms. A weak or declining economy could also impact third parties upon whom we depend on to run our business. Increasing concerns over bank failures and bailouts and their potential broader effects and potential systemic risk on the banking sector generally and on the biotechnology industry and its participants may adversely affect our access to capital and our business and operations more generally. Although we assess our banking relationships as we believe necessary or appropriate, our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our current and projected future business operations could be significantly impaired by factors that affect us, the financial institutions with which we have arrangements directly, or the financial services industry or economy in general.
Current wording
Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership; the following week, a syndicate of U.S. banks infused $30 billion in First Republic Bank; and later that same week, the Swiss Central Bank provided $54 billion in covered loan and short-term liquidity facilities to Credit Suisse Group AG, all in an attempt to reassure depositors and calm fears of a banking contagion. Our ability to effectively run our business could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the financial services industry. Various macroeconomic factors could adversely affect our business, including fears concerning the banking sector, changes in inflation, interest rates and overall economic conditions and uncertainties. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks, including our ability to raise additional funding on a timely basis or on acceptable terms. A weak or declining economy could also impact third parties upon whom we depend on to run our business. Increasing concerns over bank failures and bailouts and their potential broader effects and potential systemic risk on the banking sector generally and on the biotechnology industry and its participants may adversely affect our access to capital and our business and operations more generally. Although we assess our banking relationships as we believe necessary or appropriate, our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our current and projected future business operations could be significantly impaired by factors that affect us, the financial institutions with which we have arrangements directly, or the financial services industry or economy in general.
Previous wording
Continued governmental and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments for environmental control compliance at our facilities. Present and future environmental laws, rules and regulations, and interpretations of such laws, rules and regulations, applicable to our operations, more vigorous enforcement policies and discovery of currently unknown conditions may require substantial costs or expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In January 2021, the current US presidential administration signed multiple executive orders related to the climate and environment. These executive orders (i) direct federal agencies to review and reverse more than one hundred actions taken by the previous US presidential administration on or relating to the environment, (ii) instruct the Director of National Intelligence to prepare a national intelligence estimate on the security implications of the climate crisis and direct all agencies to develop strategies for integrating climate considerations into their international work, (iii) establish the National Climate Task Force, which assembles leaders from across twenty one federal agencies and departments, (iv) commit to environmental justice and new, clean infrastructure projects, (v) commence development of emissions reduction targets and (vi) establish the special presidential envoy for climate on the National Security Council. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of any of these executive orders on our operations.
Current wording
Continued governmental and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments for environmental control compliance at our facilities. Present and future environmental laws, rules and regulations, and interpretations of such laws, rules and regulations, applicable to our operations, more vigorous enforcement policies and discovery of currently unknown conditions may require substantial costs or expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In January 2021, the current US presidential administration signed multiple executive orders related to the climate and environment. These executive orders (i) direct federal agencies to review and reverse more than one hundred actions taken by the previous US presidential administration on or relating to the environment, (ii) instruct the Director of National Intelligence to prepare a national intelligence estimate on the security implications of the climate crisis and direct all agencies to develop strategies for integrating climate considerations into their international work, (iii) establish the National Climate Task Force, which assembles leaders from across twenty one federal agencies and departments, (iv) commit to environmental justice and new, clean infrastructure projects, (v) commence development of emissions reduction targets and (vi) establish the special presidential envoy for climate on the National Security Council. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of any of these or any future executive orders on our operations.
Previous wording
On the state level, the economics of RNG are enhanced by low-carbon fuel initiatives, particularly a well-established LCFS program in California and similar developing programs in Oregon and Washington (with several other states also actively considering similar initiatives). In California’s case, in 2009, the California Air Resource Board (“CARB”) adopted LCFS regulations aimed at reducing the CI of transportation fuel sold and purchased in the state. A CI score is calculated as grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy by the fuel. Under the California and California-type LCFS programs, the CI score is dependent upon a full lifecycle analysis that evaluates the GHG emissions associated with producing, transporting, and consuming the fuel. LCFS credits can be generated in three ways: (i) fuel pathway crediting that provides low carbon fuels used in California transportation, (ii) project-based crediting that reduces GHG emissions in the petroleum supply chain, and (iii) zero emission vehicle crediting that supports the build out of infrastructure. CARB awards these credits to RNG projects based on such project’s CI score relative to the targeted CI score for both gasoline and diesel fuels. The number of monetizable LCFS credits per unit of fuel increases with a lower CI score. We cannot assure that we will be able to maintain or reduce our CI score to monetize LCFS credits generated from our Biogas Conversion Projects. If we are unable to sell LCFS credits, it could adversely affect our business.
