10-K: Perma-Fix Sees Treatment Rebound, PFAS Tech Advances in 2025

Sentiment:

Annual Report


Perma-Fix Environmental Services reports modest 2025 revenue growth driven by its Treatment Segment and advances in PFAS destruction technology, despite a net loss and Services Segment decline.

Delay expectedThe Services Segment experienced lower revenue due to delays in project mobilization and procurements resulting from changes initiated by the current presidential administration in January 2025.A partial federal government shutdown effective October 1, 2025, negatively affected revenue by impacting procurement timing cycles.The commencement, scope, and timing of Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) related waste streams are controlled by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and are subject to appropriations, procurement processes, and operational considerations beyond the company's control, posing a risk of delays.Revenue generation from the waste treatment phases of the Italian project is expected to increase in late 2026, indicating a delay in significant revenue contribution from this contract.
Better than expectedConsolidated revenue increased by 4.3% year-over-year.Gross profit saw a substantial increase from $2,000 in 2024 to $5,973,000 in 2025.Loss from continuing operations improved by 45.5% from $(19,569,000) in 2024 to $(10,665,000) in 2025.Treatment Segment revenue increased by 29.0%, driven by higher waste volumes and a richer waste mix.Treatment Segment backlog increased by 50.9%, indicating future revenue potential.International revenue grew by 162.6%.

Summary

  • Consolidated revenue increased by $2,557,000, or 4.3%, to $61,674,000 in 2025 compared to 2024.
  • Treatment Segment revenue increased by $10,144,000, or 29.0%, to $45,097,000 in 2025, driven by higher waste volumes and a higher-priced waste mix, including international and commercial clients.
  • Services Segment revenue decreased by $7,587,000, or 31.4%, to $16,577,000 in 2025, primarily due to delays in project mobilization and procurements caused by changes initiated by the current presidential administration and a partial federal government shutdown.
  • Gross profit increased significantly by $5,971,000 to $5,973,000 in 2025, compared to $2,000 in 2024.
  • The net loss from continuing operations improved by 45.5% to $(10,665,000) in 2025 from $(19,569,000) in 2024.
  • Treatment Segment backlog as of December 31, 2025, was approximately $11,861,000, an increase of 50.9% from $7,859,000 in 2024.
  • The Perma-Fix Northwest Richland, Inc. (PFNWR) treatment facility received a permit renewal, tripling its permitted liquid mixed waste processing capacity to approximately 1,200,000 gallons per year and authorizing up to 175,000 tons of waste annually through macroencapsulation.
  • The patent-pending Perma-FAS system for PFAS destruction achieved commercial operational status at the PFF facility, with a second-generation unit anticipated in the second half of 2026 to triple production capacity.
  • Total environmental remediation liabilities increased by $2,718,000 to $3,485,000 as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to a reassessment of cost estimates at the PFSG subsidiary.
  • A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting was identified for the Treatment Segment regarding completeness checks for waste disposal revenue.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive report, reflecting a strong rebound in the core Treatment Segment and promising advancements in PFAS technology, partially offset by continued overall losses and challenges in the Services Segment.

Positives

  • Consolidated revenue increased by 4.3% year-over-year to $61,674,000 in 2025.
  • The Treatment Segment experienced a significant rebound, with revenue increasing by 29.0% to $45,097,000.
  • Gross profit saw a substantial increase of $5,971,000, reaching $5,973,000 in 2025.
  • The net loss from continuing operations improved by 45.5% from 2024 to 2025.
  • Treatment Segment backlog grew by 50.9% to $11,861,000 as of December 31, 2025, indicating future revenue potential.
  • The PFNWR facility's permit renewal triples its liquid mixed waste processing capacity and significantly increases solid waste processing authorization.
  • The Perma-FAS system for PFAS destruction achieved commercial operational status, with plans for a second-generation unit to triple production capacity in H2 2026.
  • Revenue from foreign customers increased by 162.6% to $6,440,000 in 2025.
  • A joint distribution agreement was entered into in December 2025 to promote PFAS destruction technology.

Negatives

  • The company reported an overall net loss of $(13,784,000) in 2025.
  • Services Segment revenue decreased by 31.4% due to project mobilization and procurement delays, as well as a partial federal government shutdown.
  • Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses increased by $1,925,000, or 13.3%, in 2025.
  • Research and Development (R&D) expenses increased by $119,000, impacting profitability in the early commercialization stage of PFAS technology.
  • Environmental remediation liabilities increased significantly by $2,718,000 to $3,485,000.
  • Anticipates incurring operating losses in the first quarter of 2026 due to fixed operating costs and investments.
  • A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting was identified in the Treatment Segment regarding revenue completeness checks.