Current wording
On the state level, the economics of RNG are enhanced by low-carbon fuel initiatives, particularly a well-established LCFS program in California and similar developing programs in Oregon and Washington (with several other states also actively considering similar initiatives). In California’s case, in 2009, the California Air Resources Board adopted LCFS regulations aimed at reducing the CI of transportation fuel sold and purchased in the state. A CI score is calculated as grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy by the fuel. Under the California and California-type LCFS programs, the CI score is dependent upon a full lifecycle analysis that evaluates the GHG emissions associated with producing, transporting, and consuming the fuel. LCFS credits can be generated in three ways: (i) fuel pathway crediting that provides low carbon fuels used in California transportation, (ii) project-based crediting that reduces GHG emissions in the petroleum supply chain, and (iii) zero emission vehicle crediting that supports the build out of infrastructure. The California Air Resources Board awards these credits to RNG projects based on such project’s CI score relative to the targeted CI score for both gasoline and diesel fuels. The number of monetizable LCFS credits per unit of fuel increases with a lower CI score. We cannot assure that we will be able to maintain or reduce our CI score to monetize LCFS credits generated from our Biogas Conversion Projects. If we are unable to sell LCFS credits, it could adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
Authority were later to lose their MBR Authority, they would be required to obtain FERC’s acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the significant accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are typically imposed on vertically-integrated utilities with cost-based rate schedules. This could have a material adverse effect on the rates we are able to charge for power from our facilities maintaining MBR Authority, if any, that generate Renewable Power.
Current wording
Our market-based sales are subject to certain market behavior rules established by FERC, and if any of our Biogas Conversion Projects that generate Renewable Power are deemed to have violated such rules, we will be subject to potential disgorgement of profits associated with the violation, penalties, refunds of unlawfully collected amounts with interest, and, if a facility obtains MBR Authority, suspension or revocation of such MBR Authority. If such projects that had MBR Authority were later to lose their MBR Authority, they would be required to obtain FERC’s acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the significant accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are typically imposed on vertically-integrated utilities with cost-based rate schedules. This could have a material adverse effect on the rates we are able to charge for power from our facilities maintaining MBR Authority, if any, that generate Renewable Power.
Previous wording
Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or regulations, particularly changes in tax incentives in support of energy efficiency. The IRA contains extended and expanded clean energy tax credits such as ITCs, the PTC, and created other financial incentives designed to promote the development of certain domestic clean energy projects. In order to receive the full value of such credits and incentives, our projects must satisfy a number of requirements including prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. If we fail to comply with these requirements, the value of the credits may be limited, and we may become subject to financial penalties. Uncertainty remains under the IRA on which types of projects are eligible for the tax credits and incentives and how projects can demonstrate compliance with the requirements, we may not receive full value of the tax credits and incentives, which could increase our income tax expense, reduce our net income and adversely impact the profitability of our projects or our ability to finance our projects.
Current wording
Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or regulations, particularly changes in tax incentives in support of energy efficiency. The IRA contains extended and expanded clean energy tax credits such as ITCs, the PTC, and created other financial incentives designed to promote the development of certain domestic clean energy projects. In order to receive the full value of such credits and incentives, our projects must satisfy a number of requirements including prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. If we fail to comply with these requirements, the value of the credits may be limited, and we may become subject to financial penalties. Uncertainty remains under the IRA on which types of projects are eligible for the tax credits and incentives and how projects can demonstrate compliance with the requirements, we may not receive full value of the tax credits and incentives, which could increase our income tax expense, reduce our net income and adversely impact the profitability of our projects or our ability to finance our projects. The U.S. Congress may look to alter or repeal various energy tax incentives included in the IRA, which could potentially impact projects in development or future project economics. Similarly, recent presidential executive orders directing the review and potential termination of funds appropriated through the IRA are also creating uncertainty of whether these financial incentives could be reduced or repealed in the future.
Previous wording
There is also uncertainly if IRA incentives may be reduced or repealed in the future, especially following the 2024 elections. In addition, the timing of when assets are placed in service has in the past and could in the future impact our tax rate. If we experience unexpected delays in this timing, we may not be able to take advantage of ITCs as expected. If we are not able to utilize the ITCs as expected this could have an adverse effect of our financial results.