Risks

  • The failure of Congress to approve appropriations bills in a timely manner for federal government agencies, or the failure of the Administration and Congress to reach an agreement on fiscal issues, could delay and reduce spending, cause revenue and profit loss, and affect cash flow.
  • Changes in government regulation, policy, and programs, including scaled-down government workforce, tariffs, and decreased priorities in government funding for remediation projects, could negatively impact business, profitability, and future growth.
  • Failure to maintain required financial assurance coverage for permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities could have a material adverse effect.
  • Inability to obtain adequate or required insurance coverage in the future, or if insurance is not available at affordable rates, would violate permit conditions and prevent certain operations.
  • The inability to maintain existing federal government contracts or win new government contracts over an extended period could materially adversely affect operations and future revenues.
  • Existing or future customers may reduce, delay, or halt their spending on hazardous waste and nuclear services due to factors like accidents, terrorism, natural disasters, government budget failures, civic opposition, or economic downturns.
  • Demand for services is subject to significant fluctuations due to economic conditions, reductions in federal site remediation budgets, domestic political environment, and competing demands for federal funds.
  • The loss of one or a few significant governmental or governmental-related customers could have an adverse effect on the business and results of operations.
  • As a holding company, the ability to meet obligations depends on the operating performance and cash flows of subsidiaries.
  • The Treatment Segment has limited end disposal sites for nuclear waste, which could lead to significantly increased costs if sites cease acceptance or close.
  • Direct and indirect macroeconomic impacts resulting from natural disasters, public health events, and/or world conflicts could negatively impact business and results of operations.
  • Competitive pressures in the industry may inhibit the ability to reflect increased costs in service prices, reducing profitability.
  • Operations are subject to seasonal factors, historically causing reduced revenues and losses during the first and fourth quarters.
  • Engagement in highly competitive businesses, often requiring bidding against national, regional, and international firms, some with greater financial resources.
  • Bearing the risk of cost overruns in fixed-price contracts if costs increase above estimates or circumstances change.
  • Adequate bonding is necessary to win certain types of new work and support facility closure requirements, and inability to obtain it could have a material adverse effect.
  • Inability to maintain existing permits or obtain required permits could prevent the continuation or expansion of operations.
  • Failure to comply with extensive government regulation as a government contractor could subject the company to penalties and restrict its ability to conduct business.
  • Changes in environmental regulations and enforcement policies could subject the company to additional liability and adversely affect its ability to continue certain operations.
  • The business of waste management exposes the company to substantial potential environmental liability, including claims for cleanup costs, personal injury, or property damage.
  • As operations expand, the company may be subject to increased litigation, which could negatively impact future financial results.
  • If environmental regulation or enforcement is relaxed, the demand for services could decrease.
  • Operating in a politically sensitive environment where public perception of nuclear power and radioactive materials can affect customers and the business.
  • The elimination or any modification of the Price-Anderson Act's indemnification authority could have adverse consequences for the business.
  • If permits, other intangible assets, and tangible assets become impaired, the company may be required to record significant charges to earnings.
  • Breach of any covenants in the credit facility could result in a default, triggering repayment of outstanding debt and termination of the credit facility.
  • A lack of positive operating results could limit borrowing capacity under the credit facility.
  • The ability to continue operations depends on generating profitable operations or completing equity or debt financings.
  • Inability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards in the future.
  • Sustained losses could have a material adverse effect on operations, credit facility, liquidity, and potential growth.
  • Issuance of substantial amounts of common stock could depress the stock price or dilute percentage ownership.
  • No intention to pay dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future.
  • The price of common stock may fluctuate significantly, making it difficult for stockholders to resell.
  • Loss of certain key personnel could have a material adverse effect.
  • Failure to maintain the safety record could have an adverse effect on the business.
  • Systems failures, interruptions, or breaches of security and other cybersecurity risks could have an adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations.
  • Climate change could negatively impact operations and financial condition.
  • Failure to obtain intellectual property protection for proprietary technologies could negatively affect the company.
  • Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or failure to remediate a material weakness could have a material adverse effect on business, operating results, and stock price.
  • Delaware law, certain charter provisions, stock option plans, outstanding warrants, and Preferred Stock may inhibit a change of control.