Current wording
There is also uncertainty if IRA incentives may be reduced or repealed in the future, especially in light of the 2024 election results. In addition, the timing of when assets are placed in service has in the past and could in the future impact our tax rate. If we experience unexpected delays in this timing, we may not be able to take advantage of ITCs as expected. If we are not able to utilize the ITCs as expected this could have an adverse effect of our financial results.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was $209.1 million, excluding deferred financing costs. Additionally, we have redeemable preferred non-controlling interests outstanding of $130.0 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, our total indebtedness was $307.5 million, excluding deferred financing costs. Additionally, we have redeemable preferred non-controlling interests outstanding of $130.0 million.
Previous wording
Our existing credit facilities contain financial covenants and our credit facilities and preferred stock designations contain other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to return capital to equity holders or otherwise engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our inability to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default or material breach which, if not cured or waived, may entitle the related lenders or preferred unit holders to higher interest or dividend payment to demand repayment or enforce their security interests (in the case of indebtedness) and other remedies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, failure to comply with such covenants may entitle the related lenders to demand repayment and accelerate all such indebtedness. Further, in certain circumstances following a failure to timely redeem our preferred stock, holders of such preferred stock have the right to designate a director to our board of directors.
Current wording
Our existing credit facilities contain financial covenants and our credit facilities and preferred stock designations contain other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to return capital to equity holders or otherwise engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our inability to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default or material breach which, if not cured or waived, may entitle the related lenders or preferred unit holders to higher interest or dividend payment to demand repayment or enforce their security interests (in the case of indebtedness) and other remedies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, failure to comply with such covenants may entitle the related lenders to demand repayment and accelerate all such indebtedness. Further, in certain circumstances following a failure to timely redeem our preferred stock, holders of such preferred stock will have certain rights and remedies.
Previous wording
We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the future to pursue our growth plan. To raise capital, we may sell shares of our Class A common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell shares of our Class A common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution to our existing shareholders, and new investors could gain rights, preferences, and privileges senior to existing holders of our Class A common stock.
Current wording
We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the future to pursue our growth plan. To raise capital, we may sell shares of our Class A common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we or our subsidiaries issue additional equity securities, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution to our existing shareholders, and new investors could gain rights, preferences, and privileges senior to existing holders of our Class A common stock.
Previous wording
Pursuant to that certain Investor Rights Agreement, dated July 21, 2022, by and among OPAL Fuels Inc., each of the sellers named therein, the Sponsor and the sponsor principals, those stockholders are entitled to have the registration statement under the Securities Act kept effective for a prolonged period of time such that registered resales of their shares of Class A common stock can be made. Sales of up to 163,676,735 shares of our Class A common stock may be effected pursuant to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed under the Securities Act (file number 333-266757), which was declared effective on August 10, 2023, or in reliance upon an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
Current wording
Pursuant to that certain Investor Rights Agreement, dated July 21, 2022, by and among OPAL Fuels Inc., each of the sellers named therein, ArcLight CTC Holdings II, L.P. and its principals, those stockholders are entitled to have the registration statement under the Securities Act kept effective for a prolonged period of time such that registered resales of their shares of Class A common stock can be made. We originally registered for resale up to 163,676,735 shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed under the Securities Act (File No. 333-266757), which was declared effective on August 10, 2023.
Previous wording
The dual-class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with Mr. Mark Comora who, through his control of OPAL Holdco and Hillman, beneficially owns in the aggregate a substantial majority of the voting power of our capital stock on most issues of corporate governance. Mr. Mark Comora beneficially owns 145,289,762 shares of OPAL, comprising 84.2% of our outstanding common stock as of March 13, 2024. All of these shares (with the exception of 880,600 shares of Class A common stock purchased by Fortistar in the PIPE Investment and 10,125 shares of Class A common stock held directly by Mr.Comora) are Class B common stock and Class D common stock, which have no economic rights but are entitled to five votes per share, respectively, giving Mr. Mark Comora control over 94.1% of our voting power. OPAL Holdco and Hillman are controlled, indirectly, by Mr. Mark Comora through entities affiliated with Mr. Mark Comora, including Fortistar and certain of its other affiliates. Mr. Mark Comora is the Chairman of our board of directors.
Current wording
The dual-class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with Mr. Mark Comora who, through his control of OPAL Holdco and Hillman, beneficially owns in the aggregate a substantial majority of the voting power of our capital stock on most issues of corporate governance. Mr. Mark Comora beneficially owns 145,336,349 shares of OPAL, comprising 83.7% of our outstanding common stock as of March 14, 2025. All of these shares (with the exception of 880,600 shares of Class A common stock purchased by Fortistar in the PIPE Investment and 56,712 shares of Class A common stock held directly by Mr. Comora) are Class B common stock, or Class D common stock which have no economic rights but are entitled to five votes per share, giving Mr. Mark Comora control over 93.9% of our voting power. OPAL Holdco and Hillman are controlled, indirectly, by Mr. Mark Comora through entities affiliated with Mr. Mark Comora, including Fortistar and certain of its other affiliates. Mr. Mark Comora is the Chairman of our board of directors.