Future Outlook

Expects potential improvements in financial results in 2026, driven by anticipated waste treatment volumes, including the commencement and ramp-up of activities associated with the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) program at Hanford, Washington, and the conversion of existing Treatment Segment backlog into revenue. Anticipates incurring operating losses in the first quarter of 2026 due to fixed operating costs and ongoing investments in new technology initiatives and the DFLAW program. The company continues to focus on expansion into international markets, aggressive research and development (R&D), sales and marketing efforts, and capital expenditures related to its patent-pending PFAS destruction technology. Plans capital expenditures of approximately $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 in 2026, including for the completion of its second-generation PFAS unit.

Management Comments

  • "We believe we are positioned for potential improvements in our financial results in 2026."
  • "These expectations are based on managements current assumptions regarding the timing and execution of anticipated waste treatment volumes, including the commencement and ramp-up of activities associated with the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) program at Hanford, Washington, as well as our ability to convert existing Treatment Segment backlog into processed revenue."
  • "We believe that our Perma-Fix Northwest Richland, Inc. (PFNWR) treatment facility... is positioned to support the DFLAW program at Hanford."
  • "Our results of operations are expected to continue to reflect operating losses in the near term as we incur fixed operating costs and make investments in anticipation of waste treatment volumes and program activities."
  • "We continue to focus on expansion into international markets as well as on continued R&D, sales and marketing efforts and capital expenditures relating to our patent-pending technology for the destruction of Perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)."
  • "We believe these regulatory developments may support increased demand over time for technologies capable of permanently destroying PFAS compounds."
  • "We believe that commercial destruction of PFAS offers a promising new source of revenue for us, as it complements our core waste remediation technologies."
  • "We believe that our System technology exceeds the performance of other currently available destruction-based methods."
  • "With commercial operation of our System, we anticipate deployment of our second-generation unit in the second half of 2026... which we believe will allow us to triple our production capacity."
  • "We are continually monitoring our operating costs to ensure alignment with our revenue levels."
  • "We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit... and expected cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months."

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that Perma-Fix operates in a highly regulated and specialized nuclear and hazardous waste management industry, heavily reliant on government contracts, particularly with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of War (DOW). The company's strategic focus on expanding into international markets and developing new technologies like PFAS destruction aligns with broader environmental trends and increasing regulatory scrutiny on 'forever chemicals.' The competitive landscape, which includes larger players like EnergySolutions and Waste Control Specialists, highlights the importance of Perma-Fix's unique licensing and R&D capabilities to maintain and grow its market share. The inherent reliance on government appropriations introduces significant political and budgetary risks common to the sector, impacting project timing and revenue stability.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • The company's Treatment Segment facilities hold unique combinations of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part B hazardous waste permits, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizations, and radioactive material licenses, which are difficult to obtain and act as significant barriers to entry for potential competitors.
  • The Perma-FAS destruction technology for PFAS is believed to exceed the performance of other currently available destruction-based methods, positioning the company favorably in an emerging market with limited permanent treatment options for these 'forever chemicals.'
  • Major competitors like EnergySolutions operate numerous treatment and disposal facilities, including two treatment/disposal facilities for low-level radioactive waste, and Waste Control Specialists is also a significant competitor in the treatment/disposal market, indicating a competitive environment where Perma-Fix differentiates through specialized permits and innovative technologies.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Chief Operating Officer (COO)NAMr. Troy EshlemanJanuary 23, 2025Appointment to new position, previously Vice President of Operations since January 6, 2025.
EVP of Hanford and International Waste OperationsMr. Richard Grondin (EVP of Waste Treatment Operations)Mr. Richard GrondinJanuary 23, 2025Re-appointment to new role, previously EVP of Waste Treatment Operations.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Bylaws AmendmentThe Board approved to rescind the 2023 Share Increase Proposal and amend the Bylaws to eliminate uncertainty regarding the counting of broker non-votes in stockholder approvals, following a legal challenge.November 13, 2025Clarifies voting requirements and addresses a legal challenge, potentially improving corporate governance transparency and reducing future litigation risk related to voting.
Stock Option Plan AmendmentThe Board approved a new amendment to the 2017 Stock Option Plan to increase authorized shares by 600,000, replacing a rescinded proposal. This is subject to stockholder approval within 12 months of the Board's approval.November 13, 2025Aims to ensure sufficient equity compensation capacity for employees and consultants, pending stockholder approval, which is crucial for talent retention and motivation.
Management Incentive Plans (MIPs)The Board and Compensation Committee approved individual MIPs for executive officers for the calendar year 2026, effective January 1, 2026.January 22, 2026Aligns executive compensation with company performance targets (revenue, EBITDA, health & safety, regulatory compliance, PFAS technology development), incentivizing strategic objectives.
Executive Employment AgreementsThe Compensation Committee notified executive officers that their current employment agreements will not be extended beyond April 20, 2026, with an intention to offer new agreements.September 29, 2025Indicates potential renegotiation of executive compensation and terms, which could impact management stability or future compensation structures.
Demand Review Committee EstablishmentA Demand Review Committee was established in March 2025 to review, analyze, and evaluate shareholder demands and to make recommendations to the Board.March 2025Enhances responsiveness to shareholder concerns and formalizes the process for addressing stakeholder demands, potentially improving shareholder relations and governance.