Previous wording
Accordingly, Mr. Mark Comora is able to control most matters submitted to our stockholders for approval. This concentrated control will limit or preclude your ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future, including the election of directors, amendments to our organizational documents, and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our capital stock that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our stockholders. More specifically, Mr. Mark Comora has the ability to control our management and our major strategic investments and decisions as a result of his ability to control the election or, in some cases, the replacement of our directors. In the event of the death of Mr. Mark Comora, control of the shares of common stock controlled by Mr. Mark Comora will be transferred to the persons or entities that he has designated. In his position as the Chairman of our board, Mr. Mark Comora owes a fiduciary duty to our stockholders and must act in good faith in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of our stockholders. As a beneficial owner of our common stock, even as a controlling stockholder Mr. Mark Comora is entitled to vote the shares he controls, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of our stockholders generally.
Current wording
Accordingly, Mr. Mark Comora is able to control most matters submitted to our stockholders for approval. This concentrated control will limit or preclude your ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future, including the election of directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our capital stock that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our stockholders. More specifically, Mr. Mark Comora has the ability to control our management and our major strategic investments and decisions as a result of his ability to control the election or, in some cases, the replacement of our directors. In the event of the death of Mr. Mark Comora, control of the shares of common stock controlled by Mr. Mark Comora will be transferred to the persons or entities that he has designated. In his position as the Chairman of our board, Mr. Mark Comora owes a fiduciary duty to our stockholders and must act in good faith in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of our stockholders. As a beneficial owner of our common stock, even as a controlling stockholder Mr. Mark Comora is entitled to vote the shares he controls, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of our stockholders generally.
Previous wording
Anti-takeover provisions are contained in the Organizational Documents that could delay or prevent a change of control.
Current wording
Anti-takeover provisions are contained in our certificate of incorporation that could delay or prevent a change of control.
Previous wording
Certain provisions of the Organizational Documents may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control transaction that a stockholder of ours might consider is in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of our Class A common stock.
Current wording
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control transaction that a stockholder of ours might consider is in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of our Class A common stock.
Previous wording
The trading price of the Class A common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For instance, if our financial results are below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, the market price of the Class A common stock could decrease, perhaps significantly. Factors that may affect the market price of the Class A common stock include changes in market prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids; announcements relating to significant corporate transactions; fluctuations in our quarterly and annual financial results; operating and stock price performance of companies that investors deem comparable to us; and changes in government regulation or proposals relating to us. In addition, the U.S. securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, and these fluctuations often have been unrelated to the operating performance of companies in these markets. Any volatility of, or a significant decrease in, the market price of the Class A common stock could also negatively affect our ability to make acquisitions using Class A common stock. Further, if we were to be the object of securities class action litigation as a result of volatility in the Class A common stock price or for other reasons, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could negatively affect our financial results.
Current wording
The trading price of the Class A common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For instance, if our financial results are below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, the market price of the Class A common stock could decrease, perhaps significantly. Factors that may affect the market price of the Class A common stock include changes in market prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids; announcements relating to significant corporate transactions; fluctuations in our quarterly and annual financial results; operating and stock price performance of companies that investors deem comparable to us; and changes in government regulation or proposals relating to us, including as a result of increased and/or new tariffs on equipment supply and raw materials. In addition, the U.S. securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, and these fluctuations often have been unrelated to the operating performance of companies in these markets. Any volatility of, or a significant decrease in, the market price of the Class A common stock could also negatively affect our ability to make acquisitions using Class A common stock. Further, if we were to be the object of securities class action litigation as a result of volatility in the Class A common stock price or for other reasons, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could negatively affect our financial results.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Our Biogas Conversion Projects rely on organic material, the decomposition of which causes the generation of gas consisting primarily of methane. The Biogas Conversion Projects use such methane gas to generate Renewable Power or
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank failed and was taken into receivership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our market-based sales are subject to certain market behavior rules established by FERC, and if any of our Biogas Conversion Projects that generate Renewable Power are deemed to have violated such rules, we will be subject to potential disgorgement of profits associated with the violation, penalties, refunds of unlawfully collected amounts with interest, and, if a facility obtains MBR Authority, suspension or revocation of such MBR Authority. If such projects that had MBR