Legal Proceedings

  • Michael ONeill v. Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc., et al., C.A. No. 2024-1211-PAF: A putative class action filed on November 25, 2024, by a shareholder alleging breach of contract and fiduciary duty regarding the approval of the 2023 Share Increase Proposal for the 2017 Stock Plan. The complaint asserted that broker non-votes should have been counted against the proposal. The Board subsequently rescinded the proposal and amended bylaws to clarify voting rules. The company's insurance carrier is providing defense, subject to a $1,000,000 self-insured retention.

Related Party Transactions

  • David Centofanti, Vice President of Information Systems and son of Dr. Louis F. Centofanti (EVP of Strategic Initiatives and Board member), received annual compensation of $200,000 in 2025 and $195,000 in 2024.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders: Potential for improved financial performance in 2026, but continued net losses and dilution risk from future stock issuances. The legal proceeding regarding stock plan approval and subsequent bylaw amendment directly impacts shareholder voting rights and confidence.
  • Employees: New COO appointment, 2026 Management Incentive Plans, and the intention to offer new employment agreements for executives could impact morale and compensation structures. The Collective Bargaining Agreement for PFNWR employees provides stability.
  • Customers (Government): Delays in Services Segment projects due to administration changes and government shutdowns highlight operational risks. The DFLAW program and permit renewals are crucial for continued service to government clients.
  • Customers (Commercial & International): Increased revenue from these segments and expansion initiatives indicate growing opportunities. PFAS technology offers new solutions for a critical environmental challenge.
  • Creditors: The company met all financial covenant requirements in 2025, and liquidity is deemed sufficient for the next 12 months, which is positive for creditors.
  • Regulatory Authorities: Permit renewals, compliance with environmental laws, and the material weakness in internal controls are key areas of interaction and scrutiny.

Next Steps

  • Commencement and ramp-up of activities associated with the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) program at Hanford, Washington, anticipated to begin in 2026.
  • Generation of several effluent waste streams from the DFLAW program expected to be treated by the PFNWR facility in the first half of 2026.
  • Deployment of the second-generation Perma-FAS unit in the second half of 2026 at the EWOC facility to triple production capacity.
  • Further advancement of Perma-FAS technology from demonstrated bench-scale testing to pilot-scale applications for soil, biosolids, and filter media in the next several calendar quarters.
  • Positioning for further large and mid-size procurements within the DOE and U.S. Department of War (DOW).
  • Continuing investments in facilities to allow for broader waste treatment, including PFAS.
  • Continuing expansion of waste treatment offerings within the commercial market.
  • Offering new employment agreements to executive officers, effective April 21, 2026.
  • Seeking stockholder approval for the new amendment to the 2017 Stock Option Plan to increase authorized shares by 600,000 within 12 months of the Board's approval (November 13, 2025).
  • Anticipating capital expenditures of approximately $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 in 2026 to maintain operations, meet regulatory compliance, and support revenue growth.

Key Dates

DateDescription
1990-12-01Company incorporated in Delaware.
1991-02-01Dr. Louis Centofanti became Chairman of the Board.
2003-06-01Entered into a 25-year finite risk insurance policy with AIG.
2006-07-01Mr. Larry M. Shelton became a director.
2008-01-01Divested Perma-Fix of Dayton, Inc. (PFD), retaining its environmental liability.
2009-02-01Mr. Ben Naccarato became Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
2014-12-16Dr. Louis Centofanti ceased serving as Chairman of the Board.
2014-12-01Mr. Larry M. Shelton became Chairman of the Board.
2015-01-01Dr. Louis Centofanti was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC).
2016-01-01Mr. Mark J. Duff joined the Company.
2017-09-01Mr. Mark J. Duff became President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
2018-01-01Mr. Zach P. Wamp became a director.
2020-02-01Mr. Joseph T. Grumski became a director.
2020-05-08Entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with PNC National Association.
2021-05-01Ms. Kerry C. Duggan became a director.
2023-04-01Mr. Mark J. Duff became a Board member.
2023-07-20Stockholders approved the Share Increase Proposal for the 2017 Stock Plan (later rescinded).
2023-12-01Awarded a multi-year contract valued up to approximately EUR 50 million for an Italian project.
2024-01-18Granted Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) to certain employees for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 45,000 shares of Common Stock.
2024-07-18Issued Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) to seven reelected outside directors for the purchase of up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock each.
2024-07-18Granted ISOs to certain employees for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 35,500 shares of Common Stock.
2024-07-24Purchased the property where its Environmental Waste Operations Center (EWOC) facility operates for $425,000.
2024-09-30Recognized a full valuation allowance against U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets.
2024-11-08BlackRock, Inc. filed its Schedule 13G.
2024-11-25Purported shareholder Michael ONeill filed a complaint against the Company and its directors.
2024-12-18Entered into an underwriting agreement for the sale of 2,530,000 shares of Common Stock.
2025-01-01Changes initiated by the current presidential administration began impacting the Services Segment.
2025-01-06Mr. Troy Eshleman was hired as Vice President of Operations.
2025-01-08Mr. Mark Duff and Mr. Ben Naccarato exercised ISOs.
2025-01-23Mr. Troy Eshleman was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO); Mr. Richard Grondin was appointed Executive Vice President (EVP) of Hanford and International Waste Operations.
2025-01-23Granted an ISO to Mr. Troy Eshleman for the purchase of up to 50,000 shares of Common Stock.
2025-03-11Entered into an amendment to the Loan Agreement with PNC National Association.
2025-03-01The Demand Review Committee was established.
2025-07-04The United States enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) tax legislation.
2025-07-14Mr. Richard Grondin exercised ISOs.
2025-07-24Issued NQSOs to seven reelected outside directors for the purchase of up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock each.
2025-09-25PFNWR entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 598, effective October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2030.
2025-09-29The Compensation Committee notified executive officers that their current Employment Agreements would not be extended beyond April 20, 2026.
2025-10-01A partial federal government shutdown occurred, negatively impacting revenue.
2025-10-01The Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) program at Hanford, Washington, began hot commissioning of the Low-Activity Waste Vitrification Facility.
2025-10-23The Board reviewed and approved the Stock Trading, Reporting & Blackout Policy and the Clawback Policy.
2025-11-13The Board voted to rescind the 2023 Share Increase Proposal and approved a new amendment to the 2017 Stock Option Plan to increase authorized shares by 600,000, subject to stockholder approval.
2025-12-01The PFNWR facility received its long-awaited permit renewal from state regulators.
2025-12-01The prototype Perma-FAS system for PFAS destruction achieved commercial operational status at the PFF facility.
2025-12-01Entered into a joint distribution agreement for PFAS destruction technology.
2025-12-31Fiscal year ended.
2026-01-20Mr. Richard Grondin exercised ISOs (subsequent event).
2026-01-22The Board and Compensation Committee approved individual Management Incentive Plans (MIPs) for executive officers for the calendar year 2026 (subsequent event).
2026-03-02There were 18,547,539 shares of common stock outstanding.
2026-03-24Date of filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2026-04-20Executive employment agreements terminate.
2026-04-21Intention to offer new employment agreements to executive officers.
2026-06-30Anticipated deployment of the second-generation Perma-FAS unit at the EWOC facility in the second half of 2026.
2026-12-31Expected increase in revenue under the Italian contract when waste treatment phases begin in late 2026.
2027-05-15Credit Facility maturity date.
2027-12-15ASU 2025-11 effective for interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after this date.
2027-12-15ASU 2025-06 effective for fiscal years beginning after this date.
2030-10-01Term of the Collective Bargaining Agreement ends.
2031-01-23Mr. Troy Eshleman's Incentive Stock Option (ISO) expiration date.
2044-07-24Maturity date of the EWOC promissory note.
2065-12-31Price-Anderson Act indemnification authority extended to this date.

Recommendation

hold

The company shows promising growth in its core Treatment Segment and significant advancements in its PFAS technology, which could be a substantial future revenue driver. However, persistent net losses, a decline in the Services Segment, and an increase in environmental liabilities present ongoing challenges. The identified material weakness in internal controls and reliance on government funding introduce notable risks. While the long-term potential from PFAS and DFLAW is attractive, the near-term operational losses and execution risks warrant a cautious 'hold' stance until sustained profitability and successful remediation of internal control issues are demonstrated.

Keywords

nuclear waste management, radioactive waste treatment, PFAS destruction, environmental services, government contracts, SEC filing, 10-K, Perma-Fix, waste remediation, corporate governance, financial performance, risk factors, Hanford DFLAW, permit renewal, stock options, environmental liabilities

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